30th April '04 - Broadband is coming to Hornton and Edgehill
A few days ago BT announced that they are to scrap the pre-registration scheme and replace it with a pre-ordering
system.
At the end June this year, BT will
announce a rollout programme for the remaining exchanges with triggers. These will be given RFS
("Ready For Service") dates automatically.
Exchanges which have triggered and are without RFS dates, and those above 90% registrations (of which Edgehill is one with 93.33%), will
be given RFS dates automatically over the coming weeks. These 42 exchanges which fall inside the 90% bracket will
be the only ones. All the others from now on will end up in the new pre-ordering scheme.
This should mean that people will now be able to receive broadband ADSL on the day the
exchange is activated. Until now, you often had to wait up to a couple of weeks after the RFS date itself.
More information will be available in the next three weeks.
30th April '04 - The Long and Winding Road
The long-running saga of the Hornton to Wroxton Road finally seems to be near completion with the news that Oxfordshire County Council are prepared to spend £120,000 to resurface it.
The plan - announced by OCC official Steve Bowden to the Annual Parish Meeting on April 19 - will mean that the road has a 20-year life expectancy before it needs renewing. The road will have to be closed and the work is likely to be done during the summer holidays to avoid inconvenience for school traffic.
The meeting also heard a proposal from former Parish Chairman Harold Hart to rename the children’s playing field The Mike Webber Field. Mike, who was treasurer of the Children’s playing field committee, died tragically towards the end of last year. Parish chairman Coun David Miles said the committee would consider the idea.
And it was the last Annual Parish meeting for outgoing clerk John Peace. He has stepped down and donated his closing salary to JUMPA, Hornton and Horley's fund for a Jubilee multi-purpose play area. Coun Miles thanked him for all his help and, in return, Mr Peace thanked the council for theirs. At the meeting, held in the Church Room, Bell Street, Coun Miles welcomed Alan Cater as the new Parish Clerk.
He went on in his report to say that there had been no new properties built in the village during the year, only renovations and extensions. As from January 1, 2004, Hornton Small Playing Field, Hornton Pavilion and JUMPA had become sub committees of the Parish Council. This was for insurance purposes. The committees will stay largely the same but their accounts will be audited by the District Auditors with the Parish Council’s accounts. He thanked those who helped maintain the village by mowing the greens and so on. Hornton has entered the Best Kept Village competition and he hoped we could win it again.
The Clerk read out the Report that County Councillor George Reynolds had forwarded.
Funding for education, though never enough, seems more satisfactory this year. Warriner was one of the schools having new buildings, said Coun Reynolds. The idea of Drayton School being closed appears to have been dropped.
Social services has worked more efficiently this year and had a good inspection recently. A mystery bank account that had been reported equated to a little over £100,000 per year “lost” to the budget. All local government spending is to be examined by outside consultants to encourage better records and auditing.
Highways were always short of money, said Coun Reynolds, and possibly promising what they cannot realistically provide. Frost damage to minor roads is enormous and without extra finance will be difficult to remedy. Villages should continue to press for highway improvements, pothole mending etc.
And he said that the structure plan is moving through Council but will not affect North Oxon. Ironstone mining has mostly moved to Wroxton. Arguments about the opening times of the Tip continue. Strict controls at the site are causing problems with charges being made for excessive DIY rubbish.
John Peace, in his capacity of Responsible Financial Officer, distributed copies of the Parish Council’s receipts and payments for the year compared with the previous year and a Consolidated Summary of the Parish Council’s account with subsidiary accounts. During the year the Council maintained the same precept of £3,000. This has been increased to £4,000 for this current year following the recommendation from the Internal Auditor that a higher cushion of funds should be maintained. The year-end balance of £235 was low. The Council has kept costs to an absolute minimum. There were no major variances in the receipts and payments for the two years apart from the John Fox charity payment of £449.40. This represents three years payments of allotment rents, which had not been reimbursed for the two previous years, due to an oversight. The reason for the Consolidated Accounts is that the Pavilion, JUMPA and Small Playing Field accounts have been transferred to the Council for insurance purposes. The Council now has a total inclusive balance carried forward of £14,238.16, having received balances of £15,538.92 as at 1 January 2004, which was a convenient start date. Audited accounts for JUMPA and the Pavilion as at 31 December 2003 need to be provided by the Committee Treasurer so that the consolidated accounts as a whole can be audited as at 31 March 2004. It was stressed that while the Council has overall control of expenditure, it has no direct control over day to day operations. In finishing, John Peace expressed his thanks to the Council for their help, in particular Eric Turner and David Miles as Chairmen. He also thanked Ken Hartlett the auditor.
From the floor, residents forcibly expressed their concerns regarding the danger of speeding cars entering the village from Millers Lane and Bell Street, the lack of footpaths along the length of these roads and the narrowness of the road around the triangle green in Millers Lane.
A variety of possible actions were suggested. Steve Bowden responded that some were too expensive to contemplate but suggested that a log of cars speeding should be recorded to provide data as to the size of the problem before deciding what action to take. He suggested that a combination of some form of speed reduction, such as a chicane, and a white line on the road to provide a walking lane may be the most cost effective. This is likely to cost £8,000 with the Parish Council providing half.
The Parish Council will continue to consider these concerns and liase with Steve Bowden.
Coun Paul Burden presented the allotments report. All twelve plots are occupied. A new patch could be marked out if required. Present tenants range from age nine years to pensioners, so there is no age limit. During the year it has been decided to raise the rents to £5 a full plot and £2.50 a half plot with effect from 1 April 2005. As all the income goes to Hornton School it was thought that tenants would feel the large increase is still a reasonable amount. It has been reported that some animal footprints have been seen on new seed beds. Dogs should please be kept on leads and the area should not be used as a children’s playground. The hedge near the bungalows has been cut back leaving some gaps. It is hoped that these can be filled with fencing. Thanks to Adrian and Bill for mowing paths etc.
Coun David Miles presented the Small Playing Field report, as acting Secretary and Treasurer following the sad death of Mike Webber. Mike was the mainstay of the committee for 16 years and is greatly missed. The Playing Field committee is now a sub-committee of the Parish Council and the accounts have been renamed accordingly. Don Wain has agreed to remain as Chairman for another 12 months. The following amounts were received during the year: £208.60 from May Day; £638.57 from the disbanding of the “Young Uns” drama group; £375 from the sale of second hand furniture and bric a brac; £250 from the “Night for Mike” from Hornton Allsorts; £50 from the Church Ladies Working Party and a donation of £118 from the estate of the late Patrick Horsley. It is proposed to put this towards the cost of a piece of equipment in his memory. Other donations totalling £70 were also received. The Reserve Account has a balance of £1,860.81 and the current account £1,036.44. A piece of equipment, Hazel Hedgehog, was installed in memory of the late Mrs H Burden. This was kindly installed, free of charge, by Glen Walther. The Annual Inspection by ROSPA took place in December and following their recommendation, weekly inspections are undertaken by the committee. 120 people attended the 50th Anniversary celebration in May 2003. There are plans for wheel chair access, new safety tiles and new higher fencing. It is understood that some money will be received from the will of Mike Webber. It is planned to buy some equipment in his memory and to build a suitably inscribed stone into the Playing Field wall in recognition of his hard work over the years.
Ian Harris, in the Pavilion Report, said that the building continued to be well used for village and private functions as well as a base for village clubs and organisations. Replacement of a substantial part of the roof due to deterioration was an unexpected cost this year. A grant from Cherwell District Council helped offset this. Fund raising for the proposed kitchen extension continues and it is hoped that it will be possible to set a date for work to start in the next twelve months. Thanks to the many people who give their time and energy to ensure the ongoing flow of cash necessary to maintain and improve the Pavilion facilities. Thanks also to all members of the Committee (new members are always welcome). The AGM will take place on 10 June 2004 at 8pm.
Coun Lynne Fickling presented the JUMPA report. Grant applications have been submitted to the National Lottery, Cherwell DC and the Foundation for Sports and the Arts. A wide range of fund raising events have been held throughout the year and there is a full programme of activities for the next twelve months. There is now over £6,000 on the account. Thanks to all those who have taken part and have made donations. John Peace was thanked for donating his closing salary to JUMPA
Coun Miles presented the School report. The School has 70 pupils on roll. Staffing remains the same except that Frank Jarrett is now Lunchtime Supervisor. The Caretaker is on long term sick leave and is unlikely to be able to return on health grounds so the post is currently being advertised. The Old School House kitchen has been converted into 2 extra toilets and a disabled toilet. The access door to the Old School House has been widened and a disabled ramp installed so that there is disabled access to the whole of the downstairs. Other improvements and redecoration have been undertaken in the Old School House and the Peach Tree Pre School classroom. The School admissions policy will change in September 2004 to a single point admissions policy. This offers a place to every child who will be 5 during the academic year, although the place for younger children will be part time in partnership with the Peach Tree Pre School. There will be no further extra funding for Beacon Status Schools after this academic year. The L.E.A. is looking into ways to continue this work. The School now has 3 interactive whiteboards, one for each classroom. With the help of the School Association, they hope to purchase 6 more laptop computers. In January three teachers visited Torresto School in Jerez, Spain under the Comenices 1 project. They met teachers from other partner schools in Holland, Sweden and Lithuania as well as Spain. They were able to compare teaching methods and there are some interesting ideas which they may introduce here. In November ten pupils sang at the Albert Hall as part of the Festival of Youth Music. Other musical and sporting events have taken place under the Warriner Partnership. The School seems to go from strength to strength under the excellent leadership of Mrs Wendy Clifford.
Coun Bill Jeffs presented the Ironstone Liaison Committee Representative Report. Quarrying operations have moved to the Wroxton Fields quarry with a small amount of material still being extracted from the Alkerton Road site. They are operating at 40 per cent capacity due to a slow down in the construction industry. 60 per cent of the land at Hornton Grounds quarry has now been restored to agriculture. All but the haul road can be restored this summer. Peter Bennie Limited are currently applying for planning permission to import inert waste, clay/topsoil etc to back fill the haul road although the importation of soil from Hennef Way is complete. The soils will be transported as back loads from sites where there are orders for stone so no extra lorry movements should be generated. Restoration of the haul road should take about two years.
Ginny Britton, on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch, reported that the summer cheese and wine event raised £125.85 and that there was now £386 in the account. No break-ins have been reported during the year.
From the floor it was reported that there had been some recent break-ins into garages and sheds. Any such incidents should be reported to the local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.
Ann Simkins, in her report on Hornton Brownies, said that four Brownies left this term to join the Guides at Bodicote. Five new Brownies have joined to make a total of sixteen. Six mothers help and the bank account is healthy. The Pavilion and kitchen facilities are well used.
In the Hornton Youth Club Report, the meeting was told that the Club is affiliated to Oxfordshire County Council Youth Service and the Oxfordshire Association for Young People (OAYP). It is open to young people aged 8 years and over. There are currently about 12 regular attenders. Meetings are from 7 to 8.30pm on Thursdays during school term time. The club is funded by weekly subscriptions and is fortunate to also receive money from individuals and organisations in the village. The Club aims to be educational as well as recreational. Visits are welcomed from anyone willing to share their experience of hobbies, jobs or other interests. Thanks to Les England and other helpers who have assisted in the past year.
Coun Malcolm Cross presented the Football Club report. He said that the Club has about 18 players to pick from. The playing side has not been very good this year and it looks like the team will be relegated to Division Two for next year. The Club is in a very sound financial position. Thanks to Mark Wright for looking after the finances. Thanks also to Glen Walther for looking after the playing side in very difficult times.
He also introduced the 3 H’s Gardening Club Report. The Club has had another good year and the bank balance is healthy. Membership is around 60 and meetings are well attended. There were visits to Fibrex Nurseries, Rousham House and Sudeley Castle. Talks ranged over many subjects. The Annual Show was excellent with entries up on previous years, despite the drought. Joy Hillman is Chairman. Phyllis Miles has retired as treasurer, having held that post since the inception of the Club seventeen years ago. Malcolm Cross has taken over.
The village’s drama group, the Hornton Allsorts held after the Medieval Night in March 2003after which it had a long resting period due to other commitments of Allsorts members. Everyone was shocked and saddened at the death of Mike Webber, a valuable asset to the group and very much missed. A tribute evening was arranged and the Night for Mike had a packed house. It was very much enjoyed by participants and audience and was a fitting tribute to a man who participated in many, many village activities. £500 was raised which was divided between the Midway Centre in Banbury and the Small Playing Field in Hornton, two organisations which Mike was much involved in. The autumn season has yet to be decided.
The Hornton Toddlers group is thriving with lots of new children from Hornton and the surrounding villages, the meeting was told. A sponsored “toddle” will be held in May or June to raise money for the kitchen extension. Thanks to the generous donation from the Ladies Working Party for new play equipment. The group meets every Wednesday from 10.30 - 12 noon. New mums, babies and under 5s always very welcome.
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8.30am this Sunday, May 2, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. At 11am a United Service will be held at the Methodist Church.
29th April '04 - Chat Away till May Day
That’s the deadline to write up your contributions for The Gossip, Hornton’s very own village newspaper. Julie Stanley (01295 670507) and Ann Hemmings (01295 670511) need those recollections, recipes and reminiscences by this weekend.
29th April '04 - Read On
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.
29th April '04 - The Short and Winding Road
It’s not that far up the church tower to wind and maintain our ancient clock but churchwarden Eric Turner had decided it’s time for him to pass on the key to the next generation. Would you like to take over? If so, Eric would like to hear from you and would be very happy to pass on his knowledge. Please contact him on 01295 670304.
28th April '04 - Broadband is coming to Hornton and Edgehill
Yesterday morning BT announced that they are to scrap the preregistration scheme and replace it with a pre-ordering
system.
At the end June this year, BT will
announce a rollout programme for the remaining exchanges with triggers. These will be given RFS
("Ready For Service") dates automatically.
Exchanges which have triggered and are without RFS dates, and those above 90% registrations (of which Edgehill is one with 93.33%), will
be given RFS dates automatically over the coming weeks. These 42 exchanges which fall inside the 90% bracket will
be the only ones. All the others from now on will end up in the new pre-ordering scheme.
This should mean that people will now be able to receive broadband ADSL on the day the
exchange is activated. Until now, you often had to wait up to a couple of weeks after the RFS date itself.
More information will be available in the next three weeks.
28th April '04 - School's in on Thursday
Calling all those busy bees who can’t make Sunday School on Sundays. Now you can come to Sunday School on…Thursdays! From next Thursday,
May 6, Hornton Sunday School is going to hold an extra session every Thursday afternoon at the Methodist Church from 3.30 to 4.30pm. All
children between the ages of three and 11 are welcome.
Organisers Jean Burden and Julie Stanley are also hoping to get more children to join at the weekends and all youngsters are welcome
every Sunday from 9.45 to 10.45am in the Methodist Church.
28th April '04 - Thumper Weekend
Actually, that’s not his real name. But he is a rabbit, called Scampy. He belongs to Hornton School and he needs people to help feed him
at weekends and holidays. So do his friends Sugar and Spice - they’re the guinea pigs.
“It’s not an onerous task,” said headteacher Wendy Clifford. “All food and bedding is provided.”
If you would like to help, please contact school secretary Sally Phelan on 01295 670335.
The school is also interested in finding a cleaner/caretaker for 12.5 hours a week - just 2.5 hours a day. Please contact the school if
you are interested, or know someone who may be.
The Standard Assessment Tests, or SATS, take place in school in the week of Monday, May 10 to Friday, May 14, and there are new curriculum topics for this coming term. Class 1 will be looking at mini beasts, the seaside and maps. Class 2 will concentrate on two subjects - growth and the sea. Class 3 will be studying the environment and living things.
To help them, Class 3 will have student Davina Boxall to help them. Davina comes from Oxford Brookes University and will be training in
Class 3 this term.
Later in the term, an outing to the Sea Life Centre will be held for everyone and an Oriental Week is planned in June. Any offers of help
or ideas for this will be most welcome.
And don’t forget those Tesco tokens! The Tesco Computers for Schools scheme runs until May 2 and the school is also collecting Persil
Stars and box tops.
27th April '04 - Bumper Weekend
Hornton’s gearing up for the biggest and best May Day Celebrations in years - and you’ve just got to be a part of it!
The festivities kick off on Sunday with a Flower Festival and Art Exhibition at the village’s Methodist Church. After admiring the skill
of Hornton’s flower arrangers and artists, you can sit down to delicious home-made cakes, scones and tea. What could be better for a
village Sunday afternoon!
Then, on Monday morning, it’s time to get that old clutter out, pile it high and sell it cheap at the Hornton Car Boot Sale on the
football pitch. Come on, get rid of all that rubbish and turn it into to hard cash. You can book a pitch - and there are only a limited
number available - by contacting John Abbott on 01295 678015 or you can just turn up at 9.30am on Monday morning.
Finally, it’s on to the highlight of the Bumper May Day Weekend Celebrations with the festivities on the village greens on Monday
afternoon. The May King and Queen will be crowned at 2pm, followed by the children dancing round the Maypole along with the Morris Men.
There are lots of exciting new attractions this year and you won’t need to eat before you come - there will be teas and a BBQ. In fact,
Hornton’s thought of everything for the perfect May Day Bank Holiday. So why not get your friends from Banbury, Bloxham, Balscote - in
fact everywhere in Banburyshire - to come along and make this year’s May Day a day to remember!
23rd April '04 - Chat Away
There’s just over a week to go before contributions to the next edition of The Gossip have to be in. All write-ups, recipes and
reminiscences would be welcomed, so please contact Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 or Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 by April 30.
23rd April '04 - School's Back for Summer
Hornton’s schoolchildren are still collecting those Tesco computer vouchers furiously! The Tesco Computers for Schools scheme runs until
May 2 and the school is also collecting Persil Stars and box tops, so please put all vouchers and box tops through the letters box as
soon as possible.
The video of Hornton School’s immensely successful musical, Star Tours, is now available and costs only £7. The musical, specially
written by Hornton teachers Hilary Childs and Janet Porter, was performed by Classes 2 and 3 at Christmas and was such a triumph that
now there are plans to get the score published so that other schools can also use it.
Copies of the video, which was shot by a BBC TV producer, can be obtained from school secretary Sally Phelan on 01295 670335.
23rd April '04 - Village Banks on Bumper Holiday
May Day’s going to bigger and better than ever this year, with an action-packed programme of events which will include something for
all the family.
First off will be the Art Exhibition and Flower Festival in the Methodist Church. It starts on Sunday, May 2 and continues on the
following day. As well as a series of beautiful flower arrangements, there will be delicious home-made teas, a raffle and a display
of photographs showing Hornton May Days through the generations.
Then on the Monday, the Bumper Bank Holiday continues with May Day celebrations. The May King and Queen will be crowned at 2pm sharp,
followed by Maypole dancing, the Morris Men and a host of sideshows and attractions - many new for the first time this year.
Don’t have lunch before you come because there will be plenty of refreshments and a delicious BBQ. In fact, everything will be on hand
to make this year’s Hornton May Day bigger and better than ever!
23rd April '04 - Hornton's Miles Better
The third annual Golden Mile Fun Run takes place this year at 11am on June 13 - and those keen to enter can pick up their entry and
sponsorship form at Hornton’s May Day event.
Organised by Mark Wright of Horley, the fun run raises money for Hornton and Horley’s fund for a Jubilee multi-purpose play area to be
built at the back of the Pavilion on land donated by the Nunneley family.
"The event has proved very popular for the last two years, raising over £600 each time,” said JUMPA committee member Mark. “We're
expecting a good turn-out again.
“You don't need to be super-fit or a keen cross-country runner to take part -we've had dogs on leads, picnickers and three-legged pairs
participating in previous years. Just complete the mile in the best way you can and you’ll be sure to receive applause as you cross the
finish line on Quarry Road, near the Millers Lane entrance to the village.
“The sponsorship target is £10 for adults and £5 for children, with special targets for families who want to take part.”
This year, to add to the occasion, there will be a family BBQ at the Dun Cow after the run.
"We're hoping to get plenty of families turning up again and to capture some of the great spirit we had last year,” explained
JUMPA chairman Steve Woodcock.
Sign up and pick up your sponsorship form from the JUMPA site next to the Pavilion on May Day. Alternatively, contact Horley’s Mark
Wright on 01295 730530 or Hornton’s Ollie Fickling on 01295 670739.
23rd April '04 - Church Services
There will be a service in Hornton Methodist Church this Sunday, April 25, at 11am. There will be no service in the Parish Church of St
John the Baptist because a benefice service is taking place at Hanwell.
22rd April '04 - Crib League Presentation
Here's the product of this roving photo-journalist's intrepid journey out to the `BIBLE' club (Bishops Itchington British Legion) on
Tuesday night to record the Crib league 2004 presentation and inter-club friendly, end-of-season tournament.
Suffice to say, the jubilant Dun Cow team , captained by Paul Burden, scooped top prize in the league as well as some runner-up prizes:
Josie Gardner was runner-up in the Ladies Singles and Josie and Les England were runners-up in the Doubles. And, we also won the night's
tournament - by just 2 points!
Congratulations were given by the players to the Crib committee, of which Paul is a member, for a superb season and contests that have
created a very good spirit.
The Dun Cow pub is celebrating St George’s Day in style tomorrow, Friday, April 23. The bars will be decked out with St George’s flags, there will be a special menu and two extra beers - one never brewed before - will be on tap.
“What we’re trying to do is to offer some traditional English food and drink in celebration of our patron saint’s day,” said landlady Gwyneth Gelling. “There will be a home-made steak and ale pie and for dessert we’re offering spotted dick and custard.”
There will also be a vegetarian option and those two special beers to wash the pub grub down - The Spirit of St George, which has been brewed specially for the occasion, and Bombadier.
“We’ve also got an extension until midnight, so we hope people will come along and join us,” said Gwyneth.
22nd April '04 - Beanz Meanz Spudz
Villagers were spoilt for choice last Saturday at the Spud Lunch in the Pavilion. They could either tuck into jacket potato with baked beans or choose from one of three other delicious tatty toppings. Around 50 villagers and friends turned up to enjoy their jacket potato and pudding, as well as taking part in the raffle. The event raised £145 towards the pavilion extension fund. Thanks to all who attended and the team of cooks and waiters who worked so hard to make it a success.
21st April '04 - Bootiful Dreams
Just imagine a garage where you can drive your car in, an attic where you can see the floor, a spare room where you can get into bed. It’s not just a pipedream. You just need a sort out the mess!
So why not have the clearout you’ve been thinking about. For just £6-50 all that clutter could disappear and you’d be quids in!
That’s all it costs for a pitch at the May Day Car Boot Sale on Hornton’s Football Field. It will kick off at 10am on Monday, May 3, but there are only a small number of pitches available, so book yours today. All you have to do is phone John Abbott on 01295 678015.
21st April '04 - It's a Snip
Whether it’s cutting the lawn or pruning your roses, you can find out anything you want to know about gardening for just £3. That’s all it costs to be a member of the 3Hs Gardening Club, and now is the time to pay the next year’s subscription, so join today! Throughout the year there are talks on a whole range of gardening subjects - the latest on Wildlife in your garden was given by Chris Vick from the National Herb Centre - and members are always on hand to offer help and advice.
And there’s an action-packed programme of events coming up, including a plant sale, the annual flower show and a mystery tour on June 8. So contact the secretary, Lady Sally Tweedsmuir, on 01295 670608 and you too can become a 3Hs gardener.
20th April '04 - Limber up for the Golden Mile
The third annual Golden Mile Fun Run takes place this year at 11am on 13 June - and those keen to enter can pick
up their entry and sponsorship form at the Hornton May Day event.
Organised by Mark Wright of Horley, the fun run raises money for the JUMPA (Jubille Multi-Purpose Play Area) sports
ground to be built at the back of the Pavilion in Bell Street, on land donated by the Nunneley family. Mark, one of
the JUMPA committee members, says: "The event has proved very popular for the last two years, raising over £600
each time. We're expecting a good turn-out again."
You don't need to be super-fit nor a keen cross-country runner to take part. (We've had dogs on leads, picnickers
and three-legged pairs participating in previous years.) Just complete the mile in the best way you can and you
are sure to receive applause as you cross the finish line on Quarry Road, near the Millers Lane entrance to the
village. The sponsorship target is £10 for adults and £5 for children, with special targets for families who want
to take part.
This year, to add to the occasion, there will be a family barbecue at the Dun Cow after the run. "We're hoping to
get plenty of families turning up again and to capture some of the great spirit we had last year," said JUMPA
chairman, Steve Woodcock.
Sign up and pick up your sponsorship form from the JUMPA site next to the Pavilion on May Day or contact Mark
Wright (Horley) or Ollie Fickling (Hornton) later.
Hornton Parish Council will be holding its Annual Parish meeting at the Church Room Bell Street, on Monday, April 19 at 7.30pm.
16th April '04 - Book Worms Welcome
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.
16th April '04 - Church Services
Matins will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 10.30am this Sunday, April 18. Half and hour later, the Methodist Church will hold a service. And the Meeting Point fellowship and discussion group will meet this Tuesday, April 20, at 2.30pm in the Methodist Chapel Schoolroom.
15th April '04 - One Small Step
Be persistent when exploring the new conservation walk along the Sor Valley! You reach the walk - one of ten in the area which have
recently been created in beautiful areas of countryside - by going up Millers Lane and straight across Quarry Road onto the footpath.
Keep going past the farm and the barn next to it and go down the hill. Just when you think you’ve got lost, the path starts up on the
other side of a style up to your left. When you reach Hornton Hill Farm, don’t go up the hill to the farm buildings but skirt round the
back on the lower ground and the path will take you back to Quarry Road. The views are lovely!
14th April '04 - Triumphant Team Top the Lot
The Dun Cow’s victorious crib team will be stars of the show at the Harbury and District League’s presentation evening this Tuesday. The
team, captained by Paul Burden, not only won the league by two clear points but also feature the runner up in the ladies competition,
Josie Gardner. She also shares second place in the pairs competition with Les England. The presentation will take place at 8.30pm in the
British Legion, Bishops Itchington and will also feature a pairs event where each team will play nine one-leg games. Teams are asked to
bring something for the raffle.
13th April '04 - No Jacket Required
But your presence is! There’s a delicious spud lunch available on this Saturday, April 17, at Hornton Pavilion with all proceeds going
to the building’s extension fund. There will be a choice of 3 fillings, plus dessert and tea or coffee - all for just £4 for adults
and £2 for children under 12. Everyone, wearing jackets or otherwise, is welcome.
Last week’s JUMPA bingo at the Church Room was a big success. Organised by Jane Perkin on behalf of
the JUMPA committee, there was an
excellent attendance by children and adults, with Don Wain calling in expert fashion. Bingo book sales and a raffle raised a total of
£70.
The joint Hornton-Horley JUMPA committee met on Wednesday, April 7 and finalised a series of events through to the end of the year, with
a few extra ideas also on the schedule but yet to get fixed dates.
“As ever, we have tried to create a calendar that will appeal to all ages,” said JUMPA’s Chris Woodcock. “Our aim is to provide some good
value entertainment rather than purely asking for sponsorship or donations - although we are very grateful, of course, to those villagers
who have continued to make donations in the last few months!
“Investigative skills will be required for the next JUMPA event which will be sited on the JUMPA
land on May Day, as part of the overall
May Day celebrations in Hornton. The event will be “Metal Detectives”, with contestants trying out their skills at finding buried
treasure using metal detectors and a good nose for seeking out the bounty.
“Signs will direct those keen to have a go to the JUMPA land, just behind the Pavilion, where the treasure will lie hidden. Those not
familiar with the site can also take the opportunity to see what we're working for and view a poster on what we are aiming to build as a
hard-surface play area. We are hoping to hear back from three possible grant aid sources in April or May.
“There may also be another JUMPA sporting challenge on the football field.”
Among other JUMPA events coming up is the third annual Golden Mile fun run, which will take place on either Sunday, June 6 or Sunday,
June 13 on its usual route along Quarry Road. £10 sponsorship target/entry for adults. £5 for children and special rates for families.
“It will be followed by a BBQ afterwards at the Dun Cow in Hornton,” said Chris. “For those really keen to sign up sponsors and get their
names down, sponsorship forms will be available from the JUMPA team on May Day.
“We're finalising a date for a summer Horley v Hornton Ladies cricket match at which there will also be a BBQ and there will be another
Progressive Dinner on Saturday, September 11, open to residents of both villages. Look out for posters and entry forms in July and
August.
“Back by popular demand, the JUMPA Halloween Fancy Dress Party will be on Saturday, October 30 at the Pavilion, complete with disco and
prizes for the best outfits.
“Raising funds for both JUMPA and the Pavilion kitchen extension, there will be a themed Skittles Night at the Pavilion on Saturday,
November 20. Teams of six will need to sign up in advance for tickets and dress in `team kits' of their choosing - the wackier the
better!
“And Jill Offord is kindly helping out the committee by arranging a JUMPA trip to see Miss Saigon in Oxford on Friday, December 10.
There will be a 54-seater coach and tickets will be £36, including travel - a substantial discount on the usual seat-only price. More
details soon!”
9th April '04 - Get Gossiping
The next edition of Hornton’s quarterly village newspaper, The Gossip, is due out early next month, so it’s
time to put on your thinking caps and pick up your pens! Just about anything associated with Hornton is welcome - reminiscences of times
past, articles on issues of today, recipes, news and reviews. Please get your articles to Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Julie Stanley
on 01295 670507 by April 30.
9th April '04 - Talk on Lawn Cut
A talk on lawn care at this Tuesday’s annual meeting of the 3Hs Gardening Club has had to be changed because the
speaker, Frank Hardy,
is indisposed. Instead, Ms Chris Vick from the National Herb Centre will talk about Wildlife in your garden.
Club membership stays at just £3 and there is an exciting programme of events planned for the coming year, including a mystery tour on
June 8th.
9th April '04 - Church Services
Tomorrow is Good Friday and a special service will be held at 7pm in Hornton Methodist Church. On Sunday, Holy Eucharist will be celebrated in an Easter Day service in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 11am.
8th April '04 - May Day's already something to Celebrate
Hornton’s May Day celebrations will be bigger and better than ever this year, thanks to many villagers who have come forward and offered
to run new stalls and sideshows.
The May 3rd event, which culminates in the crowning of the May King and Queen and the village children dancing round the Maypole is always
the annual highlight of the village life but this year the organisers made a plea for new attractions and more helpers. And guess what?
The best and busiest village in Banburyshire has come up trumps!
“The response has been absolutely terrific,” said Anne Joyner. “In particular, it’s really gratifying that so many of the new young
families who have come to live in the village are going to help. Almost all of them are doing something!”
But Anne said the village can always do with more attractions - and help in all sorts of other ways too. On the day, there will be a
hundred on one things to do - moving chairs, making tea or manning the raffle - so if you haven’t come forward yet to offer your services,
don’t be bashful, now is the time! Please ring Liz Jeffs on 01295 670529 with any offers of help.
8th April '04 - Happy Hiking
Two new paths have just been created to provide a circular walk from Hornton. The interesting walk runs across arable fields and
grassland, including scrub, with good views across the Sor Valley.
You can reach the first footpath by going up Millers Lane and then straight across Quarry Road along the footpath in front of you. When
you have passed Thompkins’ Barn on your left, you’ll see the new footpath. It goes off to westwards to your left along the Sor Brook
Valley, round the back of Hornton Hill Farm, before turning south and joining Quarry Road by Quarry Farm.
If you then turn left onto Quarry Road, you’ll see the start of the other path on your right. It runs south down into the valley for a
few hundred yards, meeting up with the existing footpath running up the valley from the village and past Starveall Barn. Happy hiking!
7th April '04 - Flower Power
Hornton’s flower arrangers will be showing off their talents this May Day weekend with a special Flower Festival in the Methodist
Church. And they’ll be joined by local artists who will also be exhibiting in a special show, also at the church, on Sunday May 2nd from
3 to 6pm and Monday May 3rd from 1.30 to 4.30pm. With sumptuous cream teas on offer as well, you can’t afford to miss out!
6th April '04 - Extend your Waistline - and the Pavillion
There’s a delicious spud lunch available on Saturday week, April 17, at Hornton Pavilion with all proceeds going to the building’s
extension fund. There will be a choice of 3 fillings, plus dessert and tea or coffee - all for just £4 for adults and £2 for children
under 12. As ever all welcome!
6th April '04 - Football Boot to Kick Off
A Car Boot Sale will be held on Hornton’s football pitch on the morning of Monday, May 3, kicking off at 9.30am. A very limited number
of pitches are available at £6.50 per car, payable on arrival in the morning. To book your pitch, please phone John Abbott as soon as
possible on 01295 678 015.
5th April '04 - Sunday's a Fun Day for School
Hornton’s Sunday School is back up and running and the children had a great time at their first class last Sunday.
“We had six children at the first session, which is a better response than I thought because many children have other commitments on
Sunday mornings,” said organiser Jean Burden.
And because the village’s children are so busy, the Sunday School is also going to become a Thursday School from next month – by running
sessions on Thursday afternoons from 3.30 to 4.30pm from May 6 for kids who are busy on Sundays.
In the meantime, the organisers are hoping to get more children to join at the weekend sessions and all youngsters between the ages of
three and 11 are very welcome every Sunday from 9.45 to 10.45 am in the Methodist Church.
Calling all children aged 3 to 11 years. Sunday School begins on Sunday 4th April from 9.45am - 10.45am at the Methodist Church. Please
come and join us.
From Thursday May 6th there will be Thursday School at the Methodist Church after school from approximatey 3.30pm - 4.30pm for children
who are unable to make Sundays.
3rd April '04 - Book In
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.
3rd April '04 - Church Services
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, April 4, at 8.30am. Then there will be a
special service for Palm Sunday held in the Methodist Church at 11am. Next Tuesday, April 6, there will a short service in the Parish
Church at 7.30pm to walk the Stations of the Cross.
2nd April '04 - Run Rabbit Run
Hornton School’s Easter bunnies did very well in a cross country run last week, in which
seven to 11-year-olds from all the primary schools in the Warriner Partnership took part.
“One Year Three pupil from Hornton came third out of 100 in his age group and the Year Three and Four girls came third in the team
event,” said headteacher Wendy Clifford. “All the children tried their very best and we had a great afternoon.”
2nd April '04 - Eyes Down
Don’t forget that Tuesday night is bingo night. Don Wain will be calling the numbers and every penny raised goes to
JUMPA, Hornton and
Horley’s Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area. Eyes down at 7.30pm in the Church Room, Bell Street.
1st April '04 - A Trip into Space for just £7
The video of Hornton School’s immensely successful musical, Star Tours, is just out and costs only £7. The musical, specially written by Hornton teachers Hilary Childs and Janet Porter, was performed by Classes 2 and 3 at Christmas and was such a triumph that now there are plans to get the score published so that other schools can also use it.
Copies of the video, which was shot by a BBC TV producer, can be obtained from school secretary Sally Phelan on 01295 670335.
