Roll up, roll up! It’s carol singing tonight, Thursday.
Singers will be assembling at the top of the Pavilion drive at 6.30pm and the singers will go on around the village until 9pm. As usual, all the money raised will go to
cancer research.
Please join in or, if singing’s not your strong point, please be ready with mince pies, hot toddies and lots of loot!
20th Decemeber '07 - A Cool Yule
The Bottoms, Corke, Perkin, Short, Wain and Walther families are not sending Christmas cards this year but instead are making a donation to charity. If you
like to join them in their bit to save a few trees and contribute to a good cause by cutting down on cards, please ass your name to the list on the village noticeboard.
But even if you don’t send many cards yourself, you’ll still be getting plenty and Hornton’s Maggie Higgins makes a plea to keep all your stamps – both British and foreign.
“The Royal National Institute for the Blind is desperate for them,” she says. “They can be sold to raise funds to support their vital work in the UK.
“As Christmas is fast approaching, I thought this would be a good time to start a collection in Hornton, though stamps can be collected throughout the year. During the
festive season, many cards are received and I would like to take this opportunity to ask you all to take a moment of your time to tear off the used stamp - leaving, if
possible, one centimetre or so of envelope bordering the stamp.
“These used stamps can then be dropped off at Holloway House next to the green at the bottom of Bell Street and I will forward them on to the RNIB."
20th Decemeber '07 - Domesday Today
Our ever-growing history group have got a lot of exciting projects lined up for the New Year - and compiling a modern-day version of the Domesday Book
for Hornton is right at the top of the list.
Co-ordinator Kevin Wain says the group had its biggest turnout so far at the latest meeting.
“We’re gathering pace and getting organised and we have several goals now to focus on with some major village involvement required,” said Kevin.
“Don’t panic - we would just like as much information about you all as possible.
“The now-defunct Women's Institute carried out a survey back in 1965 and again in 1985, documenting who lived in the village, the number of children, the type of cars,
the pets, the jobs we did etc.
“They put together a really fascinating book on the life of the village through those years and we propose to repeat the process in 2008.
“All the people from the history club have been allocated a task covering a specific area of what was included in the previous books. Isabelle Harris will be keeping a
monthly diary recording village events and news, Ian Harris will be putting together a questionnaire that we would really appreciate your time in completing so we can
document a snapshot of 2008.
“Talking of snap shots, I will be around with my camera, recording images of the village. Rosemary Cater will be investigating the clothes we wear, the style of our
interior decorations. Julie Stanley will be looking into our shopping habits and that weekly grocery bill and Jane Wain is tasked with the many clubs and events that
happen in the village.
“If anybody would like to join in our activities please feel free to come along, our next meeting will be on January 8 at 7pm in the Swallows, Eastgate, Hornton or ring
me on 01295 670716.
“The previous books created by the women's institute are fascinating to look back on and we hope that with everybody's help we can make the next one as interesting for the
next generation. We will be planning some history events next year where we can display some of the information we have gathered including the WI books that I'm sure many
will enjoy looking through.
“We are still chasing those old photos so please keep searching and we promise to return everything and look after it while in our possession.”
20th Decemeber '07 - Hans Up For a Story
Storybox Theatre will be performing their very own version of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Tin Soldier in Hornton on the first Saturday in the New
Year, January 5.
The show, at 3.30pm in the Methodist Church, is all about a little boy who is given a present of 12 soldiers on Christmas Day. One soldier is very different from the rest
and so begins the story of a very special toy and his extraordinary journey.
Tickets are available from Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 or Jean Burden on 01295 670664.
This is the latest event in the Arts at Large programme which is sponsored and subsidised by Cherwell Districk Council. That means that your council tax is going towards
the show, so why not pop along with all the family and get your money’s worth!
20th Decemeber '07 - Going Through the Roof
The cost of building affordable housing in Hornton is much more expensive than was originally anticipated and six homes, rather than the original
four, will have to be built on the Pavilion car park to make it viable.
That was the news that greeted parish councillors at their latest meeting on December 3. The increase in the number of units will mean that flats will need to be built
rather than houses and the gardens will have to be smaller. Councillors were happy with this, providing the building is no higher than two storeys.
They were also told that, at present, there were only three potential residents with a Hornton connection on Cherwell District Council’s housing register. This means
that we may need to include people from other local villages such as Horley, Wroxton or Shenington.
It was unanimously agreed that further advertising of the need to register should be undertaken by a mail shot, the Guardian column and The Gossip to ensure that all
Hornton people are aware of the need and given the opportunity to register.
The council also heard that there may be a way out of the continuing problem over who should own the allotments – and, more important, who should insure them.
At present, they are owned by the John Fox Trust, a charity which gives the allotment rents to the school. But the rents are so small that they don’t actually cover the
insurance premium. The parish council are at present paying the insurance, as the John Fox trustees would be personally liable for any claims if there was no insurance.
Now there are moves for the council to actually become the trustees. The meeting was told that, in principle, the Charity Commissioners are against public bodies such as
the council being a sole trustee due to potential conflicts of interest. However they may consider it where there is difficulty in obtaining new trustees.
Councillors heard that local MP Tony Baldry and Cherwell’s acting chief executive have pledged to take up the case of two villagers who were flooded in the Summer deluge
but whose case has been deemed “low priority” by the Environment Agency.
Following the flooding at West End House, letters were sent from the parish council to Cherwell and the Agency, supporting householders Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir in trying
to find a solution to the problem. The Environment Agency subsequently telephoned Lady Tweedsmuir to say that this was low down their list of priorities.
A further letter has been sent from the Parish Council to ask that this be re-considered, with the backing of the acting Cherwell chief executive and Mr Baldry, both of
whom have pledged to take Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir’s case in a review early next year.
There have been complaints about dog fouling on the recently cleared footpath at Townsend off Millers Lane and at the public footpath running through the garden of
Cromwells in Eastgate. The meeting heard that the Dog Warden from Cherwell has visited and has recommended signs. A note is to be placed in The Gossip and the
Guardian column, asking dog owners to clean up or keep dogs under control until they reach the fields.
The controversial issue of traffic from parents dropping off and picking up their children from Hornton School was discussed, following a survey carried out by the
school itself to consider ways of improving safety.
This has been issued to parents and is to be copied to councillors for consideration. Pupils too have taken part in the survey and the Parish Council has received a
copy of some very interesting and detailed suggestions from by pupil Eddie Cox. It was agreed that the Clerk should respond to the school and to Eddie.
The new seat for the small Green has been received and is ready to install. Thanks were given to the Neighbourhood Watch Committee for re-imbursing the cost.
And new co-opted councillors Glenis Griffiths and David Jarrett were welcomed to the meeting.
With their appointment, the roles and responsibilities of councillors were reviewed and allocated as follows: Roads and Highways - Couns Malcolm Cross, David Miles and
Julie Stanley; Allotments - Couns Paul Burden and Glenis Griffiths; Playground - Couns Burden, David Jarrett and Miles; Pavilion – Couns Jarrett, John Offord and Stanley;
Finance and General Purposes – Couns Burden, Cross, Miles and Offord; JUMPA – Couns Griffiths and Offord; Ironstone Liaison Committee - Coun Miles. All members are
responsible for planning matters.
Finally, Coun Cross suggested that meetings are taking too long! He thought they should be finished by 10pm at the latest. This was agreed and timings for each section
will be included on the Agenda to see if this will improve matters.
The meeting closed at 10.25pm!
20th Decemeber '07 - Make it Snappy this Christmas
There’s a good chance that you’ll be giving or receiving a camera or camera phone this Christmas. If so, the lucky recipient can use
it to enter the village’s exciting new event for 2008 – the Hornton Photographic competition.
It’s scheduled for the late Spring or early Summer and it will give everyone a chance to show off their favourite snaps.
The idea comes from Brailes, where there is a similar event every year which attracts hundreds of entries. It’s a real money-spinner for the village but it’s also great
fun, so Hornton’s Lynn Corke thought that we should give it a go as well.
“Almost everyone in Hornton must take at least one photo a year, so we should get lots of entries from the village,” she said. “Also, we’ll encourage people from outside
Hornton to take part, so there will be lots of competition!
“If anyone has ideas for categories, please get in touch. So far, the list includes My Holiday, Doors and Doorways, Flowers and Fungi, Sky, Churches and Chapels,
Portraits, Stone and Brick and Anything Goes for any photo. There will be a special category about village life called – what else? – There’s Only One Hornton!
“And there’s also going to be a special category for Christmas and New Year, so if you get a camera or a phone this year, please take a festive snap and join in the fun.
“Children won’t be left out – we’ll have special categories for them, so there will be lots of opportunities for everyone.”
Lynn is also looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor small prizes in each of the categories – up to a maximum of £10.
If you have any ideas for categories or would like to sponsor a prize, please get in touch with Lynn on 01295 670673.
20th Decemeber '07 - Pull your Finger Out
A free finger buffet is on offer if you celebrate New Year in 60s and 70s style down at the Dun Cow.
From 8pm till late there will be also be drinks at reduced prices – and you can put on your flares and strut in your platforms with tracks from these great musical
decades.
And toast the end of post-Christmas blues on Friday, January 18, with a special Toastie Evening. You choose from a list what you would like on toast.
20th Decemeber '07 - Goodwill to all Men
Hornton has a Goodwill Fund to send a card, a small gift and our good wishes to village people who are sick, just to let them know we are thinking
of them - and it needs your cash and what better time of year to give.
The idea came from villager Jean Burden, whose mother ran a similar scheme in Cropredy, where it was a great success.
"It's just really a practical way of us showing that we're concerned about people who are ill," said Jean.
"We decided to start it here because there was one little girl in the village who is very poorly. I thought it would be nice if we could send her a box of things that
she could do and then we thought it would be a nice idea a for anyone else who is ill."
What the Goodwill Fund really needs is donations, so that a gift most suitable for the recipient can be bought. If you'd like to give some money, please contact Jean
at Barry Cottage, Miller's Lane, or call her on 01295 670664.
20th Decemeber '07 - Christmas Cribbage
The Dun Cow pulled off a cliffhanging 4-3 away win against Kineton Sports and Social Club to leave them handily placed in fourth position in the
Harbury and District Crib League. With half the season now complete, there’s all to play for in 2008.
20th Decemeber '07 - Closed Book
There’s no mobile library next Wednesday. It’s Boxing Day.
20th Decemeber '07 - Church Services
There will be a carol service at Hornton Methodist Church this Sunday, December 23, at 11am. It will be lead by Mr Reg Ellis.
On Christmas Eve, the Crib Service will be held at 5pm at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and on Christmas morning Holy Eucharist will be held there at 10.30am
with the vicar of Banbury.
13th Decemeber '07 - Parish Council Minutes on the Website
Singers will be assembling at the top of the Pavilion drive at 6.30pm next Thursday, December 20.
The singing will go on around the village until 9pm and, as usual, all the money raised will go to cancer research.
Please join in or, if singing’s not your strong point, please be ready with mince pies, hot toddies and lots of loot!
13th Decemeber '07 - Top of the Class
Hornton School Association are at least £400 better off, thanks to their very well-attended Christmas Bazaar in the chapel last week.
There were Christmas carols, a raffle, tombola, a host of Christmassy stalls and Santa in his grotto. Some people thought Santa looked vaguely like Al Mills but the
organisers soon put a stop to such rumours.
The association’s committee, who organised the event, would like to thank everyone who helped out and came along.
13th Decemeber '07 - Christmas Story
Storybox Theatre will be performing their very own version of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Tin Soldier on the first Saturday in the New Year on January 5.
The show, at 3.30pm in the Methodist Church, is all about a little boy who is given a present of 12 soldiers on Christmas Day. One soldier is very different from the rest
and so begins the story of a very special toy and his extraordinary journey.
Tickets are available from Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 or Jean Burden on 01295 670664.
This is the latest event in the Arts at Large programme which is sponsored and subsidised by Cherwell Districk Council. That means that your council tax is going towards
the show, so why not pop along with all the family and get your money’s worth!
13th Decemeber '07 - Flaunt Those Flares
If you can get into those flares and drainpipes in the back of the wardrobe – or even if you can’t – the Dun Cow is the place to be on New Year’s Eve.
And pop on the platforms, too, because the pub is staging a special 60s and 70s evening! From 8pm till late there will be a free finger buffet, drinks at reduced prices as
well as those unforgettable sounds!
You can just opop down on the night but, if you can tell Martin and Gwyneth in advance, that would be great. Their phone number is 01295 670524.
And don’t be gloomy when it gets to January. You can toast the end of post-Christmas blues on Friday, January 18, with a special Toastie Evening. You choose from a list
of exciting toppings just what to put on toast.
13th Decemeber '07 - Crumbs That's Close
The Dun Cow were pipped by the narrowest of margins in their latest Harbury and District Crib League match. The Hornton cribbers were meatn 4-3 at
home by the Cottage Inn from Ashorne but they’re still in fourth position.
13th Decemeber '07 - Stamp of Approval
Maggie Higgins makes a plea to keep all your stamps off your Christmas cards this year – both British and foreign.
“The Royal National Institute for the Blind is desperate for them,” she says. “They can be sold to raise funds to support their vital work in the UK.
“As Christmas is fast approaching, I thought this would be a good time to start a collection in Hornton, though stamps can be collected throughout the year. During the
festive season, many cards are received and I would like to take this opportunity to ask you all to take a moment of your time to tear off the used stamp - leaving, if
possible, 1cm or so of envelope bordering the stamp.
“These used stamps can then be dropped off at Holloway House next to the green at the bottom of Bell Street and I will forward them on to the RNIB."
13th Decemeber '07 - All the Trimmings
This Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16, you can enjoy a festive day at the Upton House Christmas Market, with all the trimmings for a perfect
Yuletide.
Arrive in timeless style courtesy of two great shire horses who will be conveying visitors along the majestic North Drive, whilst the ground floor rooms of the House
will be sumptuously decorated for a period Christmas. The little ones will enjoy a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto, whilst Christmas lunches will be on offer
in the Pavilion restaurant, and a range of festive gift ideas in the shop from 12 noon to 4pm.
You can get more information from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust dot org dot uk.
13th Decemeber '07 - Church Services
Matttins will be celebrated at 10.30 am this Sunday, December 16, in the Parish Church of S John the Baptist. Half and hour later, there will be a
service in the Methodist Church, led by Don Wain.
And if you’ve still got some last-minute Christmas cards and presents to buy, 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 are Phoenix greetings cards for sale plus a book and video swap - and, of course, lots of good gossip! Thursday Club has been
cancelled for the foreseeable future because there is no room in the Chapel whilst the School are using it.
13th Decemeber '07 - Happy Christmas, War's Not Over
Hornton’s Andy Perry, who has just arrived with the RAF in the Afghanistan hotspot of Kandahar, is going to send back short “dispatches
from the front” during his five-month tour of duty.
“A busy week in the HQ over here,” he said. “There is a truly multi national force - we have Americans, Aussies, Dutch, and Czechs.
“The build-up for Christmas is relatively muted, but we’ve splashed out on a tree and we’expecting someone special on December 23. I don't think it’s Santa - the rumours
are its famous comedian. We shall see.”
5th December '07 - Off the Cards
Instead of sending Christmas cards to everyone in Hornton, why not send a single greeting to the village and give the money to charity?
That’s what a group of villagers are planning to do this year - and you can easily join them! Just put your name on the list by Saturday, December 15, and your Christmas
greeting will appear on the noticeboard and in the Hornton column of The Guardian by Thursday, December 20 at the latest.
“It’s a really good idea, because it raises money for good causes, saves trees - and gives you a bit more time on your hands at this busiest time of the year,” said
organiser Sarah Walther.
All you have to do to get your name on the Christmas card list is to contact Sarah on 01295 670627 or email her at sarah dot walther (at) hotmail dot com. Or you can
contact this column at the usual numbers below.
5th December '07 - Burning Bright
There may be a few tickets left for this Saturday’s Candlelight supper at the Methodist Church - but you must be quick!
It all kicks off at 6.30pm for 7pm and, as well as a sumptuous feast, there will be Christmas entertainment from Telling Tales.
Tickets are just £6.50 and are available from Julie Stanley on 01295 670507or Jean Burden 01295 670664 to book your seat.
5th December '07 - Sing Along with Santa
There’ll be Christmas carols and Christmas crafts in the village tomorrow, Friday, when everybody who’s anybody will be at the Hornton School Christmas Bazaar.
There’ll be a pretty good chance you’ll bump into Father Christmas, too, if you’re very good!
It’s all happening from 6 to 8pm and this year it’s being held at the Methodist Chapel while building works are going on at the school. There will be something for
everyone to enjoy, including Santa’s Grotto, home made cakes and refreshments, festive games, Christmas crafts; Yuletide goodies, raffles galore and Name the Turkey.
“We would like to invite and encourage the whole village community to attend as in recent years this seems to have fallen away,” said one of the organisers, Ruth
Griffiths.
“And that also goes for children who don’t attend the school. Come on in and have a great time!”
5th December '07 - Champagne Perry
Andy Perry would like to thank everyone who came down to the Dun Cow recently to drink his health and wish him well for his trip to Afghanistan.
“Many more have wished me well since,” said Andy. “I’m looking forward to seeing you all in April.”
In the meantime, you can continue to email Andy at his usual email address and he will be keeping up with all the news by receiving the Hornton column every week in
Kandahar!
5th December '07 - Advent Event
A record £1090.80 was raised last Saturday night at the Christmas Fayre in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, just pipping the previous year’s total.
The organisers thought that the allure of mulled wine - a first for the event, which is organised by the church’s Ladies’ Working Party - might persuade punters to linger
a little longer and they were proved right.
They certainly snapped up the Christmas bargains, mince pies and raffle tickets, so it’s a “well done” and a big “thank” you to everyone who took part - and all those who
came along!
5th December '07 - Making History
The Hornton History Club is going from strength to strength, with members searching high and low for facts about our past which might be hidden in the nooks and crannies
of the village.
Julie Stanley is trying to get names of all the people that have been married in the chapel and the church and also collecting photos going back as far as possible.
Meanwhile, Elisabeth and Bill Jeffs are researching the war period.
“We are also planning some interviews with some of the elder members of the village soon,” said Kevin Wain. “I have contacted Roger Sumner and hope to get some stuff on
the bus company and we are trying to collect as many old photos as possible, so please dig into your attic and bottom drawers to find any old photos of Hornton.
“I am also planning a visit to the Oxford Records Office for more advice on where to get the information we need.”
The group would be very interested in hearing from any old Horntonians who have memories of the village but no longer live here. Elisabeth on 01295 670529 and Kevin on
01295 670716 are the history buffs with whom to get in touch.
5th December '07 - Sqeeze in on Saturday
Tables for the Dun Cow’s Christmas meals are filling up fast, so book up while there is still space available!
Landlady Gwyneth Gelling says there are only a couple of seats left for lunch on Sunday week, December 16, but there are more spaces available for the evening before.
She’ll be taking bookings up to this weekend.
On New Year’s Eve, you’ll be able to dress with flare at a special 60s and 70s evening. From 8pm till late there will be a free finger buffer and drinks at reduced
prices!
And toast the end of post-Christmas blues on Friday, January 18, with a special Toastie Evening. You’ll be able to choose what you’d like on the top of your toast.
5th December '07 - Crowning Glory
The Dun Cow team are going into Christmas fourth in the Harbury and District Crib League after a superb 5-2 away win against the Crown Inn. They are perfectly poised for
a raid on the top spot in the New Year.
5th December '07 - Up Market
This Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9, you can join in all the festive fun at Upton House’s Christmas Market.
If you’re stuck for Christmas shopping ideas, you can avoid the horror of the High Street by popping into this festive market in the old kitchens at Upton between 12 noon
and 4pm. You’ll also be able to enjoy the ground floor rooms of the House stylishly decorated for a period Christmas and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. The little
ones will enjoy a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto whilst Christmas lunches will be on offer in the Pavilion restaurant.
And next Monday and Wednesday lunchtime, December 10 and 12, you can make a booking for Upton’s Christmas Feast. The stylish Pavilion Restaurant will be offering a gourmet
alternative to the usual Christmas meal.
You can get more information from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust dot org dot uk
5th December '07 - A Good Read
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, December 12, from 10.40 to 11.20am.
5th December '07 - Church Services
There will be an 11am service in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, December 9. As this is a United Service, there will be no service in the Methodist
Church.
But 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 are Phoenix greetings cards
for sale plus a book and video swap - and, of course, lots of good gossip! Thursday Club has been cancelled for the forseeable future because there is no room in the
Chapel whilst the School are using it.
