The biggest weekend of the year is here and this is how you can do your bit to make it go with a swing.
First off, you can enter the craft competition in the Methodist Chapel. It kicks off on Sunday, May 2, when teas will be
served, and continues on the big day. There’s a host of different categories -you can write a poem, prepare tea for two or
make a model from recycled materials - and a schedule should have been put through your door. If you need a new schedule,
please ring Jean Burden on 01295 670664.
On the big day itself, it will be time to dig out all those unwanted items for the White Elephant stall. Laura Short on
01295 670232 or Anne Joyner on 01295 670337 are the people to contact if you need things stored or collected.
Jenny Bowes on 01295 670633 needs your good quality garments for the clothes stall - on hangers, please. Lorraine on 01295
678708 and Isabelle Harris on 01295 670541 needs prizes for the bottle and hoopla stalls. And if you can spare a bit of time
to run a stall, please contact Lorraine as soon as possible.
Lesley Kings on 01295 670356 needs cakes to go with the teas and all help putting out tables and chairs on the green will
be greatly appreciated. And don’t forget that many hands make light work in setting up and taking down tables. See you there!
29th April 2010 - On the Buses
Former Banbury MP Tony Baldy promised to lobby for a bus service to Hornton and Horley if he’s re-elected when he met
residents at last week’s village coffee morning.
About 30 people from the village - plus two from Horley - turned up to express their anger at the service being axed by
Oxfordshire County Council. He will be trying to establish a "timetabled" bus service - this could be by minibus or large
taxi - for us. If the service is "timetabled" it would be valid for bus passes and for any residents. This
would be a better option than Dial-a-Ride which can only be used by pensioners and disabled and only accepts bus tokens.
“We have to confirm to him the requirements,” said Parish Clerk Alan Cater, who co-ordinated the meeting. Residents look
likely to request a service to Banbury on Thursdays and to Tesco’s on Tuesdays.
“Once he has the information formally, he will take this up -assuming he is re-elected. I think that residents thought that
the visit was well worthwhile - time will tell.”
29th April 2010 - Up the Polls
The meeting of Hornton WI has been moved to the pavilion next Thursday, May 6, because the Methodist Chapel in being used as
a polling station. Fiona Taylor will talk on Herbal Medicine at 7.30pm. The competition will be for a “guess who?” photo,
so please bring a photograph of yourself as a baby or child.
29th April 2010 - Up the Wall
Hornton’s Ian Harris has come back footsore but jubilant from helping to raise more than £5000 for British soldiers - by
carrying a stretcher along 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall.
It was more difficult than it sounded - because the stretcher was fully loaded at all times with a person! But it was
worth it for the members of Bicester Hash House Harriers, including Ian, and three airmen from the RAF.
“We are now confident that the £5,000 sponsorship target to go to Help for Heroes and Beer for the Boys charities has
been met and, with money still coming in, will be exceeded,” he said.
“We would like to thank all the people who have sponsored us as well as the many people who donated along the route. Their
encouragement and support has made the venture more than worthwhile and this - and the thought of a beer at the end of the
day - kept us going, even when fairly exhausted!”
29th April 2010 - Posh Nosh
Hornton’s latest progressive dinner party was the most successful yet. Not only was £700 raised for the Pavilion
Refurbishment but guests did the village proud by entering in the spirit of the St George’s Day theme.
“My personal favourites were a Posh Country Bloke and a Landgirl that he said he plucked from the fields on his way to
dinner!” said organiser Anne Joyner. “They were accompanied by a pair of football hooligans wrapped in a giant flag.
“Many thanks alsoto the seven hosts who pulled out all the stops and supplied excellent traditional English dinners.”
29th April 2010 - Pesky Parking
Parish councillors have been told at their latest meeting that parking by the parents of Hornton schoolchildren is still
posing a particular problem - and that residents report that they receive abuse when approaching drivers about it!
Hornton School head Hilary Childs has written to parents again about the situation but councillors also decided it was time
for the police to be involved and agreed to ask someone from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit should be asked to attend
sometime.
And various potholes and road resurfacing requirements have been reported to Oxfordshire Highways. This includes the surface
by the Green between Millers Lane and Eastgate and the surface off Millers Lane near the Gables.
But earlier there was better news on the car front when members heard that the speed trigger point on the speed signs has
been reduced to 30mph.
And there was other good news too. Planning permission for the affordable housing will be requested very soon and the
children’s playground committee have formally agreed to lend the parish council the £10,000 needed to buy the village
allotments. Cllr Paul Burden reported that all but three half plots have now been taken up and he is collecting the rents.
The clerk reminded that reports will be required from the various clubs and societies ready for the Annual Parish Meeting
on 26 April. It would be helpful if these could be emailed to a dot cater (at) btinternet dot com
Parish council elections will be held on May 27 if there are more than seven nominations.
29th April 2010 - Hornton History
About 50 people came along to hear Martin Greenwood talk about Village Life at Hornton History Club. A short film on
memories of Hornton by local residents was also shown and enjoyed by all, dedicated to the late Hilda Rump and Harold Hart.
29th April 2010 - 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
on 01295 670507 or at julieharrystan@aol.com and Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or at ann dot hemmings (at) orh dot nhs dot uk
need those recollections, recipes and reminiscences by this weekend.
29th April 2010 - Church Services
There will be a service of Holy Communion led by the Rev Dorothy Hewitson at 11am this Sunday, May 2, in Hornton Methodist
Church. As this is a United Service, there will be no service at the parish church
If you walk along to Hornton Pavilion at 7.30pm tomorrow, Friday, you could pick up a whole new wardrobe!
That’s the time the village is holding its very own fashion show in aid of village funds. You can see and be seen along with
the cream of Hornton’s glitterati and pick up a few bargains as well!
22nd April 2010 - Mayday May Day
The biggest weekend of the year is only a week away and it’s time for everyone in Hornton to pull together if we want it to
go with a zing!
Organiser Lorraine Joyner has got some great new attractions this year to go along with the established favourites and
there’s sure to be something for everyone.
If you haven’t been asked to buy raffle tickets yet, someone will knock on your door very soon. We all know that Hornton is
the world capital of raffles but this one is going to be extra special, with prizes donated by local companies. Lorraine’s
also organised a balloon race to get the celebrations up, up and away.
And now’s the time to dig out all those unwanted items for the White Elephant stall. Laura Short on 01295 670232 or Anne
Joyner on 01295 670337 are the people to contact if you need things stored or collected.
Jenny Bowes on 01295 670633 needs your good quality garments for the clothes stall - on hangers, please. Lorraine on 01295
678708 and Isabelle Harris on 01295 670541 needs prizes for the bottle and hoopla stalls. And if you can spare a bit of time
to run a stall, please contact Lorraine as soon as possible.
On the Big Day itself, Lesley Kings on 01295 670356 needs cakes to go with the teas and all help putting out tables and
chairs on the green will be greatly appreciated.
And the weekend fun doesn’t end there. On Sunday, May 2, as well as on the Bank Holiday Monday, there will be a craft
competition in the Methodist Chapel. A schedule should have been put through your door and now’s the time to start planning
your entries as there are loads of categories. For example, you can write a poem, prepare tea for two or make a model from
recycled materials. If you need a new schedule, please ring Jean Burden on 01295 670664.
22nd April 2010 - Where's the Beef?
Hornton is gearing itself up for what everyone hopes will be the most successful progressive dinner party yet.
It’s all happening this Saturday and, as it’s St George’s Day weekend, everyone’s asked to dress up patriotically. There will
be a prize for the best dressed diners - and don’t be surprised if one or two of the dishes have a patriotic theme, too.
And don’t forget to bring along a little more cash than the £20 you’ll need for your three-course meal. You might just find
one or two other fund-raising events have been arranged en route.
22nd April 2010 - Godhead to Godhead
At 11am this Sunday, April25, Don Wain will lead the service at Hornton Methodist Church. At the same time Holy Eucharist
will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.
Don't forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 10.30am to
12.30pm. There is a book, DVD and video swap - and, of course, lots of good gossip! And Thursday Club meets every week after
school until 4.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room. All children are welcome.
22nd April 2010 - Last Word
May Day is the deadline to write up your contributions for The Gossip, Hornton’s very own village newspaper. Julie Stanley on
01295 670507 or at julieharrystan (at) aol dot com and Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or at ann dot hemmings (at) orh dot nhs
dot uk need those recollections, recipes and reminiscences by this weekend.
15th April 2010 - Fast Food
You won’t want to miss Hornton’s next Progressive Dinner Party - but you’ve got to act fast! The deadline for people to sign
up is 6pm tomorrow, Friday.
It’s a great way to make new friends, enjoy great food and wine - and as it’s taking place on Saturday week, April 24. The
format’s simple: you opt to be a guest or a host. The guests have three courses at different houses in the village for
just £20 a head and a bottle of wine. The hosts stay at home but have three sets of guests. Their donation is the food
and the rest of the wine.
Vegetarians are catered for and singletons positively welcomed, so see you there!
15th April 2010 - History's Not Bunk
The group dedicated to proving Henry Ford wrong when he said “history is bunk” are holding a special meeting this Monday,
April 19.
Hornton History Club are hosting a talk by Martin Greenwood on Village life through the Ages at 7.30 pm in Hornton chapel.
The entrance fee is just £3 and includes refreshments. There will also be a short film on memories of Hornton featuring
local residents. For more details contact Kevin and Jane Wain on 01295 670716.
15th April 2010 - New You
Pop along to Hornton Pavilion a week tomorrow - Friday, April 23 - and get the chance to buy a whole new wardrobe! That’s
when there will be a special fashion show - starting at 7.30pm - in aid of pavilion funds. Don’t miss it!
15th April 2010 - Up, Up and Away
A balloon race is going to be at the centrepiece of this year’s Hornton May Day celebrations. The exciting new idea is just
one of the attractions that will make the Bank Holiday the biggest weekend of the year.
May Day organiser Lorraine Joyner has also been able to organise a great raffle this year, with prizes donated by local
companies, so have your money ready when someone knocks on your door soon! And it’s time to sort out unwanted items for the
white elephant and good quality garments on hangers for the clothes stall for May Day itself.
On Sunday, May 2, as well as on the Bank Holiday Monday, there will be a craft competition in the Methodist Chapel.
A schedule should have been put through your door and now’s the time to start planning your entries as there are loads of
categories. For example, you can write a poem, prepare tea for two or make a model from recycled materials. If you need a
new schedule, please ring Jean Burden on 01295 670664.
Finally, if you’ve got an idea for a new attraction and stall, it’s not too late. Please ring Lorraine on 01295 678708 -
and remember that just because you’ve got an idea for an attraction doesn’t mean you have to run it. But if you would like
to help out, she does have a few stalls which still need manning.
15th April 2010 - Dun it at Last
The celebrations were a wee bit premature in last week’s Guardian but the Dun Cow are now officially the 2010 Harbury and
District Crib League champions!
The Hornton cribbers sealed their second successive title with a 5-2 away win over The Cottage at Ashorne. They’ve still
got one more match to play but they’re four points ahead of their nearest rivals and can’t be beaten.
Well done, cribbers. Let’s make it a hat-trick next year!
15th April 2010 - Church Services
Mattins will be celebrated in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, April 18, at 10.30am. Half an hour
later, Jean Buzzard will lead a service in the Methodist Church.
15th April 2010 - 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 on
01295 670507 or at julieharrystan (at) aol dot com and Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or at ann dot hemmings (at) orh dot nhs dot uk
need those recollections, recipes and reminiscences by next weekend.
15th April 2010 - School's Back for Summer
Hornton School is back on Monday. Term 5 will run until May 27.
12th April 2010 - For Sale
Beautiful home in Hornton
Stone-built. Spacious. Superb condition. Three reception rooms + large conservatory. Three-four bedrooms. Well tended gardens.
Double garage. Private and quiet.
Interested?
Please call Chris & Steve Woodcock on 670795
11th April 2010 - Spanish Tuition in Hornton?
Is there anyone out there who can offer some spanish conversation to Kate Birkbeck from Meddoms Farm Barn, Hornton? She has
her GCSE oral in a few weeks and needs practice. If you can help please email davina (at) ouremail dot biz.
8th April 2010 - Up Front
On April 9 at 7.30pm the parish church is raising money for the repair of the Chancel windows by hosting a talk by local
TV journalist Roger Corke on his life making documentaries round the world.
The entrance fee TO Life Behind The Camera is just £5, including a glass of wine and nibbles. Roger says he’s perfectly
happy if you pop in drink the wine and slip away before the talk as long as you pay your £5!
8th April 2010 - Long Stretch
Hornton’s Ian Harris will be walking Hadrian’s Wall the hard way next Monday - but it’s all in a good cause.
He’s one of a group of Hash House Harriers carrying someone on a stretcher along the 84 mile monument to raise cash for
the Help for Heroes and Beer for the Boys charities. You can sponsor Ian and his colleagues right now by contacting Ian
on 01295 670541 or visiting www.justgiving.com/BH3-Hash-the-Wall.
Already the group have raised more than £4000. Can you help them make it £5000?
8th April 2010 - Out of the Wood
Graham Soden will be talking about the New Forest when the 3Hs Gardening Club meet in Hornton Pavilion at 7.30pm next
Tuesday, April 13.
8th April 2010 - Progress Quickly
You won’t want to miss Hornton’s next Progressive Dinner Party - but you’ve got to be quick! The deadline for people
to sign up is 6pm a week tomorrow, April 16.
It’s a great way to make new friends, enjoy great food and wine - and as it’s taking place on Saturday, April 24. The
format’s simple: you opt to be a guest or a host. The guests have three courses at different houses in the village for
just £20 a head and a bottle of wine. The hosts stay at home but have three sets of guests. Their donation is the food
and the rest of the wine.
Vegetarians are catered for and singletons positively welcomed, so see you there!
8th April 2010 - That's History
Hornton History Club are hosting a talk by Martin Greenwood on Village life through the Ages. This will take place on
Monday week, April 19, at 7.30 pm in Hornton chapel,. The entrance fee is just £3 and includes refreshments. There will
also be a short film on memories of Hornton featuring local residents. For more details contact Kevin and Jane Wain on
01295 670716.
8th April 2010 - In Style
Pop along to Hornton Pavilion two weeks tomorrow - Friday, April 23 - and get the chance to buy a whole new wardrobe!
That’s when there will be a special fashion show - starting at 7.30pm - in aid of pavilion funds. Don’t miss it!
8th April 2010 - Crib Crunch
Due to a technical hitch - your correspondent not reading the results properly - last week’s report on the Dun Cow
winning the Harbury and District Crib League was a tiny bit premature. The Hornton cribbers won their latest match 4-3
at home against the Carpenters Inn but it’s still technically just possible for them to be pipped at the post. They would
have to lose their two remaining matches heavily and the second-placed Bishop’s Itchinton British Legion win their final
match decisively. Apologies for the premature celebrations.
8th April 2010 - Book Up
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, April 14, from
10.40am-11.20am.
8th April 2010 - United We Stand
There will be an 11 am service this Sunday, April 11, in Hornton Methodist Church. As this is a United Service, there will be
no service in the parish church.
And don’t forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 10.30am
to 12.30pm. There is a book, DVD and video swap - and, of course, lots of good gossip! And Thursday Club meets every week
after school until 4.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room. All children are welcome.
1st April 2010 - Flower Power
Hornton WI is hosting a talk and demonstration by Rosara Flowers entitled Flowers for Spring tonight, Thursday, at 7.30pm
in the Methodist Chapel. The competition will be for an Easter bonnet.
1st April 2010 - Dun It Again!
The Dun Cow have won the Harbury and District Crib League for a second fantastic year in a row!
The Hornton cribbers secured their victory after slaughtering the Shoulder of Mutton away at Granborough 6-1. It leaves
them two points ahead and they still have a final game to play.
Three cheers to captain Paul Burden and all the cribbers. Let’s make it a hat-trick in 2011!
1st April 2010 - Bank On It
A Clothes Bank for clothes, shoes and textiles has now been placed on the pavilion car park next to the bottle banks to
raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.
It’s a charity which is on call seven days a week over three counties including Oxfordshire and it needs to raise more
than £165,000 every month.
So please put your unwanted clothes and shoes - in bags - in the bank and raise money for a very good cause which may one
day save your life.
1st April 2010 - Moveable Feast
You won’t want to miss Hornton’s next Progressive Dinner Party - a special St George’s Day event on Saturday, April 24.
It’s a great way to make new friends, enjoy great food and wine - and raise money for Hornton good causes, too.
The format’s simple: you opt to be a guest or a host. The guests have three courses at different houses in the village for just
£20 a head and a bottle of wine. The hosts stay at home but have three sets of guests. Their donation is the food and the
rest of the wine.
To take part, all you have to do is to put your name and address on a piece of paper - saying whether you’d prefer to be
guests or hosts - and post it in the village letter box by the notice board by 6pm on April 16. Vegetarians are catered
for and singletons positively welcomed, so see you there!
1st April 2010 - Memory Lane
Hornton History Club’s next meeting will be an action-packed event. There will be a short film on memories of Hornton -
featuring local residents - and a talk by Martin Greenwood on Village Life Through The Ages.
It’s taking place on Monday, April 19, at 7.30 pm in Hornton Methodist Chapel and entrance is just £3, including
refreshments. For more details contact Kevin and Jane Wain on 01295 670716.
1st April 2010 - Eggstra Services
Tomorrow, Good Friday, there’s a 7 pm United Service in the Methodist Church and on Easter Sunday at 11am there’s a service
in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.
On April 9 at 7.30pm the parish church is raising money for the repair of the West window by hosting a talk by local TV
journalist Roger Corke on his life making documentaries round the world. The entrance fee is just £5, including a glass of
wine and nibbles. Roger says he’s perfectly happy if you pop in drink the wine and slip away before the talk as long as you
pay your £5!
1st April 2010 - Be Cheeky at the Checkout
Hornton School is only small and needs all the Tesco and Sainsbury’s vouchers it can get. So whilst the store
is holding its present promotion, go on - be cheeky and ask the person in front of you for their vouchers if they don’t want
them. And if you ask nicely, the checkout staff will often give you a few more!
