The Hook Norton Village Newsletter
June 2007 Series 32 No 3

Village Affairs


NEWSLETTER TEAM

Directory: Diana Barber
Advertising: Judi Leader
Distribution: Malcolm Black
Proof reading: Nigel Lehmann
IT/Web Support: Martin Baxter


FROM THE EDITORS
This month, the Newsletter has received donations totalling £ 37.64 Thank you.

Andy Horne Helen Foster
hookynews@totalise.co.uk helen@broadedged.co.uk

The views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team.

RATES – CHEQUES PAYABLE TO 'HOOK NORTON NEWSLETTER'
Text & advertising copy deadline 15th JULY 2007
Text for Village activities Free (a small donation is welcome)
Inserts for Village Activities On request from Judi Leader
Commercial Advertising £22 per page & pro rata per issue
Commercial Inserts £20 per issue
Donations can be put in the Newsletter Box in the Post Office or posted to; Newsletter, c/o Hook Norton Post Office, Chapel Street, Hook Norton, Oxon.


RHYTHM TIME CLASSES
Rhythm Time pre-school music classes for babies and toddlers. Every Thursday during term time at the Sports and Social Club. Classes start at 9.30 for toddlers (from 15 months), and 10.10 for babies (0-15 months). Cost £3.50 per session, payable termly. Free trial session for all newcomers.
Rhythm Time classes have been designed by Kathy Doolan of the Royal Scottish Academy. Children and parents are led through a variety of fun musical activities, carefully designed to help children's development. A typical class includes instrument playing, listening and repetition, dancing, exercise and exploration. Unlike other music classes, Rhythm Time puts great emphasis on unaccompanied singing, as this is the most effective way of encouraging babies to start vocalising.
For further details, please call in at our Thursday classes.


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 July**

For information, contact 01608 730875 or 01295 721752


NEWS FROM HOOK NORTON PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP
First of all a big thank you to all who came to the quiz night. It was a big success that managed to raise £205 pounds. Thanks must also go to John Nicholls Building Supplies Kidlington who have sponsored us so generously.
They have supplied some rather unusual items to us including things such as a Shower. Rather than putting them into a raffle we have decided to open an E-Bay charity account so that we can achieve the maximum revenue for them.
As well as this we are going to run an E-Bay listing service to sell any items that you may want to dispose of through the Playgroup and we will take a percentage of the price they sell for. Exact details of this will follow shortly.
For more information on either future events or for more information about the Playgroup in general, please contact Mrs Julie Riley.


1ST HOOK NORTON BROWNIES NEWS
With a full pack of 24 girls we have been kept quite busy through the Spring, with meetings filled with games and crafts; it has been a great fun. We have been bowling, decorated chocolate eggs for Easter with coloured icing, silver balls and icing flowers, celebrated St Patrick's day with hobby horse racing, a shamrock hunt and tasting soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Some gorgeous puppies came to visit - they were VERY well behaved and Teresa didn't even need the kitchen roll! We had a trip to the Pottery in Hook Norton, with many thanks going to Mr and Mrs Collins, and saw how the clay is made, how they sculpt the pots and fire them, and then we had a chance to make some elephants out of some clay and have them fired. We did our home skills badge which involved the girls polishing shoes, learning how to iron and lay tables.
Very sadly we said goodbye to Ana and Kitty Wright and Victoria and Laura Smith at the end of term. We would all like to thank Ana for all she has done for the Brownies during her time and hopefully we will see her on our Pack holiday in July!
During this half of term we have already celebrated St George's day and taken part in a litter pick with the 2nd Brownies and Guides and look forward to: Golf at Rye Hill, Archery at Horley, making Dream catchers, a drama night, a BBQ and games night, and swimming later in the term. We will be aiming to complete our Finding your Way badge during this term and also doing preparation for our pack Holiday at Jubilee House in July.
If there is anybody who feels they would like to come and be involved in helping with the Brownies we are looking for another person to join our team. Any person interested, or wanting to put their child's name down on the waiting list should contact Sarah Gardner.
Vicky Taylor


GUIDE AND BROWNIE LITTER PICK

Click the thumbnail for a full size image in a new window.
A month or so ago, the guide and brownie units were asked by Cherwell District Council if we would do a litter pick in the village. We decided rather than each unit do it at a separate time, that it would be good for us all to do it at the same time and try and cover the whole village in one foul swoop!
We met at the Memorial hall at 6pm on Monday 30th April - glorious weather - put on gloves and went out in small groups to cover different parts of the village. Adult leaders, parents, Young Leaders, Guides and Brownies - about 60 in total. All the girl guiding members were in uniform and very colourful we looked too!
We were amazed by the amount of rubbish that we found around the village, and were pleased with the results - as you can see from the photo the girls had a great time and they should all feel very proud with themselves that they have done a good bit of community service for the village. We all returned to the hall, to wash hands and eat doughnuts with a glass of squash to end the enjoyable evening, before going home.
Julie Wood, Jill Martin and Sarah Gardner


LITTER PICK

A big thank you to the Guides, both Brownie packs and their leaders for the litter pick they did around the village on 30th April. They spent an hour and a half tidying up our village and it looked great afterwards.
Thanks, Gill Begnor.


HOOK NORTON LIBRARY
Library Opening Hours
Monday 2.00-5.00 6.00-7.30 Wednesday 2.00-5.00
Friday 2.00-5.00 6.00-7.30 Saturday 10.00-12.00
The annual book and plant sale took place on Saturday 12th and the heavens opened. For those that did brave the weather a good time was had by all, and it was wonderful to have such talented musicians playing to us inside, everyone enjoyed the entertainment, courtesy of Jo, Dave Mortlock and Roger Davis.
Thank you to all those helped arrange the event and worked so hard on the day, and to all that came and supported the event.
More news, we had an Easter egg colouring competition, which I know local artist Kate had great difficulty judging because all the entries were so wonderful. Well done everyone.
We also had a story time for four to seven year olds that was very well attended and much enjoyed.
Finally, after Hook Norton Primary school year three visited, I received wonderful posters drawn by the children, which are now on display in the children's area, and what well behaved children they were. We are looking forward to more visits from the school in July. Regards,
Janet May. Library Manager


BAPTIST CHURCH
A couple of weeks ago we were basking in sunny weather during the warmest and driest. April on record. Gardeners, however, were praying for rain. I am not suggesting that gardeners have a monopoly on answered prayers, but there has been a lot of rain since then! Dying plants have revived, seeds have germinated, and plants have flourished. Holiday-makers may not have been so pleased, but the rain is vital to grow the plants and crops that we need for food, as well as for the flowers and trees which enhance our gardens. How different it would be if there was no rain for months or even years! Yet that is the on-going problem for many people in parts of Africa especially, but also parts of Asia and Australia. The charity "Water Aid" exists to assist the people in the most desperate areas by providing expert technical help, digging wells and bore-holes, advising governments, funding local initiatives etc. The young people of our church have been inspired to hold a fund-raising event to raise money for "Water-Aid". They will provide a simple meal at the church on Sunday June 10th', and invite people to donate money to this cause. Anyone wishing to share in this meal should inform John or Jane Taylor a week beforehand so that there is enough food for all. Yes, water is a very precious commodity and we cannot live without it, so let's be grateful, and use it wisely, even when we think we have had too much rain!
Easter events were well- attended. A very moving, film of the crucifixion was shown at the Good Friday service and John spoke about the seven "words" uttered by Jesus from the cross. Easter Sunday was celebration time, starting with communion, followed by full English breakfast at the church (which raised over 150 pounds for "'Oxford Youthworks") and then a family service.
Two church members recently attended the annual Baptist Assembly meetings in Brighton and were much encouraged to learn that many good things are happening in and through churches both here and abroad, emphasizing the fact that churches need to be involved in their local communities.
If any of you remembers our previous minister, Ray Gill, you may be interested to know that he has just celebrated his retirement by running his fifth London Marathon, raising money for cancer research.
Dates to remember.
Sunday 10th' June Simple Lunch for "Water-Aid"
Sunday 17th June "JAM" service. 10 am at St. Peter's.
Sunday 20 June Barbecue 5pm in churchyard, service 6.30pm. (Cornerstone celebration)
Holiday Club... "Shipwreck, a Tropical Adventure". Dates August 13-17 Booking forms will be available later this term.
Dorothy Smith, John Taylor, Church Office 737315


ST PETER'S CHURCH
Each time I come to write a St. Peter's update for the village newsletter, I make a mental note that 'this one' will be noticeably shorter than the last. “Hurrah”, I hear you murmur, and “Oh dear”, I reply, as the struggle to pack all that's happening within our church community into just a couple of paragraphs defeats me yet again. I've therefore decided not to worry about it this month, and just be grateful for all the different ways we have in Hook Norton to worship and praise our Lord, learn about Him, and enjoy the fellowship our diverse church family offers everyone. So, please, just bear with me!
Firstly, our plans to replace the church pews with comfortable upholstered chairs (both wooden framed and metal stackers) is progressing. We have put in our application to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) requesting a faculty that will allow us to proceed, and the DAC was due to consider this during its meeting in May. We have already had a number of kind donations to our restoration fund, which is the account we are using to fund the cost of the chairs. Each of the wooden chairs is going to cost £75, and there are samples in the 'quiet corner' at the back of church for people to sit on and try. We can also order commemorative plaques, with sufficient space for a name and dates, to put on the backs of donated chairs. Any donations, however small, to our restoration fund, are very, very welcome, and these can be gift-aided. For more information, please call me on 730818, or contact Keith Fowler, on 737657. Having chairs in St. Peter's will transform the potential use of the church for all sorts of events, from sales and concerts, to different styles of worship and service. Hopefully by the next newsletter, we'll have more news!
Another piece of exciting news is that St. Peter's has taken over the use of the Norman Matthews Memorial Hall, under the Parish Council's current lease. With the Parish Council's agreement, we are also starting negotiations with Oxfordshire County Council, to have the lease transferred to St. Peter's. We are hoping to use the hall for committee meetings, other events that are normally held at the school, and also as a base for both our Youth Groups (see below). In fact, we have only just started to think about all the possibilities this new facility will bring us.
Rather less encouraging is the fact that despite the thousands of pounds of work that has recently been carried out to repair some of the windows and surrounding stonework in the church, there is already new damage from what appears to be air rifle fire. The police have been informed, and the situation is being monitored. What a shame.

Forthcoming events and courses:
Saturday June 30th and Sunday July 1st are the dates for a special Flower Festival and Open Gardens weekend in Hook Norton. Please see elsewhere in this newsletter for more details, but do make a note of the special Patronal Festival Service to 'open' the weekend and celebrate St. Peter's day, which will take place on Friday June 29th at 7.30 pm. We are very fortunate that the Venerable Julian Hubbard, Archdeacon of Oxford, will be here to preach at this service.
Also, a new Alpha course is due to start in September, following on from the very successful Alpha courses that Janet Collins has kindly hosted at her home over a number of years. Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and low-key setting. For a general overview, please have a look at the Alpha website, on http://uk.alpha.org, or speak to Janet Collins, Jan Hughes or Sheila Acreman. Please also bear in mind that the Alpha courses in Hook Norton tend to book up very rapidly.

And now a note from our Youth Group Leaders, Chris & Laura Cooke.
Hello Hook Norton Youth! We run the Christian youth groups here in Hook Norton, and our main group, called 'Energize' is open to anyone in secondary school. A separate group, 'Outlook', is for anyone in school Year 10 and above. Energize meets at the Baptist Church hall once a month, on a Friday night,
and Outlook currently meets at our house, also once a month,
and while we can still fit you all in! We also try not to clash with the youth group at the Sports & Social club! Any young people in the village who want to have fun, meet up with friends and learn about Christianity are welcome.
Details and a blog of recent weeks are on the St. Peter's website, at www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk , or give us a call, on 737617.
Forthcoming youth group dates:
Energize: Hook Norton Baptist Church Hall @ 7.45, June 15th and July 18th.
Outlook: 19 Rectory Road @ 8 pm, June 8th and July 6th.

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. See posters to confirm venue.
    		• Benefice Prayer meetings: Every third Wednesday of the month. Please see noticeboard in church porch or the website (www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk) for dates and venues.
    		• Bible Study: The new bible study series is under way, and details are posted in the church porch. There are three different venues and days/times to choose from, but there is no obligation to go along every week. Mondays, 7.45 pm at the home of Sarah and Gavin Southwell, at 5 Church End, Great Rollright. Tuesdays, 12 noon at the home of Yvonne Higgins, Beanacre, Hook Norton. Wednesdays, 7.45 pm at the home of Gill Newman, 5 Orchard Road, Hook Norton.
    		• Font Café: 10.00 am 'til 12.00 noon, every Tuesday and Saturday morning at St. Peter's. PLEASE NOTE THE OPENING TIMES HAVE CHANGED TO BETTER SUIT OUR CUSTOMERS. 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! If anyone would like to help out as a Font Café volunteer, even on an occasional basis, please speak to Jan Hughes for more information, or pop along during opening times and speak to any of the helpers on that day!
    Sophia Fox, Churchwarden. sophiafox1@aol.com; www.stpeters-hooknorton.org.uk


    ANNOUNCEMENTS


    Frederick Oscar Wallace Neal, son of Ricky Neal and Philippa Collins, was
    baptised at St Peter's Church on 29th April 2007


    PEACE ONE DAY

    Following a showing in Hook Norton of Jeremy Gilley's film “Peace One Day” on September 21st last year, a small group of people in Hook Norton has been inspired to spread his ideal by holding a celebratory event on 21st September this year. We are inviting people to take part in a singing event and communal meal in order to spread and celebrate the Peace One Day message.
    Peace One Day is such a simple idea – that there should be one single day of worldwide Peace. It could have enormous impact!
    Mankind has dreamt of everlasting Peace but so far it has never been achieved. Numerous well-intentioned moves have been made, negotiations carried on and treaties signed by many national, religious or political bodies to achieve this aim. Looking around, every day sees war killing, maiming and distressing communities worldwide. The League of Nations set up after World War One had this as its main aim and its failure led directly to World War Two spawning the United Nations, which has made many noble attempts to prevent conflict or at least intervene in many areas ever since.
    There have been some notable successes but still our hearts cry out for “Peace one day!” In 2001, Jeremy Gilley's five-year long crusade lobbying leaders worldwide culminated in the United Nations adopting the resolution that September 21st
    would henceforth be International Peace Day and would be recognised annually worldwide – a day when there might be
    A TOTAL GLOBAL CEASEFIRE.
    “No more war!” is a phrase that mankind keeps on its wish list but the positive date of the Peace One Day movement on 21st September annually is designed to keep this objective in our sights. And what is being done about it? Last year, 2006, over 200 different countries celebrated 21st Sept as Peace One Day day. In Hook Norton this year we plan to add our own celebrations. Keep the Day!
    Christopher Barry


    WALK IN AID OF MINES ACTION GROUP THANK YOU

    "Di Walker and Diana Barber would like to thank everyone who sponsored them for their 10k three legged walk in aid of MAG, the Mines Action Group. On Saturday 28th April, we successfully completed the walk, that took place through the streets of London, finishing up on the Embankment near Tower Bridge at a mountain of 2,000 single shoes, each one representing a life or limb lost so far in 2007. We raised £250 and our 3 lucky square winners were Anne(100 ), Lynne (125) and Pam (222)."


    MURPHY'S UMBRELLA
    After nearly three months-----great surprise! My brolly has been returned to the Pear Tree from whence it was removed on the 23rd. of February. No postcards saying where it had travelled, but I am so pleased to have it back and 'thank you' to the person who returned it, and many thanks to the Newsletter.
    Philip Brown.


    A BIG THANK YOU – THE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE 2006
    We held our 5th Craft Fayre at the Old post Office in December 2006 in memory of our Mum, Ann Heath and raised the fantastic sum of £713.00 for the Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury.
    We could not have done this without your continued support and generosity which has made the event really successful year after year. It was great to see you all and we look forward to doing it all again this year.
    Best Wishes, the Heath family.


    NASH
    The family of Mr. Ken Nash, who sadly died on the 16th March, would like to thank everyone who attended his funeral service at St Mary's Church.
    We would also like to say a big thank you for all the messages and support we've received, with a special thank you to the Doctors and staff at the White House Surgery, Chipping Norton; especially Dr David Edwards.
    Nearly £600 has so far been raised in Ken's memory and this will be shared between Katharine House Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.
    Once again, a big thank you to everyone who knew Ken.
    Angela and all my family


    HOOK NORTON GARDEN CLUB
    After the wet winter, it was a pleasure to have a warm dry spring and it was very evident at the Spring Show, on 14th April, that the weather conditions had produced a profusion of entries. Over 350 exhibits were entered and as usual the standard was especially good. St Peters Church was well and truly filled and everyone who came that afternoon was treated to a wonderful display of flowers, vegetables, handicraft, photos and children's work.
    Prizes were awarded as follows:
    Harry Pargeter Cup (most points by a man) - Dave Coates;
    Bill Clarke Cup (most points by a lady) - Nancy Longmore;
    Willis Cup (most points by a child) - Jasmine Faulkner;
    Floral Art Cup (most points in Floral Art section) - Ann Faulkner;
    Redlands Cup (most points in Homecraft section) - shared by Sally Wood and Eileen Rogers;
    Joe Bishop Cup (most points in Photography section) - Dave Coates;
    The Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture - Peter Arnold;
    Certificate of Merit in Floral Art - Ann Faulkner.

    Ann Faulkner also won the 'Peoples Choice' certificate for her splendid floral art exhibit - '1000 years of Oxfordshire'.

    By the time you read this magazine, we will have made two evening visits to Broughton Grange and Brook Cottage. The third one will be on Wednesday 4th July to Blockley Manor when we will hope for good weather and look forward to an entertaining evening. Following on from that will be the Autumn Show which will be held in St Peter's Church, on Saturday 8th September, again with free admission, so do come along. Happy summer gardening.
    David Coates


    WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID MARCH TO MID MAY
    For a while now it has been such a pleasure to be able to watch so many birds in our garden. The first bird we saw collecting nest material was the female Blackbird on 22nd March and on 27th March we saw a Greenfinch. I do not know whether any of you have a favourite bird, but mine is the Song Thrush and recently we have been lucky to see one and sometimes two as they are feeding young in the nest. Often Blackbirds are seen chasing after the Song Thrush trying to get the worm they have just dug out of the grass, but this spring this does not seem to be happening. One can guess the size of the birds in the nest as at first the food which the adults collect is very small and then increases in size as the young get larger.
    Hilary Wilton in Hollybush Road phoned on 6th April to say that a pair of Robins were nesting in their garden.
    The first migrant that I know about was a Chiffchaff in Park Road on 28th March. A Swallow was first seen at around 6.00pm on 9th April, the first House Martin on 13th April, a Cuckoo was heard calling by Nick Whitehead in Ironstone Hollow on 21st April, and a Swift first seen on 2nd May. If anyone saw or heard any of the birds earlier than these dates can you please let me know, also any bird in the Warbler family I would be really interested to know about.
    Daphne Lever saw a flock of about a dozen Golden Plovers on 17th April whilst walking from Lodge Farm to Hook Norton. Many birds look their best at this time of the year and I have particularly noticed how bright the male Chaffinch is looking.
    Single Buzzards have been seen in the East End on 23rd, 25th, 28th March and 8th April and two on 25th March, 16th April and 5th May. A single Heron on 13th, 14th, 16th and 28th March, 8th, 19th, 26th and 27th April, Green Woodpecker flying across the field on 25th March and a Great Spotted Woodpecker on 9th April. Several Pied Wagtails and Long-tailed Tits have been seen around together with recent visits to our garden of a Coal Tit and Marsh Tit.
    The first fledged bird was a Blackbird on 5th May and a Greenfinch on 14th May. Recently the birds really seem to be enjoying bathing in our birdbath. With all the recent rain I suppose we do not need to be so thoughtful about making sure it is full of water like we had to last month, but we still need to make sure we clean and change the water regularly.
    Martin Madge had just passed Ironstone Hollow and on the grass verge by the gate to the footpath at about 5.15am on 14th March he saw a Muntjac which just watched as he drove passed. At about 6.05am on 8th April a Muntjac was seen in the same place. A Fox was seen in East End field on 8th April and 10th May.
    Many Butterflies have been seen around including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone and a Holly Blue on 1st May.
    On 1st May a Broad-bodied Chaser (Dragonfly) was on the beauty bush in our garden. As the name suggests it has a broad body, yellow spots along the sides of the abdomen and a dark patch at the base of each wing. Males are pale blue and we know the one in our garden was a female because it was brown. Dragonflies rest their wings outspread. It breeds in well-vegetated ponds, flies May to August and usually perches on reeds and bushes.
    Thank you to those of you who contacted me. Please get in touch with your sightings.
    Geraldine Moore email: geraldine.moore1@btinternet.com


    THE LIONS CLUB OF CHIPPING NORTON
    The Lions Club of Chipping Norton would like to thank The Village Shop, Turpins Lodge, the Public Houses and all the participants who sold tickets for our Easter Eggs draw. We have to date made a profit of approximately £1,000. but there is more still to collect and this will go into our Charity Account and among other things will be providing funds for youth projects and be paying for the upkeep of our electric mobility buggies.
    On this subject we have a buggy that needs a recipient so if you know of anyone who is in need of help in this way please get in touch with either Lion Mike Graham or Lion Liz Nason (01608 644678) or Lion President Bob Caswell (01608 646003).
    The Lions are in need, we are looking for new members, so if you have a few hours to spare and think you would like to join us, male or female, please come along on the 2nd or 4th Tuesday in the month toThe Chequers at 8.00p.m. If you are interested but would like to find out more before you try, ring either of the above numbers or speak to any of our members.
    Sian Arnold


    KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE NEWS
    Midnight Walk- Saturday 28th July-Banbury Rugby Club
    Walk for Fun! Walk for Fitness, Walk in Memory of Family and Friends.
    We have had a fantastic response to our Midnight Walk, with 140 applications already received! This exciting new fundraiser will cover 12 miles (with an alternative option to start from the half-way point) following a well-lit and marshalled route around Banbury, starting at The Rugby Club on the Oxford Road and returning their to enjoy a home cooked breakfast of bacon rolls! There will then be a balloon release in memory of loved ones. The registration fee is £15 and includes a high-visibility T-shirt, training guidance and sponsorship forms. We are also keen to find marshals to help guide walkers on the night. For further information or for an application form, please call Sarah in Fundraising on (01295) 812161, sarah.bidwell@khh.org.uk
    Chipping Norton Collection Day- Wednesday 27th June
    As part of our Yellow Fortnight, which celebrates the hospice movement, we are holding a series of collections, including one in Chipping Norton. If you can spare a couple of hours on the 27th June, to help raise money for the hospice, please call Sarah on (01295) 812161.
    Katharine House Hospice Charity Shop
    Our newly opened charity shop is proving a great success in Chipping Norton, so much so, that we are looking for more volunteers to help for few hours each week. If you think this may be something that you would like to do, please call Sarah in Fundraising.
    The Story of Katharine House Hospice
    Chairman and Founder, Neil Gadsby, has written a memoir of Katharine House Hospice, from its beginnings through to the present day. Copies of 'An Unfinished Journey' are £7.50 and can be purchased at our charity shops or by calling Fundraising on (01295) 812161. All proceeds come to the hospice.
    Sarah Bidwell, Fundraising Administrator, Katharine House Hospice


    LOCAL ROTARY CLUB HELPS SET UP A NEW 'FIRST RESPONDERS UNIT'
    The Rotary Club of Oxford North has been working hard over the last year and has raised considerable funds to help establish a new ''Community First Responders Unit'''.
    Under the umbrella of the Oxfordshire Ambulance Service a 'First Responders Unit' is a small team of fully trained volunteers who are supplied with a comprehensive kit of life-saving equipment.
    They are paged to immediately attend to serious life-threatening incidents in their locality; their primary aim is to be there critical minutes before the arrival of the ambulance.
    The evidence of other First Responder Units already established in the UK has shown that this ability to attend so quickly can be the difference between life and death. Although a fairly new concept, these units have already saved many hundreds of lives.
    The Rotary Club of Oxford North are proud to have been able to support in the establishing of this new Unit and are extremely grateful to the businesses and general public who have donated so generously towards this cause.
    The Club's President, Ernie Rumsey, presented the new life-saving equipment (along with funds towards the training of the volunteers) at the Club's meeting on Wednesday 23rd May. Graham Wilson, Chair of the Oxfordshire Ambulance League of Friends and a representative from the Ambulance Service attended to receive the equipment.
    www.oxfordnorthrotary.org.uk


    CALLING ALL CHARITIES – ROTARY CLUB OF BANBURY

    On the run up to the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell's family fun day of the year, the club has a number of spaces for stalls available free to charities who wish to exhibit at this years 'Beer Festival'.
    Anticipation mounts as the countdown begins to the mouth-watering August bank holiday Beer Festival and Family Fun Day to be held on Monday 27th August at Banbury Cricket Club, Bodicote.
    Last year's event saw over a thousand attendees, a far higher number than in previous years with the key aim of raising money to pump into local charities.
    Alongside the beer tasting the day will include live music from Radio Horton and local bands, bouncy castle, face painting, pig roast, junior five-aside football, under 13 cricket six-aside, and, weather permitting, hot air balloon rides. Previous years' attractions have included Air Ambulance with a mock helicopter, fire brigade, Hook Norton Horse and Dray and charity stalls including Guide Dogs for the Blind with various other side stalls. Similar attractions are being booked for this year.
    The whole event is held in aid of charities supported by Rotary. According to event organiser Chris Humphris: “It was the case of beer today, gone tomorrow as thirsty locals flocked to our third festival in 2006 which saw a fantastic turn out. It was an outstanding family day event; hard work but good fun and we hope to build on the success at this year's festival. More importantly we are keen to share the benefit of this platform with local charities so they can exhibit on the day and raise awareness for their causes.” Chris goes onto say: ”There are also opportunities for local businesses to sponsor beer barrels for the day and we have already received strong interest in the young people's cricket and football events.”
    For further information on the beer festival, charity stalls, or sponsorship opportunities please contact
    Chris Humphris
    or Claire Thompson.