FROM THE EDITORS
Thank you to Cathy Hattam and all the village photographers who make the articles (particularly the Beer Festival and M@C) and the covers so impressive. Please keep them coming.
Sadly we report the deaths of Lionel Drew, Elsie Fincham, Graham Philip Hendy (aged 66), William Norman Legge (aged 67), of Clapham (formerly of Hook Norton), Molly Turnbull and Nellie Catherine Wells (aged 92). On behalf of the village, we send our condolences to their families and friends.
Andy news@hook-norton-newsletter.co.uk Helen helen@hook-norton-newsletter.co.uk
HOOKYS VERY OWN BILLY ELLIOT
Local Hook Norton boy Hugo Brown is packing his bags ready to go and live in London. This will be a step closer for him in becoming a professional classical ballet dancer. Hugo is starting a BA (Hons) Degree Course at Central School of Ballet in September at the young age of 16. Hugo started ballet when he was just 8 years old and was accepted as a junior associate with the Royal Ballet School after only dancing for a few months. While at The Royal Ballet School, Hugo was chosen to perform in Cinderella (twice) Sleeping Beauty and Ondine with The Royal Ballet Company at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Being on the stage at the Opera House inspired Hugo to become a professional classical ballet dancer. He went on to do five years with The Royal Ballet Associates, travelling up to London every weekend. He also danced during the week in Witney at The Jill Stew School of Dance. In September 2008, Hugo was offered a place at Central Ballet School on their Pre-Senior Programme on Saturdays. He has just finished two years training with them. This last year he has also been attending The London Dance Theatre on Sundays, which meant he was travelling up to London twice each weekend. This and his four nights a week at Witney kept his fitness levels up for the auditions that he had for ballet schools. Hugo was fortunate enough to gain full-time places at the Rambert School, Tring Park School and Central School Of Ballet. These schools audition hundreds of boys from all over the world for 1215 places, so has done extremely well. In the third year at Central the students become the touring company Ballet Central, touring all over the country, including two nights of their tour at The Theatre, Chipping Norton. Hugo would love to come back to Chippy as part of Ballet Central and make his local friends, supporters and family proud!!!
THE COPPAGE FAMILY AND HOOK NORTON
Members of the COPPAGE family are putting together a history of the life of the family when it lived in Hook Norton. The Museum Archive has been helping in lots of ways. The family would really welcome memories from someone still living in Hook Norton. Nothing would be too insignificant. It is quite often the most ordinary details that become the most interesting. They know that Frank COPPAGE, for instance, was a station master at Hook Norton for some time, but they would just as soon know what he had for tea!
Please contact us if you would like to share your memories of the Coppages. Someone could come round if necessary.
Barbara Hicks barbara.k.hicks@btinternet.com
Patrick and Barbara Summerell patricksummerell@btinternet.com
FRIDAY TODDLER GROUP
Held at the Baptist Hall between 9.15 and 11.15am
Hello Everybody,
On Saturday 26 June we held our Summer Fete in aid of the Lets Play Project, Banbury. The sun shone and on behalf of our toddler group and Lets Play, Id like to say a huge thank you to those of you that supported us. We raised a Grand Total of 630 on the day. With money raised during this year within our group, we have raised in total so far a sum of 720. We are still fundraising towards our target of 1,000 to enable one child to be supported for one year by the Lets Play Project. For those who helped on the day, you know who you are, thank you for giving us your time and effort, in making this Grand Total. Its very much appreciated by me and Anita.
On 30 July we are having our own summer party. We hope the day will be as glorious and the children can enjoy their bouncy castle outside this year. Im sure they will enjoy the day.
During the summer holidays we will be open but starting at 10 oclock till just before 12 noon. On 6 August there will be No Toddlers due to the hall being used. We look forward to seeing you all during the holidays as this was well supported last year we thought wed try it again.
Book club has stopped for the summer and will resume again in September. This has proved to be successful so we will continue. Come September, once a month Nicky has agreed to do some arts and crafts with the children.
Dates for your Diaries, in time for Christmas In September Im hoping to have Phoenix Cards, and on 25 October we will be having Tempest Photos. The photos will be done upstairs, so no distractions and booking times will be taken this year.
GREAT ROLLRIGHT C. of E. PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS AUGUST 2010
Recently featured in a Finnish magazine, the partnership between Great Rollright Primary and Vasa ?vningskola in Finland continues to flourish. Spending time with the Finns in their homes and their school, our pupils emailed daily reports back to the UK, outlining some of the highlights to their trip. They returned happy, but exhausted (see photo).
Declared open by Hilary Hibbert-Biles, (Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council), the recent Great Rollright fete raised an outstanding 2,350 towards school funds! Despite clashing with other local events that weekend, the school playing field received a steady influx of visitors, enjoying an afternoon of traditional summer entertainment. After last years nearby emergency kept the Hook Norton Fire Service away, they were able to decorate the car park with their presence and the siren went off now and again just to add to the colour of the occasion. There were many proud pooches sporting rosettes, courtesy of Countrywide Stores who judged the Dog Show, but some hung around the barbecue willing for a juicy morsel to drop on to the grass. Budding knights tested their skills on the jousting and people wandered round balancing cakes from the WI cake stall or clutching purchases from Applegarths vibrant plant display. We were blessed with fine weather and extremely grateful to all for their involvement in our biggest event of the year without the support of these individuals, local businesses and organisations, our fete would undoubtedly be less of a celebration of community spirit.
HUGE THANK YOU TO:
Countrywide Stores ~ Hook Norton Veterinary Surgeons ~ Wyatts Garden Centre ~ The Village Shop (Hook Norton) ~ Enstone Flying Club ~ N L Matthews ~ Great Rollright WI ~ Great Rollright Village Hall Committee ~ St Andrews Church ~ Mr Fletcher ~ The Fox Inn ~ The Crown & Cushion ~ The Chequers (Churchill) ~ Bitter & Twisted ~ Whistlers ~ Chipping Norton Theatre ~ Gills ~ Oats ~ The Old Mill Caf ~ Watsons ~ The Masons Arms ~ Wheelers Car Centre ~ The Blue Boar ~ Robert John Hairdressing ~ Chipping Norton Leisure Centre ~ The Lido ~ Renault F1 ~ Spiceball (Banbury) ~ Blenheim Palace ~ Cotswold Wildlife Park ~ Stratford Butterfly Farm ~ The Bus Museum (Long Hanborough) ~ Burford Garden Centre ~ Birdland ~ Moveable Feast ~ Harbods ~ Wild at Heart ~ The Norman Knight (Whichford) ~ Graphics Direct ~ Tony & Jean Clifton ~ E H Spencer (Shipston) ~ Hook Norton Fire Service ~ Turpins Lodge ~ The Firs Garage ~ The Gate Hangs High ~ Applegarth Nurseries ~ Giffords Circus.
Our weekly Walking Club continues to grow in popularity and we have extended our routes now to include time for a packed meal. Children from Years 46 are joined by staff and parents, kitted out for all weathers. In this way, the children can reap the full benefits of their schools rural location.
18 September Rollright Music Festival:
Check Hook Norton village notice boards nearer the time or visit our website: www.greatrollrightprimary.com
CUBS THANK THE LIONS!
The Hook Norton Cub Scouts put their new camping equipment, kindly funded by the Chipping Norton Lions Club, to the test at their recent District Centenary camp.
The Lions Club helped the cubs by funding two new gas camping stoves and three new electric lanterns for the 24 strong cub pack that was formed last September. The new equipment enables the pack to camp more safely as well as enable some excellent cooked breakfasts to be made!
Hook Norton Cubs and Beavers attended the Banbury & Bicester Centenary Camp (BBC) at the Horley camp ground at the start of July along with about 900 other cubs, scouts, beavers, leaders and some parents. With over 50 cubs and beavers, Hook Norton had one of the largest contingents at the camp and reflects the strength of scouting in the village.
With the first year of the 1st Hook Norton Cubs coming to a summer break, we can report that it has been a fantastic and fun year. Numerous badges have been worked on and awarded, including badges for cycling, athletics, community challenges, home help and map reading. We have also done numerous outdoor evenings such as fire starting, tracking, shelter making and climbing. Other highlights have been the children making bird boxes, visiting the blacksmiths in Brailles and tobogganing at Escape in Milton Keynes. With 22 boys and 2 girl cubs we are (unfortunately at capacity and unable to take more cubs at present.
If anyone has a great interest, hobby and interesting pastime that you think cubs aged 810 years might enjoy, then we could be most glad to hear about it as we are always looking for new programme ideas.
It would also be great to have a scout group in the village for the cubs to progress to once they leave cubs and, at present, most surrounding scout groups are full. So if you are interested in setting up a scout group or helping out at beavers or cubs, please contact one of us. Thank you to all the cubs, parents and others who have supported us in our first successful year. Cub Leaders: Graham Wilkes, Kim Harris, Michelle Street and Peter Skelton
1ST HOOK NORTON GUIDES SPARKLE DIVISION CAMP
Another centenary event to cross off this year was our division camp at Horley Scout Camp. We met at the camp site on Thursday 10 June and spent a couple of hours putting up the tents ready for the camp that weekend.
After a full day at school and work, we arrived at Horley at 7pm to join about another 80 guides from the Cherwell Division. We had 17 guides from 1st Hook Norton Guides and slept in three of our big tents. The weekend was full of activities and things for the guides to do. Once the girls had put their kit in the tents, they went to the camp fire where they sang lots of songs and finished off by toasting marshmallows.
As you can imagine, with over 100 guides on the camp, there were a lot of excited girls to get to bed and keep quiet! They were all very well behaved, but the inevitable happened, with late nights and early mornings when the sun rose!
On Saturday, there were activities for the girls to do two in the morning and two in the afternoon, with a nice lunch in between. The activities that the girls took part in were craft, climbing, zip wire, straw maze, orienteering and backwoods cooking, to name a few. In the afternoon we had VIP guests attend and join us for a strawberry cream tea. In the evening, we had a wide game for the girls to do in groups of eight, where they had to go around the camp site visiting different areas to do tasks, in order to gain a piece of jigsaw. The theme was Decades and the activities were based on the decades of the centenary. Each guide was presented with a badge at the end of the camp.
On Sunday an Its a Knockout competition was organised for them, with lots of fun things to do. Luckily, the weather was kind to us and we got the tents down nice and dry. The girls really enjoyed the camp, particularly being given the chance to meet other girls in the division and also camping with the guides in their own unit.
We still have our big county camp in August and also a sleepover at Warwick Castle, so watch this space to hear some more of our centenary news. Julie Wood, Guide Guider
ATCS BUSY WEEKEND
The weekend of 19 and 20 June 2010 was a very busy weekend for Chipping Norton Air Cadets. Six Senior Cadets and two members of staff were busy on Saturday the 19th parking cars for the Conservatives garden party. They had to assist with the parking of cars for over 500 people. The cadets were under a lot more pressure than normal, as they where doing it for the Prime Minister! And they did an amazing job and received a lot of positive comments from the guests.
On Sunday we were also kept busy, selling raffle tickets at Chadlington Fayre to raise funds towards our squadron minibus. We had a visit from the Prime Minister on our stall, where he bought a couple a raffle ticket books and said thank you to the cadets for all their hard work on Saturday. This has been a very positive weekend for all our cadets, with them going home with a big smile on their faces, so thank you Prime Minister for taking the time to have your picture taken with them.
I would also like to say a thank you to all the staff and cadets for their help this weekend. We are currently recruiting boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 years old. We are based in Chipping Norton on the Burford Road, between the school and the fire station. We are there Tuesdays and Thursday nights, between 7pm and 9.30pm. Tjark Andrews, Corporal (RAF), 136 Chipping Norton Air Training Corps
THE DROP
We have had a busy few months at the youth groups. Alton Towers was fantastic. Seventy of us were on the bus and it was a long but fun day. We also had a great night at the Memorial Hall when DJ Steve Leach played and about 4550 of us had an old skool rave with glow sticks! Last Friday we had 35 at our Norman Matthews Hall for a BBQ, outside in our newly tarmaced yard. The rest of the work on the hall is yet to start as we are still waiting on planning permission (the young people won a grant of 47,575 from the Youth Capital Fund from Oxon County Council).
In other news, we will soon be leaving Hooky for Newcastle. In Sept/Oct we will move to Byker to do youth work there. We are sure that the youth work we have started in Hook Norton will continue and grow into the future, with our groups growing in size by the week and the hall being drastically improved thanks to the young people. If you feel you could contribute to its future financially or with your time, then please contact us. We currently run on Tuesday evenings and every other Friday as well as our other events.
The Drop is on every Tuesday during term-time, 57pm and is open to anyone in Year 4 upwards at The Norman Matthews Hall. Chris and Laura Cooke
TRUNCHEON
The Museum would like to know what happened to any past village truncheon/s. Margaret Dickins mentions one in her History of Hook Norton on page 98 and refers to it as a weighted staff, carried in a pocket (must have been quite a deep one). A truncheon has been lodged with the Museum and we would like to identify it and discover its history. Pat Summerell patricksummerell@btinternet.com, Barbara Hicks barbara.k.hicks@btinterent.com
GARDEN CLUB
As I write this (13 July), it is raining. Will it be enough to revive the wilting vegetables and brown lawns and refill the empty water butts? By the time you read this, we shall know and perhaps be hoping for the return of the sunshine for the school holidays. The unpredictability of our climate does provide some interesting gardening challenges. Our visit to Swalcliffe Lea on a perfect June evening was one of the delights of living in this part of the world a gardener’s garden followed by delicious refreshments.
Halfway through the year we take a break in August to prepare for the Autumn Show on 11 September to be held this year in Hook Norton School. Schedules will be delivered to all paid-up members by the middle of August and entry night is Wednesday 8 September in the Memorial Hall between 7 and 8pm. Schedules will be available from the Village Shop and Post Office for those who want to join and register on the night. Please make sure your entries are ‘according to schedule’ to avoid disqualification on the show day. We have an extra open evening on Wednesday 15 September; Mr and Mrs McGregor will talk on ‘An Alpine Gardener’s Year’ make a note on your calendar now.
In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of the summer and we look forward to lots of entries for the Autumn Show.
HOOK NORTON WI
The speaker for our May meeting was Judy Whiteman. She talked about Headway, which is an organisation that provides information, support and services to people who have received brain injuries and their families. She explained how Headway first started in a small building in the grounds of Gloucester Hospital and then expanded throughout the UK. She also explained to us how she and her family were helped by Headway after her son received serious brain injuries from an accident.
At our June meeting Pat Fletcher spoke to us about flower arranging. This included demonstrations and advice on how to prepare foliage and leaves used in the arrangements. Her first display was for a long table. The next one showed how with very few flowers an arrangement can be made for impact. The last one was an arrangement using garden flowers and leaves. At the end of the meeting two ladies from the WI were presented with floral arrangements made by Pat to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversaries.
In July we will be having a garden party and in August we are going to Broughton Castle for a guided tour. At our next regular meeting on 21 September, Peter and Margaret Whittle will be giving a talk on Cottage Crafts. Visitors will be welcome. Doreen McLaughlin
KIRSTY COOKE AND THE AMSTERDAM MARATHON
On 17 October 2010, Kirsty Cooke will be running the full 26.2 miles of the Amsterdam marathon to raise funds for the SpecialEffect charity. SpecialEffect is a young charity based in Charlbury, which works with cutting-edge technology to improve the lives of disabled people.
One of the main projects Kirsty is supporting is Stargaze. Inspired by SpecialEffect’s patron and ex Leicester Tigers and England Under 21s rugby player Matt Hampson, the Stargaze project helps some of the tens of thousands of people a year who suffer a sudden injury or illness that leaves them paralysed by using eye-gaze technology to enable them to operate a computer for communication, independence, work and leisure just by moving their eyes.
If you would like to support Kirsty and donate to this fantastic cause, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KirstyCooke, or send donations to Kirsty Cooke, Fairview Farmhouse, Sibford Road, Hook Norton.
HOOKY MASTER CHEF SEPTEMBER 2010
6 nights, 5 teams, 5 charities, 1 venue, 1 winner!
Preparations are now underway for this special charity event to be held at the end of September at HNSSC.
Thank you to everyone who has kindly offered their support and to all the people who have pledged donations and offers of food stuff.
We already have three teams raring to go and are awaiting confirmation on the other two. If you think you would like to join in, please contact us on the numbers below.
Entrants must be prepared to cook up to 40 meals including a starter, a main and a pud dont be put off, it will be simple ingredients! You should be available for one night during the week and the following Sunday night should you get through to the final. We will provide everything you need.
Each team will be given the same ingredients to make it fair the Club Kitchen will be available on the day of your sitting, to prepare and get ready. The teams with the top two marks will battle it out at Sundays Finale.
Other persons can book their come dine with me tables via Hook Norton Sports and Social Club from 1 September. Tickets for meals will be priced at 5 per person during the week with half of the pot going to the charity of the night and the other half going towards Sundays final pot. Participants can also get individual team sponsorship (forms available from the club) for points they earn from the diners on the night.
We hope to have some fab raffle prizes. The overall winner will receive the remaining pot and that generated on the finals night, for their charity, as well as the title and trophy HOOKY CHARITY MASTER CHEF 2010
The Banbury Guardian has already expressed their interest and are following the competition through to the end.
Teams so far include:
Kippy and Our Jason Katharine House Hospice
Jo Bartlett and Sarah Brown CLIC
Sachas Team: OXON CHILDRENS HOSPITAL, CLAPA
Remaining teams needed are:
The British Heart Foundation and
Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research
We look forward to hearing from you.
From the Get Ready Steady to Come Dine with Me at Club Kitchen Team x
WORLDS BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING MACMILLAN CANCER
Once again, we shall be holding a Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning at the Study Centre, Hook Norton Primary School. Please note that the date will be different to other annual coffee mornings, due to family commitments, so you may be able to support more than one this year!
Date for your calendar is Friday 8 October, 911.30am. Please note that we shall be having the usual raffle and coffee and cakes. This will also be a good time to start your Christmas shopping as we shall have Christmas cards and gifts for sale. Please make a note of this date and look out for more information in newsletters to come. Julie Wood: julie@hookiewood.freeserve.co.uk
VENICE BARRYS PARACHUTE JUMP
Venice Barry would like to thank all those kind and generous people who contributed to the research fund for the Macular Disease Society raised by her parachute jump. The total raised is not yet available but it is known to be in excess of 3,000.
More still keeps coming in and the opportunity to donate remains open at www.justgiving.com/Venice-Barry.
KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE
Midnight Walk Update
Over 700 people gathered at Banbury Rugby Club for the fourth hospice Midnight Walk on 19 June. Seventy eager helpers, 80 marshals and 560 walkers came together in a marvellous show of community support. There was a carnival atmosphere with supporters in fancy dress including a number in pyjamas! After an aerobic workout provided by local fitness instructor Karen Dixon and her team, the walkers set off to a rousing rendition of The Proclaimers song (I would walk) 500 miles. The first walkers made it back in just 3 hours 15 minutes, which is a fantastic achievement. All the walkers received medals from our chairman Neil Gadsby, before receiving a well-deserved cup of tea and bacon bap.
Sue Lane, Fundraising Manager said: It was once again a very special night and we are so glad that everyone enjoyed it. We couldnt have held the Walk without help from so many people who gave up their entire night and we would like to thank all our business sponsors too. Our catering team worked flat out all evening to prepare 150 goody bags for helpers as well as cooking over 700 bacon baps!
Many of the walkers were walking in memory of loved ones and it was humbling to see hundreds of balloons released over the rugby pitch.
Our three previous Walks raised 280,000 towards nursing care and this year walkers have pledged 67,835 in sponsorship so we are thrilled by this sum. With generous sponsorship from local businesses and Gift Aid on many donations, the final total should be around 80,000 this year and we are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this special unique event in the Banbury calendar.
Katharine House Hospice Summer Fete
Saturday 4 September 25pm in the Hospice grounds, East End, Adderbury
Dont miss our Summer Fete, set in our beautiful hospice grounds. Attractions include a jazz band, morris and Highland dancing, childrens rides, traditional stalls and teas. We would now welcome donations of bottles and good quality tombola items. We would also welcome donations of jams, chutneys, fresh produce and cakes in the run up to the fete.
We are still looking for more volunteers to help out, so if you would like to run a stall or be part of the setting up/clearing up team, please phone Sheila. We look forward to hearing from you.
Valerie Carter, Community Fundraiser
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK – MID MAY TO MID JULY
In February, Aileen Watson in The Bourne saw two blue tits inspect a new bird box in her garden and, after many viewings, they finally moved in. Over the two months she has watched them bring an array of bits and bobs to fill their new home and on 19 May she discovered they had chicks. In the middle of May she saw a sparrow hawk take a baby blackbird off the fence. She was lucky that she was watching at that particular moment, as it happened so quickly and was over in seconds and all that was left were a few remaining feathers. On 10 May, Kim Harris went down to the wildlife pond and saw the Canada geese and their four goslings these birds have been seen by many people including Linda Wong. Kim Harris had a blackbird nest in the ivy in their back garden in Ironstone Hollow. On 14 May, David Shirt heard and saw a sedge warbler in his front garden in Sibford Road, which sung lustily for a couple of hours.
This seems to have been a very good time for red kite sightings as two were seen on 19 May over the northern part of Coldharbour Farm and flew towards Duckpool and the village, on the same day as one was seen at 11am, flying at speed, from The Shearings over Osney Close and towards the church. In the afternoon of 21 May, a red kite flew north to east over a field in the East End and another one over the same field on 22 May flying fast from west to south. Sally Newman says she had an amazing sighting of one on 13 June at about midday flying very low and directly above her garden in Bell Hill. She watched it for some time until it gained height and disappeared from view. She then saw it again a little while later, flying over a neighbours garden, when it was mobbed by six or seven crows and flew off. In the field in East End a red kite was seen at about 12.35pm on 21 June and a different red kite later at 4.25pm and on 22 June at 5.40pm, yet another sighting over the same field.
Linda Wong saw 810 long-tailed tits at the wildlife pond in May. Late afternoon on 31 May, while standing at her kitchen window in East End, she saw a bird fly down into the lilac tree and from there on to the ground in front of the water bowl and seed tray and she realised she had, for the first time, seen a yellowhammer in her garden. Betty White in Scotland Bungalow saw a pair of bullfinches on a wall on Round Close Road on 1 June and on the evening of 2nd along a fence at the back of her bungalow. She often sees goldfinches. Regularly over the past two months we have had a male and female bullfinch on our seed feeder.
On the evening of 10 June, David Shirt had his closest and most extended views of a green woodpecker feeding on ants on their back lawn. They get them fairly frequently, including visits last winter when they were digging deep holes in the snow. I had a phone call to say that blackbirds and wood pigeons were eating the berries from a decorative cherry tree in a garden in East End on 30 June, which is very early.
Phyl Barton in Sibford Road had a blue carpenter bee on her comfrey on 27 May. They also had a huge toad on 26 May and had also seen frogs. In early May, David Shirt saw a pair of grass snakes on their compost heap on several days.
On 7 June at 10.45pm Margaret Freeman, who lives in the centre of the village, had been sitting in bed reading for about 15 minutes with the window wide open and the light on, when she was surprised to see a bat with about a 6in wingspan flying around the room.
Betty White has had brimstone and tortoiseshell butterflies in her garden.
Linda and Ray Gasson have noticed a few brown hares in their fields.
On about 20 June, Mr Atkinson was walking on Mr Irvine’s land at about 7.30pm when he saw four roe deer in the wheat field, but the really interesting thing here is that one of the deer was black.
An excellent amount of news over these past two months thank you very much for getting in touch. Please let me know about your sightings in the future.
Geraldine Moore, geraldine.moore1@btinternet.com
FREDERICK TOWNLEY
Killed at the Battle of Fromelles 19 July 1916
Private 4638 Frederick Townley, 2/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment, is commemorated on the 19141918 plaque in St Peters church, Hook Norton. During research into his family tree in April 2009 the writer discovered that Frederick, a distant relative, was one of the soldiers of the 2/7th Royal Warwicks, listed missing from an attack at Fromelles, France on 19 July 1916. He also found that Frederick had no known grave.
The discovery of mass graves at Pheasant Wood in 2008, containing up to 400 bodies from the attack, opened up the possibility that Frederick was among those discovered. Work by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) began in May 2009 to try and identify the remains unearthed using historic records, artefacts found and also DNA evidence from living relatives.
Frederick George Richard Townley was born in Hook Norton on 11 April 1886, the youngest son of William and Charlotte Townley. In 1891, along with siblings John, Eliza, Tom, William and Fanny, he lived at Lower Nill Cottages. In 1893 mother Charlotte died, followed by father William in 1900. This resulted in Frederick and his siblings being dispersed to work in and around the surrounding area. In 1901 aged 14, Frederick was employed as a ploughboy, boarding with James and Martha Hall and family at Lower Nill. By 1911 he was working as an Ironstone digger while lodging with Christopher and Annie Luckett and family in High Street, Hook Norton.
Sometime later Frederick moved to Foleshill, Coventry, where he joined the Royal Warwickshires. In March 1916 after training, the Regiment being part of the 61st (South Midland) Division, moved to Salisbury Plain prior to deployment to France. During June he trained in trench warfare before being deployed in the trenches at Fauquissart. Fredericks regiment, with an Australian Division, was chosen to take part in the attack on the German lines planned for 19 July. The attack went ahead with disastrous results, some 1,547 casualties being recorded for the 61st Division, and 5,533 for the Australians. Afterwards the German Infantry began clearing the area and, anxious to avoid disease, arranged hurriedly to bury the dead in large mass graves near Pheasant Wood, here they would lay undisturbed until rediscovered in 2008.
During 2010, the writer assisted the CWGC in the identification process by obtaining a DNA sample from a living relative of Frederick in the hope that this would help ascertain if Frederick was among those remains found. As of July no match has been established but the process is ongoing.
In the meantime, all the remains found so far have been laid to rest in graves at a new CWGC Military Cemetery at Fromelles (the first new CWGC cemetery for 50 years). This was opened and dedicated on 19 July 2010, 94 years after the battle took place. Hopefully, Frederick will be eventually identified so that his final resting place can be positively confirmed with an inscribed headstone. James Tobin.
YOUR LOCAL FIRE CREW GET A CALL TO WEMBLEY
The village of Hook Norton has a reason to celebrate!! As mentioned in the June edition of the Newsletter the crew were hanging up their kit and donning their suit and ties for Wembley stadium and the night of the Spirit of Fire Awards! The 4th of June soon came round, so with some of the crew staying behind and assistance from Banbury Retained Firefighters, we left Hook Norton in safe hands and headed for Wembley. Earlier in the day, Crew Manager and Charity Representative for our station, Nigel Matthews, accompanied by son Nathan, Chief Fire Officer David Etheridge, County Cllr. and Cabinet Member for Community Safety Judith Heathcoat and Pete Mackay, our communications officer from Kidlington, all headed for No. 10 Downing Street for a gathering in the gardens of No. 10, to meet the Prime Minister David Cameron. Unfortunately, he had an urgent visit to Cumbria, so they were met by The Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, who paid tribute to all the finalists.
Hook Norton was nominated for the second year running for Station of the Year. This time we made it to the final four out of 5,000 fire stations across the country. Oxfordshire was also nominated for Brigade of the Year and Pete Mackay for Employee of the Year.
So 6.30pm soon arrived and a short walk to Wembley for some of us crew past and present, including James Clarke Brewery MD and our former Sub Officer. It is the very first time we have ever been to the new Wembley, so it was a real honour. We had the chance to stand on the terraces on a glorious evening, then came dinner serving 750 people, followed by the awards ceremony. We sat anxiously as the categories came round. First Brigade of the Year, where we were pipped to the post by Wiltshire. Then came employee of the year and Pete was also pipped to the post.
Then 10.30pm came and nerves set in for the Station of the Year. On came TV presenter Jennie Powell with TV Newsreader Nick Owen as the host. It has to be said that we now know what it feels like for actors and actresses when they go for BAFTA. We sat by nervously as the nominations were read out and the gold envelope opened. Then came the announcement and the winner is Hook Norton to which there was a loud applause. After ten seconds of disbelief that we had actually won, off to the stage we went.
After it finally sank in that we had won and the award had been passed around the room, we had a chat and congratulatory hand shake from the crew of Cockermouth Fire Station. They were one of the other stations we were up against, who certainly have not had it easy in the last two years. The awards night drew to a close, so back to our hotels for a celebratory drink. It transpired that some of us were sharing the hotel with the Britains Got Talent finalists, just to top the night off.
The award now takes pride of place in our lecture room. For the crew to be up there representing Hook Norton and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is a real honour. How and why did we get nominated? The station got nominated for two areas: first for its response to our community, always making sure that a crew and fire engine is available to respond in the community, and second for our work in the community for the Firefighters Charity. Over the last ten years we have raised over 50,000 for the Firefighters Charity, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes and many other charities.
The Spirit of Fire Awards are the most prestigious awards in the Fire and Rescue Service community. To get nominated is an achievement, to win is a real honour. The crew of Hook Norton would to like to say a huge thank you to our families and friends for all their support to us all in many ways, but particularly we want to say thank you to the community. Without your generous support of the events where we raise money for the charities, they would truly suffer.
It only remains to say that Hook Norton can now officially boast that it has the best fire station in the whole country! Joe Williams
PARISH COUNCIL SNIPPETS
Trees outside the Conservation Area
As residents probably appreciate, trees outside the Conservation Area can be felled without any form of approval. It is, however, possible to protect particularly valuable specimens by having a tree preservation order (TPO) placed upon them. If you are aware of any particularly fine trees in the parish that you believe should be afforded protection, please inform a member of the Parish Council or the Clerk, Ken Porter, on kenneth_i.porter@virgin.net.
Memorial Hall
As we continue to remind parishioners, the hall is the village War Memorial and it is important that we continue to maintain it in memory of those who gave their lives in the two major conflicts of the twentieth century. The hall is a charity and self-financing and we do need your continued support to ensure that it is maintained. If you would like to hire it for a community group or for a one-off event, such as a birthday party, please contact the Parish Clerk, Ken Porter (see above). If Ken is not available, please contact Derek Brotherston.
Recreation area
May we remind residents that the lighting of fires and barbecues is not permitted in the play area, nor is overnight camping.
Cemetery
We are becoming increasingly concerned that children appear to be using the cemetery as an unofficial play area. It is a place that should be treated with respect and we would ask parents to please ensure that their children do not cause a nuisance in the area.
Dog waste
This issue continues to generate a number of complaints to the Parish Council and, with apologies to those dog owners who do act responsibly, may we please remind everyone that special bins have been provided for dog waste and are sited around the village. We have recently been made aware of bags of waste being left on walls or in the open litter bins. These are not acceptable alternatives and, indeed, leaving the waste in a plastic bag but not in a designated bin is one of the worst things to do. Please dispose of dog waste responsibly in the designated bins provided and never place in an ordinary litter bin or an open green bin.
RECYCLING IS IN THE PINK!
The councils newly introduced bright pink banks for the recycling of small electricals has come to Hook Norton.
Anyone planning to throw away any old or broken small electrical items like a radio, toaster, kettle, video or DVD player, should drop them into the pink recycling bank that is now permanently sited at Hook Norton Primary School on Sibford Road.
The banks are not to be used for larger items such as televisions, computer monitors, fridges and washing machines. These items should be recycled at the councils recycling and waste centre in Alkerton.
Visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/recycling or find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CherwellRecycle for more recycling information.
LIBRARY NEWS
Opening hours: Monday 25pm 67pm Wednesday 25pm
Friday 25pm 67pm Saturday 9.30am12.30pm
Hello everyone,
First I would like to say a big thank you to the kind people who cleared the vegetation from the front of the library and hall. It was very much appreciated as I have for the last two years been asking for it to be cleared, but in these times of cuts it came low on the list of priorities, so thank you again.
The Summer Reading Challenge for children is well under way and already 50 children are taking part. Children are given stickers, bookmarks and other goodies for reading six books over the summer period and there are also activity and colouring sheets. So bring your children along and join up.
Our next Rhymetimes for 0 to 3 year olds will take place on Mondays 2 Aug, 13 Sept, 4 Oct, 8 Nov and 6 Dec, 22.30pm. All are welcome; just come along, no tickets needed and the children (and adults) really enjoy them.
Dont forget we still have photocopying and computers with broadband here and an hour session on the computer can be booked in advance. Just telephone me on 01608 737793 and if Im not here, just leave a message on the answer phone. A quick reminder, Ancestry online can be accessed free here from the computers. You can also access the library catalogue computer and we also hold other local studies records.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon and wishing you all happy holidays. Janet, Library Manager
THAMES VALLEY POLICE
You may have already met PC Richard Miller at the Music at the Crossroads or during his patrols of the village. He has taken over as the Banbury Rural South Neighbourhood Officer covering 14 villages including Wigginton, Swerford and Hook Norton and would like to invite you to make contact with him should you be facing any problems, concerns or require any advice.
Crime information
There have been a number of thefts from vehicles and criminal damage to vehicles in Bodicote, Hornton and Hook Norton. We urge people to be vigilant and report anything suspicious but also to remove any valuable items from their vehicles when not in use. If you see any vehicles acting suspiciously, make a note of the vehicle registration and report it as soon as possible. If you would like advice on how best to protect your home, please call Jayne Taylor, the crime reduction officer, at Banbury Police Station.
PC Miller Needs Your Help
Do you have an interest in the police, your community or volunteering? PC Miller would like to hear from any person interested is giving a few hours a week to help set up a new Community Service Point in the village. The service point would provide the community direct access to police and community support officers on a drop in basis. Volunteers will be trained to assist with crime reporting, intelligence submission, Neighbourhood Watch and traffic advice, acting to build greater partnership between the village and police. Full training and support will be given resulting in a recognised volunteers qualification.
The Banbury Rural Neighbourhood Action Group are looking for new members. We are particularly interested in getting representation from younger residents of the villages, as well as those living in the smaller villages. If you are proactive, and willing to volunteer your time once every six weeks or so to really make a difference to the neighbourhood, please get in contact with Sergeant Bruce Riddell at Banbury Police Station.
Should you have any problems or concerns, please phone the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 08458 505 505 or email banburyruralneighbourhood@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. In an emergency, please dial 999.
There will be a Have Your Say meeting held at Cherwell District Council, Bodicote House, Bodicote between 48pm on Friday 6 August 2010. Please feel free to drop in to meet the team.
ST PETERS CHURCH
We do hope that everyone who has dipped into the recent Connect 2010 focus week has enjoyed and felt uplifted by the various events and opportunities it provided for young and old to enjoy fellowship and experience the Christian message. Heartfelt thanks to the guys and gals from Through Faith Missions (www.through-faith-missions.org), who came and stayed in our villages for the week, travelling around our communities and meeting many people. The Blue Team, as they rapidly became known, were such an inspiration and encouragement. Many thanks as well to all those involved in the nuts and bolts of Connect 2010, and particularly to the Connect 2010 organising team, who worked SO hard to set up and run the many events.
Please be assured that the enthusiasm and feedback we have received as a result of the main focus week means we will continue in the spirit of the Connect 2010, although events will, admittedly, be a tad more spread out over the course of the coming months. That said, heres a taster of whats to come:
Connect Community Choir were going to meet for the month of November.
Kicking off with an afternoon of singing on Sunday 31 October, with tea and delicious cakes to keep us going in the middle.
Continuing with four weekly rehearsals on a Wednesday evening.
Culminating in an afternoon rehearsal and evening concert on Saturday 27 November in St Peters Church, Hook Norton.
There will be all sorts of styles; so something for everyone! Fancy coming along or finding out more? Phone Jenny Mead or email: jenny@mead-family.org.uk
Ladies Evening on Wednesday 8 September with Norma Murrain, a Christian Silversmith. Come and enjoy a glass of wine, watch her working, and listen as she shares the story of her journey of faith. Please contact Jan Hughes or Sheila Acreman if you would like to join us. Invitations, with full details, will be available soon, please think and pray about friends you could bring.
Men’s Breakfast on Saturday 18 September with Andrew Wingfield Digby, details to follow.
Alpha Course starting in September, details to follow.
Our local Christian youth contingent has also been such an inspiration over the past few years, and their enthusiasm and faith has touched many a heart. There is more news about the youth and developments relating to our youth leaders Chris and Laura elsewhere in this Newsletter, but please do keep an eye out for posters detailing future events and services for our teenagers and younger members. With the next generation in mind, just a quick reminder that the Drop, Youth Groups, JAM Club and Wheelers and Squealers (details in diary dates below) will start up again in September. For the last JAM club get-together in July all the JAM club children invited a member of their family to come along and join in. It was a wonderful afternoon, and enjoyed immensely by all who participated.
Regular Diary Dates
Font Caf: 10am12 noon, every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Fresh coffee, tea and biscuits, served free of charge. An opportunity to meet with friends, relax and chat. Children and well-behaved dogs welcome!
Jesus and Me (JAM) club: Hook Norton Primary School study centre, every Wednesday, 3.154.15pm during term time. For children in Key Stage 2.
Wheelers and Squealers: Our regular get-togethers for the village tots, tinies and their parents/carers. 11am at St Peters, every second Thursday of the month (see posters for confirmation).
Youth Groups and The Drop: The Youth Groups meet once a month at the Norman Matthews Memorial Hall. There are two groups. Energize is the group for all secondary school children. Next dates to be announced. Outlook is for young people in school Year 10 and upwards. Next Outlook dates will be announced soon. See also www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk. The Drop is held at the Norman Matthews Memorial Hall, every Tuesday afternoon during term time. 57pm. Air hockey, art, Wii, table tennis, pool and outdoor sports. Open to everyone in school Year 4 and upwards. All activities free … Fair Trade tuck shop to raise funds. For more details, contact Chris and Laura Cooke, or see the St Peters website
Sophia Fox sophiafox1@aol.com; www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk
For Church information and bookings, please contact the churchwardens Mary Powell and Pam Horne.
Taryn Shepley Wyatt, Cayden Conrad Anthony Wyatt and Tillie Evie Wyatt, children of Laura Shepley and Stephen Wyatt were baptised at St Peters Church, Hook Norton on 11 July 2010
BAPTIST CHURCH
The CONNECT 2010 focus week has come and gone. It was a busy week for many members of our churches but also very worthwhile. Hopefully, some of you were able to participate in some of the things that were happening; if not, there are other things yet to come. Another men’s breakfast is arranged for 18 Sept and there will possibly be others; there is also a Ladies Night to be arranged, and a ‘Scratch Choir’ in the autumn (see elsewhere in this Newsletter), as well as our usual ‘Just Desserts’ events. We were very grateful to the team of volunteers who came from Through Faith Missions, who were a great help throughout the week. Through social gatherings, services, a country walk, music, art, at some of the regular village organisations and on doorsteps, conversations were struck up, friendships were made, and the Gospel was gossiped. Through it all, we hope the message got through that the churches in this area CARE about people, because GOD cares about them.
One of the happenings during the week was the ARK project (Acts of Random Kindness), where volunteers went round looking for jobs to do for individual people, or for the community, like clearing the weeds and debris along footpaths, and picking up litter. This was well received and is something some of us would like to continue to do, time and weather permitting. In fact, it is something anyone can do. It seems only right that with the ability, the opportunity and the motivation, we can make life a little easier/brighter for someone else. I have a neighbour (and sometimes his friends) who does that regularly for me when he mows my lawn without being asked, even though I am capable of doing it myself! And not only mine, but many others in the street, too. That really is an act of kindness!
We have been devastated to lose Paul Crouch, the director of children’s work for our Cornerstone group of churches. He has been such an inspiration these past seven years, and instigated the JAM Club at Hooky school and Jam services, which we have shared with St Peters every 3rd Sunday each month. While the JAM Club will continue at school without him, there will be no more JAM services. Some kind of all-age services will take their place, and the content and frequency are now under discussion. We offer our grateful thanks to Paul, and our prayers and best wishes for his new teaching job.
Coming events
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26 August: HOLIDAY CLUB with Ian and Elaine Coules for primary age children. Theme Out of Africa. If you have not booked and would like to come, phone Janice, or turn up at 10am on the 2nd, and we’ll fit you in if there are still places available. Barbecue on the evening of Thursday 6 August.
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Saturday 4 September: CREAM TEAS, in the church garden or hall, plus a few stalls, to raise money for a hospital in Haiti sponsored by the Compassion organisation.
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Sunday 26 September: THE BIG WELCOME. A special service of encouragement for all, but especially offering a new opportunity to those whose church-going habit may have lapsed.
Our Regular Schedule.
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Sunday morning Worship: 10.30am
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Sunday evening, informal service: 6.30pm, except first Sunday of the month when we are at Chipping Campden. It is advisable to check beforehand if planning to attend as numbers are small and it is sometimes cancelled.
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Wed. 10am12 noon: coffee morning and table games.
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Wed. 3-154pm (school): JAM Club. Term-time only.
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Wed. 8pm House Group (enquire at church office for location).
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Youth Clubs (shared with St Peters): The Drop, every Tuesday 57pm for Years 4 and above. Energise and Outlook, monthly. See St.Peters website for details.
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Prayer Meeting: Saturdays 89am, followed by church cleaning and tidying.
Dorothy Smith and John Taylor, Church Office, 737315
[A special thank you to the congregation of the Baptist Church for their generous donation to the costs of the Newsletter. The Eds]
SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE!
The group met at the Brewery Visitors Centre (once again, many thanks to James Clarke and Duncan Collins for their hospitality). James was able to join us in person to give us all of a flavour of the energy saving activities hes got planned over the next three to five years. An example of the sort of ambitious plans he has in mind is an anaerobic digester to produce renewable energy from their waste products a real example of a win-win. A similar digester is in place at Bathams Brewery where, in addition, the grey water (collected rain and process water) is used for washing vehicles and flushing toilets. While that major project is likely to be a three to five year programme, more immediately, installation of a new, more efficient steam boiler is planned and water minimisation strategies adopted by the Brewery have already led to a significant reduction in usage. As weve mentioned before, the brewery is also to be the site of the community waste oil biodiesel tank.
We have been assured that the change in government wouldnt have any impact on our Low Carbon Communities Challenge grant and no less than the Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change has now confirmed the full 400,000 project spend for this year to the end of March 2011. With all the news of cuts, a real testament to the importance the Coalition attaches to climate change, Big Society and the idea that as a community we can lead the changes we want to see for our future.
So as a recap of the activities that will be progressing over the summer: at Hook Norton Primary School photo voltaic panels for electricity generation and the solar thermal panels for hot water will be fitted during the summer holidays along with upgrading the insulation of the single glazed linking area. Well then be moving on to consider other community buildings once the work at the school is completed, so do get in touch with ideas.
Home loans: We are the first community energy group in the country to have been granted a Consumer Credit License by the Financial Services Authority and so we can now provide the community with interest-free loans for low carbon projects in their homes. Just in the first two weeks of application forms being available, 16 families are interested in undertaking a whole house retrofit with support from grant funding. Anyone who is interested in applying for a loan can find an application form on the HNLC website www.hn-lc.org.uk. The form can be used to give details of a proposed project or to request advice or support. Do apply early to make sure you can take advantage of this offer for the community. A meeting will be held in the second half of July where a panel will discuss the forms received and approve the first batch of projects. Are you planning a carbon reducing project but dont need a loan? Still apply for the loan as the money can then be fed back into the community and can be reallocated within Hook Norton without the March 2011 deadline. The website also gives guidance on the benefits of energy efficiency and renewables in term of financial payback periods. If anyone is looking for providers of services or products for insulation and solar panels, check the providers on the HNLC website as they have all been vetted by us.
Hook Norton Low Carbon Ltd (HNLC), the grouping that is making all this happen, is the villages one member: one vote mutual society run for the benefit of the community. Shares can be bought for just 1 and allow you access to the benefits such as 0% loans, low-price green electricity and phone and broadband services. There are currently 55 members of HNLC as well as the over 150 members of the wider LCHN email group. Just a reminder, if anyone identifies/has identified on their membership application form that they are interested in Green Energy, please email info@hnlc.org.uk to give permission for details to be forwarded to Green Energy
Things are moving fast so do come to the next LCHN meeting to hear the latest updates and offers available to the community. The next meeting will be held at the Brewery Visitors Centre on Tuesday 14 September. For further information contact Tim Lunel on lunel@btinternet.com. Tim Lunel
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND
Oxfordshire County Councils Community Development Team wish to bring the Community Support Fund to the attention of voluntary organisations and community groups in your area. The CSF is often a valuable source of funding each year for about 30 organisations.
The purpose of the grants is to increase the capacity of small voluntary groups; especially those complementing our aims and objectives: to support and promote strong communities so that people can live their lives as successfully and independently as possible and to provide effective and efficient support to the most vulnerable.
Groups can apply for amounts up to 800 and priority is often given to those with limited funds.
CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY FUND
Now in its 13th year, the Cooperative Membership Community Fund continues to offer grants between 100 and 2,000 to groups to help local communities. In 2009 the fund gave away over 1m to 938 groups. Applications are open for the award for groups who carry out positive work in the community. Learn more at http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/local-communities/community-fund
COTSWOLD GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS & DYERS
The Guild has regular monthly meetings throughout the year in Hook Norton. Normally we meet in the Baptist Church school room, but in August we have a colour dyeing event in a members garden. This year it will be held in Enstone, on Saturday 7 August from 2pm till 5pm. We take the opportunity to make samples, having several dyepots, and using small skeins of wool or pieces of fabric. It is always an enjoyable afternoon and we are all looking forward to the event this year as a recent speaker was particularly encouraging about dyeing with natural materials. Contact 01295 261088 for details of the venue and a requirements list if you are interested in taking part.
Monthly Tuesday evening meetings resume on 21 September 2010 with our usual 7.30pm start. Our speaker that evening will be Moira Diane Wood talking about Linen from Inspiration to Finished Cloth. Her talk is beautifully illustrated and among the samples that she brings are some flax sheaves, a rare opportunity to see flax, which was grown for linen. You should not be disappointed if you visit us that evening. Look forward to seeing you.
FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY
AGM 2010
The Annual General Meeting of the
Friends of Hook Norton Community Library
will take place on
Monday, 6 September 2010 at 7.30pm
at the Brewery Visitors Centre, Hook Norton.
The formal proceedings will be followed by a literary entertainment.
Refreshments will be served.
Everybody is very welcome.
HOOKY PLAYERS
Following the successful formula of last year’s pantomime St George & The Dragon, this year’s choice will have about the same running time of approximately two hours, inclusive of interval break of 20 minutes. The pantomime chosen will be Dick Turpin Rides Again by the well-known panto writer, Richard Hills, who has some 15 or 16 pantos to his name.
It will be directed by myself, assisted by Richard Wheelton. Cate Whitehead will again be the musical director and choreographer, with Nigel Whitehead as stage manager. Kate Underwood will no doubt wield her magic brushes to produce the sets artwork.
All the usual characters are there for your delectation: traditional panto dame, principal boy and, believe it or not, two principal girls. There is a nasty villain in the shape of the Mayor of York, also a comic detective with his equally comical assistants.
Dick Turpin has several good parts for children and adults alike and even Dobbin a pantomime horse makes an appearance.
Auditions will be held in September and parts decided upon in the following seven days. Rehearsals will not start until the beginning of November, so people can have the chance to learn their words by then. The performances are in the last week in January 2011.
We are always on the look out for new members, both adults and children, and all are welcome at the auditions. Should you feel too shy to attend the auditions but are interested in either acting, dancing or working behind the scenes, just give me a ring.
Last, but not least, when the box office opens in January 2011 don’t forget to book your seats early for what I am sure will be a great show.
PS: HOT OFF THE PRESS Children’s auditions for the panto have just been organised for 6.30pm on Thursday 16 September in the Memorial Hall. These will be followed by the adults audition/panto reading at 8pm, same date, same place. Keep your eyes open for the reminder posters nearer the time. Brian Rider (Director)
CAN YOU TICK TWO OR MORE OF THESE STATEMENTS?
I like to sing
Ive always wanted to sing in a choir, but never been brave enough/had the opportunity
I used to sing in a choir, but havent for ages
I like singing in choirs, but cant manage weekly rehearsals at the moment
Id like to meet more people from the local villages
I am over 14 years old
Then this could be just what youre looking for ……..
THE AD HOC SINGERS
Were going to meet for the month of November
Kicking off with an afternoon of singing on Sunday 31 October, with tea and delicious cakes to keep us going in the middle.
Continuing with four weekly rehearsals on a Wednesday evening
Culminating in an afternoon rehearsal and evening concert on Saturday 27 November in St Peters Church, Hook Norton.
There will be all sorts of styles, so something for everyone.
Fancy coming along or finding out more? Phone Jenny Mead or email jenny@mead-family.org.uk
STOUR SINGERS THE 35TH SEASON
Following their successful collaboration with Stour Singers in May this year the celebrated Orchestra of the Swan will return to Shipston on 11 December 2010 to partner the choir in a programme of Christmas Music for All. This is a tribute to the town and, in particular, conductor Richard Emms, who founded Stour Singers in 1975 and is entirely responsible for developing the society into a formidable musical force. The main work in December is Benjamin Brittens Saint Nicolas in which the title role will be sung by Richard Dowling, a brilliant young tenor you may have heard in broadcasts by the BBC Singers.
Then on 14 May 2011 there will be an opportunity to hear Mendelssohns dramatic oratorio Elijah, first performed in Birmingham on 26 Aug 1846 and a close rival to the Messiah in popularity for 100 years. The Cherwell Orchestra will accompany the Singers on this occasion.
If you are a music lover, please make a note of these dates and, if you intend to come to both concerts, perhaps become a Friend of Stour Singers, a scheme based on discounted ticketing details from Vic Twyman, tel: 01608 664215.
For Elijah there is an amazing line-up of international soloists. Richard Dowling returns to join Irish soprano Sarah Power, Swedish mezzo, **Mae Heydorn, and the distinguished Welsh operatic baritone, Jeremy Huw Williams.
If you enjoy singing or have always hoped for an opportunity to sing in a choir, a warm welcome awaits you in Stour Singers. No auditions. Practice CDs enable you to learn at your own pace. Rehearsals this season are on Thursday evenings, 79pm in the Community Lounge of Shipston High School starting on 16 September 2010. Please visit the website (www.stoursingers.org.uk) or contact Vic Twyman, to resolve any doubts or for further details.
** Mae Heydorn is a Philip & Dorothy Green Young Concert Artist 2010
HOOK NORTON FILM SOCIETY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH UK PREMIERE
Roll out the red carpet and dig out those designer gowns from the back of the wardrobe. Hook Norton Film Society celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with the UK premiere of the French film The Hedgehog on 5 February, starring HNFS member Togo Igawa. The afternoon and evening event includes a second film, a pot luck supper and film quiz. The season has other delights in store, from the extremes of experience explored in films such as Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll and Precious to the powerful documentary Sisters in Law, the iconic 1949 masterpiece The Third Man starring Orson Welles, and the enchanting ballet film The Red Shoes, made in 1948 but recently remastered in glorious Technicolour. Programmes and membership forms are available from the Village Shop, the Post Office and the library during August (existing members receive theirs automatically). For information call Jill Rose or visit the website at http://hook-norton.org.uk/village-groups/film-society.html.
MUSIC AT THE CROSSROADS
On Saturday 3 July, the Hook Norton Charitable Association staged Hook Nortons 14th annual music event, Music at the Crossroads. The festival continues to grow in quality and this year we had a fabulous bill of musical entertainment, one of consistently high standard from every act. This wonderful family friendly festival is provided for our village and we are pleased to welcome guests from all over the country. All profits raised will go to our worthy chosen charities and to support village groups and activities.
The premier British cover band The Hamsters headlined this year, their musical quality and professionalism showed how they have attained this position. We were pleased to present Leatherat, who will be appearing at the Cropredy Festival in August. Bushfield Smith a three-piece acoustic act amazed us with a special selection of classic songs. Spank The Monkey gave us expertly played bluesy rock. Jake Jacob, this talented singer-songwriter, provided a solo performance of his original songs. The Oolites and probably the best unsigned act on the circuit, their edgy and dangerous songs were played with phenomenal energy. Becky Watkinss enchanting voice mesmerised the audience at the acoustic stage. All the way from Cornwall, Alisons Kitchen provided us with the perfect sound of folky-Americana, just right for a sunny summer afternoon. Guitar enthusiasts were treated to a magnificent arrangement of guitar instrumentals from the incredible Chris Ayres. The wRANTS played electric folk fused with modern dance music. We had classic jazz from FiddleBop with Dave Mortlocks scintillating fiddle playing. Delirium Tremens travelled up from London for us and performed music from their new album. Our event opener singer/songwriter Che Watson set a high standard right from his first note.
Alongside the music we had a host of childrens entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting, storytellers and football games. Quality food vendors kept us well fed while the famous Hook Norton Beer tent kept us refreshed all day and night.
There are so many thank yous we need to pass on and we will put more details on our website and also in future Newsletters, in this edition we would like to make a special thank you to Nigel Matthews for again hosting the event at Ferris Hill Farm, to the Fire Service for their hard work at the bar and with essential services, and to everyone who provided us with support and services. Thanks also to our generous providers of raffle prizes. The event relies on the hard work of our committee and supporters and the good will of our suppliers, we at the Charitable Association are proud to stage a quality day of entertainment for our village and to be able to provide much needed funds to national and local causes.
We are still finalising the details regarding the profits raised and will make further announcements in the next edition of the Newsletter and on our website. (www.hookymusic.co.uk)
IMPORTANT DATES
Donation Requests. We now invite requests for donations. Please make these in writing and address them to Pete Watkins at Little Bowden, The Bourne, Hook Norton (petewatkins4@aol.com). The closing date is 15 October 2010. Please do not make requests for donations to individuals.
Donations evening and AGM for HNCA: Wednesday 17 November at the Brewery Visitors Centre. More information is available on our website: www.hookymusic.co.uk
STAGE, GALLERY AND CONCERT HALL
An opening tip for those going on holiday in the UK if you can, visit a local theatre, exhibition or concert. It doesnt have to be the big venues such as Edinburgh during the Festival there are many fabulous outposts of the arts.
The Minack Theatre near Penzance must be one of the most scenic in the country. In August their programme includes the musical Moby Dick (now theres a challenge!) and Lark Rise.
Up north, Keswick-Theatre-by-the-Lake (thats Derwentwater) is presenting The Glass Menagerie and What the Butler Saw and for good measure The Menuhin Concert Hour.
Nearer home, but still a delightful place, Chichesters Festival Theatre has a wonderful programme from Pygmalion to The Master Builder great plays by great dramatists. However their exciting treat is Howard Brentons adaptation of the classic novel The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.
Stay at home and the Oxford Playhouse can entertain you much of August and September with a string of interesting plays. It starts with A Midsummer Nights Dream, then on the 16th, Ronald Harwoods Quartet opens with stars Timothy West and Susannah York. Into September we have the intriguing-sounding Von Ribbentrops Watch (918 September). In the following week, there is one of Sean OCaseys great plays The Silver Tassie.
Not to be outdone, Chippy Theatre has a double bill from Classic Theatre 29 September Richard III and the following evening, Dario Fos Accidental Death of an Anarchist.
In Birmingham Town Hall on 14 August The National Childrens Orchestra of Great Britain (under 13) will perform Smetana and Gershwin. Im sure talent will abound. The citys Symphony Hall will appeal to brass band enthusiasts when on 5 September the big three come together Black Dyke, Cory and Grimethorpe. Come listen to the bands!
London galleries still have their blockbusters, but for me the star is a smaller exhibition at The Royal Academy, Sargent and the Sea. Another delightful, mere handful of paintings are on show at The National Gallery. Under the title Acts of Mercy, they are the paintings Orphans and The Doctor by Frederick Caley Robinson. They were commissioned to adorn the walls of The Middlesex Hospital in the Twenties.
If you have an investigative streak then, also at the NG, go to study the paintings on display under heading Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries. This offers the chance to discover some of the intriguing stories behind paintings in the Gallery. It is amazing what modern scientific examinations can reveal!
At Compton Verney a very topical exhibition runs through to October. Volcano: Turner to Warhol shows how volcanos have inspired artists over the past five centuries.
Finally in Birmingham, the always adventurous Ikon Gallery presents an installation exhibition in August and September. It has been created by Argentinean Sergio Vega to explore the mythologies of paradise underlying the culture and history of Brazil.
Enjoy your holidays at home or away. John Wheatley
BEER FESTIVAL
Saturday 17 July saw the sun shining on the 17th Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales. This years festival has been hailed as the best ever, with record numbers of beers and attendees to drink them all! 105 real ales were on offer, kindly donated by brewers all over England, some from Scotland and Wales and, of course, a fine selection of our favourites from Hook Norton Brewery. Also on sale were a selection of ciders (including the popular Gwatkins cider stall), lagers, Pimms and wine. Over 7,500 pints of beer were soaked up by the usual fine selection of food, including two hog roasts. New this year was Daisy with her shire horses, offering wagon rides around the site. (Apologies for the missing bouncy castle were not sure what happened to that, but will try to track it down for next year!)
A varied fare of live music and entertainment was provided all through the day. Local talent was on display along with some selected acts from further afield. Exciting live cover bands playing crowd-pleasing classics shared the stage with solo performers and original folk artists. Experienced and professional performances were turned in by the superb Man Make Fire and Mistreated. The folk act FolkLaw presented a fabulous selection of original material. We proudly presented some future stars, the audience marvelled at Harry Jackson and his band who, at only eight years, is already playing blistering rock guitar. Mesmerising and soulful young female vocalists Rachael Hope and Becky Watkins both showed what amazing talent we have in our area.
Delirium Tremens, who are about to release their latest new album and single, travelled up from London and gave a fantastic live performance. The appreciative audience were able to dance and make merry to great cover performances from No Tools Required, 4 More Faces and PENCilFaCe. The Banbury Didgeridoo Club and the local primary school ‘Street Dance Group’ all helped to provide a wonderful mix to accompany the fine ales. And last, but by no means least, our fantastic musical coordinator and compre Pete Watkins entertained us all with his music and lively banter!
The final amount raised for charity will be confirmed in the next Newsletter and, as always, our donations evening will be held at the Brewery in October. All those who have helped with the festival will be welcome to attend.
We have a wonderful team of people who put in enormous amounts of hard work to organise the festival. A huge thank you to you all you know who you are! Many thanks as well to the people who helped with the big clear-up on Sunday. Several items of lost property were found on the site please contact me via email (gill.begnor@isofthealth.com) or phone (01608 737376) if you think any of them may be yours.
Weve had lots of positive feedback already one regular festival-goer said:
just really wanted to write to say what a brilliant time I had this weekend. The beer was great (and plentiful) the location was laid out better than last year, the camping field was spot on and the music as fun as ever.
Thats what the festival is all about getting over 2,000 people together to have fun, drink beer and raise loads of money for charity so I think I can speak on behalf of everyone who has helped to make it happen and say that all the hard work has been worthwhile! Gil Begnor
THIRSTY WORK AS ROTARIANS GET READY FOR BEER FESTIVAL
The year-long wait is nearly over as the Cherwell Rotary Club gear up for this years Beer Festival, which is to be held at Banbury Rugby Club, Bodicote Park on Monday 30 August.
The popular festival has grown over the six years beyond all expectation and now attracts over 1,000 visitors a year a good mix of local people, including many families, as well as serious beer drinkers who come to sample the 30 real ales and six ciders on sale throughout the day.
The bigger, better, Bank Holiday bonanza has plenty in store to keep all the family entertained. Event organisers anticipate that this years programme of events will attract a record number to what is expected to be the highlight of the North Oxfordshire summer. More importantly it will provide a great opportunity to share the benefit of this platform with Dogs for Disabled as well as a number of other local charities so they can exhibit on the day and raise awareness for their causes.
Event organiser and Cherwell Rotary member Chris May explains: There’s plenty to occupy you at the festival. You can enjoy live music, sample some food, there will be rugby and cricket tournaments for the children, face painting, bouncy castle to name a few of the events on the day. Our aim is to create a Beer Festival that provides value for money entertainment that people in Banbury can enjoy, gives charities an opportunity to raise funds for needy causes and affords businesses an opportunity to showcase in the community.
Chris goes onto say: Thanks to the beer drinkers and families who attended last year, we managed to raise a total of 11,000 for Katharine House Hospice and a host of other local charities.
The festival gets underway at 12 noon to 6pm Monday 30 August; money raised will go to Dogs for Disabled along with other local charities. For further information on the beer festival, charity stalls or sponsorship opportunities please contact Chris May.
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Hi All, cant believe we are into August already and making plans for our autumn programme of events and looking forward to our second birthday in the new club (see details below and adverts through the Newsletter).
We would like to thank everyone who came and supported ENGLAND during the recent World Cup Finals, and although we couldnt get the scores to go our way, we did have loads of fun on the way hope you all did too role on the EUROS! Or if you cant wait that long, there are England friendlies on Wed 11 August and Friday 3 Sept, and a Qualifier on Tue 7 September, so dust off the England tops and join us. Free half-time food members and guests only. Hope to see you there!
While we have been busy in the club house, our sports teams have made the most of the fantastic weather weve been having, by completing all of their fixtures and games this season, which is a bit different to the past couple of years so long may this lovely weather continue. Well done at this point to our Second Team cricketers who have reached the finals of the Radiator Cup good luck to them for their match on 1 August.
We also welcomed back our junior cricketers early in May and our Aunt Sally teams at the end of April. We are now also in full swing with pre-season training by both the junior and senior footy teams.
As mentioned above, we are looking forward to our second birthday and are celebrating with a bit of a Birthday Bash for all our members on 30 August (Bank Holiday Monday). Join us on the back pitch during the afternoon and early evening special guests are THE BLUE MEANIES and there will be a hot food supper for all. Entry for members is FREE as way of a thank you. Please book your places, so that we can cater for you all no later than 14 August! (Non-members will be able to purchase tickets after this date.) Yucky weather, we will be indoors.
We also have quizzes, the return of bingo and another tribute night planned for November. We are also running a Summer Holiday Club open to all children aged 411 years, with 20% discount for members, during the middle of August (see Colette or Kerrie for details), including sports, cinema club, indoor activities and play.
We are also looking forward to playing host to a number of charity events:
HOOKY MASTER CHEF at the end of September (see separate piece),
LEE STRATFORD TRUST 6 – A – SIDE on 1 August and
CLICs SPECIAL EVENING on 11 September.
We hope you will join us for one, if not all of these worthy fundraising events.
*New from this year *
We now offer temporary membership
For anyone staying in rented holiday accommodation, bed and breakfasts, camping, etc. in or around Hook Norton during their stay ask for details.
See you soon & HAPPY HOLIDAYS – ALL AT HNSSC
For info on anything at the club or its affiliated sports sections, please visit hooknortonsportsandsocialclub.co.uk or call in at the bar during our opening times.
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY HOOKY 6
The race takes place on 8 August at 10.30am at the Hook Norton Sports and Social Club. We accept pre-entered competitors and those who enter on the day. The main race is a 6-mile road race and for all finishers of this race there will be a goodie bag and a special T-shirt. Alternatively, there is the option of a 2-mile fun run for younger competitors.
The race entry fees are as follows:
Pre-entered running club member: 7
Unattached non-club runner: 9 (1 extra on the day)
For the 2-mile fun run (competitors to be age 8 years+): 2 (1 extra on the day).
Cheques payable to Hook Norton Harriers and send to the Race Secretary, Marion Roche, 8 Barcombe Close, Banbury, Oxon OX16 1FD. Email enquiries to michael.hailey@btinternet.com. Online entries are available on www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/.
There will also be informal races on the field for the youngest children after the main race and the fun run. Nobody will go home empty handed.
The Brewery is making the dray and the shire horse available, and Runners World are coming along to cover the race and take photos. We are assured that the Banbury Guardian and the Oxford Times will be in attendance, so we would like all runners to SMILE, please! Refreshments will be available throughout the day and, obviously, we hope that the sun will shine.
SATURDAY SOCCER SWAP SHOP
Calling all Junior Football parents / carers
Are your childs feet now too big?
Footy Boots no longer fit
yet it only seems like minutes ago when you bought them?
Come to HNSSC where we have organised a swap shop type sale
On SATURDAY 4 SEPT, 10am12 NOON
Exchange your old boots (good quality ones) for a nearly new pair or
if you need a pair for the forthcoming season, come and have a look.
Club Kitchen will be open serving its usual coffee, teas and bacon butties
to get us ready for the following week!
Ask at the club or your team manager for more details.
SHORT-MAT BOWLS
I understand this game is growing in popularity in Oxfordshire. It is an indoor version of lawn bowls, which can be played in a smaller space, not to be confused with skittles or 10-pin bowling, played in a bowling alley. It is played in village halls, community centres and social clubs and benefits from appealing to all ages and abilities; it is a true family sport. The equipment needed is portable so presents no problem in a multi-use venue.
I have not come across the game before and wondered whether we had any enthusiasts in Hook Norton who might wish to explore the possibility of bringing it here. There are national and county associations to help. If so, please contact me. John Wheatley
SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER 2010, 3.30pm
3 MILE ROUTE (WALK or RUN)
ALL AGES/ABLITIES ADULTS/CHILDREN/DOGS
(Must wear something pink!)
START/FINISH AT THE GATE HANGS HIGH.
REFRESHMENTS FOR ALL ENTRANTS AFTER THE RACE.
ENTRIES LIMITED
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE AT:
THE VILLAGE SHOP & THE GATE HANGS HIGH
NEWS FROM THE HOOK NORTON TENNIS CLUB
Play Tennis Day, 26 June
Thanks to all those who came to our Play Tennis day in June we had a number of new joiners.
First Winner of the Keith Davies Cup
Chairman of the club David Hudson presents the cup to Ben Ormshaw.
Results of the Banbury League matches
Its too early to report on the progress of the summer league at the moment, except to say that we have had some injuries, so at times we struggle to get teams together.
Summer League ladies still needed!!
The summer matches have started and we have five teams; we are one of only two clubs to do this in the Banbury League. Ladies are in particular demand, so if you would like to play in a team, please contact Sue Glasson.
Tournaments
The mixed doubles tournament was held on 10 July on a blisteringly hot day six pairs entered the competition; the winners were Jenny Tucker and Rai Wahlen.
Fun tournament (mixed doubles) on Saturday 24 July
Mens doubles is Sunday 12 September
Ladies doubles 18 Septembe
Mens singles Saturday 2 October
5 entry fee includes tea in the pavilion.
Coaching
The summer 2010 junior coaching programme has started with all of the coaching sessions now taking place at the Hook Norton Tennis Club. Mini tennis and junior coaching sessions are held during the week and at the weekend. The cost for a six week term is 39 for non-members and 27 for members.
Summer junior coaching sessions: 36 August and 912 August, 9.30am to 1.30pm. Sessions are 6.50 an hour (26 for the 4 days). The ladies and rusty racket coaching sessions have also re-started on a Tuesday. Marc also offers 1:1 coaching. Doubles tactics coaching also took place in July.
To sign up or for more details please contact Marc on email marcgilkes@fsmail.net
Discounts
Members of Hook Norton Tennis Club and the Sports and Social Club get 10% discount from Essential Sports in Parsons Street in Banbury.
HOOK NORTON CRICKET CLUB
What a summer of sun for cricket! The 2nd XI are making the most of it as they are through to a local derby final on Sunday 1 August in their knock-out cup competition, The Osberton Radiators Cup. The venue for the final is down in Wantage (yes, logical isnt it!) and so please do get in contact with the club if youd like to go down and support. Well make sure that we coordinate transport and if there is enough interest, a minibus might make sense.
The 2nd XI are also mid table in Division 7 of the OCA and giving a lead to the 1st XI on where to be at the mid-season stage. The 1st XI have a bit of work to do to remain in the Second Division as we are propping up the table at the mid-way point! A good solid win on 17 July is hopefully a sign of things to come for the rest of the season. Weve had a couple of new faces join the senior sides this year but new faces are always welcome, so please do contact us (details below).
The junior section of the club has equally been enjoying the warm dry summer, particularly the ever-popular Thursday night session for the minis. By the time you read this Newsletter, the junior club will be celebrating the end of yet another successful season.
The junior section provides cricket for boys and girls from the age of 5 though to 17 years. 5 to 9 year olds are coached on a Thursday evening, U11s on a Tuesday evening, U13s on a Monday evening and U15/17s on a Friday evening. We entered three teams in the Oxfordshire Cricket Board Youth leagues this season; U11 and U13 age groups together with an U13 girls team. The U15/17s played a number of friendly games against local clubs. Despite playing in a very strong group, the U11 squad finished a very creditable fourth in their league and the girls also enjoyed a successful season, which included finishing as runners up in the final of the Oxfordshire Lady Taverners U13 competition.
The junior section has a number of very talented boys and girls who are currently representing Oxfordshire at their relevant age groups. We are very proud of their achievements.
This season has really seen the junior section make progress both on and off the field and we are very grateful for all of those enthusiastic and committed officers, managers, coaches and parent helpers who have made this all possible. Thank you.
We hope youve had a chance to see some of the cricket in the village so far. If not, then do pop up to the sports field in the summer on Saturday afternoons and evenings of August.
Seniors: Tim Lunel lunel@btinternet.com
Juniors : Steve Brown cricket@hooknorton.fsnet.co.uk
