Today, July 31, is the deadline for articles to be included in the latest edition of The Gossip.
There's still time - just - for that extra snippet of news to make it into Hornton's very own village newspaper but you
must be quick! Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 need your articles today, so that
they can publish The Gossip next week.
30th July '03 - Rambling not ambling
If you enjoy a good long walk, you should meet up with the Ramblers' Association on Sunday, August 17, when they
are planning a walk through local villages, starting from Hornton at 9.15am.
"We'll go through Warmington, Ratley, then along the ridgeway and down through Shenington, Balscote, Wroxton,
Horley and back to Hornton," said organiser and Hornton resident Trevor Priest. "The total distance is 17 and a half
miles, or 28 kilometres, so it is not for the faint hearted!"
But Trevor said it wasn't a race either, just a sociable, brisk walk. "We shall stop at a pub at lunchtime," he added.
"Or a picnic lunch would be a good idea."
Anyone interested in taking part can just turn up on the day or ring Trevor in advance on 01295 670434.
29th July '03 - PCC Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Parochial Church Council in the Church Room on July 31st, at 7.30pm.
29th July '03 - Moo-ve along to the Dun Cow
Hornton's first-ever Beer Festival is just days away and real ale fans' mouths are watering at the prospect of 10
different bitters on tap at the village's pub, the Dun Cow. There's no excuse for not popping in for a few pints
because the festival will be held over three days - August 1, from 7 to 11pm, on Saturday from midday to 11pm and
on Sunday, from midday to 10.30pm. New licensees Martin and Gwyneth Gelling will also have a range of range of
perries, ciders and hand-pulled lagers to taste, and food will be available. See you there!
28th July '03 - Ground Coffee
A coffee morning will boost funds for the children's playground this Saturday, August 2. The event, starting at 10.30am
in the playground, will include delicious home-made cakes, a bring-and-buy stall and a raffle. Don't be put off if it's
raining! The coffee morning will be held in the Church Room, Bell Street, instead.
26th July '03 - On Yer Bike
It’s back by popular demand - the annual Hornton leisure cycle ride and pub lunch. After the success of last year’s
inaugural bike ride, this year’s event will take place on Sunday August 31. Cyclists of all ages and abilities will be
welcome and the riders will meet at the village green at 11.30 in the morning.
“The emphasis is on leisure and that will be perfect timing to stop for lunch,” said organiser Lynn Corke
(telephone 670673). “We plan to go on a circular route to a local pub which serves food, where walkers and drivers
can join the cyclists for lunch.”
“We’ll try to avoid big hills - especially after lunch - but there’s no shame in getting off. It’s supposed to be fun.”
26th July '03 - School Service tops a Sucessful Year
Hornton Primary School held its Leavers’ Assembly last Friday, July 18,
in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. Hornton Rector Jeffrey Chard, who is also a school governor, led the
service, which was attended by parents of the leavers and several school governors, as well as staff and pupils from
the school.
Headteacher Wendy Clifford said that pupils from all classes paid tribute to the nine Year 6 leavers with songs and
presentations.
“After the presentation of the leavers' gifts - £5 book tokens and a bookworm bookmark - refreshments were served
back at school to say our farewells,” said Mrs Clifford. “We also said farewell to our student teacher, Charmaine
Campbell, who has now qualified.”
In her report to the school’s governors, Mrs Clifford said that this has been a very busy and successful year. The school
has become so popular that the local education authority has agreed to increase the school’s intake next year from
the usual 12 pupils to 15.
“Topics at school earlier in the year included Our Homes and Circles, Cycles and Circuits,” she said. “Topics for the
summer term included Growth and Britain Since The 1930’s.”
The school shared a story-teller with Peachtree Pre-School for a week in March and, later in the year, a group called The History People visited Class 3 for a day. Classes 1 and 2 had a very successful day trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford and a Music week was held in June. Pupils were involved in a variety of activities during Musice Week, including a visit by former chairman of governors Dave Harwood to teach African drumming to Class 3. A performance for parents and friends was held on the Thursday afternoon.
“It was a very worthwhile and exciting week,” added Mrs Clifford.
The school is now the proud owner of two interactive computer whiteboards, which are like giant touch computer screens. The first was installed by the county as an experiment but it was so successful that a second was bought, thanks partly to a £2000 donation from the School Association. It was up and running in time for parents to see it at the Open Evening held on July 3, which was well-attended.
The School pursued its international links very actively throughout the year. The Comenius project - linking Hornton with schools in Greece, Sweden and Holland - continued to be a success and pupils chatted on-line with each other on a monthly basis using MSN Messenger.
But the highlight of the year’s international work was the trip to Sweden in May, when four pupils flew with Mrs Hilary Childs and Mrs Janet Porter to take part in the school’s final event with our existing European partners.
“The present Comenius project may end this year but teachers from schools in Holland and Spain visited for four days in January to agree plans for a new project running from this year to 2006,” explained Mrs Clifford. “A Lithuanian School will also be included but were unable to attend the meeting.”
26th July '03 - Church Services
There will be a service at 11am this Sunday, July 27, in the Methodist Church. At the same time, the Parish Church of
St John the Baptist will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Next Thursday, July 31, there will be a Parochial Church Council
meeting in the Church Room, starting at 7.30pm.
25th July '03 - Stop chatting and get writing!
The deadline for articles in The Gossip, Hornton’s very own newspaper, is coming up. Have
you got that special recipe that you want to share, or memories of times gone by in the village? Well put it down on
paper and speak to Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 as soon as possible! All
contributions should be in by the end of July and The Gossip will be published in the first
week of August.
25th July '03 - Don't be overdue
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will visit Hornton next Wednesday, July 30. It will be parked on the
village green from 10.55am to 11.30am.
25th July '03 - Vikings victuals on tap
Ever wondered how a Viking quenched his thirst after a hard day’s pillaging? Well pop along to Hornton’s First Beer
Festival and you’ll find out! Pillaging and other unruly behaviour will not be encouraged at The Dun Cow’s First
Hornton Beer Festival but the new licensees, Martin and Gwyneth Gelling, will welcome all well-behaved real ale
enthusiasts for the event. They’ll have at least 10 mouth-watering bitters on tap, plus a range of unusual lagers,
ciders and perrys to taste.
“The lagers will be very different from the gassed-up variety we’re all used to,” said Martin. “They’ll come out of the
barrel like a real ale and they’ve been brewed in the Viking tradition.”
As well as Hornton’s eager beer drinkers, real ale buffs from all over Oxfordshire and Warwickshire will be beating a
path to the Dun Cow for the festival, which starts next week on Friday evening, August 1, from 7 to 11pm. The
celebrations continue on Saturday, August 2 from midday to 11pm and finish on Sunday, when the Dun Cow will be
open from midday to 10.30pm. Food will also be available.
24th July '03 - Village cleans up to stay near the top
Hornton has claimed fourth place in the small villages section of Oxfordshire’s Best Kept Village Competition. The village
won the contest two years ago, when it was last eligible to enter, and it was always going to be difficult for the village
to win twice running. But the parish councillor organising Hornton’s efforts to lift this year’s crown, Bill Jeffs, says the
village should be delighted with its efforts.
“There were 22 villages in the competition and the judges were particularly impressed by the immaculate condition of
the school and the playground,” said Bill. “We also received praise for the colourful flower borders in front of the
Church and the well-maintained small children's playground.”
23rd July '03 - Coffee Morning
There will be a coffee morning in the children’s playground next week on Saturday, August 2 at 10.30am. The event,
to raise money for playground funds, will include a bring and buy stall and, like every well-run Hornton event, a raffle!
If it’s wet, it will be held in the Church Room in Bell Street.
22nd July '03 - Brownies go that Extra Mile
1st Hornton and Horley Brownies have staged their own version of the London Marathon
- and raised a pile of cash for a good cause in the process! Ten members of the Brownie Pack took part in the
fund-raising bid, which was set up by the organisers of the London Marathon so that children could take part in the
event, even though they couldn’t run the 26 miles 385 yards. And in their own “marathon”, Hornton and Horley’s
intrepid Brownies raised a total of £172-04 for Leukaemia Research.
“The Brownies did really well,” said Brown Owl Ann Simpkins. “As the Marathon is 26 miles, each Brownie had to
compile a list of 26 items. They came up with all sorts of different things - 26 flowers, 26 books that they’d read, 26
trees, 26 different colours.
“It was hard work - to come up with, say, 26 different kinds of flowers or trees is quite a feat!”
The Brownies had the choice to keep half the money or send all of it to Leukaemia Research and they generously
decided to send it all to the charity.
“They worked really hard. I am very proud of them,” Ann added.
And 1st Hornton and Horley Brownies are very proud of their Brown Owl as well! Ann Simpkins was presented with a
10-year long service medal at a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Hornton Playing Field on July 7.
“I was really chuffed about it!” said Anne. “I’ve been with 1st Hornton and Horley for 14 years. My first Brownies are
now married and have babies!” The picnic was a great success all round. It also featured an enrolment of a new
member of 1st Hornton and Horley Brownies, a sing-song and, of course, tea!
18th July '03 - Falcons Soar in School Sports Day
Hornton Primary School held a hugely successful sports day on July 9, with teams of mixed age
groups tacking a whole host of different events. To start, there were sprints of different distances - from 30 metres for
the tinies in the Reception Class right up to 80 metres for the Year 6 children. This was followed by eight different
activities, including skittles, hit the wicket, bean bag pickup, hurdles, and a obstacle race. The final event was a whole
team relay, in which the team had to go round a course as many times as possible in a set time.
“It was a balance between a little bit of competitive racing and at the same time giving everybody a fair chance to
take part,” said head teacher Wendy Clifford.
When the scores were totted up, the Falcons team were first, the Hawks and Ospreys joint second and the Ravens
on just behind.
18th July '03 - Church Services
There will an 11 o’clock service in Hornton Methodist Church this Sunday, July 20. There will be no service at the
Parish Church because at 10.30am there is a Benefice Service at All Saints, Wroxton, which will be a Holy Eucharist
with baptism and confirmation taken by the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt. Rev. Colin Fletcher. At the service the
Bishop will also take the opportunity to say thank you to Harold Hart, who recently retired as a churchwarden at
Hornton after 45 years. The service will be followed by a reception in the rectory garden.
17th July '03 - Still no sign of Broadband
A huge digital divide still exists between broadband connections in rural and urban areas, according to a new report
published today by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
The study found 95 per cent of people in urban centres - 50 per cent of the UK population – had access to a broadband
connection. This falls to just one per cent for those living in remote rural areas and to just three per cent for rural
businesses.
Even in market towns, such as Northampton, which count for 15 per cent of the population, broadband access is only
available to just over a quarter of residents.
The MPs haver urged the government to put in place practical polices which will ensure broadband is accessible to all
areas at an affordable rate. They are also calling upon Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
stand up for those in rural communities.
Tomorrow, July 18, is the last day of term for pupils and staff at Hornton Primary School, and to celebrate the occasion
there will be a Leavers' Assembly at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 9.30am. Parents of Year 6 children are
particularly welcome. The new term begins on Thursday, September 4.
16th July '03 - Carrot tops a peach of a Day
Peachtree Pre-School held a hugely successful garden party in the grounds of Hornton School
last Saturday. The highlight was a 'vegesaurus' competition - dinosaurs made of vegetables for the uninitiated - which
was judged by a giant carrot! Children and parents assembled at 11am with lots of games for the children - beer and
Pimms for the thirsty parents! This was followed by the judging of the vegesaurus competition. There were some
wonderfully imaginitive entrys, said Peachtree chair Ros Griffiths, but the prize went to Hornton brothers William and
Joe Barker for their fine Pepper-a-saurus.
A delicious Ploughman’s lunch followed, with homegrown salad and homemade chutney, and then it was time for the
races. The potato and spoon maintained the vegetable theme, and ice creams brought the afternoon to a close.
Peachtree thanks everyone who supported the event and more than £160 was raised towards a new bookcase.
15th July '03 - Great time at Rousham
The 3 H’s Gardening Club had a wonderful time on their trip to see the beautiful gardens at
Rousham House on July 8. The gardens, near Steeple Aston, were designed by William Kent and the 35 members who
made the trip explored a wonderful vegetable garden - with perfect rows of vegetables - and a walled rose garden with
box hedges. Add to that a park with a herd of longhorn cattle and a seventeenth century dovecot - with doves in
residence - and it’s hardly surprising at club secretary Lady Tweedsmuir’s verdict: “It was great!” she said.
13th July '03 - Five-Fold Rise but still cheap at the Price
The annual rent of Hornton allotments is set to rise by 500 per cent - but since they are only going up from £1 to £5 a year, they'll still be excellent value!
The rent increase - reported to Hornton Parish Council at a special interim meeting on June 23 - was fixed by the John Fox educational charity, which owns the allotments land.
Councillor Paul Burden told the council that the trustees of the charity, which donates funds to Hornton Primary School, decided that the rent increase was a
responsible move. A villager has asked to convert a parcel of John Fox-owned land adjacent to the allotments into paddock and this will be explored by the
Parish Council at its next meeting on August 18. The council were told that it would be necessary to fence the land if it was
to be used as paddock and this would be considered. Insurance costs for Hornton Pavilion are also going up - from £707 a year to £920. It follows a revaluation
of the pavilion, which showed it would cost £175,00 to completely rebuilt it in the event of fire. The council were concerned at the price increase but felt it had
little choice but to cover this cost. Nevertheless, Mike Webber - who used to work in the insurance industry - agreed to examine the council's insurance
documents and provide comments on the terms and conditions. The council also discussed the insurance policy for the children’s playground on the Small
Playing Field now that the charity which owned has been dissolved because there were no practical advantages for maintaining it as a charitable trust.
The Parish Council agreed, for the time being and pending clarification of certain aspects of the insurance, that the playing field should continue to be
administered by the previous trustees. However, the council will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the play equipment and they will have to
continue weekly inspections of the equipment, both to meet safety regulations and the requirements of the insurers. The council agreed to appoint Ken
Hartlett as internal auditor and will shortly be submitting the accounts to him. Anyone who wants to examine the council's accounts for the year 2002-3
should contact the Parish Clerk, John Peace, on 01295 738590.
11th July '03 - Church Services
This Sunday, July 13, there will be a village service in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 11am.
10th July '03 - Opening Chapter
Hornton’s bookworms can wriggle down to Oxfordshire's mobile library next Wednesday, July 16, when it will be open for business. The library van will be
parked on the village green from 10.55am to 11.30am, so don't be overdue!
10th July '03 - Boys in Blue on the Green
On Saturday July 12, there will be the monthly visit of the Thames Valley Constaubulary’s Mobile Police Station on the village green between 1.30pm and
2.15 pm. This is the opportunity to get in contact with your local police and all suggestions on how they can improve their service will be gratefully received.
9th July '03 - Lotus Flowers Wilt
But not for long! It may be the last Yoga class of the summer tomorrow, July 10, but members can twist themselves into the lotus position again in the new
term, starting in September. Tonight’s class, as always, takes place in Hornton Methodist Chapel, Miller's Lane, and new members are really welcome -
even for the last of the term. It’s just £4 per person - plus a 50p donation to the chapel - and the class lasts a hour-and-a-half. Teacher Pam Monk, of
Banbury, plans a different sequence of stretching yoga movements each week, with a relaxation session at the beginning and end of each class.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an exercise mat. The new term’s classes will be at the same Mat Time, same Mat Place but get more
details by calling Chris Woodcock on 01295 670795 or by looking on the village notice board..
Hornton Primary School’s most senior pupils leave for the last time next week. To celebrate, there will be a Leavers' Assembly at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at
9.30am on Friday, July 18, the last day of term. Parents of all the children who are leaving are particularly welcome.
4th July '03 - Bell Street beats Blackpool
Real beach bums had only one place to flaunt their Hawaiian shirts last Saturday - JUMPA’s Beach Party at the Hornton Pavilion!
The organisers haven't had a final total of money raised yet but around £300 was raised for Hornton and Horley’s fund for a Jubilee Multi-Purpose Play Area.
About 70 people - including six children - were treated to a four-hour disco medley of `beach and summertime classics'. Thanks to those of the JUMPA
committee who helped out - notably Jane Perkin, Mark Wright, Joy and Stewart Clegg, Lynne and Ollie Fickling and Chris and Steve Woodcock. Thanks also to
those who donated beach props to deck out the hall to make it into `Bell Street by the Sea' for the evening - a strange mix of exotic palm trees, sea
creatures and buckets and spades. Steve Woodcock’s magnificent under-the-sea murals were particularly admired. So was a curious but delicious cocktail
which contained a deceptive amount of vodka.
Organiser Chris Woodcock said she was spoilt for choice when asked to name her particular highlights.
“Line dancing to summer music and the wacky crew who turned up in an open-top 2CV were two highlights I’ll remember,” said Chris. “Then there was the
special summer sangria and the Bell Street Blue cocktail, invented specially for the evening, which went down very well with many party-goers.”
The next planned JUMPA events are a wine tasting evening in the autumn, a bingo session and another progressive dinner party in
the winter, so keep an eye on the notice board, the website for details.
4th July '03 - Church Services
There will be Holy Eucharist at 8-30am this Sunday, July 6, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and a United Service at 11am in the Methodist Church.
3rd July '03 - Roll up for Yoga
There’s Yoga tonight, Thursday, and on the same day next week at 7pm in Hornton Methodist Chapel, Miller’s Lane. New members
are especially welcome. It only costs £4 a person for 90 minutes’ instruction from Pam Monk, of Banbury (plus a 50p donation to the chapel). Pam plans a
different programme every week and all you have to do is to bring an exercise mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. For more details, call Chris Woodcock
on 01295 670795. The new term begins in September - look out for details on the Hornton website and the village notice board.
The September classes will be at the same place and the same time.
3rd July '03 - Club Trip up to Parr
The 3H’s Gardening Club trip last Saturday to Sudeley Castle, near Cheltenham, was hailed as a big success. The castle - home to
King Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr, boasts spectacular gardens with a magnificent collection of old varieties of rose. The 37 members of the
gardening club were treated to a magnificent display during the castle’s annual Rose Week and some heard a talk on the do’s and
don’ts of organic rose growing. Sudeley also has a magnificent knot garden, inspired by patterns from Tudor textiles and a Victorian vegetable garden with
rare varieties of vegetables. Then it was inside the castle for a look round the public rooms and a visit to the Six Wives Exhibition. With time for a browse
round the shops in nearby Winchcombe and a raffle on the way back in the coach, it’s not surprising that club members are clamouring to get on the next
3Hs outing! And they won’t have long to wait. They’ll be visiting Rousham Gardens this Tuesday, July 8. Anyone wishing
to come should meet on the Hornton village green at 5.45pm. The cost is only £3 per person.
2nd July '03 - Glorious Gardens
The organisers of Hornton’s Open Gardens Day last Sunday are delighted to have raised more than £500 in total from the event. Ten of Hornton’s loveliest
gardens were open and, as well as a horticultural feast, there was a gastronomic one, with tea and delicious home-made cakes at Mrs Phyllis Miles’ house
in Bell Street. £50 from the plant sale and more from the raffle also swelled the coffers to the £500 total and all the gardeners had worked very hard to
make sure their plots were in tip-top condition.
“Anyone who spots a weed does NOT get a prize,” said a sign in Glenis Griffiths’ garden!
“It was very successful,” said organiser Julie Stanley. “We must do it again some time!”
1st July '03 - Come and Watch the Neighbours
Talk to them too! Don’t miss the annual Hornton Neighbourhood Watch Party, which takes place this Sunday between 6pm and 8pm on the village green
(or in the pavilion if it’s wet). With wine, a raffle - a must in Hornton - music and nibbles, it promises to be a great evening. See you there!
And don’t forget that on Saturday July 12, there will be the monthly visit of the Thames Valley Police Mobile Police Station on the village green between 1.30pm
and 2.15 pm. This is the opportunity to meet your local police and put any suggestions and concerns to them.
