HOOK NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB – SENIOR SECTION
As Nat Greywoode's magnificently struck shot bulged the left hand corner of Banbury United Reserves' net in the 77th minute of Hooky's away league match at the Spencer Stadium on the evening of 25th April, to complete a convincing 3-0 demolishment of the more senior club's team by the Brewery Boys, there was a sudden realisation by the “Hooky Faithful” that, at long last, Premier Division football was once more beckoning. The ensuing match, at home to Wootton Bassett Town, when another victory by the same score line was secured, confirmed that our First Team could not be overtaken into our eventual 3rd spot finish, thereby opening up the opportunity of Step 5 football being offered to our deserving club. Since the team's compulsory demotion of three seasons ago when the club's ground sharing arrangement with Banbury United came to an end and facilities were inadequate at The Bourne for a continuation of that level of football due to an absence of the necessary planning consent, the club has fought an uphill battle, steadfastly refusing to give in, with the object in mind of, once more, achieving Hellenic Premier Division status. That objective, subject to the League ultimately approving the club's proposed implementation plan for installation of the required facilities, is now virtually within touching distance, to the vast relief of not only all the football club's members but also of its loyal supporters and others in our village and its surrounding area who appreciate what the club is trying to do for our young people especially and not least for the reputation of Hook Norton in general. When player/manager Ben Spiero took over the helm of the First Team on its return to Division 1 (West), he outlined a 3 years' plan, at the end of which he promised to do his utmost to get the team back to where he genuinely believed it belonged – in the Premier Division. With the assistance initially of Anton Sambrook and, for the past two seasons, of long-time villager Adrian White, 'Benny the Greek' has kept his promise and we are all delighted for him, his players, our football club and the Sports & Social Club to which it is affiliated and, last but not least, for ourselves. If there is ever a good time for saying, “Up the Hooky!” now is surely it.
Without doubt, what has been achieved at our club, and we aim to consolidate it, has occurred as a result of a team effort, both on and off the field of play. In this connection, we must not forget the back-up provided by Stuart Lester and Layi Olubaji with their Reserve Team which, as well performing creditably themselves, have been consistently on hand to provide a constant through-put of players when needed.
The close season promises to be busy, hectic but, none-the-less, most exciting, following which we look forward to the new campaign in a higher division with brand new facilities at The Bourne, not least of which we hope will be the Sports and Social Club's long-awaited new Clubhouse/Pavilion. What an exciting prospect and asset this building promises to be, not only for the Sports & Social Club but also for the village and its surrounding area as a whole. Up the Hooky!
Geoff 'Jesse' James
HOOK NORTON SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB - MAY DAY FETE
Many thanks to all of you who supported our may day fete. The heavens had opened the field was drenched, the marquees blew down but still that didn't deter our stall holders and all of you who had turned out to support us. After abandoning the outdoors for the comfort of the club house we were open, and despite the weather you all turned out in what seemed like hundreds to keep us busy throughout the day. Pete Port Talbot Watkins did a sterling job of entertaining everyone in the bar - a big thank you to him - while the troops in the back room kept busy with their stalls. Thank you FOHNS, LIONS CLUB CHIPPING NORTON and THE LEE STRATFORD COMMUNITY TRUST.
A big Thank you to Mick Prentice who braved the rain for us on the gate.
Unfortunately we had to cancel the balloon race due to rain, but thanks to the firemen and firewoman for turning up to help. We also had to say goodbye to the bouncy castle man who braved the downpour but eventually lost the battle and had to take a very soggy castle back to Banbury. We did however manage to keep “Dolly and Spider” the Shetland ponies extremely busy with their pony cart rides; the kids had great fun up and down the track to the tennis courts and round the club car park. I don't think they had a minutes rest, so thank you very much to Sara for bringing them to see us. Thanks also to Dasher and his 'beat the goalie' team who after several attempts in the rain managed to get the tournament under way and kept all the budding Lampards under control. Our winners were - Adults Ryan Hall, youth Tom Rothwell, juniors Joshua Hunt and mini's Zach Warner. Also a huge thank you to my hubby Terry who braved the outdoor weather conditions in order to cook and serve the burgers and hot dogs we had bought and from what I heard at the bar he was pretty good - and everyone loved the wellies!!!
Thank you to Caroline at Rhythm Time for entertaining our younger guests. Thanks also to our team of tidy uppers, Janine and Dasher, Geoff and Margaret, Val and Jeff Stratford and mum and dad. Finally a huge thank you goes to our fantastic team of youth clubbers who volunteered to help. Kerrie and I were extremely proud of all of you who helped, there wasn't one moan or groan from any of you, so well done to : Tom Rothwell, Matthew Chadwick, Daniel Knight and Andrew Thomas (beat the goalie) Chloe Warner and Amy Riley (face painting), Chelsea Fisher and Lucy Riley (Bottle tombola) Sacha and Bronte Warner (in the kitchen) Sophie Hartshorne (helping the stalls) without this trusty team Kerrie and I wouldn't of been able to have achieved what we did on the day - youth clubbers you were fab!!!! And your tombola stall made £40 well done, (YOUTH CLUB at M@C JULY 7TH LOOK OUT FOR OUR TENT). Total money raised on the day was £ 120 plus bar sales so thanks again to you all - see you same time next year.
When player/manager Ben Spiero took over the helm of the First Team on its return to Division 1 (West), he outlined a 3 years' plan, at the end of which he promised to do his utmost to get the team back to where he genuinely believed it belonged – in the Premier Division. With the assistance initially of Anton Sambrook and, for the past two seasons, of long-time villager Adrian White, 'Benny the Greek' has kept his promise and we are all delighted for him, his players, our football club and the Sports & Social Club to which it is affiliated and, last but not least, for ourselves. If there is ever a good time for saying, “Up the Hooky!” now is surely it.