Hornton Online

The Friday adults weekly football kickabout is starting at 6pm on Friday 6th May 2006 on the JUMPA surface at the Sports Pavillion. All abilities welcome. Just turn up for a 6pm start in kit and trainers as we are looking to finish about 7.15pm and then go for a beer in the pub afterwards to re-live those golden goals and missed opportunities - look forward to seeing you there.

Latecomers, newcomers and golden oldies all welcome especially as some of us may need a rest / we are hoping to rotate teams every 5 minutes!

Any doubts or last minute niggles, please phone Simon on 670701 or Dave on 730427.

27th April '06 - Back to the Future

The back bar of the Dun Cow is the venue for the first meeting of those interested in shaping the future of the pavilion.

The short meeting will take place this Sunday, April 30, at noon and co-ordinator Andy Perry would like as many people as possible to come along.

Andy would like different groups of people to go off after this meeting and explore the various possibilities - perhaps one group to look at how the pavilion might be refurbished, one to examine the building of a brand new pavilion and perhaps another to look at what grants are available.

They can then come back in a couple of months with a better idea of what is possible and how much each proposal will cost.

If you would like any more information, please ring Andy on 01295 670403. By now he should just about have recovered from running in the London Marathon!

27th April '06 - Curtain Call

The Dun Cow is also the venue for a meeting at 8pm next Tuesday, May 2, when the Hornton Allsorts will be discussing the new programme of events.

The Allsorts’ Sarah Walther said everyone is welcome.

“If you’ve never taken part in a production before, now’s your chance,” she said.“You don’t have to be on the stage - there’s a host of other vital tasks needed to make every production go with a swing.

“You’ll have a fantastic time so please come and join us!”

27th April '06 - Mad to Miss May Day

It’s Hornton’s biggest weekend of the year and you’d be crazy to miss it because so many exciting things are going on!

On Sunday, April 30, the Methodist Chapel is once again holding an Art and Flower Festival and if you have any art or craft to display or sell, it’s not too late to join in!

All you have to do it ring organisers Sarah Walther on 01295 670627 or Jean Burdin on 01295 670664.

The festival will also feature flower arrangements with the theme All Things Bright and Beautiful and cream teas will be served at the church from 3pm on Sunday.

And the exhibition will also be open the following day, May 1 - the day of the climax of the celebrations, when the May King and Queen will be crowned at on the village green.

With fingers very firmly crossed for the sun to be shining, we’ll see Hornton at its very best, with the cherry blossom on the trees, the children dancing round the Maypole and the Morris dancers entertaining the crowd.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. In fact, it starts at 12.30pm on the Pavilion field, when there will be a Fund Dog Show for the first time. If you want to put in your pooch, please ring Fiona Donaldson on 01295 670505 or just turn up on the day.

And there will be the usual mix of stalls, sideshows, BBQs and teas, so don’t even think of going any where else on Monday afternoon!

Or Monday morning, come to that, because it will be all hands to the pump to get ready for the event and if you can help in any way, the organisers would love to hear from you!

Anyone who can spare an hour on the day to man a stall should call Lorraine Joyner on 01295 678708 - and it’s not too late to run your own stall if you’d like to.

“We’ll also need some muscles and vehicles for an hour or so in the morning to move tables and chairs,” said Lorraine. “All men feel free to meet us on the village green at 10am!”

And anything you can donate will be gratefully received. Raffle prizes should go to Lorraine, cakes to Lesley Kings on 01295 670356, good as new clothes - no jumble, please - to Jenny Bowes on 01295 670633 and white elephants to Laura Short on 01295 670232.

27th April '06 - Keep it Clean

If you notice any strangers in the village over the next week or so, please be extra nice to them because they may be the judges for the Oxfordshire Best Kept Village Competition!

Hornton - a past winner - has once again entered the Small Villages section and judging for the Preliminary Round will be between this Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, May 14.

Judging for the Final Round will be between Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, June 11.

27th April '06 - Time's up for the Tote

It has been decided to bring to a close the monthly school tote for the time being.

“Over the years it has raised hundreds of pounds for special school items, such as outings, games equipment, and seasonal treats,” said organiser Jane Wain.

“The balance of money in the account, nearly £800, has been made over to school, and some of it has recently helped fund a trip to the science museum in Birmingham. Many thanks to all the villagers who have so kindly supported the school in the past. It has been greatly appreciated by all at Hornton School.”

27th April '06 - Keep Talking

Articles for The Gossip, Hornton’s very own village newspaper, have to be in by this Monday, May 1. So don’t delay - contact editors Julie Stanley and Ann Hemmings today! Julie is on 01295 670507 and Ann is on 01295 670511. Or you can email Ann on ann.hemmings2 at orh dot nhs dot uk or Julie at julieharrystan at aol dot com

27th April '06 - Eggceptionally Generous

All the raffle tickets in the Dun Cow for the Lions Club Easter Egg were sold, raising a total of £150 for Katherine House Hospice.

The egg was won by W. Paton.

Dun Cow landlady and Lions organiser David Kings both say a very big thank you to everyone who bought a ticket.

27th April '06 - May Poll

Parish clerk Alan Cater wants to remind all electors in Hornton that, for the first time in nearly 10 years, there’s an opportunity to vote in a contested election next week for the places on the Parish Council.

“The eight candidates - in alphabetical order - are Paul Burden, Malcolm Cross, Lynne Fickling, David Miles, John Offord, Julie Stanley, Angeline Turner and Leslie Waller,” said Alan. “Each elector is entitled to vote for seven of the eight candidates.

“The election will take place next Thursday, May 4, alongside the poll for the Cherwell District Council elections.”

27th April '06 - Buried Treasure

Have you got Cash in the Attic? Find out by popping up to Upton House on the weekend of May 13 and 14, when it’s holding The Great Treasure Trail.

From 12 noon to 4pm each day there will be expert valuations of any items from your own home. There will also be events focussing on the treasures in National Trust collections and family trails, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

And there will be a bonus visit by Phileus Fogg on May 14 as part of Around Warwickshire in 20 ways for Museums and Galleries month, with vintage cars and balloon releases.

You can get more information by ringing Upton on 01295 670266 or emailing uptonhouse@national trust.org.uk

27th April '06 - Worms Wiggling

Bookworms will be making their way down to the village green next Wednesday, when the mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be there from 10.55 to 11.30am.

27th April '06 - Church Services

There will be an 11 o’clock service this Sunday, April 30, in Hornton Methodist Church. There will be no service in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist because there’s a Benefice Service at St Peter’s in Hanwell.

And don’t forget that you can call in for coffee and a chat tomorrow and every Friday at the Methodist Church from 9.45am.

17th April '06 - Up for the Cup

Hornton FC are playing in the Coronation Cup Final against Hethe United this Saturday, April 22, and the boys need all the support they can get!

The match is going to be played at Bicester Town’s ground and kick off is at 6.30pm said Hornton’s Mark Wright.

“This is going to be a very tough game and all the players would welcome as much support as possible,” he said.

So you’ve heard it, Hornton. Go along and support our team!

17th April '06 - Hornton's up the Poll

For the first time in nearly a decade there will be contested elections for Hornton Parish Council this year.

The seven existing councillors – Paul Burden, Malcolm Cross, Lynne Fickling, David Miles, John Offord, Julie Stanley and Lesley Waller – all want to serve for the next four years. In addition, Angeline Turner has thrown her hat into the ring, which means there are eight candidates for seven places on the council.

The poll will take place on May 4, the same day as the elections for Cherwell District Council.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held this Monday, April 24, at 7.30 pm in the Church Room.

All electors have the right to talk about, vote on and discuss parish issues, explained parish clerk Alan Cater.

“There will be a presentation on affordable housing and it is also hoped that representatives from the district council and county council will attend,” he said.

“Officials of the clubs and societies in Hornton are particularly welcome and are asked to provide reports of their activities for the past year either in person or via a parish councillor.

“This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to hear about and discuss all that is happening in the village. Details of the agenda will be found on the notice board.”

17th April '06 - Mayday, Mayday

Hornton’s biggest event of the year, May Day, is only a week away and a host of activities are planned for the whole weekend, so don’t miss it!

On Sunday week, April 30, the Methodist Chapel is once again kicks off the weekend with its very successful Art and Flower Festival. If you have any art or craft to display or sell, now’s the time to enter your work.

Ideally, organisers Sarah Walther (01295 670627) and Jean Burdin (01295 670664) would like to have some idea of numbers by next Wednesday, April 26, so please contact them as soon as possible.

The festival will also feature flower arrangements with the theme All Things Bright and Beautiful and cream teas will be served at the church from 3pm on the Sunday.

It will also be open the following day, May 1, when the May King and Queen will be crowned at the climax of the celebrations on the village green. There will also be dancing round the Maypole, Morris dancing and a host of stalls, sideshows and other activities. In fact, everything which makes Hornton May Day so special.

It will be all hands to the pump to get ready for the event and if you can help in any way, the organisers would love to hear from you!

Anyone who can spare an hour on the day to man a stall should call Lorraine Joyner on 01295 678708 – and it’s not too late to run your own stall if you’d like to.

“We’ll also need some muscles and vehicles for an hour or so in the morning to move tables and chairs,” said Lorraine. “All men feel free to meet us on the village green at 10am!”

And anything you can donate will be gratefully received. Raffle prizes should go to Lorraine, cakes to Lesley Kings on 01295 670356, good as new clothes – no jumble, please - to Jenny Bowes on 01295 670633 and white elephants to Laura Short on 01295 670232.

This year there’s also going to be a Fun Dog Show for the first time, so put in your pooch! All you need to do is ring Fiona Donaldson on 01295 670505. The dog show begins at 12.30pm on May 1 at the Pavilion Field.

17th April '06 - Off to Tarzan's Jungle

The 3Hs Gardening Club are paying a visit to the Arboretum at nearby Thenford created by former Cabinet Minister Michael Heseltine.

Mr Heseltine – nicknamed Tarzan by the Press – opens the arboretum at Thenford Manor in aid of Oxford Children’s Hospice. It recently featured on a TV programme and club members are very excited about the visit, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 6.

Organiser Lynn Corke said that numbers were limited but that any member who had not put their name down but wanted to go should contact her on 01295 670673.

At the club’s most recent meeting, members were entertained by a talk – from a Mr Gardener, no less! – entitled This month in the garden. He explained, with the help of humour and slides, how everything is late in the garden this year, with Spring having sprung so late.

The new action-packed programme for the club over the coming year is now available. After the visit on May 6, there's another - to Blooms of Bicester - on the evening mf May 9. That's followed by the annual plant sale in the pavilion on the morning of Saturday, May 13.

It only costs £3.50 to be a 3Hs member for a year, so sign up today! There's no charge for any of the fascinating talks held throughout the year and you even get a free coffee. Please ring club secretary Sally Tweedsmuir on 01295 670608 for more details.

17th April '06 - Chippies Chopped

Dun Cow won away 5-2 against the Carpenters Arms in their first win for several weeks but they are still languishing at the bottom of the Harbury and District Crib League, with just 10 points from 19 matches.

The Hornton cribbers are now pinning their hopes on winning the league’s Cup Final, which takes place early next month.

17th April '06 - George'll Have his Chips

The Dun Cow kicks off St George’s weekend tomorrow night, Friday, with a traditionally English fish and chips supper.

Landlady Gwyneth Gelling says she’s going to start cooking from 6.30pm so that people with young families can come along.

“I can’t manage to supply the sea and sand that traditionally goes with fish and chips - nor the paper wrappings - but the fish and chips will be good!” she said.

On St George’s Day itself, there will be a traditional Sunday lunch of Roast Beef with Yorkshire pudding and all the usual trimmings.

“We’ll be serving from 1pm and an idea of numbers would be useful although not essential,” said Gwyneth.

“From 3pm if the weather’s fine, come and have a go at the Aunt Sally in the garden and inside the pub there’ll be dominoes, shove ha’penny, cards and other traditional games for all to enjoy.

“Bring along your own game to add to the fun if you have a favourite one too. We just want people to enjoy themselves.”

On Saturday, May 20, the pub is holding a fun music quiz night by Snobz.

“Teams of up to four people can enter at £2 a head and all money from this will go to charity,” said Gwyneth. “There will be many prizes to be won throughout the evening with lots of good music played of all styles.

“It should be a really fun evening with loads of laughs along the way, so please bring your family and friends!”

17th April '06 - Church Services

There will be a service at 11am this Sunday, April 23, in Hornton Methodist Church, the same time at Holy Eucharist is celebrated in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.

And don’t forget that you can pop into the Methodist Church every Friday at 9.45am for coffee and a chat.

17th April '06 - Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Monday 24 April at 7.30 pm in the Church Room. All electors have the right to talk about, vote on and discuss parish issues.

There will be a presentation on Affordable Housing and it is also hoped that representatives from the District Council and County Council will attend.

Officials of the Clubs and Societies in Hornton are particularly welcome and are asked to provide reports of their activities for the past year either in person or via a Parish Councillor.

This is an ideal opportunity for everyone to hear about and discuss all that is happening in the village. Details of the Agenda will be found on the Notice Board.

17th April '06 - Parish Council Elections

There are 8 nominations for the 7 Parish Council Vacancies so that an election will be held on 4 May at the same time as the District Council elections. The 8 nominations are Paul Burden, Malcolm Cross, Lynne Fickling, David Miles, John Offord, Julie Stanley, Angeline Turner and Lesley Waller.

Each elector can vote for 7 of the 8 candidates.

13th April '06 - Egg-Stremely Tempting

There’s an enormous chocolate Easter Egg being raffled in the Dun Cow this week for just £1 a ticket. Pop in and buy one and you won’t only have a chance to overdose on chocolate this weekend, you’ll also be helping a very good cause - for all proceeds go to Katherine House Hospice. The draw will be made on Sunday lunchtime.

13th April '06 - Spick and Span

Hornton has once again entered the Oxfordshire Best Kept Village Competition for Small Villages so now it’s time to get everything spruced up for the beady-eyed judges!

Parish clerk Alan Cater says that judging for the Preliminary Round will be between Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, May 14 and for the Final Round between Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, June 11.

“The village always looks particularly good at this time of year but any extra help from residents to make sure everything looks neat and tidy will be beneficial for when the judges come round,” he says.

“The Parish Council has acquired two “litter pickers”, which saves having to pick up litter by hand. These are readily available if anyone wants to borrow them.”

13th April '06 - Jump to it, Dads

It’s getting really exciting as JUMPA, Hornton and Horley’s Jubilee Multi-Purpose Play Area, gets ever closer to completion. “We are still waiting for warmer weather before the final green-coloured surface goes down,” said JUMPA’s Chris Woodcock. “We're also getting signage and landscaping done soon.”

And the official opening will be on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, so put that date in your diaries. Dads and everyone else will be really welcome at what promises to be a very special event. More details soon.

13th April '06 - George'll have his Chips

The Dun Cow will be celebrating England’s Patron Saint with the most traditional of fare the weekend after next.

The celebrations kick off on Friday, April 21, with a special Fish and Chip night from 6.30pm.

Then, on the day itself – Sunday, April 23 – what else could a patriotic pub like the Dun Cow serve but a roast beef lunch with all the traditional trimmings.

“Should the weather be good enough, we may set up the Aunt Sally for the afternoon and early evening for people to come and have a go,” said landlady Gwyneth Gelling. “And we’ve also got other traditional pub games like darts and Shove H’penny to make it a really traditional weekend.”

And a date for your diaries for next month. On Saturday, May 20, the pub is holding a special music quiz night which promises to be lots of fun.

Teams of up to four people can enter, there will be lots of good music of all kinds and there will be prizes to be won.

13th April '06 - Glum Cow

The Dun Cow crib team lost once again in their latest match in the Harbury and District Crib League – a 4-3 home defeat to the British Legion, Bishop’s Itchington.

They’re still bottom of the league but don’t forget to come and cheer them on at the cup final on May 2!

13th April '06 - Easter Egg-Citement

Chick it out! There will be fun for all ages and tasty prizes to be won on an eggciting trail through the grounds of Upton House this weekend.

You can enjoy special Easter menus in the Pavilion Restaurant, and glorious spring colour in the gardens, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 12 noon to 4pm.

13th April '06 - Green Leaves

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.

13th April '06 - Church Services

Tonight, there’s a Maundy Thursday Eucharist at 7.30pm in Hanwell Parish Church. Tomorrow, Good Friday, there’s a United Service at 7pm in Hornton Methodist Church. Then on Easter Sunday there’s a United Service celebrating Holy Eucharist at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.

And don’t forget that you can call in for coffee and a chat at the Methodist Church every Friday from 9.45am.

6th April '06 - Hot Stuff

Peachtree Pre-School hoped they'd make a bit of money when they decided to spice things up at a special curry evening. But they didn't make a bit of money - they made £750!

It's a fantastic effort, which the organisers are really delighted about. The money from the event on March 24, which included a disco, will all go to pre-school funds.

6th April '06 - In it to Win it

You get a host of benefits as a 3Hs member - there are talks, outings, dinner at Christmas and the chance to enter the club's annual flower and produce show. But if you're going to win one of the show’s coveted prizes, it's not enough to have green fingers or be a good cook. You've also got to be a 3Hs member!

So please pop along to the pavilion at 7.30pm next Tuesday, April 11, when the club holds it annual meeting. Or you can contact club secretary Sally Tweedsmuir today on 01295 670608.

6th April '06 - Upton Egg-Stravaganza

Upton House is lining up an egg-traordinary event this Easter, so pop up!

On April 15 - Easter Saturday, and the following two days of the holiday there's an Easter Egg Trail. It promises to be fun for all ages and there will be tasty prizes to be won and you hunt your way through the beautiful spring gardens of Upton House.

And if you're not too full of chocolate, drop by the restaurant afterwards, where there are special Easter menus to tempt you!

You can get more information by calling Upton on 01295 670266 or emailing uptonhouse @ nationaltrust.org.uk.

6th April '06 - Hello Cheeky

Hornton School is only small, so when it comes to collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers for PE equipment and Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers, it needs all the help it can get.

So that’s why it pays to be cheeky! If you smile at Tesco and Saidnbury’s checkout assistants and say Hornton’s only little, some of them can be very generous with those vouchers!

The school is also collecting Nestle Box Tops for free books and Persil Stars for free arts and crafts materials.

6th April '06 - Flower Power

Lynn Corke would like to thank everyone who bought daffodils for Marie Curie Cancer Care at the Hornton Film Festival gala evening on March 11. The money raised helped contribute to more than £640 raised for the charity in Banbury that Saturday.

6th April '06 - Cram in for Cribbage

The Dun Cow crib team need your support! They've had a miserable season, languishing at the bottom of the Harbury and District Crib League and lost their latest home match 3-4 against Long Itchington's Cuttle Inn.

But they can still walk away with coveted silverware because they're in the league Cup Final against the Red Lion Inn from North End on the evening May 2. So come along, sink a few pints and support our cribbers!

6th April '06 - Ding Dong Match

After two defeats, the Dun Cow dominoes team won their last match 10-6 away to The Bell at Little Bourton.

Richard Hillman and Frank Jarrett won all of their four games, whilst Malcolm Cross and Ann Jarrett winning three of theirs. With two matches left this season, the Dun Cow are mid-table in the league.

6th April '06 - By George, it's Fish and Chips

The Dun Cow is holidng a traditional fish and chip night on Friday, April 21 as a real English start for the beginning of St George’s weekend. Frying starts at 6.30pm. Then on Sunday, April 23 - St George’s Day itself - what else could you have for lunch apart from roast beef with all the trimmings! There will be traditional puddings as well as starters and please ring Gwyneth on 01295 670524 as soon as you can if you’d like to book a table.

6th April '06 - Egg-Citing Church Events for Easter

This Sunday, April 9, there will be Palm Sunday Services at 11am in both the Methodist Church and the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.

Next Wednesday, there will be a special service to walk the Stations of the Cross in the Parish Church at 7.30pm and on Good Friday there will be a United Service in the Methodist Church at 7pm.

This year's United Easter Sunday service will be in the Parish Church at 11am.

And don't forget you can call in for coffee and a chat at the Methodist Church every Friday from 9.45 am.