FROM THE EDITORS
This month, the Newsletter has received donations totalling £36.74
Thank you.
Sadly we record the deaths of Reginald Dand, Geoffrey Lilley, Lydia Manning and Raymond Manning and on behalf the village send our condolences to their families and friends.
The views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team.
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BAPTIST CHURCH
The recent lunar eclipse was fascinating to watch as the earth's shadow gradually obliterated the brightness of the moon until it looked like a rusty-red globe in the sky. Then, little by little, the moon began to reappear on the other side until, eventually, the whole full moon was shining brightly in the sky again. I don't know why, but it made me think of the crucifixion, when darkness covered the whole earth for three hours as Jesus hung on the cross. It was not until after he had died that daylight returned. Somehow the red glow of the eclipsed moon spoke to me of Christ's blood, shed that day on the cross; and then, as the moon reappeared, it seemed to be a reminder that he didn't stay dead, but lives today in glory, brighter than the sun.
The other day I picked up a little card in a Christian bookshop. It bore these words,
"I asked the Lord how much he loved me. "This much", he said. Then he stretched out his arms and died." "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15 v 13)
Join with us this Easter-time as we remember his sacrifice, and celebrate his resurrection!
Easter Events.
April 5th, Maundy Thursday meal at 6.30pm
April 6th, Good Friday. Service at 10 am, followed by coffee and hot cross buns.
EASTER SUNDAY..... 8am Communion 9am Breakfast, 10.30am Family Service. 6.30pm Celebration at Chipping Campden Baptist Church`
Cornerstone Churches weekend away this year will be May 11th to 13th, at the Pioneer Centre, Cleobury Mortimer.
Holiday Club = August 13th to 17th. Theme = "Shipwreck! A Tropical Adventure"
The final "Just Desserts" evening on Feb 26th was very much enjoyed. It was fascinating to learn more about our Dessert Island Guests and listen to their chosen CD's. A total of 390 pounds 55 pence was sent to three charities from donations received at these events. We may do something similar next autumn.
Dorothy Smith, John Taylor, Church Office 737315
ST PETER'S CHURCH
St. Peter's 'the building' may date back to the Norman times (well, parts of it do, anyway), but never let it be said that we are stuck in the Dark Ages. Not content with installing toilets and a kitchen, a state-of-the-art sound system, disabled access, and even projecting all our Sunday services and hymns (complete with pictures) onto a screen, we have now become thoroughly 21st century, with the launch of the St. Peter's church website. Anyone with internet access can now find much of what they need to know about forthcoming services, special events, supported charities and the like, by simply going to www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk. Once on the site, you can catch up with the latest news from St. Peter's, and also link to other relevant websites (for example, Alpha, Tearfund, Fair Trade, Stop the Traffik and Spring Harvest). Please have a 'surf' around the site, but bear in mind it's early days yet. We do envisage this resource will evolve and grow with time. The website's very existence is thanks primarily to Steve and Tom Smith, who have designed and 'created' the site from scratch. We are incredibly grateful for all their hard work.
Easter is, of course, the time to remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, when he died on the Cross for us all. This year the Benefice is also concentrating on the plight of millions of children and adults worldwide who are still trapped in some form of 'slavery', despite 2007 being the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Our support of the Stop the Traffik (www.stopthetraffik.org) campaign aims to raise awareness of the huge global trade in human beings, be it for prostitution, forced labour or marriage, or fighting in wars. Please have a look around St. Peter's, where a number of displays and information folders have been set up by Rita Wheatley and Keith Fowler. Living in this community we are essentially some of the most fortunate free people in this world, yet are all capable of doing something to help stop people trafficking worldwide, even if it's just by campaigning to push governments in the worst affected countries to take constructive action.
The theme of Freedom has been carried on through this year's Lent course, and as this column is being written, we are also preparing for our participation in the first global Freedom Day, on March 25th, which is also Passion Sunday. We are marking the day with a Benefice-wide Walk of Witness between the churches at Wigginton, Swerford, Hook Norton and Great Rollright, for special services and shared meals/refreshments at different times throughout the day. Also as this column is being written, we anticipate our now-traditional Mothering Sunday Service (March 18th), which celebrates and remembers mothers present, future and past. It's always a wonderfully uplifting service, with gifts of lavender bags presented to these very special members of our families.
With Easter very much in our minds, the Easter services at St. Peter's are detailed below (and are on the website!). Please take time to think about what we are remembering at this time of year: Jesus gave his life in payment for all our sins. Just how fantastic is that?!
There are also a number of special events planned over the coming weeks. April 28th is the date for a Table-Top sale at St. Peter's, 2-4 pm. Tables are £10 each, and can be booked through Clare Curtis, on 737589. Saturday June 30th and Sunday July 1st are the dates for a special Flower Festival and Open Gardens weekend in Hook Norton. It is hoped 20 gardens will be open to view over the course of the weekend (10 on each day) along with some fabulous displays in the church. Refreshments will be available at some of the gardens and at St. Peter's.
Tickets £5 per day (or £8 for a two-day ticket). Children free, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please look out for further details.
To raise funds for the Flower Festival, there will be a few special events over the course of the next few months. One of those being planned is a relaxing therapy afternoon, on Wednesday April 25th. Places will need to be booked. Contact is Alison Chard, on 737309. Please see the church noticeboard or St. Peter's website for further details when they become available.
In accordance with the Church Representation Rules, a new church electoral roll is to be prepared in each parish in 2007. All existing members have to re-apply for membership of the new Roll, as names are not automatically carried over from the 2006 Roll. The forms (available either from Sheila Smith or downloaded from the St. Peter's website) should be signed and dated between 29 March and 8 April, and must be returned to the Electoral Roll box, located at the back of the church, by 8th April 2007.
And finally, work to repair some of the church windows has now been started. Please be careful around any scaffolding inside or outside St. Peter's whilst work is in progress. Easter Services: Sunday 1st April, Palm Sunday: 10 am Palm Sunday Service, St. Peter's. Thursday 5th April, Maundy Thursday: 7 pm Passover Supper, St. Peter's. Prebooking is not necessary, but it would help if we knew rough numbers for catering. Friday 6th April, Good Friday: 7.30 am Morning Prayers at St. Peter's. 10 am Morning Worship at Hook Norton Baptist Church. 'An Hour at the Cross'; 2 pm in all four Benefice churches. Saturday 7th April (Easter Eve): Holy Communion , 11.30 pm at St. Peter's. A special evening of music for Passion-tide, and lighting of the Paschal Candle. We will be very fortunate to welcome Julian Smith (baroque violi) and Helen Rogers (organ), who will perform Heinrich Biber - Mystery Sonata 'The Resurrection'. Sunday 8th April (Easter Day): 10 am Holy Communion, at St. Peter's. All collections on this day will be donated to Stop the Traffik. Regular diary dates: Jesus and Me (JAM) club: Hook Norton Primary School study centre, every Wednesday, 3.15-4.15 pm during term time, for keystage 1 and keystage 2 children (not nursery). Wheelers and Squealers: Our regular get-togethers for the village tots, tinies and their parents/carers. 11.00 am at St. Peter's, every second Thursday of the month (see posters for confirmation). Sing to the Lord: at Hook Norton Primary School study centre, every second Thursday of the month, 8-9 pm. A chance to learn new contemporary worship songs. NO MARCH OR APRIL MEETINGS. THE NEXT SING TO THE LORD WILL BE IN MAY. Benefice Prayer meetings: Every third Wednesday of the month. Please see noticeboard in church porch or website for dates and venues. Font Café: 9.30-11.30 am, every Tuesday and Saturday morning at St. Peter's. Fresh coffee, tea and biscuits, served free of charge. It's an opportunity to meet with friends, relax and enjoy a chat. Children and well-behaved dogs welcome! Youth Groups. Forthcoming dates for the main group (all secondary-school aged children): 23rd March, 27th April, 18th May. Meeting dates for Outlook, the group for our older youth: 20th April, 11th May, 8th June. Please contact Chris and Laura Cooke for more details. Dates are also posted on the website!
HOOKY PLAYERS
The AGM of the above group took place in The Sun on Monday 5 March 2007 at 8 pm.
Officers for the forthcoming year were duly elected and are as follows:-
President/Chairman
Brian Rider
Secretary
Gill Begnor
Treasurer
John Pickering
Committee members as follows: Adrianne Barnett-Hunt, Sheila Rider, Kate Underwood, Paul Warwick, Nigel Whitehead and Hilary Wiseman.
There followed a presentation of the play to be performed for this September, by the director Richard Wheelton.
The dates of these performances will be 13th, 14th and 15th September, and will take place in the Memorial Hall commencing at 7.30 pm.
Richard will hold a play reading of 'The Haunting of Hill House' in the very near future, and the various roles will be cast soon after. Rehearsals will begin later in the year. It is a suspense thriller, so be prepared to be scared!
A discussion then took place concerning next year's pantomime, also to be directed by Richard Wheelton. One suggestion is for Dick Whittington, which is being looked into. Other suggestions are, of course, welcome.
At present Hooky Players is very short of young women, so come on girls - step up and join us!
Brian Rider
HOOK NORTON LIBRARY NEWS
Back copies of magazines are now kept in the Reading Room for you to read on-site or take home with you. Recommend a Book! We are trialling a way of passing on your enthusiasm for specific books. We have placed some blue recommendation slips on the front counter……..and it would be great if you would fill them in to entice others to try them!
There will be a story reading session lead by the Children's Librarian, Anna White, in the Easter Holidays on Friday 13th April. 2.30-3.30 for 4 -7 year olds. Please ask Janet for a ticket at the desk. Books on Wheels. Those attending the Day Care session at the Baptist Hall can now select a book from a selection brought over from the Library by Janet and her volunteers once a month.
Put the date of the Annual Plant and Book Sale at the Library in your diary! It's to be held on Saturday 12th May.
Olwen Goodwin
HOOK NORTON GARDEN CLUB
The gardening year was off to a good start on 21 February with a talk on the history of Upton House Gardens by Bob Claridge. He gave a fascinating insight into the planning and development of the garden -it's on our doorstep and well worth a visit. By the time you read this we should all be trying to garden organically following a talk by Julian Stanley on 21 March.
The Spring Show will be held on Saturday 14 April in St. Peter's Church. Members should register their entries on the previous Wednesday 11 April between 7 & 8pm in the Memorial Hall - so if you haven't renewed your membership now is the time to do it. The daffodils are already flowering so it promises to be a very different show to previous years with a month still to go.
May, June and July is the time for evening garden visits - not to be missed : look at the Calendar and the Notice Boards for details.
Verity Calderan
HOOK NORTON WI
Our February meeting was a practical one. Our President, Mrs Suzy Bolland, showed the members alternative ways of making cards.
We could choose our own cards and accessories to use on them. She also brought a number of her cards for us to see and to purchase.
We were delighted to welcome two visitors; one from Bloxham and one from Hook Norton.
It was a lively and amusing afternoon which ended with tea and delicious cakes.
Our next meeting is at the Baptist Hall at 2pm on Tuesday 17th April. Visitors are always very welcome.
We're still walking...!
Meet at The Surgery, Bourne Lane
at 2.00pm every Thursday in term time.
2 walks available -
1 mile round the village
3 miles on road [winter time] with one hill
Return for a cup of tea at about 3 o'clock
Everyone Welcome!
COMMUNITY MORNING
A fun session for babies and pre-schoolers
accompanied by a parent or carer.
Play, 'making' projects, singing, stories and refreshments.
Wednesdays 9.10am to 11.15am, term time only
at the Field Study Centre, Hook Norton School
**No Session on 4th and 11th April **
For information, contact 01608 730875 or 01295 721752
FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON SCHOOL Café Fohns + Shaking a Leg
Spring is here and it's time to celebrate. So if you are planning to enjoy May Day at school watching the children dancing, why not stay for breakfast? Café Fohns - Hook Norton's answer to Starbucks - will be serving coffee and delicious croissants in the Study Centre from 8.45am until 9.30am on Tuesday 1 May for parents/carers of the May polers.
And if your appetite for dance has been whet, you will get your chance to shake a leg just a couple of weeks later. Make a date for the Hook Norton Disco (for adults this time) at the school on Saturday May 19. Derek Brotherston has kindly offered to provide the music and his time free of charge. Tickets will be on sale after the Easter holidays. So come on down to strut your stuff.
Then, on Friday 22 June, we have something for all the family. The Midsummer Fayre will be held after school, and we'll have lots of games, a barbeque plus tombolas and a raffle. More information on this after the Easter holidays. But keep that afternoon free.
We will also have a stand at the May Bank Holiday Celebrations at the Sports and Social, plus we are planning to be at M@C this year. So come and check out what we're doing.
Our sole fundraising target is to provide the school with a new minibus. This is a huge target as new ones can cost anything up to £25,000. If there is anyone out there who can help us, especially in the motor trade, or perhaps offer some sponsorship, please get in touch.
That's about it. We have had some fabulous events so far, the Casino night was brilliant and we had the Family Bingo night on 23 March. A big thanks to Hazel Hope who has done a great job in organising these events. Many thanks also to the committee members for their amazing support . Thanks finally to the parents who give their time to Fohns events and activities. Without your help, we wouldn't raise a penny!
Nancy Hawkins, Chair, Friends of Hook Norton School
HOOK NORTON BROWNIES
2nd Hook Norton Brownies have been lucky enough to have been joined by Jennifer Lanham, Sunny Owl. This is her story with us so far…. Inspiring Times with the Hook Norton 2nds by Jennifer Lanham Many years ago in a land far, far away, I went to my first Brownie meeting. I had a blast and kept going back. I loved spending summers assisting at camps, 'High Adventures' to across the US and Canada, and treasure the bonds I formed during those years. Over 10 years later the Girl Scouts of the USA had left it's mark on me.
Girlguiding in Hook Norton
Needs Help
Are you aged between 18 and 65?
Are you ready to discover a whole new world of Fun, Friendship and Adventure?
Girls from 5 to 25 are already enjoying the benefits of Girlguiding, but we need more adults to help with Rainbows (5-7yrs), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) amd the Senior Section (14-25)
Can you help?
Have you got energy, a sense of humour and lots of enthusiasm?
There are so many of us on the Rainbow waiting list that we won't all get a chance to join unless another unit starts up.
Do you have skills you would like to share?
Do you have lots of activity ideas?
Are you a whiz with bookkeeping?
Do you love outdoor adventures?
Do you enjoy being part of a team?
Having any one of these qualities makes you an ideal Guider/helper
Girlguiding offers you their support if you can give up some of your time for the benefit ofthe next generation
Inspired by great leaders, I achieved the highest award in Girl Scouts – the Gold Award. Scouting instilled in me a 'can do' attitude, willingness to try new things, and a positive approach to life.
As an adult, I now realise that my outlook on life was in many ways formed by my scout leaders. They shared their time and love of life, and it was this that took me to the Hook Norton 2nds. As a girl I never really understood a leader's commitment, or said a proper thank you to my leaders. So, in their spirit, I joined the Hook Norton 2nds to 'give back' in hopes of inspiring the next generation.
How could I have gotten it so wrong?
In fact, over the last year, it is they that have inspired me. This last term the girls, with their wild energy and endless enthusiasm have given me a new outlook on life and a greater appreciation for the Guides.
This past term the girls have done a great job working on the RSPB Bird Watch by keeping journal entries of birds which visit the bird feeders we made. Janet Collins visited and told the girls about a Jewish tree planting festival, Tu B'Shvat. They all had fun to learn about different faiths and the girls enjoyed sampling new fruits in the spirit of the event. Working towards the Seasons badge, they have also learned about the Spanish New Year celebration. For Valentine's Day they learned about the historical significance of the day and decorated heart boxes. Most recently, in preparation for Mothering Sunday the girls were busy making lavender bags to be handed out at the church.
Several of the girls had the pleasure of going to the Hooky Pantomime and bowling at Lakeside as a special treat thanks to the Hook Norton Charitable Trust and their kind donation of £150.
It goes without saying that the support of volunteers, parents, and generous donations from organisations like the Hook Norton Charitable Association, is crucial for the girls would to have these great opportunities. Many thanks to all for your efforts.
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HOOK NORTON FIREFIGHTING
We here at your local fire station hope you had an enjoyable and safe Christmas break. We have been busy during December – February answering over 40 calls for assistance (including Xmas Day). We've had a variety of calls, including 6 Road traffic collisions at Hempton, M40, Brailes & Hook Norton, along with 4 False alarms with good intent, 9 Automatic Fire Alarms, a car fire, flooding at Great Tew Primary school, kitchen fire at Epwell, Oil tank leak in Hook Norton, 2 chimney fires in Hooky, medical assistance to a shopper in Banbury whilst on standby, a chemical leak at a factory in Banbury, assist a horse which had collapsed in a stable in Hook Norton, finally Boxing Day night responding to an electrical box which had caught fire in Sibford. This had the potential to be the cause of loss of lives as no smoke alarms were found to be working on our arrival. The occupiers were alerted to fire by their Jack Russell dog. However, we cannot rely on our animals to alert us to a fire.
Smoke detectors are there to save lives, they should be checked once a week; remember we offer FREE fire safety advice & smoke detectors. If you would like further information call the community fire safety helpline on 0800 0 325 999 or e-mail community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk or speak to any local firefighter. 365 ALIVE! – You may have seen in the press recently Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Services 365 ALIVE! campaign which spans the county for the next 10 years saving 365 more lives, saving £100 million pounds, keeping 840,000 people safer. It is not just about fire safety in the home, but also safety on our roads. Over the next 12 months all Key stage 4 children will receive a presentation at their local school entitled Choices & Consequences, particularly aiming at young people who are or about to start driving. In Oxfordshire 31% of all injuries involved young drivers – If you're a young driver or a parent of a young driver you can find more information on www.365alive.co.uk which also has useful links and gives personal experiences of people involved.
Finally we will welcome 2 new additions to our station. Firstly Stuart Willis who will start his basic training in April which will help to ensure we respond 365 days of the year. Welcome to the crew Stuart!!
But also as mentioned in earlier editions, by the time you read this we will (hopefully) have our new fire appliance which is slightly larger but enables us to carry more enhanced equipment than before. Keep an eye out, it will be arriving soon!! Remember Push The Button Not Your Luck!! THE SPIRIT OF DIANA WALK
Registered Charity: 1083008 To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is holding a sponsored 10 km walk in London on Saturday 28th April. The walk will go from the Imperial War Museum and end at a MAG Mountain of Single Shoes, with each shoe representing a life or limb lost to land mines so far in 2007. MAG, founded in 1989, is one of the leading mine action charities in the world and works in countries affected by conflict. These countries include Laos, the Sudan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, the Lebanon and others. MAG trains and assists local people to clear mines and make land safe for those who need it most so they can collect water, go to school and grow food - safely and without fear.
MAG was one of the charities supported by Diana and with her death, the attention she brought to the cause also died. Two other Diana's (this time from Hook Norton) have decided to follow in the footsteps of their namesake and fundraise for this worthwhile cause. DIANA BARBER and DIANA WALKERare aiming to make a statement and do thiswalkthree-legged! Can you sponsor us to walk 10 km through the streets of London? We would be very happy to receive any donations - and we are also selling squares at £1 each.
There will be three lucky squares (one for each leg) with “foot” related prizes! Any cheques should be made payable to MAG and they have requested a cheque guarantee number on the reverse please.
You can contact us by emailing Diana at diana.walker@zen.co.uk or Diana at diana@geminis.freeserve.co.uk and we will be happy to tell you more!
THE LONDON TO PARIS BIKE RIDE 25TH - 29TH JULY 2007 After much thought and decision making, we have decided to undertake the challenge of a lifetime in July 2007, when we endeavour to cycle 300 miles from London to Paris, in 4 days. Not only will we be challenging our fitness, our willpower and our mental strength - we will also be challenging ourselves to raise vital funds for the charity Action Medical Research. Over the next 4 months, we shall be building up the miles on our bike and also our overall fitness, so that we can guarantee that we will not only participate in this event, but also enjoy it at the same time! We anticipate raising at least £1,000 for Action Medical Research and hope that you may be able to help us to achieve this. Action Medical Research is the UK's most forward thinking charity. They believe diseases and disabilities can be beaten, and through medical research they are creating a healthier future for everyone. They have been making medical breakthroughs for over 50 years - including helping develop the UK polio vaccine, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy and the hip replacement operation - saving countless lives and preventing disease and disability.
If you would like to make a donation, please contact any of us at the bottom of the article. Please look out for us collecting sponsors in the village.
Following the event, we shall write an article for the Newsletter, explaining how the trip went. We are very grateful for whatever help you are able to give us - every little bit helps and we feel that this charity will also be very grateful for your support too.
If you wish to find out any further information about this trip, please do not hesitate to contact any of us, or have a look on the Action Medical Research website. www.action.org.uk
Graham Wood, Ian Street and James Rayment (Paddy)
PLEASE HELP
HELP THE AGED
HELP ALL OF US !
I am asking for support for the work of my charity 'Help the Aged' with sponsorship for me in the London Marathon. We have been living in the village for 10 years, and are very happy here. I have been pounding the neighbouring roads in preparation for April 22, and am very grateful to all motorists for not running me over as I stagger erratically round.
Help the Aged is a busy charity. We carry out research into the ageing process, to find out why the human body ages and develops conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and incontinence. We campaign for better pensions, care services, transport and other services. We give people support to live in their own home such as information and advice, Handyman help, mobility, community alarms and by funding local groups. And meanwhile, we work with international partners to reach vulnerable older people in the poorest countries.
Please would you consider supporting us. Visit my website www.justgiving.com/paulcann or just drop in a pledge at 7 Bell Hill, Hook Norton. I should be thrilled to get support from fellow-villagers. Thank you so much.
PAUL CANN - 7 Bell Hill – Tel: 737282
KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE-NEWSLETTER- APRIL 2007 Heatseekers Rock Band We would like to say a big Thank You to Year-9 students, Oliver Fox, James Catling, Ollie Ward and Stuart Ferbuson of the Heatseekers band, who donated £60 to the hospice. The band donated the proceeds of a gig they held in Hook Norton, in January. We wish them every success with their forthcoming gigs and hope to hear more of them in the future. 1st Hook Norton Brownies We were delighted to receive a letter from the 1st Hook Norton Brownies, telling us of their Christmas Fundraising Activities. The girls held a dance show and raffle in aid of the Hospice, and raised £50 for our funds. We are so grateful to them for all their efforts. Thank you! New Katharine House Charity Shop We are delighted to announce that our sixth charity shop will be opening on West Street in Chipping Norton on Saturday 31st March. The shop (formerly the Book Shop) will sell good quality second-hand clothing, books, crockery and household items and toys. Opening times are Monday – Saturday, between 9.30am – 4.30pm. Spring Fair Tuesday 8th May 10am – 3.30pm This popular annual fundraiser, held at the Great Barn, Aynho is a great day out for the whole family! We hope this year's event will be as successful as its predecessor, which raised £5,500 for hospice funds. Attractions include top quality plants and garden accessories stalls, crafts, clothing, jewellery, home-wares and quality foods. Delicious home-made light lunches will also be available for a small fee. Admission and parking is £3. Newbottle Charity Walk A 4, 7 or 11 mile walk around the Newbottle and Charlton area with a picnic lunch at Newbottle Manor, finishing up at the Charlton Memorial Hall for tea and sandwiches. The walk is in aid of Newbottle Church and Katharine House Hospice, and a charge of £20 is made for the full 11 mile day (inc lunch and tea), with a lesser charge for the shorter walks. Please call Sarah in Fundraising on (01295) 812161 for further details or for an application form. Hospice Book
Look out for Chairman, Neil Gadsby's book, “An Unfinished Journey”, which will be available from early April, priced £7.50 and can be ordered from the Fundraising Office, on (01295) 812161. Neil will be signing his book at the hospice shop in Banbury on Thurs. 5th April between 10.30 and 12 noon. Midnight Walk – Saturday 28th July 12 miles or 6 miles. A sponsored midnight walk, from Banbury Rugby club, along a well-lit, marshalled route around Banbury and back to base for a breakfast of Bacon Baps! More details to follow! Ring Sarah in the fundraising dept on (01295) 812161 for an application form or details of this exciting new fundraiser!
Thank you for helping us to help others.
THE LAWRENCE HOME NURSING TEAM
The Lawrence Home Nursing Team was set up in 1999 and since then has been providing skilled care for terminally ill patients living in the Chipping Norton area who wish to remain at home; to date 218 patients have benefited from this service. The LHNT works in partnership with GPs, District Nurses and other agencies to provide a package of care to meet the needs of the patient.
This care is provided at no cost to the patient and is funded solely through donations. The only paid employees of the LHNT are the Nursing Co-ordinator, Jenny Nolan, and the team of nurses. The nurses are all fully qualified, experienced registered nurses; they have regular meetings chaired by Jenny Nolan and they also take part in a full programme of on-going training in palliative care. All the administrative, fund raising and publicity work is carried out free of charge by volunteers in order to ensure that the funds raised are spent on patient care not paperwork.
The LHNT Support Group is keen to encourage people in the catchment area to run local fundraising events. If you wish to organise an event please do so! Please contact the LHNT Fundraising Co-ordinator Nikki Knott (01608 677665 or by email at nikki@litchfieldfarm.co.uk) to inform her of the date of the event so that it can be posted on our website; some publicity material is also available.
In addition the LHNT Support Group is seeking to compile a list of people who would be willing to help with fundraising events by baking cakes, selling Christmas cards, putting up posters and so on. If you would be willing for your name to be added to this list of LHNT helpers please contact Lesley Stobart on 01608 642690, or by email at lesley@elmsfield.com.
The demand for nursing care continues to be high. Donations should be sent to Robin Coates, LHNT Financial Administrator at Dunthrop House, Heythrop, Chipping Norton, OX7 5TJ, or donate online at www.justgiving.com. Our funds come from: gifts, legacies, sponsorship, donations from trusts and businesses and fund-raising activities by local groups and individuals.
For further information about the team and details of forthcoming events please have a look at our website at www.lawrencehomenursing.org
Anna Jo Righton, Secretary LHNT, Springhill Farmhouse, Plum Lane, Shipton under Wychwood, OX7 6DZ
MURPHY'S UMBRELLA
On the evening of 23rd February I walked down to the Pear Tree in heavy rain taking my favourite umbrella, a gift from Murphy's Brewery in Cork, Ireland.
When I came to return home it had been removed from the porch, much to my annoyance as I had to walk back home getting very wet.
In years past there was an arrangement whereby customers could borrow umbrellas from the pub to get home if it was raining and return them on their next visit or as soon as convenient. Whoever took my umbrella may have been under the impression this arrangement still exists.
Please would they kindly return my umbrella to the Pear Tree ASAP. I do not want know who took it, I just want it back for sentimental reasons.
It is black and has the Murphy device and Murphy's Stout printed on it and chrome fittings. If anybody sees it being taken for a 'walk in the rain' would they be kind enough to mention the above to the present holder and ask him/her to return the umbrella to Ian at the Pear Tree. In expectation,
Philip Brown
DOGS, HORSES AND CARS
I have lived in the country all my life – for many years on a farm, so I am not a town person without country knowledge. But, I have a few objections. I do object to dogs messing on footpaths with owners leaving it there and in our driveway where I have
to clean it up. I have two dogs so that is enough picking up for me thank you. From the Church and along Netting Street, it is a disgrace. When my grandchildren visit, I have to scrub shoes because they have trodden in dog mess.
It gives a bad impression to the many visitors we have in the village – people who hike and those who stop to admire our pretty village.
I object to the young horse rider who rode her horse up our drive – we have roses but fresh manure burns them.
I object to cars turning and parking in our drive – are they going to pay the £200 to resurface it as it is badly damaged where they turn?
Please can people have a little respect for our village and each other.
Beryl Jakeman
JOHN GIBBINS' LETTERS OF 1912 - 1913
FROM ONTARIO, CANADA
TO HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW GRANNY COX AND SISTER-IN-LAW IVY COX,
THAT IS EDITH GIBBINS, AND THE FAMILY IN LEICESTER.
Descendants of Hook Norton's own John Gibbins are in possession of three letters written by John to back to England to Edith Cox Gibbins family in Leicester; two in February of 1912 on the 2nd and one on the 19th , both from Mr. G.H.Leslie's farm at Norval Station, near Georgetown, Ontario; also one on April 6th , 1912, after they had arrived and were in process of settling at the new town of Englehart, in New Ontario, (now N.E. Ontario), some 350 miles north of Toronto. This town was created with the building of the development railway in the early 1900's, by the Ontario Provincial Government, north from North Bay, some 220 miles north of Toronto. The Town of Englehart is having its Centennial in 2008.
Copies of these letters may be available to be seen at the village Museum as copies have been sent to Barbara Hicks.
These letters tell of the family experiences and John's outlook in Ontario. As a young teacher, Edith Cox, from Leicester, had taught school at Hook Norton from July 1899 to December 1900. The family, including four children, two girls and two boys, born in Hook Norton, emigrated to Ontario in April 1911 after John had worked some 16 years at the Brewery, to settle or pioneer in New Ontario. Impressive is his enthusiasm for hisadopted country and his positive outlook facing the unknown.
John was born and raised in Hook Norton to James (Jack) Gibbins and his wife Emma Wyton from Chipping Norton, in what is now called Netting Cottage, the long stone house opposite the Baptist Chapel. John had started to work full-time age 16 or 17 at the Brewery in 1895; he was named Assistant Brewer in May 1899 at age 20-21 and became part of the office staff under Alban Clarke. He was also one of Alban Clarke's hunting chums. After James Gibbins died in 1887 at age 61, Emma, considerably younger, remarried to Stephan Smith of Hook Norton. They lived near one of the the village greens and were members of the Baptist Church.
John Gibbins is shown, apparently in his late 20's, in at least the group Brewery photo on page 43 of David Eddershaw's book “A Country Brewery, Hook Norton 1849-1999, although his surname is misspelled as J. Gibbons, a common mistake. He is also shown in The Steam Wagon photo on page 88, as the man who appears to be in his early 30's, standing at the front of the Wagon, with his left boot on the front left wheel hub. This photo also appears on the white tea towels now being sold at the Brewery Visitor Centre. (We are not sure if he still had the same or a different title by this time, e.g. Brewer, but it would not be unreasonable, based on his early progress at the Brewery. He was apparently known as an innovator and problem solver, per letters from Fred Beale).
The letter of Feb 2, 1912 , is from Mr. G.H Leslie' farm, Norval Station, near Georgetown, Ontario, west of Toronto, where he and the family spent the first year in Ontario after arriving by boat in the Spring of 1911. John worked on the farm during this time for required farming experience in Ontario and to raise funds to support his family and emigration expenses.
The family lost their oldest daughter, Winifred or Winnie in December 1912, in their first year in Englehart , due to complications after catching pneumonia in August. The next spring, John was clearing land for hire on Skinner's farm, near where the present hospital is located, when he was accidentally struck on the head by a falling tree bough. He took the rest of the day off, on Edith's birthday, April 25th, walked the ¾ mile to their proposed market gardening property and died shortly after arriving home.
R.M. (Ron) Gibbins Ottawa, Ontario(One of six grandchildren of John and Edith Gibbins)
DAWN CHORUS AT LEYS FARM
29th April £5 to include breakfast al fresco down by stream at Traitors Ford. Please call Sue Sabin to confirm start time.
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID JANUARY TO MID MARCH
On 1st February Paul Pickering of Burycroft Lane spotted a Peregrine soaring over South Hill which disappeared over the nature reserve. He also saw a Waxwing roosting in a small sycamore bush by the doctors surgery in The Bourne on the afternoon of 11th February. Hilary Wiseman phoned about 12.15pm on the 3rd February to say that she saw an absolutely beautiful sight of two Red Kites soaring over Ironstone Hollow. As far as I know two Red Kites together have never been seen in the village before. Pauline Walters, on 8th February, whose garden in Hollybush Road overlooks two other gardens, initially saw a pair and later a small group of perhaps 6 Redwings who were sitting on the open lattice fence at the back of her garden, eating small rosehips - she has lived there for 21 years and has never seen them before. In the afternoon of 9th February Marianne Joyce in The Shearings saw a Mistle Thrush eating an apple which she had just thrown out.
Amy and Ben Richardson have been feeding 3 tame Pheasants in their garden, which is off The Bourne, for most of the winter. These birds seem to be visiting several gardens around. Over the weekend of 17th/18th February a Muntjac came into their garden and helped itself to the new shoots on the rose bushes outside the living room window.
At the beginning of March in the fields there were lots of Skylarks singing. These birds can be seen in the UK throughout the year and large numbers arrive from the continent in the autumn, but at this time of the year they remain firmly on the ground, where their streaky-brown plumage camouflages them against the soil and grass, but mainly we associate Skylarks with spring/summer as the fine weather triggers them to embark on their marvellously evocative, near-vertical song-flight which is a continuous stream of loud trilling and babbling given mostly in fluttering stationary flight high up in the air and, of course, this is when we notice them. They sing from first light and during all daylight hours, so look for these wonderful birds whilst you are walking in the fields as there are many around.
Yellowhammers, with their bright yellow heads, have been seen by Janet Randall in Sibford Road and also seen in the fields, so look out for these birds too. Long-tailed Tits have now split up into pairs instead of being in flocks as they are during the winter.
In a garden in East End at the beginning of March a pair of Blackcaps and a Song Thrush were seen. As far as I know no migrant birds have been spotted yet, but it will not be long and I think in areas nearby one or two Chiffchaffs have been heard and a Swallow has been spotted, so keep your eyes and ears open and please let me know what you see.
Farad Whitehead of The Shearings was in the churchyard on 8th March when a Brimstone butterfly flew around him. Other butterflies seen have been Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.
A Fox was seen in an East End field on 24th January and the first Bumblebee on 1st February.
This is such an exciting time of the year and with the beautiful weather at the moment we can really enjoy the countryside and all the birds, animals, amphibians and reptiles that are around.
Thank you to all of you who have been in touch. Please let me know about all your sightings which are not only of interest to me, but to everyone else in the village who is interested in wildlife.
GEORGE HUMMER
George was the middle child of 3, born in California in 1926.
His father had a naval background and owned a Garage after he had served his time. His Mother came from a Moravian background with a keen sense that education was the way forward.
George went to a Jesuit school where his love of learning was nurtured. George too was drafted into the navy and the end of the Korean War released him from active service and he resumed his studies.
He went firstly to Berkley College and then to U.C.L.A. and he studied English at both.
He won the prestigious Fullbright Scholarship and came to England to continue his research and study.
He was a student at both London and Oxford universities and also had a place at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford.
His knowledge and love of Shakespeare remained with him and he shared this love with so many others, old and young.
He also learnt Chaucer's English which enabled him to work on manuscripts at Chastleton House. His funding ran out and he returned to America, but soon won yet another scholarship and returned to England.
He married Pam in 1958 and after several years of driving through Oxford, they bought a cottage in Swerford, where he became Parish Clerk.
Their children Joe and Ben made their life complete.
He became employed as a teacher at Upper Heyford. Many of the young G.I.'s were not far short of illiterate, but George's passion for teaching and determination that education should be exciting began here and never left him.
George's job changed focus and he was required to create a way of getting information across to the airmen in a way that could be easily absorbed and understood.
George did this by writing for and producing “playlets.” The group would tour the European bases communicating and disseminating vital information.
George continued to write after this enterprise was brought to a close.
In 1993 he had his first book published, “Red Branch”, followed in the next year by “West of the Sun” which won the 1994 Sagittarius prize.
He taught a Creative Writing Course at Chipping Norton and was an energetic and enthusiastic member of the Hooky Literary group, enjoying working on novels and writers. He presented his last prepared work from his wheelchair.
He was the theatre and exhibition editor for the Chipping Norton news and even in the Hospice was keeping up with national reviews of films, theatre and books.
George's love of the written and spoken word was absorbed by so many. Letters of thanks and memories have arrived from all over the world from those young men for whom he opened a door to another view of the world.
He died at his home in Chipping Norton on 29th December.
He will be greatly missed by many of us, but particularly, Pam, Joe, Ben, Jess, Toby and Karla.
not stay for breakfast? Café Fohns - Hook Norton's answer to Starbucks - will be serving coffee and delicious croissants in the Study Centre from 8.45am until 9.30am on Tuesday 1 May for parents/carers of the May polers. 
After much thought and decision making, we have decided to undertake the challenge of a lifetime in July 2007, when we endeavour to cycle 300 miles from London to Paris, in 4 days. Not only will we be challenging our fitness, our willpower and our mental strength - we will also be challenging ourselves to raise vital funds for the charity Action Medical Research.
Over the next 4 months, we shall be building up the miles on our bike and also our overall fitness, so that we can guarantee that we will not only participate in this event, but also enjoy it at the same time! We anticipate raising at least £1,000 for Action Medical Research and hope that you may be able to help us to achieve this.
Action Medical Research is the UK's most forward thinking charity. They believe diseases and disabilities can be beaten, and through medical research they are creating a healthier future for everyone. They have been making medical breakthroughs for over 50 years - including helping develop the UK polio vaccine, ultrasound scanning in pregnancy and the hip replacement operation - saving countless lives and preventing disease and disability.
We would like to say a big Thank You to Year-9 students, Oliver Fox, James Catling, Ollie Ward and Stuart Ferbuson of the Heatseekers band, who donated £60 to the hospice. The band donated the proceeds of a gig they held in Hook Norton, in January. We wish them every success with their forthcoming gigs and hope to hear more of them in the future.
We were delighted to receive a letter from the 1st Hook Norton Brownies, telling us of their Christmas Fundraising Activities. The girls held a dance show and raffle in aid of the Hospice, and raised £50 for our funds. We are so grateful to them for all their efforts. Thank you!
Midnight Walk – Saturday 28th July 12 miles or 6 miles. 
Hilary Wiseman phoned about 12.15pm on the 3rd February to say that she saw an absolutely beautiful sight of two Red Kites soaring over Ironstone Hollow. As far as I know two Red Kites together have never been seen in the village before. Pauline Walters, on 8th February, whose garden in Hollybush Road overlooks two other gardens, initially saw a pair and later a small group of perhaps 6 Redwings who were sitting on the open lattice fence at the back of her garden, eating small rosehips - she has lived there for 21 years and has never seen them before. In the afternoon of 9th February Marianne Joyce in The Shearings saw a Mistle Thrush eating an apple which she had just thrown out.
As far as I know no migrant birds have been spotted yet, but it will not be long and I think in areas nearby one or two Chiffchaffs have been heard and a Swallow has been spotted, so keep your eyes and ears open and please let me know what you see.
Girlguiding in Hook Norton