The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
February 2007 Series 32 No 1

Arts & Entertainment




     
   
 
 

VALENTINES WITH BLUES BAND


THE BLUE MEANIES


 
at the

SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB


Saturday 17th February
8.30pm


Adults only
Tickets £7.50
From Colette or Kerrie  
 
  		 
     



Forthcoming Event

On
March 2nd
At
Chipping Norton
Golf Club
in aid of the
Lee Stratford
Community Trust
And
Katharine House
Tickets available
from Salon 2
01608 737073


 
 

ST PATRICK'S NIGHT
AT
THE SUN INN


with music from

'SADDLE THE PONY!'


Saturday 17th March
8.00pm


Tickets £10
From 'The Sun Inn'
Adults only
 		 

Lee Stratford
Community Trust




Coming Soon

St Peter's Spring Table Top Sale

March or April

£10 per table


Watch the St Peter's noticeboard
for date and details

Contact Claire Curtis to book your table



11 - 15 year olds   at the Sports & Social Club   7 - 9pm

Hi There n a Happy New Year. Youth Club is getting there and we have had a good response from the kids. We now have 35 members, which is great. We try and meet every other Friday. There is a sign on the Sports & Social Club window for you to check out the date of the next meeting. New members welcome. Our next aims are to keep the club open after Youth Club, so anyone can come along for a drink from 9 till 11pm and to have Youth Club open during the daytime in the school Holidays, a couple of times a week. We have been donated some money from the previous Youth Club to help us on our way. So far we have purchased a Table Tennis Table, 2 x Air Hockey Tables, a Football Table, Table Games like cards and Dominos , 2 sets of Pool equipment, one set is left behind the bar for all to use, and have been donated £200 by the Lee Stratford Community Trust, to buy some new darts equipment for the club. So a Big Thank You to Val and Family for that! Since 17th November, we have raised £192 for Youth Club by the entry fees, a kind donation of £20 from a member's family, Thank You very much for that, and our Fab New Year's Eve Party, Thank You to all who came along! We are hoping in the near future to buy a bigger TV for the clubhouse and also a new Pool Table. These items will benefit everyone and not just Youth Club members.
Sports and Social Club
Dates for your Diary
16th Feb – Youth Club Party Nite 7 – 10pm
17th Feb – BLUE MEANIES 8.30pm £7.50 (Adults only)
14th April – Easter Family Night/disco 8pm
7th May – May Day Fete
3rd June – Bullseye Darts Championship
Adults/Junior prize sponsored by the Lee Stratford Community Trust
Contact Colette
The club does have Sky TV already, so at this present time, we have the use of that. A Huge Thank You goes out to all at the Sports & Social Club for supporting us all the way. Hopefully by them trusting and supporting us, we can repay them with more custom and equipment for the clubhouse in the future. It's nice to be given the chance to do something we both really enjoy! Last but not least, a Big Thanks to all the kids who come along. For more info contact Colette n Kerrie


8TH ABINGDON AIR & COUNTRY SHOW
Planning is now well under way for the 8th in the series of successful Abingdon Air & Country Shows. Our latest event will take place at Abingdon airfield, Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxfordshire on May 6th 2007. A major feature of the day will be a two and a half hour flying display, hopefully featuring historic aircraft as well participation from the British armed forces. Invitations have also been sent out to overseas air forces in the hope that we can build on previous year's international content.
Ground attractions for all the family are being planned including a wide range of vintage/classic vehicles, live music, static aircraft, a craft marquee and a wide variety of trade and club/society stalls.
Our 2007 event will be officially opened by globe-trotting local aviatrix, Polly Vacher who we hope will also be flying in with her well travelled Piper Dakota aircraft.
Visitors to Abingdon Air & Country Show 2007 will be able to enter the site from 1000hrs. On the day admission charges will be;-
Adults £8, OAP/Child £5, Under-5s FREE
Discount price tickets will be available in advance from Abingdon Town Council Offices in the Guild Hall, Abingdon, via our web-site www.abingdonfayre.com and by post from 12 Austin Place Abingdon, Oxfordshire. These tickets will be available from 31st January 2007 at the following rates; Adults £7, OAP/Child £3.50, Under-5s FREE
Proceeds from the day will go to the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust...a vital but woefully underfunded asset to the local emergency services.

HOOK NORTON FESTIVAL OF FINE ALES

Just a reminder that the 2007 Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales will be taking place at the Pear Tree on Saturday 21st July. As usual there will be lots of different ales to sample, a variety of live music, morris dancing, pig roasts - and sunshine (pre-ordered this year!) More details will be available nearer the time on the festival web site - www.hookybeerfest.co.uk
As always, we would be very grateful for some extra help with ticket selling on the day, preparation in the week before and clearing up the day after (come and try it - you won't believe how much fun it can be!) If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Gill Begnor.


HOOKY PLAYERS

Have you ever wanted to be a director?
Do you have a play you would like to see performed here in Hook Norton?
If the answer is yes to either, or both, then give us a call as we are looking for a new director for our September 07 production. For more details, contact Brian Rider or Adrianne.


MUSIC AT THE CROSSROADS
2006 Donations
Following the excellent weather and great day last July, the HNCA were very pleased to be able to hand over donations to village groups and charities at the annual donations evening in November.
A total of £5800 was donated by HNCA, which has been widely distributed to hopefully benefit many of the excellent social, sporting and youth orientated groups and facilities in the village, as well as larger charities. The HNCA particularly wished to acknowledge the efforts of those groups who helped support the running of the day such as the Air Training Corp, Playgroup etc. The final donations list included:

The Women's Institute £100
Care group (Baptist Church) £150
Children's holiday club (Baptist Church) £200
Hook Norton Cricket Club £300
Hook Norton Primary School £550
Hook Norton Guides £300
Hook Norton Rangers £100
Hook Norton Rainbows £150
Museum Fund £300
Hook Norton Brownies £150
Hook Norton Beavers £150
Hook Norton Netball team £200
Hook Norton Minis football team £300
Hook Norton Playgroup £400
Leukemia Research £1000
Lee Stratford Trust £200
Katherine House hospice £200
2nd Hook Norton Brownies £150
Air Training Corps £500
World Challenge Team Banbury School £400

In addition £1800 from the bar profits went to the National Fire Service Benevolent Fund.
So thanks again to all the sponsors (The Brewery, The Sun, The Pear Tree, The Village Shop, The Gate Hangs High, One Man Band, Banbury and the Coop Community Support Fund) for their generous support as well as Nigel Matthews and many more.

*********** M@C11 Stop press ************


Even before the cheques have been cashed from 2006, we are planning 2007 – M@C11 -already! And we have some great news!
We have booked the headline act for M@C11 already and can break the exclusive in this Newsletter that the headliners are the 70's chart topping rock 'n' rollers ….. MUD.
With no less than 3 number ones, 15 top twenty hits and a reputation for a great live act, they are sure to get everyone on their feet.
There will be more news on the full line up, and other details in the next newsletter.
So put the date on the calendar, tell your friends, and order the sun cream for Saturday 7th July 2007
We are always welcoming new volunteers to help organise M@C11, so if anyone is interested please contact Pete Watkins or Pete Skelton – particularly anyone who can help organise (and boost?) the children's entertainment and catering side. Thank you.


HOOK NORTON LIBRARY
Library Opening Times;  
Monday: 2.00 – 5.00pm & 6.00 - 7.30pm
Wednesday: 2.00 – 5.00pm
Friday: 2.00 – 5.00pm & 6.00 - 7.30pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Hello, I am Janet May, the new library manager, I would like to say thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome at Hook Norton.
Just a quick reminder of some of the services we have to offer:
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you.
Janet May


THE HEATSEEKERS
Friday 12 January, local Year 9 rock band the Heatseekers held a gig in the Memorial Hall for their friends - around 60 of them! The evening raised £60 for the Katharine House Hospice.
We would like to thank all those who came for making it such a memorable evening. Our thanks go also to Andy Horne and Derek Brotherston for their help and support, and to those who stayed behind to help clear up.
In 2006, the Heatseekers won the inaugural Chipping Norton School Battle of the Bands and played at a number of events, including last summer's Zara's gig at Hook Norton School.
Look out for them in 2007!
Patrick and Sophia Fox


NEWS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF OXFORD NORTH
Following on from my previous report, we are very pleased to announce that the Christmas float collection, held twice in Summertown and once on a Saturday in the Westgate Centre in Oxford, raised the magnificent sum of £1742. This will be added to the sums already raised. We are well on course to complete the target of £5000 for this project.
At our Christmas dinner this year, held at Kirtlington Golf Club, £1000 was handed over to a representative from the new Children's Hospital in Oxford. We now understand that one of the rooms at the hospital will be called the Rotary room, as over £30,000 has been donated by Rotary clubs in the District towards the project.
New members are joining our organisation, but we still have room for more; interested people should contact me for more information.
Peter Astall peter@astall.com


THE THEATRE, CHIPPING NORTON
This season offers a feast of opportunities for local talent: the Youth Theatre, Chipping Norton School, CHAOS all perform and the Oxford School of Drama bring their talented young students to the Chipping Norton stage.
2007 brings to an exciting conclusion the international exhange with Theatre du Preau in Normandie with a brand new production of Marivaux's La Dispute juxtaposed with Scenes of Love from the Shakespeare cannon. An international cast of 10 of the best professional young actors from both sides of the Channel explore the classics through comtemporary eyes. An ambitious and innovative experience not to be missed.
10 years on, Graham Rust who created the exquiste murals in the bar, will return with a beautifully elegant exhibition of paintings and works on paper in the Gallery in March. He is followed later by Rui Paes, illustrator of Madonna's book Lotsa de Casha – another exceptional artist in his field.
There are films, ranging from big Hollywood hits, a John Huston season, to foreign language and children's classic films. Theatre and dance choice is wide ranging, comedy well represented and musically, the programme includes folk, classical, light opera and Zimbabwe dance.
Details of the complete programme are to be found at www.chippingnortontheatre.com or from the Box Office.

CHIPPING NORTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Chipping Norton hosts the 95th Music Festival during March, staged in the Theatre, Town Hall and this year, in Chastleton House. Full details are to be found at www.cnmf.org.uk Events include:
One Act Play Festival Friday 9th 2.15pm/7.30pm
New for 2007, the Festival in collaboration with the Theatre present two sessions of one-act plays: school and youth groups (afternoon); adult groups (evening). Performances will be either one-act plays or a single act from a play.
Diabolus in Musica Saturday 10th 7.30pm        
Music and merriment in 17th Century style from a merry band of professional minstrels to celebrate the 400th anniversary since Chipping Norton gained its Charter. A truly authentic flavour of Elizabethan England with accurately researched costumes and instruments. Ticket price includes a taste of Tudor food.
Fairport Convention Sunday 11th evening        
Charter at Chastleton Sunday 18th 12 midday and 2pm @ Chastleton House
Music spanning 400 years from medieval and Tudor, through Impressionist times to the present day, ending with the history of the Tango to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Chipping Norton Charter. Ticket price includes Tudor Titbits and a glass of wine or punch after each performance
“Our Town” Monday, 19th & Tuesday, 20th 7.30pm
A programme of music to celebrate the Chipping Norton Charter conducted by Liz Stock.
Festival Concert Saturday, 24th 7.30pm
Highlights of the 2007 Festival
Full details are to be found at www.cnmf.org.uk

THE MILL ARTS CENTRE, BANBURY
The Mill Arts Centre is home to music, dance and theatre performances, a Gallery and a wide range of arts-based classes; classes for adults, children and including classes for those with a learning disability.
Brighten those dark February days with performances of “Arabella and the Escaped Black Mamba” or “Little Johnny England” or even Boot-led-zeppelin! Try a Flamenco class or West African Drumming.
Whether you have loads of experience or none at all, are looking for serious training or just want to have some fun, make new friends and develop your skills all in one place. There's something for everyone at The Mill! More information at www.themillartscentre.co.uk

UPTON HOUSE & GARDENS
Contact:Info 01295 670266 Bokings 01295 671122
uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

Free Basement Tours
Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 March 2007
Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 March 2007
A rare opportunity to enjoy a free tour of the basements beneath Upton House, peering into the 'downstairs' life of the house and finding clues to the house's early history
Time(s):12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15
Price(s):Normal admission charges apply.

Mothering Sunday at Upton
Sunday 18 March 2007
Treat mum to a day at Upton House & Gardens, with special menus in the Pavilion Restaurant, spring colour in the gardens and children's activities. Free entry for mums.
Time(s):11:00-4:00
Price(s):Normal admission charges apply.


JOIN IN THE COUNTY'S MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS
Blackbirds in pies, a giant pendulum, a mile for the Millennium and a Dance-a-thon: these are just some of the ingredients in 2007, when Oxfordshire celebrates its 1000th birthday – and the whole county is invited.
Special events are being planned for Oxfordshire 2007, offering an exciting array of art, dance, theatre and music. Sport, food and science are also included – and many of Oxfordshire's 70-plus festivals will also be joining in the party with their own millennium contributions. Many events are free, or subsidised.
Oxfordshire 2007 is designed to showcase the remarkable array of creative talent - past and present - that exists in every corner of the county and represents a collaboration between hundreds of cultural organisations, individuals and communities to create a special and memorable year. Oxford Inspires, the county's cultural development agency, is providing coordination and practical help to put on the celebration.
These are just some of the event to look forward to this coming spring:
Feb 12–March 11
Dancin' Oxford: a new dance festival in Oxford which aims to get everybody's feet tapping.
March 6–April 14
The Falling Sky: a specially commissioned play about rural people which is touring the county
March 10–March 25
Oxdox Documentary Film Festival: the UK's largest documentary film festival, features a simultaneous live screening of a specially commissioned film from China in 1000 cinemas across the world, plus Oxfordshire past and present through archive film.
March 13–March 17
La Dispute: Marivaux's play is the culmination of a two-year collaboration with a theatre company in Normandy, produced by The Theatre, Chipping Norton.
March 15–March 17
Luminox: aims to set Oxford's historic centre alight: a magical three days will include fire, music, street theatre, lantern processions and a giant pendulum.
March 17–March 25
Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival: takes place at Christ Church College, featuring authors Edna O'Brien, Sandi Toksvig, Alexander McCall Smith and many others.
Sunday March 25
Remembering Slavery: Set all free: The cream of the country's gospel choirs will assembles in Christ Church Cathedral to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
Saturday May 12
Street Olympix: sport takes to the pavements of Oxfordshire culminating in a day of races, fun events and a mile street race to commemorate the four-minute mile run by Sir Roger Bannister in Oxford just over fifty years ago. Other highlights to look forward to in Oxfordshire's millennium year are the UK's first-ever Children's Food Festival (July 14 -15) with celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson as patrons; a special Alice's Day, based on Lewis Carroll's famous character, (July 7) and Faces of Oxfordshire. There will be walks, trails, exhibitions, open doors, street theatre and much more.
Oxfordshire 2007 aims to turn the county inside out, introducing you to new places and new cultural experiences. To find out more about what's happening in your area – and elsewhere in the county – visit www.oxfordshire2007.com

CALL FOR SPONSORS AT STAR STUDDED BANBURY CHARITY EVENT
The Rotary Club of Banbury are joining forces with celebrity gardeners to put on a Gardeners Question Time but are in need of additional sponsors to validate the day – all to raise money for charity.
The Gardeners Question Time will be held on Wednesday 28th March at the Ball Colegraves premises on Milton Road, West Adderbury with seating for up to 300 visitors. Ball Colegrave is one of the leading seed producers in the UK and they frequently hold open day events at the estate which are very well attended.
Speakers on the day will include the former Gardeners' World presenter Peter Seabrook also an acclaimed author, writer and journalist, celebrity gardener, Daphne Ledward-Hands and TV gardening presenter, Howard Drury.
Event organiser Bob Thompson, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Banbury's International committee explains: “It has taken some time to recruit the notable guest speakers who are all keen to support our cause. We are hosting this event to try to make a difference and hope that prospective sponsors will strive to do the same. The day will give us the opportunity to enjoy ourselves in some distinguished company whilst raising money for our two main charities, Mercy Ships and the Children from Chernobyl.”
Doors will open at 6.30pm with the event starting at 7pm and going on until 9.30pm.
Sponsorship proceedings from the day will go to Rotary charities including Mercy Ships – floating hospitals which visit many African countries and treats patients onboard ship. Children from Chernobyl is the other main charity – following the disaster in Belarus the life expectancy of the children is shortened dramatically, but a 2/3 week holiday in the UK extends their lives by 2 years or so.
For further information on the Gardeners Question Time event or sponsorship opportunities please contact Bob Thompson on 07812 850 523.or bob.thompson@fishergerman.co.uk

CELEBRATING 1000 YEARS OF OXFORDSHIRE
In 2007 Oxfordshire is celebrating its 1,000th birthday and throughout the year there will be a number of special events to commemorate the millennium.
For villages or community groups in Cherwell, who might be planning to celebrate the event, Cherwell District Council might be able to help with funding.
For any celebration, which includes the arts, grants of up to £500 are available. The closing date for applications is 1 March 2007 and for further information please visit www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk/leisure/grantsandbursaries or phone 01295 221701.