FROM THE EDITORS
This month, the Newsletter has received donations totalling £33.97
Sadly we report the death of Ruby Rosemary Atkinson aged 83 years. On behalf of the village we send our condolences to her family and friends.
The views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editorial Team.
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ANONYMOUS COPY
This month, we received a request to publish a short article without knowing who it was from. Please remember that we cannot publish anything unless we know who the author is. Thank you Ed
NEWSLETTER CENTREFOLD
Clubs and societies using the middle four pages of the newsletter as a pull out seems to be becoming a popular way of advertising specific events or reminding people of events to come in the following year.
However, with six editions, we cannot accommodate every request to use the middle pages and we already have regular bookings for February and June with others also interested in the other four months.
Consequently, if you represent an organisation which would like to use the centrefold in this way, please let us know and subject to availability, we will book the slot for you.
This does mean however, that we may have to limit each organisation to one centrefold per year in future. Ed
HOOK NORTON CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION (HNCA) DONATION REQUESTS
Following another great Music at the Crossroads in July, the Hook Norton Charitable Association is seeking requests for donations from village groups and good causes.
Any group, charity or good cause can make a request for a donation and all requests are considered by the HNCA committee and funds donated at the AGM - date still to be confirmed. We cannot accept requests for donations to individuals I am afraid.
Please indicate the amount your group is requesting and the use that the money will be put to if successful. Historically the HNCA donations have gone largely to groups, clubs and village societies involved with the elderly, developing children and village resources.
Please make your request in writing to: Peter Watkins, Little Bowden, The Bourne, Hook Norton OX15 5PB or Petewatkins4@aol.com by Saturday October 20th 2007.
Details of the HNCA AGM will be posted on the village notice board outside the shop nearer the time. We would also be great to have some extra support to help organise M@C12 so if anyone would like to find out what’s involved and help. Please contact us.
A reminder that next year’s Music at the Crossroads will be on Saturday 5thJuly 2008.
www.hookymusic.co.uk
Thank you for everyone’s support for this year’s event –
the HNCA committee.
FRIENDS OF HOOK NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY
The tenth AGM of FOHNCL took place on 10th September. This was Olwen Goodwin’s first year as Chairman and she spoke of the crucial role of libraries in our society and our luck in having such a good library in our village, picking out particular activities of the Friends of the Library during the year. Before the Chairman’s Report, the Meeting had heard very upbeat reports both from Patsy De Freitas (Principal Librarian (Banbury Group) of the County Social and Community Services) and Janet May, our Library Manager. Both Patsy and the Chairman made special mention of the huge contribution that Janet had made to this year’s success, and these sentiments were warmly echoed by the Meeting.
Friends remembered the deluge on the day of the annual Book and Plant Sale, which as a result had been less successful than usual. Members of the Hook Norton Film Society had not only shared our disappointment,but had backed the sentiment by giving us the proceeds of their charity night - £169.50 – the cheque was presented by their secretary Jill Rose to thanks and applause.
Olwen Goodwin was unanimously re-elected as Chairman. Christine Blackham was re-elected Treasurer and Bob Calderan re-elected as Secretary. Other members elected to serve on the Committee were Christopher Barry, Barbara Hicks, Joyce Hinton, Jane Orchard, Pauline Walters and Gill Yeomans.
After the business part of the Meeting was over, Friends were entertained by (and joined in) a Quotations Quiz, skilfully set and deftly managed by Dave Goodwin. Refreshments rounded off a successful evening.
LIBRARY
Please remember that the Library has a photocopying service at 10p a sheet
GARDEN CLUB
As usual a very enjoyable Autumn Show was held in St Peter's Church in early September. Having had very mixed spring and summer weather, to say the least, it was a triumph over adversity to see such a splendid exhibition of fruit, flowers and vegetables, homecraft, photos, floral art and children's entries. There were over 330 entries in total and everyone should be congratulated for their efforts. The cups were awarded as follows:
Phil Knights Cup (for most points by a gentleman) - John Blackham;
Debenham Cup (for most points by a lady) - Cate Randall;
Rose Brown Cup (for most points by a child) - Max Bayliss;
Edge and Bolton Cup (for most points in the Floral Art section) - Vicki Harvey;
Presidents Cup (for winner of Class 1 Section A) - Tim Burchell;
WI Cup (for most points in the Homecraft section) - Sally Wood;
Brewery Cup (for most points in the Photography section) - Terry Swainbank;
and the People's Choice award went to Sheila Lilley, for her exhibit of Floral Art - 'A Seaside Holiday'.
The Diploma for Excellence in Horticulture was won by Eileen Rogers and the
Certificate of Merit for Floral Art was awarded to Sheila Lilley.
Please be reminded that admission to the show is free and there are always teas, raffle and produce for sale, all of which makes a most pleasant afternoon and gives great encouragement to the exhibitors.
By the time you read this newsletter, we will have been to visit the RHS Autumn Show in Malvern and have had several enjoyable evening garden visits. Our next event is on Wednesday 17th October when Graham Soden will give an illustrated talk on the Flowers of Greenland and Iceland. This will follow the AGM on the same night and we look forward to seeing a large turnout to hear about the year's Garden Club activities. The final event of the year will be held on Wednesday 21st November in the Memorial Hall with a practical demonstration of Festive Floral Arrangements followed by wine and mince pies. Everyone will be made 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 3rd & 24th October **
** We will finish on 19th December for Christmas**
For information, contact 01608 730875 or 01295 721752
RHYTHM TIME BANBURY
Classes start on Thursday 13th September at the Sports & Social Club and run throughout the school term. This term there will be classes for three different age groups, babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Each class lasts half an hour and is packed with a variety of fun and stimulating musical activities. Children get to play a selection of quality percussion instruments, learn about tempo and rhythm and enjoy other activities, such as dancing, listening and repetition, and meeting Rat-a-Tat the Rhythm Time rabbit!
All newcomers are entitled to a FREE, NO OBLIGATION TRIAL SESSION. Should they then decide to enrol, classes are competitively priced at £3.50 per week (payable termly or part thereof).
For further information, please contact 01295 750442.
HOOK NORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
Margaret Slatter would very much like to thank all members of Staff, Governors, Parents and Children for all the lovely presents, tea party and Assembly you gave me on my retirement. I can't tell you how much I appreciated it all.
I would especially like to thank all the children who, over the years, have made working at the School with you all such a very happy time.
I know I shall miss you all very much. Take care.
Hook Norton Brownies said a sad goodbye to our Fuzzy Owl, also known as Di Walker, at the end of last term. Di has been a Guider in Hook Norton for many years, and many Brownies and fellow Guiders have been lucky enough to benefit from her guidance and support. We will all miss her fun, enthusiasm and boundless energy. We are very grateful for her involvement in Guiding, and with 2nd Hook Norton Brownies in particular.
Thank you Fuzzy, we miss you already!
HOOK NORTON GUIDES
A real good start to the term, with 30 guides returning after the summer holidays! I have to say 12 of those were brownies from the Hook Norton brownie units, moving on up to guides! I would like to welcome Sarah Gardner, who has moved up from brownies to help me in guides and also to Kate Rudd, who has agreed to be a parent helper for the time being. A big thank you to Sarah Chadwick and Megan Wood who have returned as our enthusiastic, keen and energetic Young Leaders - couldn't cope without them filling in the times with games and activities with the young lively guides we have in the unit!
A big thank you to all those of you who donated Sainsbury Active Vouchers to our unit, with the small amount of vouchers we collected, we are thrilled to have received 10 new skipping ropes and a whole set of juggling items, which will come in very handy for our circus evening on 1st October for when we officially say goodbye to Marieanne, Irene and Hattie Callery from guides as we didn't get a chance to do it at the end of last term.
The last thank you must go to the parents who continually support what we do with the guides, often transporting them to different places for our meetings.
John and Thelma Stone completed their 5 mile sponsored push on Saturday 4th August. A total of £819 was raised, which has been equally split between Hook Norton Senior Football Club, The Sports & Social Club and The Lee Stratford Community Trust.
A big Thank You goes out to all the sponsors for this event.
Graham, Ian and Paddy successfully completed the challenging London to Paris Bike Ride at the end of July - 300 miles in 4 days. It was an amazing experience, travelling through lovely countryside with a number of good climbs and rolling hills. It was an amazing feeling biking down the Champs Elysee - 500 bikers being escorted down altogether, riding through all the red traffic lights - a real sense of achievement arriving at the Eiffel Tower at the finish, as you will see in the photo.
We met many people from all over the country and above all raised over £3,000 between us for Action Medical Research.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and for the donations you gave us - if you would still like to sponsor us, please contact one of us in the village.
LEE STRATFORD COMMUNITY TRUST Hook Norton Football Club Six a Side Tournament 4th August
Thanks to everyone who organised and took part in this event. It was a great day of football played by eight teams of footballers past and present. This was a great tribute to Lee, Hook Norton's number one supporter - who I'm sure was looking down with the biggest smile on his face! Hooky Duck Race
Our new designer ducks were a big hit this year. I couldn't decide who was getting more excited over the races, the children or the adults! We were 50% up on takings from last year, so this event seems to be gathering a following. Watch out for the 2008 Duck Race (Olympic Special)! Special thanks to (in no particular order) Ozzie for duck herding, Louis for starting and finishing the races, Jeff for water flow management, Debbie for outstanding duck sales, Lem & Carlie for their Dulux Dog raffle, Lucy & family bouncing with the castles, the Begnor family for minding Ducky Bubbles, my mum Margaret for selling so many raffle tickets and talking to so many people and Les for his outstanding refereeing of the Skittle Tournament. I would also like to thank Colette & Kerrie and girls for running a stall on behalf of the Youth Club. The Duck Race trophy was won by Maisie Green from Hook Norton. The Village Children's Christmas Parties Sunday 16th December
Application forms will be available from 1st November for tickets for two parties this year. The tickets will be FREE to children who live in the village, attend the school or playgroup or are members of village clubs. Instructions and information will be on the application forms and will be distributed via the school, playgroup, on the Chippy School bus and various clubs. Application forms will also be available from outside our house. The two parties will be for 3-5 year olds and 6-10 year olds. Under three's are welcome with a parent, but a ticket must be applied for. We are not running a party for the teenagers this time, as not many turned up last year, so we are funding a coach to take the Youth Club to Drayton Manor in half term instead. The closing date for applications is 1stDecember - no applications will be accepted after this date. Please remember admission will be by ticket only. Seniors Christmas Buffet We would like to run this as a separate event this year, possibly in the afternoon of Sunday 2ndDecember at the Sports & Social Club. I am looking into arranging some sort of live entertainment for this to make it a special Christmas celebration for our senior residents of Hook Norton. We will be sending out invitations again for this, but if you don't receive one by the middle of November and are of retirement age, please let me know, as you will be more than welcome.
Valerie Stratford, Old Police House, Netting Street
NEWS FROM ROTARY CLUB OF OXFORD NORTH
Our ‘Walk in Blenheim Palace’, which takes place every year in March, raised £6,430 for Sightsavers this year, an increase of £137 on the 2006 event.
Oxford North Rotary have organised this walk for the past 28 years, and the past 10 years alone have raised £56,930, enough to pay for 3350 cataract operations.
If you or you friends are interested in taking part next year, the date in 2008 is 30th March. The course is approximately 4 miles and you may do as many circuits as you wish. Sponsorship forms will be available in March. Please contact me if you would like to join in.
Peter Astall, Press Officer, tel. 01865 372637, e-mail peter@astall.com
Midnight Walk review The rain certainly didn’t spoil the enjoyment of 540 adults, 30 teenagers and six dogs who turned out on the evening of Saturday 28thJuly, to walk twelve miles in Banbury’s first ever sponsored Midnight Walk! It was a fantastic event, despite the weather, and we were amazed by how quickly walkers made it round the course! Back at the Rugby Club, returning walkers were met with cheers and applause, were awarded a medal and a given a hearty bacon roll! They then took part in a balloon release in memory of loved ones.
We have been absolutely delighted with the sponsorship pledges, which now total over £60,000! We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who took part, our sponsors and our helpers, without whom the Midnight Walk could never have happened!
Christmas Cards It’s that time of year again! We have just received our stock of top quality Christmas Cards and there are seventeen fantastic designs on offer. Each year, we sell a variety of Christmas cards to help meet our annual fundraising target and last year raised £28,000 from these sales. Also on offer this year, and back by popular demand, is the Katharine House Hospice Calendar. The 2008 calendar uses images of the hospice’s beautiful gardens and is a bargain at £5.
This year, we hope to raise even more funds for the hospice from the sale of Calendars and Christmas Cards. We would really like people who belong to clubs and associations to consider selling them at their meetings, or perhaps supporters might like to hold coffee mornings to sell the cards and calendars. This would be on a sale or return basis, so there would be no outlay. If you are interested, please call Sarah in Fundraising on (01295) 812161
Our Christmas cards and calendar are also available in our five charity shops (including Chipping Norton) and order forms can also be downloaded from our website at www.khh.org.uk/christmas.htm
Banbury Symphony Orchestra Concert- Saturday 17th November, 7.30pm
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this popular orchestra perform a variety of classical pieces at St Mary’s Church, Banbury. The line-up includes Holst’s Ballet Music from “The Perfect Fool”, Glazunov’s Scenes de Ballet and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2 in D, Opus 43. Tickets are priced at £6.50 in advance, or £7.50 on the door and under 18s £3. These can be purchased from One Man Band in Banbury (01295) 266788, or by calling Sarah Turnock on (01295) 760868. £3.50 from each ticket will come to Katharine House.
Volunteers Needed! Do you have a few hours to spare to volunteer at Katharine House? We are particularly looking for Complimentary Therapists and drivers. If you feel you have the relevant skills and are willing to offer a few hours voluntarily, why not come and join our friendly, dedicated team of volunteers at Katharine House. For more information and an application form, please contact Barbara Warren, Admin Secretary, on (01295) 811866
Sarah Bidwell, Fundraising Dept, (01295) 812161
WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE 2007 REPORT
For the last 1 ½ years I have been looking forward to the biggest experience in a long time and now it is all over! I am really pleased that I went to the selection all that time ago as I really did have a fantastic time.
World Scout Jamboree was 13 days of fun activities, making new friends and taking part in new experiences. With it being in England and the floods beforehand I packed for every single situation - cold, wet and windy, hot and humid and what a surprise - it was a mixture of it all. Surprisingly we only had two small wet spells, one when the UK contingent were putting up their tents and the other was before the closing ceremony - in between the weather was unbelievable.
To give you an idea of the size of the camp, there were 40,000 who attended the camp and only 4,000 from the UK - there were 4 hubs, each had 4 sub camps within them which each had 40-50 camps in them which had 40 people on!!! It took 30 minutes to walk from one side of the camp to the other! The campsites had basic facilities like toilets and showers and were adequate for what we needed. On each hub there was a stage where we had concerts in the evenings, there were also fast food restaurants, a Sainsburys supermarket and the most important thing was our own little camp!!! A couple of extra facts: we used enough toilet paper to cover over 50 football pitches, nearly 50,000 extra visitors and guests visited the event, 400 coaches were used to move participants and staff to off-site activities and the jamboree used enough marquees to cover five football pitches!
At the camp there were 3 ceremonies during the 13 days. The first was the opening ceremony which was held when all of the 40,000 participants gathered in front of the stage used at V festival and were entertained for 2 hours with dancing and singing, there was also a large flag ceremony where the scout flag was brought in by a sky diver and all the flags from other countries represented at the camp were brought in, in a parade (all countries apart from 5 were represented at the camp). This was followed by an evening concert with lots of small bands and singers - they weren’t Famous apart from a performance by the combat breakers who were on the TV programme Britain’s Got Talents.
The second ceremony was the sunrise ceremony which was a ceremony for all those present celebrating the 100 years of Scouting. We all had to assemble in the main arena for 8 o’clock which was quite late as our little camp had woken up at 4am to see the sunrise! In the ceremony there was a live link to Brownsea island where scouting was first formed, the ceremony continued with singing and dancing and the releasing of doves. We all had a challenge to get 100 signatures on our yellow neckers and although it was tough we nearly all did it. During the rest of the day there were activities on our site, there was a food festival and group activities. In the evening there was a concert which was about scouts helping around the world in areas that needed support. This was an excellent concert and all the performers were really good. The last ceremony was the closing ceremony (where it rained till half way through!); it was planned really well with more singing and dancing, lowering of the flags, a presentation by Sweden where the next World Scout Jamboree will be held in four years time and a big firework display. All 3 of the ceremonies were the biggest things at the camp and I know that I shall remember them for years to come – it was very overwhelming to see so many people in one big space.
Activities were the main part of the camp; we had a session in the morning and a session after lunch. The activities that we did were Starburst where we went off site and did a community activity. My group tidied out a pond at a learning centre for adults with disabilities. The Global development village where we learnt about different issues around the world - my small group looked at the distribution of water. Terraville which we had activities run by countries that were surrounded by other countries e.g. in the middle of Europe - we did a big variety of activities ranging from food tasting to dancing. Trash was a session where we did a recycling quiz, did team building activities, made music out of trash and made art out of trash. Gilwell which was an all day activity, off site where we did high ropes, discovery of the scouts history, challenge valley which was a big army style assault course and then scouting skills. Elements where part of our group did activities about water and Aquaville which was similar to Terraville but run by countries who are surrounded by water. Unfortunately we were unable to take part in the Splash day due to lack of buses available at the time we were supposed to be picked up. If we were not taking part in activities we could look around the plaza, hang around at camp, go to energise – circus tent, lounge and massage or catch up on our sleep! In the evening there were other activities organised for us, which were challenge 100 – 100 challenges, talent show on our sub camp, concerts, karaoke, disco, we had an 18th birthday party on our site, lazed around, the fiesta and a carnival.
Overall the whole thing was such an amazing experience and I am never going to forget what happened, I made loads of new friends who I am keeping in contact with, I look forward to tell everyone about everything that I did and I will never forget those 13 days I spent at World Scout Jamboree.
Katie Wood
WILDLIFE NOTEBOOK - MID JULY TO MID SEPTEMBER
Jackie, who lives in Orchard Road, emailed to say that at the beginning of July they were sitting having dinner on their patio when a Grass Snake, about 18 inches in length, slithered across the slabs. One can imagine that it was quite a shock to them all, however a quick thinking husband and a dustpan and brush saw it happily off up the garden into the field behind. They have a pond which is where the snake could have been heading, as we know that they are strong swimmers and like to eat the amphibians in and around the water. Another Grass Snake, about 9 inches in length, was seen at the beginning of August, by Mike Wilkins near the stream in his back garden in the centre of the village. On 14th July, Jackie also noticed a family of Goldcrests (4 babies) being fed by their parents in a large Christmas tree hanging over their garden fence - she says it was a wonderful sight, that they were noisy and so unafraid. This is the smallest bird in Europe, the male has bright orange base to feathers of crown-stripe which is yellow on the female. She also mentions about a Heron flying around, which is after their fish and is constantly visiting the medium sized pond, which is at the moment covered, but this has not put the bird off, as it arrives every day hoping that the cover has been removed. They are large birds and can be quite intimidating.
On 26th July a Hobby was seen flying low to the ground across the top road. A Hobby was also seen in the East End on 9th, 22nd and 26th August. This bird is more 'muscular' than a Kestrel, speedier and more powerful in its actions and has a flight silhouette marked by long pointed wings and short tail. Often, it can be seen very close, so look for the white collar on its neck. It captures its prey, birds and insects, almost exclusively in the air. It winters in Africa, south of equator.
Aileen Watson in The Bourne had an amazing encounter during the morning of 16th August when a male Sparrowhawk hit a bedroom window upstairs and fell 6 inches away from her foot on the patio. Obviously this was quite a shock, but she put her garden gloves on and moved the bird under a large shrub. She contacted her friend and son, whom she knew were interested in birds, and they arrived just in time to see this wonderful bird, as within about 15 minutes it stood up and then flew off. I am sure there are many people who would like to get this close and it will be an encounter she will always remember. It is their feet more than their beak that you really have to be careful about.
In the evening of 24th August, up until about 8.35pm there were hundreds of House Martins and Swallows swirling back and forth over Redlands Farm, which I think could have happened due to the fact that thousands of flying ants were around. They were also about the following evening. These birds winter in Africa and return mainly in October. The Swifts have already left and winter in South Africa, the last one being seen on 21 August.
On 15th July there were three Song Thrushes in our garden and on 1st August seven young Blackbirds and lots of Starlings around on 2nd. Two sightings of a Willow Warbler, on 6th and 10th August and a Garden Warbler on 7th. A male Blackcap on 25th and a Whitethroat, which we have never seen before around here, on 27th and 28th August. A Green Woodpecker has been seen flying and calling and there have been a few sightings of a Sparrowhawk. Malcolm in Sibford Road phoned to say that he agreed with me about the lack of Butterflies which is due to the wet weather, and it is still the case that there do not seem to be many around, but during the better weather he has seen lots of Peacocks butterflies in several parts of the garden and they seem quite large. Other butterflies seen are Comma, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell and one Painted Lady which tells us something as they migrate from Europe and last year we saw many.
There have been quite a few large Dragonflies around and on 6th August there was a Roesel's Bush-Cricket on the wall of our home. There are Grasshoppers too and it always amazes me how far they can jump.
In the centre of the village a dead bat, which was brown and furry and mouse size, was found in a barn. There have been a few sightings of Bats in the early evening.
Thank you for your sightings.
DIAMOND WEDDING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II AND PRINCE PHILIP
The Village Museum is celebrating this occasion by presenting an exhibition at the Brewery Visitor Centre on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 2007 between 10.00am and 4.00pm
Why not put these dates in your Diary now!!
The exhibition will display wedding dresses belonging to brides who are now living in Hook Norton. They have been selected to represent weddings over the decades from the 1940s to 2000s. Accompanying them will be a small bouquet representing the flowers that the bride carried to her wedding. You will be able to see the wedding photos, find out the hymns that were sung and read accounts of any interesting circumstances that surrounded the ceremony.
Entrance will be free but contributions will be welcome and will go towards the second phase of the Church Clock Restoration Fund in memory of the late David Clarke
WE NEED MANNEQUINS or DRESS FORMS to display these wedding dresses and, if possible, we would like to borrow some of these from you.
If you can help, please email Barbara@lane-end-cottage.fsnet.co.uk who would be happy to collect and return.
Typed Copy of a Letter of April 6, 1912,
from Hooky's own John Gibbins, Englehart, New Ontario, Canada,
to his Mother-in-Law, Leicester, England
Englehart, Ontario
April. 6, 1912
Dear Mother,
Things seem to be moving quite fast since we came here and I thought you would like to know how our plans are progressing. Well, on Thursday after a little trouble, we were fortunate in getting comfortable rooms which promise to answer our requirements for the present. I do not think that Edith told you that a young Scotchman who worked for Mr. Leslie during the winter decided to come up with me as a mate. I was glad to have someone I knew & he seems glad to be mate with me.
Well, we had an offer to start work on Friday morning but as I wanted to see what land was open, did not start work. We went round with several people & had a good chance of seeing what the part is like. All the people here seem very anxious to help a beginner & it seems much more like we expected to find in Canada.
After seeing various jobs & vacant farms, we decided on buying a small farm near to Englehart. It is about 1/2 a mile from town & will be about 1/4 of an hours walk for the children to get to school. The price was 30 guineas. It is all covered with small pine trees & Edith & the children went to see the place this afternoon. Edith cut down the first tree and then Frank & I had a good time at felling some of the trees. The land has a frontage of 330 Feet on one of the main roads & runs back 660 feet. It is 5 acres in all.
I shall try try to clear part & put up a house as soon as possible. Then, I hope to put up a green house for Tomatoes & plant a much of the land as possible this year. We shall have plenty of fuel for some years to come, if all goes well. Edith will tell you how we progress as time goes on. Everyone says this is a splendid place for selling fruit & vegetables & there is plenty of work quite close too. (sheet 2 missing).
I will close now, hoping you and Ivy are quite well & with my best love.
This was Olwen Goodwin’s first year as Chairman and she spoke of the crucial role of libraries in our society and our luck in having such a good library in our village, picking out particular activities of the Friends of the Library during the year. Before the Chairman’s Report, the Meeting had heard very upbeat reports both from Patsy De Freitas (Principal Librarian (Banbury Group) of the County Social and Community Services) and Janet May, our Library Manager. Both Patsy and the Chairman made special mention of the huge contribution that Janet had made to this year’s success, and these sentiments were warmly echoed by the Meeting. 
As usual a very enjoyable Autumn Show was held in St Peter's Church in early September. Having had very mixed spring and summer weather, to say the least, it was a triumph over adversity to see such a splendid exhibition of fruit, flowers and vegetables, homecraft, photos, floral art and children's entries. There were over 330 entries in total and everyone should be congratulated for their efforts. The cups were awarded as follows: 
I would like to welcome Sarah Gardner, who has moved up from brownies to help me in guides and also to Kate Rudd, who has agreed to be a parent helper for the time being. A big thank you to Sarah Chadwick and Megan Wood who have returned as our enthusiastic, keen and energetic Young Leaders - couldn't cope without them filling in the times with games and activities with the young lively guides we have in the unit! 
Click for larger image.
Club to Drayton Manor in half term instead. The closing date for applications is 1st December - no applications will be accepted after this date. Please remember admission will be by ticket only.
It’s that time of year again! We have just received our stock of top quality Christmas Cards and there are seventeen fantastic designs on offer. Each year, we sell a variety of Christmas cards to help meet our annual fundraising target and last year raised £28,000 from these sales. Also on offer this year, and back by popular demand, is the Katharine House Hospice Calendar. The 2008 calendar uses images of the hospice’s beautiful gardens and is a bargain at £5.
The last ceremony was the closing ceremony (where it rained till half way through!); it was planned really well with more singing and dancing, lowering of the flags, a presentation by Sweden where the next World Scout Jamboree will be held in four years time and a big firework display. All 3 of the ceremonies were the biggest things at the camp and I know that I shall remember them for years to come – it was very overwhelming to see so many people in one big space.
On 14th July, Jackie also noticed a family of Goldcrests (4 babies) being fed by their parents in a large Christmas tree hanging over their garden fence - she says it was a wonderful sight, that they were noisy and so unafraid. This is the smallest bird in Europe, the male has bright orange base to feathers of crown-stripe which is yellow on the female. She also mentions about a Heron flying around, which is after their fish and is constantly visiting the medium sized pond, which is at the moment covered, but this has not put the bird off, as it arrives every day hoping that the cover has been removed. They are large birds and can be quite intimidating.
Malcolm in Sibford Road phoned to say that he agreed with me about the lack of Butterflies which is due to the wet weather, and it is still the case that there do not seem to be many around, but during the better weather he has seen lots of Peacocks butterflies in several parts of the garden and they seem quite large. Other butterflies seen are Comma, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell and one Painted Lady which tells us something as they migrate from Europe and last year we saw many.