Hornton Online

If your small ones are already proving a handful during the Summer holidays, bring them up to Hornton Pavilion tomorrow morning, Friday, for the Energize Sports Roadshow!

It will be visiting from 10am to 12 noon then and every Friday during August and it’s packed with activities for kids bursting with energy. The session, organised through Cherwell District Council, costs just £3.50. There’s no need to book - just turn up and play!

For more information or a brochure please call Cherwell on 01295 221703.

31st July '06 - Plant yourself at the Pavillion

The highlight of the 3Hs Gardening Club’s calendar – the annual flower and produce show – is nearly upon us but it’s not too late for you to become a member and enter your prized pot plant or beautiful bloom.

The show takes place in two weeks’ time on Saturday August 19. Any member can enter their flowers and vegetables or you can try your hand in the cookery competitions. But you’ve got to be in it to win it, so contact club secretary Sally Tweedsmuir today on 01295 670608 and become a 3Hs member today!

31st July '06 - Shots in Glass not in Anger

Two weeks on Saturday will also see Hornton being invaded by mercenaries.

But don’t worry, there won’t be any shots fired in anger, just served at the bar - for the mercenaries will be camping out in the Dun Cow pub from 2pm onwards as they relive the history of the seventeenth century.

Set in the year 1635, a Spanish Contractor of Mercenaries has come recruiting for the wars in Europe. Come down to the Dun Cow and you can see the newly-recruited Mercenaries at drill, duelling and gambling - not to mention the attractions of their camp followers. There will also be informal displays of costume, armour, weapons and fighting styles of the 17th century.

31st July '06 - Take Part in Art

Artists and art groups are invited to draw and paint in the beautiful gardens of Upton House this Saturday, August 5. There will also be special art activities for children, so pick up your pens and paintbrushes and be there from midday till 4pm.

On Sunday, August 20, it will be back to the Roaring 20s at Upton for House Heydays. A whole day of period events, including family trails, vintage cars, jazz bands and more is planned from midday to 4pm.

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

31st July '06 - Leaves Drop in

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.20am.

31st July '06 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, August 6, at 8.30am. At 11am there will be a United Service of Holy Communion.

24th July '06 - Groud Coffee

There will be a coffee morning at 10am this Saturday, July 29, on Hornton’s children’s playground. Pop by for coffee, cakes and biscuits plus a bring-and-buy stall, a raffle and other exciting attractions!

24th July '06 - No dry eyes for Wendy

Hornton headteacher Wendy Clifford’s immense contribution to Hornton School was celebrated last Friday by children, staff, parents and governors as everyone joined together to give her an emotional send-off into retirement.

There was not a dry eye in the house - even from Wendy - by the end of a whole day of celebrations, activities and entertainments of her 13 wonderful years at the school. The day began with a leavers’ service at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist - this was also the last day at Hornton for all the Year 6 pupils - when Wendy told the children of her days at primary school.

Then it was down to the pavilion playing field where a marquee was set up with lunch inside provided by the mums. There was just time after lunch for a few goes on a bouncy castle slide before songs from the children. Then chair of governors John Offord and new acting head Hilary Childs paid tribute to Wendy’s achievements at Hornton.

When she arrived, Hornton School had around 40 pupils and was in danger of closing, said John. Now it has twice that number of children and has achieved Beacon status - putting it into the top five per cent of schools in Britain - plus outstanding SATS results. Then there was a shower of presents from the children, staff and governors and a giant greetings card from the village.

The day ended with a 10-minute film celebrating Wendy’s achievements at Hornton. A DVD of the film, called Good Morning Mrs Clifford, is available - together with a bonus CD containing more than a hundred photographs of the day - in a special presentation case from the school for just £10. All proceeds will go to school funds. Please send in your orders and money as soon as possible.

Mrs Clifford and her husband Geoff are now starting a well-earned retirement. Everyone in Hornton wishes them well.

24th July '06 - Hart for Six

The Pete Hart Classic Six Miler was well supported by local runners last Saturday in the lanes surrounding Hornton.

Finishing times for Hornton runners behind the impressive 34 minute 27 second overall winner were Duncan Dawes 40.35, Simon Perkin 44.00, Andy Perry 44.04, Oliver Fickling 46.18 and Jane Perkin, who was the second lady in her age category at 50.01.

Excellent recovery fuel was provided by the Dun Cow beer festival and all the participants thank Peter for staging the event.

Put next year’s Hornton Six in your diary now. It usual takes place on the second or third Saturday in July.

24th July '06 - Jump to it for Footie

Here’s a gentle reminder for everyone who wants to get a bit fitter and have fun at the same time. Every Friday, there’s five-a-side football on the JUMPA pitch from 6.30 pm onwards. All men and women, boys and girls are welcome.

24th July '06 - Trading Profit

The Dun Cow’s Annual Summer Beer festival was another runaway success last weekend, despite Saturday afternoon’s biblical downpour.

This year’s closely-guarded theme was Ancient Trades and the formidable array of 10 mouth-watering ales included Nailmaker, Bellringer and Haymaker.

Landlady Gwyneth Gelling said she was delighted with the response, both from people in Hornton and real ale fans who now have the Dun Cow Beer Festival as firm fixtures in their calendar.

“It’s gone extremely well,” she said.

Now the fans keeping their fingers crossed that next February there will be another Hornton Winter beer festival!

24th July '06 - Bursting with Energy

Most kids are full of energy at this time of year, so pop along to Hornton Pavilion at 10am tomorrow and every Friday during the school holidays for the Energize Sports Roadshow!

It’s packed with activities for kids bursting with energy and the session costs just £3.50. There is no need to book just turn up and play! For more information or a brochure call Cherwell District Council on 01295 221703.

24th July '06 - All that Jazz

Pack a picnic and put on your dancing shoes this Saturday, July 29, for a summer’s evening of live jazz in the beautiful grounds of Upton House.

The Heart of England Jazz Band will be providing the music and the entertainment goes on from 7.30 to 10pm. Tickets are just £12.50 from Upton. On Saturday week, August 5, it’sll be time to pack a paintbrush instead for Take Part in Art. Artists and art groups are invited to draw and paint in Upton’s beautiful gardens, with art activities for children from noon till 4pm.

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

24th July '06 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 11am in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, July 29, at the same time as the Methodist Church celebrate Holy Communion.

And don’t forget that you can drop in to the Methodist Church every Friday from 9.30am for coffee and a chat. There’s a book, video and DVD swap along with great company and conversation. This is the last Friday drop-in before the summer break but it will start again in September.

14th July '06 - Watch out, There's a BBQ About

Don’t forget this Sunday’s annual Neighbourhood Watch BBQ on the village green between 6 and 8pm.

There’ll fun food, fine wine and great chat, so if you’re new to Hornton come along and meet the village and if you’ve been here a few years drop by and meet the newcomers!

In true Hornton style, the event will be “in pavilion if wet”.

14th July '06 - Thumbs up for Mr Wolf

Mr Wolf was given a “not guilty” verdict by the audience when Hornton School gave a triumphant performance in The Case Against Mr Wolf .

The musical was performed by Years 4, 5 and 6 and written and produced by Class 3’s multi-talented teacher, Mrs Janet Porter. Class 2’s Hilary Childs and her daughter Catherine provided the music and everyone else in the school joined to create a fantastic occasion. It took the form of a trial where Mr Wolf was accused of eating Red Riding Hood’s Grannie and blowing down the Three Little Pigs’ houses. But the plot took some unexpected and hilarious turns and, in the tradition of all great courtroom dramas, the defendant was finally acquitted in the end - by the audience, who all held up Not Guilty cards!

The event was a particularly poignant one because Hornton Headteacher Wendy Clifford, who praised everyone who took part, is retiring at the end of this term on July 21. Plans are already afoot to give her a great send-off!

14th July '06 - Better Earlier than Never

This year’s Hornton Annual Summer Beer Festival at the Dun Cow is a week earlier than usual but it will still have the same tantalising array of real ales to choose from. It begins on the evening of Friday week, July 21 and runs to the Sunday evening. There will be food available all weekend and a range of ciders too, so pop along to the pub!

14th July '06 - Pavillion plans Proceed

Options on what to do with Hornton Pavilion should soon be put out to the village for more consultation.

The recent annual meeting of the Pavilion Committee and a get-together of the steering group examining the various options have not ruled out anything at this stage but a consultation document - with plans of the various options - should be distributed in the next edition of The Gossip.

In the meantime, if you’d like to help shape the future of the pavilion by joining the steering group, it’s not too late. Please ring co-ordinator Andy Perry 01295 670403 or email him at andyperry1 at hotmail dot com

14th July '06 - Go Green up at Upton

There’s only one colour in the palette this weekend at Upton House and that’s green! The National Trust are holding a weekend of events for garden lovers, with family trails, expert advice, plant sales and more. It’s labelled the Great Green Weekend and it takes place this Saturday, July 15, and Sunday from midday to 4pm. You can get more details by ringing Upton on 01295 670266 or by emailing uptonhouse@national trust.org.uk

And if you enjoy cooking as well as gardening, you won’t want to miss Plot to Plate - Summer Delights next Thursday, July 20. You’ll learn about the production of fresh produce from gardening experts in Upton’s Kitchen Display Garden, then transfer to a cookery workshop using the produce to create mouth-watering dishes under the supervision of an expert chef. Tickets are just £15 but booking is essential by ringing 01295 671121.

And on Sunday, July 29, bring a picnic and your dancing shoes for a summer’s evening of live jazz in the beautiful grounds of Upton.

The Heart of England Jazz Band will be on hand from 7.30 to 11pm to provide the entertainment and the tickets cost £12.50.

14th July '06 - Church Services

Matins will be celebrated at 10.30am in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, July 16. A service will be held at the Methodist Church half an hour later.

5th July '06 - Be Nice - Meet the Neighbours

Come along to the village green on Sunday week, July 16, for free wine, nibbles, music, hot dogs and - of course - a traditional Hornton raffle.

It’s all happening at Hornton’s annual Neighbourhood Watch Party and it’ll be a great chance to meet new people.

It all happens between 6 and 8pm and if it’s wet it will transferred to the pavilion.

Just one thing…don’t forget to lock your doors when you leave home. Getting burgled whilst you’re at a Neighbourhood Watch party. Now that would be embarrassing.

5th July '06 - Phew what a Bike Ride!

The pace was hotter than ever on this year’s Hornton Leisure Cycle Ride, which saw almost 20 intrepid cyclists pedal their way over to Bodicote in the warmest weather the event has ever seen.

Organiser Lynn Corke said she was delighted with the turnout considering the high temperatures.

“On the way over there was a bit of wind to cool us down but on the return journey it was very hot,” she said.

“Still, by that time the cyclists had been sustained by lunch at the Plough in Bodicote, where we were joined by people who came in cars. And then there was the prospect of tea and cakes back in Hornton on our return!”

The post-pedal prandial - the idea of Isabel Harris - was a new and very welcome innovation this year and Lynn said it was one of the best cycle rides ever.

5th July '06 - Phew what a Profit!

The delighted organisers raised more than £160 at the Hornton Methodist Church Summer Flea Market last Saturday from stalls, a raffle and BBQ.

Organiser Julie Stanley said all the takings would go to Methodist Church funds.

5th July '06 - Free on a Friday?

If you’re around on Friday morning for a couple of hours from 9.30, why not pop along for a coffee and chat in the Methodist Chapel?

Hornton villager Fiona Donaldson emailed this column to say how great it was to go along and wants to encourage others to come too.

“It's so nice as you can just drop in anytime for as long or short as you like, have a drink, some yummy cake and a good chat,” she says. “Charity gift cards and stationary are on sale and a there’s also a video, DVD and book swop.

“It's a great break in the morning between chores. I go after my dog walk and I hope more people will get into the habit of popping in.”

5th July '06 - Three go into Five

The 3Hs Gardening Club is visiting Fiveways Cottage in Shutford this Tuesday, July 11, by kind permission of Dr and Mrs Aldous. Members should meet on the green at 6pm and the £2.50 cost will include refreshments.

5th July '06 - Only here for the Beer

But the beer will be excellent, as it always is at the Dun Cow’s Summer Beer festival!

Please put the weekend of July 21 to 23 in your diaries. That’s a week earlier than usual but the festival will still have the usual dazzling array of real ales and will run from the Friday evening till Sunday night - unless the beer runs out first!

There will be food available all weekend and a tempting array of ciders too.

5th July '06 - Beware for Bears

If you go down to Upton House this Sunday, July 9, you’ll be in for a big surprise.

Bears, lots of ‘em. All over the place.

It’s the Grand Teddy Bear’s Outing - the time when you can bring your favourite bear for a day of cuddly events, including a teddy bear trail in the gardens, a prize for best-dressed bear, and Bear Parade on the south lawn.

It all happens between noon and 4pm.

5th July '06 - Not just for Bookworms

They will still be welcome at Oxfordshire County Council’s mobile library when it’s on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.20am.

But there’s also a great range of videos and DVDs - all up to date. So pop along and make use of this valuable resource. Remember - use it or lose it!

5th July '06 - Church Services

There will be no services at either of Hornton’s churches this Sunday, July 9. Instead, there’s a special Benefice service at 10.30am in Wroxton to which Hornton’s Methodists are cordially invited where the new Archdeacon, the Rev Julian Hubbard, will be assisting.