The Carnival Band are so good that they should “be bottled and made freely available on the NHS”. That’s the way one critic described the effervescent music of this exhuberant
group who are coming to play at Hornton Pavilion this Saturday, February 24.
The Carnival Band turns musical convention on its head from Renaissance to Rock’n’Roll, which might seem a tall order till you realise that the band includes a former violinist
from the London Symphony Orchestra, two leading talents from the Early Music scene and a former rock guitarist. They’ll have more than 20 instruments on show and they'll be
playing music from Germany to Hawaii and Argentina to Mesopotemia.
So pop along to the Pavilion. There will be food available and a licensed bar - plus, of course, the traditional Hornton raffle. Tickets are just £10 (£8 concessions) and can
be ordered in advance from Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Sarah Walther on 01295 670627.
21st February '07 - Luck of the Irish
Peachtree Pre-School’s next social event is now going to be an Irish Evening, rather than a Mexican one, after organisers discovered that it was being held in Hornton Pavilion
on March17, which is St Patrick’s Day!
There will be details soon about where to buy tickets but put it in your diaries now!
21st February '07 - Hopeful Sign on Parking
Parking on the top village green is much reduced since a sign was erected warning selfish motorists not to leave their vehicles there.
That was the good news given to parish counsillors at their latest meeting in the Church Room on February 5. The sign has recently been broken but a new one will be erected
and it’s hoped that the improvement in motorists’ behaviour will continue.
The council also discussed bus services in the village and the impact of the conversion of the Cherwell Villager minibus service to a Dial-a-Ride service has had on the lives
of the people in the village without access to a car.
The final outcome of the discussions between Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council will be available in March and April but councillors were full or praise
for the effort of Kevyn Powell of the Cherwell Villager and agreed to donate £100 in recognition of this and to help fund the operation at least until the end of March.
The controversy over the new fence at the children’s playground has also been settled. Some local residents in West End objected to the size and style of the new fence which
was being erected - one described the partially built fence as making the playground look like Stalag 13 before work stopped on it. Now a new fence is going to be built that
is just one metre above the playground wall.
The search for a site for Affordable Housing in Hornton has now come down to one site - the Pavilion Car Park is considered the only place suitable and further research
continues. Meanwhile, councillors made no objection to an application by Mr and Mrs Carabok of Prentice House in Millers Lane to demolish their single storey extension and
replace it with a larger one
A question mark still hangs over the future of the village allotments. Coun Paul Burden told his colleagues that some allotment holders will be giving up their allotments in
April and that investigations continue with Oxfordshire County regarding the whereabouts of the deeds. They’ll be needed in case the John Fox Charity, which owns the allotments,
decides to sell them.
The meeting was told that the Parish Council is committed to trying to retain allotments in the village but councillors will have to be guided by the Charity Commission if the
land is eventually sold. The Parish Council will be obliged to obtain the best possible price if it does have to be sold and could not itself obtain the land at a preferential
price.
It was agreed that the Clerk should seek views regarding allotments on the present site or, if necessary, elsewhere.
Finally, the council has put a slippery problem back in the hands of Cherwell after visits by its Conservation Officer to see the Tinker Tank footpath between West End and the
Church.
The path needs new paving slabs and Hornton Parish councillors had agreed to replacing the present broken flags with York stone, other paving or crushed ironstone. However the
Conservation Officer suggests that York stone is the only option.
The Parish Council is unanimous in the opinion that York stone is too slippery and if Cherwell insist on replacing with York stone then it should be made clear that they will
be liable in the event of any accidents.
21st February '07 - Bargain Basement
There’s a rare chance to see the basements of Upton House next month - and it’s free.
On the weekends of March 3/4 and 10/11 you can peer into the 'downstairs' life of the house and find clues to the house's early history. More details from Upton on 01295 671122
or by emailing uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust dot org dot uk
21st February '07 - Climb every Mountain
Graham Soden kept Hornton’s gardeners enthralled with his talk on the flowers of the Trudos Mountains in Cyprus at the latest meeting of the 3Hs Gardening Club.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 13, when Janet Cropley will be talking about Summer flowering bulbs.
21st February '07 - Church Services
On Sunday, February 25, Hornton Methodist Church will hold an 11 o’clock service, the same time as the Parish Church of St John the Baptist celebrates Holy Eucharist.
The Ironstone Benefice Lent Course for 2007 meets for the first time next Tuesday, February 27, at 7.30pm in Wroxton Village Hall. The theme is Practical Churchmanship and it’s
a very informal and friendly occasion, so please come along.
Also, don’t forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. There are Phoenix greetings cards for sale
plus a book 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.
15th February '07 - Double Diamond Works Wonders
Double Diamond wasn't really on the menu at the fourth Annual Hornton Winter Beer Festival but lots of other gems were!
That's because the theme of the festival last weekend was gems and thirsty real ale fans came flocking into the Dun Cow from far and wide to taste eight ales, all named
after a precious stone.
"The first beer to go was a five per cent ale brewed by Archers called Crystal Clear," said landlady Gwyneth Gelling.
"Other popular beers were called Pearl and Gem. We sold 95 per cent of the 72 gallons, so drinkers put in a lot of thirsty work!
"We had a really good weekend and we're now looking forward to our next Summer Beer Festival, which will be held at the Dun Cow over the third weekend in July."
15th February '07 - Sweet Medicine
The Carnival Band are so good that they should "be bottled and made freely available on the NHS". That's the way one critic
described the effervescent music of this exuberant group who are coming to play at Hornton Pavilion on Saturday week, February 24.
The Carnival Band turns musical convention on its head from Renaissance to Rock'n'Roll, which might seem a tall order until you realise that the band includes a former
violinist from the London Symphony Orchestra, two leading talents from the Early Music scene and a former rock guitarist. They'll have more than 20 instruments on show and
they'll be playing music from Germany to Hawaii and Argentina to Mesopotemia.
So pop along to the Pavilion. There will be food available and a licensed bar - plus, of course, the traditional Hornton raffle. Tickets are just £10 (£8 concessions) and
can be ordered in advance from Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Sarah Walther on 01295 670627.
15th February '07 - Mad to Miss it
Even if Hare isn't on the menu, this is one date in March you'd be mad to miss!
It's March 3 - the date of the next Hornton Progressive Dinner Party. If you've never "progressed" before, you won't want to miss it because the event has become such a
highlight of the village calendar that it's back by public demand. You'll meet new people and you'll be especially welcome if you're new to the village or have never taken
part before.
The format is simple. You can either opt to be a host or s guest. If you're a host, you provide a three-course dinner with drinks for four other people. But it's not the
same four people for each course because they move round from house to house.
If you're a guest, you move from one host to another after each course. At the end of the evening, you pay £25 to the hosts in the house you end up in for all the food and
drink. All the money goes go a good cause - the pavilion - so why not give it a go?
Excuses such as "I'm a single person" or "we haven't got a dining room" just won't wash. There's plenty of room for everyone in a Hornton Progressive Dinner and you can eat
great food in the tiniest places!
So sign up for Saturday, March 3, now. You'll find a form in the latest edition of The Gossip or you can just write your name and address on a piece of paper and put it in
the box next to the village notice board. The organisers just need to know whether you'd like to be a guest, a host or if you're happy to be either.
15th February '07 - Cribbers come a Cropper
The Dun Cow has dropped from second to seventh place in the Harbury and District Crib League after two shock 6-1
defeats.
The first was away to the Harbury Club on January 30 and the second at home to the league leaders, North End's Red Lion Inn. They are still only four points behind the Red
Lion but would have been on top if they'd won the two games. Fortunately, with the league as tight as it is this season, there's still all to play for.
15th February '07 - Flying Fiction
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.40 to 11.20am.
15th February '07 - Church Services
Mattins wil be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, February 18, at 10.30amd. Half and hour
later, Holy Communion will be celebrated in the Methodist Church.
Next Wednesday, there will be two Ash Wednesday sevices, one at 10.30am at Drayton Parish church and one at 7.30pm in Balscote.
Don't forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. There are Phoenix greetings cards for sale
plus a book 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.
7th February '07 - Plucking your Heartstrings
You'll be soothed by the music of the classical guitar when the pairing of Duo Nocturne visit Hornton at 7.30pm this Saturday evening, February 10.
Go on, leave the telly off and go and see this talented duo playing the music of Carulli, Gragnani, Granda and Diabelli in the Methodist Chapel. The tickets are just
£10 (£6 concessions) in advance by ringing 01295 271900 or you can buy them on the door.
And if you'd like to get a sneak preview of the concert, log onto www.duonocturne.co.uk and you can hear them play!
14th February '07 - Don't Stop the Carnival
Especially as the Carnival Band are so good that they should "be bottled and made freely available on the NHS".
That's the way one critic described the effervescent music of this exhuberant group who are coming to play at Hornton Pavilion on Saturday, February 24.
The Carnival Band turns musical convention on its head from Renaissance to Rock'n'Roll, which might seem a tall order till you realise that the band includes a former
violinist from the London Symphony Orchestra, two leading talents from the Early Music scene and a former rock guitarist. They'll have more than 20 instruments on show and
they'll be playing music from Germany to Hawaii and Argentina to Mesopotemia.
So pop along to the Pavilion. There will be food available and a licensed bar - plus, of course, the traditional Hornton raffle. Tickets are just £10 (£8 concessions) and
can be ordered in advance from Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Sarah Walther on 01295 670627.
14th February '07 - Plenty of Time to Take One
The Hornton Film Festival 2007 is already making headlines in Cannes, Venice, Hollywood and… Banbury, so this year
there is every reason why YOU should unlock the Spielberg inside and try your hand at making a movie.
Everything you need is available, including all the latest camera and computer gear to produce a high-quality video, which are now a village resource for everyone to share.
The equipment comes with an idiot's guide on how to use it (no offence intended)! But don't leave it too late as there is certain to be high demand for the equipment in the
last few weeks before the Festival itself, which is due to take place on April 21 2007. If you need any information, or would like to book the camera and/or computer for any
time between now and March, call Pete Whitehead on 01295 670320. DVDs of the 2005 and 2006 events are still available @ £10 each.
14th February '07 - Go For It, Graham
Graham Soden will be talking to the 3Hs Gardening Club this Tuesday, February 13, at 7.30 in the Pavilion.
14th February '07 - My Giddy Aunt
Are you giddy about gardening or mad about old masters? If so, you could be an ideal volunteer up at Upton House!
Why not join the National Trust's team of volunteers and get involved in a variety of rewarding activities that are vital to the future of this beautiful house and gardens.
You can find out more this Saturday, February 10, if you drop into Upton for a cup of tea and a tour of the house and gardens between 11am and 3pm.
Being a National Trust volunteer is really good fun. You'll get full training, travel expenses and the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and to work with
like-minded people in stunning surroundings. No experience is necessary, so what have you got to lose?
14th February '07 - Church Services
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist will be celebrating Holy Eucharist at 11am this Sunday, February 11. As this is a
United Service, there will be no service in the Methodist Church.
Don't forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. There are Phoenix greetings cards for
sale plus a book and video swap - and, of course, lots of good gossip! And the Thursday Club meets every week after school until 4.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room.
All children are welcome.
6th February '07 - From the Banbury Neighbourhood Watch Office
'We have had a call from a lady in Banbury who received a phone call today from a male who said he was from crime prevention.
He said there had been a number of crimes in the area and they had done a leaflet drop and he was following this up. He wanted
to make a half hour appointment with her to talk about the security of her house.
Please warn your neighbours that this has happened and that this was not a genuine call.
1st February '07 - Pop in for a Pint
It's almost time for Hornton's fourth annual winter beer festival and the Dun Cow has got some storming winter brews ready
for your delectation and delight.
The festival goes on throughout this weekend from 6pm tomorrow, February 2, until the pub closes on Sunday.
"At least six real cask ales will be available," said landlady Gwyneth Gelling. "As usual, we won't disclose the theme until the festival itself but do pop by the try some
of the beers, which will range from a mild through to bitters and then onto a stout.
"As usual, there will always be Bombadiar and Hooky Best on tap too!"
"Food will also be available in the evenings and lunch times at least and our festival beer glasses will also be for sale, should you wish to purchase one with first drink
and then take it home with you afterwards as a memento."
1st February '07 - Plucking your Heartstrings
You'll be soothed to the music of the classical guitar when the pairing of Duo Nocturne visit Hornton at 7.30pm on the
evening of Saturday week, February 10.
The duo will be playing the music of Carulli, Gragnani, Granda and Diabelli in the Methodist Chapel and the £10 tickets (£6 concessions) are available in advance on 01295
271900 or on the door. And if you'd like to get a sneak preview of the concert, log onto www.duonocturne.co.uk and you can hear them play!
1st February '07 - Grab a Sick Note
"The Carnival Band should be bottled and made freely available on the NHS". That's the way one critic described the
effervescent music of the exhuberant group who are coming to play at Hornton pavilion on Saturday, February 24.
The Carnival Band turns musical convention on its head from Renaissance to Rock'n'Roll, which might seem a tall order till you realise that the band includes a former
violinist from the London Symphony Orchestra, two leading talents from the Early Music scene and a former rock guitarist. They'll have more than 20 instruments on show
and they'll be playing music from Germany to Hawaii and Argentina to Mesopotemia.
So pop along to the Pavilion. There wil be food available and a licensed bar - plus, of course, the traditional Hornton raffle. Tickets are just £10 (£8 concessions)
and can be ordered in advance from Anne Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Sarah Walther on 01295 670627.
1st February '07 - Hitting the Jackpot
Peachtree Pre-School made an astonishing £1,150 last weekend at its first-ever race night at the pavilion.
With that amount of cash raised - and the great time everyone had - you can rest assured that it won't be the last.
Everyone feasted on sausage and beans, washed down with copious quantities of wine, which was just what was needed to encourage generous betting on the races, all ably MC'd
by John Pike.
See this column for more details!
1st February '07 - Moveable Feast
It's time to put another date in your new diary - March 3.
That's the date of the next Hornton Progressive Dinner Party and, if you've never done it before, you wont' want to miss it!
The event has become such a highlight of the village calendar that it's back by public demand. You'll meet new people and you'll be especially welcome if you're new to the
village or have never taken part before.
The format is simple. You can either opt to be a host or s guest. If you're a host, you provide a three-course dinner with drinks for four other people. But it's not the
same four people for each course because they move round from house to house.
If you're a guest, you move from one host to another after each course. At the end of the evening, you pay £25 to the hosts in the house you end up in for all the food and
drink. All the money goes tgo a good cause - the pavilion - so why not give it a go?
Excuses such as "I'm a single person" or "we haven't got a dining room" just won't wash. There's plenty of room for everyone in a Hornton Progressive Dinner and you can eat
great food in the tiniest places!
So sign up for Saturday, March 3, now! You'll find a form in the next edition of The Gossip - due out any day - or you can just write your name and address on a piece of paper
and put it in the box next to the village notice board. The organisers just need to know whether you'd like to be a guest, a host or if you're happy to be either.
1st February '07 - Up for Lending a Hand?
Are you crazy about art or giddy about gardening? If so, you could be an ideal volunteer up at Upton House.
If you have a few hours to spare, why not join the National Trust's team of volunteers, and get involved in a variety of rewarding activities that are vital to the future of the
beautiful house and gardens at Upton House.
You can find out more on Saturday week, February 10, if you drop into Upton for a cup of tea and a tour of the house and garden between 11am and 3pm.
Being a National Trust volunteer is really good fun. You'll get full training, travel expenses and the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and to work with
like-minded people in stunning surroundings. No experience is necessary, so what have you got to lose?
1st February '07 - Top Time at Tattercoats
Twenty children and their parents had a wonderful time acting out the story of Tattercoats this week at Hornton Methodist
Church.
Tattercoats wis a workshop and performance from the Multi Story Theatre Company and the children too part in a workshop to help recreate the Tattercoats story followed by the
performance proprer.
"It was absolutely marvellous," said Julie Stanley, who helped sell the tickets. "The great had a great time and the performance was wonderful."
Tattercoats is based on a traditional English tale that shares some features with the Cinderella story. One day an invitation from the King arrives, announcing a Great Ball at
which the Prince will chose a bride - and Tattercoats goes along. The production used video animation, music and sound and everyone got involved
1st February '07 - Book In
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, February 7, from 10.40 to 11.20am.
1st February '07 - Genuine Repentance
Your correspondent is really sorry but anyone who read this column last week and then went along to the Parish Church of St
John the Baptist for a service would have been disappointed. There was no service at the church because there was a Benefice Service at Wroxton instead. Apologies to all
concerned.
This Sunday, February 4, Holy Eucharist really will be celebrated at 8.30am and there will be an 11 o'clock service at the Methodist Church.
And don't forget that you can pop in for coffee, cake and a chat in the Methodist Church every Friday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm. There are Phoenix greetings cards for
sale plus a book 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
