Hornton Online

If you go down to Upton House on Sunday week, you’d better go in disguise because every bear that ever there was will be gathered there for the Teddy Bears’ Summer Outing. Between midday and 4pm on July 10th 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 a Bear Parade on the south lawn. Normal admission prices apply.

Looking further ahead, if you enjoy cooking and gardening, why not combine your passions for both on this series of two seasonal participation events called From Plot to Plate? Sponsored by Rachel’s Organic, 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 expert supervision of Upton’s chefs.

The first session is on July 28 - the second will be later in the year - and it costs just £12.50 per session or £22.00 for both. They will last from 11.30am to 2pm and pre-booking essential. You can get more details by calling Upton on 01295 670266.

30th June '05 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated this Sunday, July 3rd, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and Holy Communion will be held in a United Service at the Methodist Church at 11am.

28th June '05 - It's a Snip

This Sunday, July 3rd, three of the village’s loveliest gardens will be open to members of the public to raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Between 2pm and 6pm you can visit Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir’s classic garden with “rooms” in West End, Audrey and Eric Turner’s magnificent hillside garden in Bell Street and Linda and Malcolm Cross’ little gem of a cottage garden on The Green. What’s more, it’s only going to cost £3 a person!

There will be teas, a merchandise stall and a plant stall and don’t be surprised if you encounter a traditional Hornton raffle on your way round.

28th June '05 - Abbey Habit

Hornton’s gardeners thoroughly enjoyed themselves when they visited a garden of a rather different size last weekend in the 3Hs Gardening Club annual outing.

This year, the trip was to the 12th-century Augustinian priory of Mottisfont Abbey near Romsey in Hampshire to see the magnificent rose gardens, sweeping lawns and magnificent old trees. Then there was time to pop into nearby Hillier Garden centre before the trip home.

There were only five spare seats on the coach and the organisers were delighted with the turnout after they opened the trip up to non-members for the first time.

28th June '05 - Generation Game

Young and old alike had a great time in a host of activities at Hornton School’s first-ever camp last weekend.

The children especially had a marvellous time with a host of activities on offer. They climbed a 22-foot climbing wall, slid down an aerial runway, discovered nature, practised their archery skills, made dens, went on a tree swing and, of course, toasted marshmallows by the campfire.

The event, at Horley campsite, was such a success that it’s likely to become an annual event. Thirty families stayed the night – the school only has around 70 pupils – which organisers hailed it as a great turnout.

The camp also raised £295 for the school association.

23rd June '05 - Yee Ha

Take your pardners and mosey on down to the pavilion this Saturday, June 25th, for a barn dance.

It’s all in aid of JUMPA, Hornton and Horley's Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area, which will be celebrating the raising of the £40,000 they need to build the project. But they still need more loot to run it, so come along from 8pm for a barn stormin’ night!

Music will be provided by local favourites Lazarus, so if you fancy dressing up in cowboy-style you won't be alone! Tickets are £5 on the door or from JUMPA committee members in advance. There's an optional BBQ too and of course a raffle. Don’t miss it!

JUMPA’s annual Golden Mile last weekend was a great success, with more than 70 runners taking part. Winners, times and details of the money raised will be in next week’s column.

23rd June '05 - Air Supply

Three of the village’s loveliest gardens will be open to members of the public on Sunday week, July 3 to raise money for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Between 2pm and 6pm that day you can visit Linda and Malcolm Cross’ small but beautiful cottage garden on The Green, Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir’s classic garden with “rooms” in West End and Audrey and Eric Turner’s magnificent hillside garden in Bell Street. And it’s only going to cost £3 a person!

There will be teas, a merchandise stall and a plant stall.

And talking of gardens, the 3Hs Gardening Club move to break with tradition and open up this Saturday’s annual outing to non-members has really paid dividends.

“We’ve had a sudden rush on the tickets but there are still a few left if you’re quick,” said club secretary Lady Tweedsmuir.

The outing really is a snip at just £14 a head and this year it’s going to Mottisfont Abbey and Hillier Gardens near Romsey in Hampshire.The 12th-century Augustinian priory of Mottisfont boasts sweeping lawns and magnificent old trees set amidst glorious countryside. The coach leaves Hornton at 9am and will be back by 6.30pm. If you would like to go, please get in touch with Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible.

23rd June '05 - Bottoms Up

Congratulations to Claire and Graham Bottoms from Hornton and their team who won the Peachtree Pre-school Grand Summer Quiz which was held in the Old School in Horley last Friday. William Huskisson did a fine job as quizmaster and the Pimms and lemonade flowed to help make it a really enjoyable evening. £200 was raised for Peachtree funds and the evening proved so popular that another quiz is planned for the Autumn.

And lots of pre-schoolers turned up for the teddy bear toddle which took place in Hornton last Saturday. The Peachtree children and their teddies tackled the obstacle course very enthusiastically - perhaps because there was the promise of an ice-cream at the finish! Sponsorship money is still coming in but at the moment it stands at just over £100. This will be used to buy a super construction kit for Peachtree.

23rd June '05 - Bottoms Down

If the weather’s kind, wine lovers will be sitting in the Dun Cow Garden on Saturday, July 23, when Banbury wine merchants S and H Jones will run a tutored tasting.

The event will start at 7pm and more details can be obtained from Martin and Gwyneth on 01295 670524.

Then on the following weekend, the pub is holding its third annual beer festival. This immensely successful event attracts hundreds of real ale enthusiasts from all over Oxfordshire and beyond and, if the previous festivals are anything to go by, there will be a fantastic range of beers on offer.

At least twelve real ales and some draught ciders will be available for sampling from July 29th to 31st and food will also be available.

23rd June '05 - Down the Drain

Millers Lane will be closed on July 3, probably for a couple of days, so that investigation works on the drains to take place. Oxfordshire Highways’ notice also informs all villagers that ‘the alternative access to the village will be via Wroxton Heath into Bell Street’ just in case we’re not sure.

23rd June '05 - Upton Draws in Customers

Curious to know what secrets lie behind the door, in the drawer or under the lid of Upton House’s beautiful furniture? You got till Sunday to find out!

Normally sealed to keep out the light and the dust, Upton’s furniture will be exposing itself - for this weekend only. Open Furniture Week runs every day until Sunday from 1pm to 5pm daily and normal admission prices apply. You can get further details by calling Upton on 01295 670266.

The organisers promise “an enlightening study of Upton House and its collections through fascinating talks and tours”. The event is held in conjunction with the Farncombe Estate Adult Learning Centre and please call 01386 854100 for further details.

And Upton hits a high note this Saturday, June 25th, with open-air jazz. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes for a summer’s evening of live music in Upton’s beautiful grounds with John Burnett’s Jazz Bandits. The price is just £12.50 and the music will start at 7.30pm.

Next Tuesday, June 28th, there’s a special Art Workshop entitled Garden Views & Vistas.

Spend a summer’s day painting in Upton’s glorious gardens. On this all-day tutored workshop local artist and tutor Chrissie Borland will share her skills, techniques and knowledge from many years of teaching and exhibiting art, guiding you to capture the drama and beauty of gardens.

The cost is just £20 but if you book the companion workshop on August 16th, it will set you back just £18. All abilities are welcome and the workshop runs between 10.30am and 4pm. Please bring own art materials. You can get more details by calling Upton on 01295 670266

23rd June '05 - Book In

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.

23rd June '05 - Church Services

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist will be holding two special services this week to celebrate the birth of their patron saint. Tomorrow, Friday, is St John’s actual birthday and Eucharist will be celebrated at 10.30am. Then on Sunday there will be another special Eucharist at 11am, the same time as the Methodist church holds its own Sunday service.

16th June '05 - Bill and Glen the Pavilion Men

Bill Jeffs and Glen Walther have joined Hornton Pavilion Committee and the rest of the members have been reappointed.

The appointments came at the committee’s annual general meeting on June 8th, where Ian Harris thanked all involved for their hard work over the past 12 months. Looking forward, he said that one of the main focuses for the Pavilion is to raise funds for the kitchen extension via grants and events. Plans were currently with Cherwell District Council and it is hoped to be able to move this project forward soon.

Other topics at the meeting included plans for a Trafalgar Night party on October 21st and a repeat of the Hank Wangford/Reg Muros night of music and song for which the date is to be confirmed.

16th June '05 - Hornton Feted

Everyone from Hornton who turned up at Horley Church Fete fete last Saturday has been sent a bit “thank you” by the organisers. The event managed to raise £2800 for church funds.

16th June '05 - Open Drawers

Curious to know what secrets lie behind the door, in the drawer or under the lid of Upton House’s beautiful furniture? Normally sealed to keep out the light and the dust, Upton’s furniture will be exposing itself - for next week only!

Open Furniture Week runs from this Monday, June 20th, to the following Sunday from 1pm to 5pm daily and normal admission prices apply. You can get further details by callingUpton on 01295 670266.

Before that, there’s a Fine Art Study weekend beginning tomorrow, Friday, and running till Sunday.

The organisers promise “an enlightening study of Upton House and its collections through fascinating talks and tours”. The event is held in conjunction with the Farncombe Estate Adult Learning Centre and please call 01386 854100 for further details.

On Saturday, June 25th, Upton hits a high note with open-air jazz. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes for a summer’s evening of live music in Upton’s beautiful grounds with John Burnett’s Jazz Bandits. The price is just £12.50 and the music will start at 7.30pm

On the following Tuesday, June 28th, there’s a special Art Workshop entitled Garden Views & Vistas.

Spend a summer’s day painting in Upton’s glorious gardens. On this all-day tutored workshop local artist and tutor Chrissie Borland will share her skills, techniques and knowledge from many years of teaching and exhibiting art, guiding you to capture the drama and beauty of gardens.

The cost is just £20 but if you book the companion workshop on August 16th, it will set you back just £18. All abilities are welcome and the workshop runs between 10.30am and 4pm. Please bring own art materials. You can get more details by calling Upton on 01295 670266

16th June '05 - Come and Join Us

There’s an Open Air Service on Hornton village green this Sunday, June 19th, at 2.30pm with the Shipston On Stour Concert Brass Band. Refreshments will be served after the service. As a result of the open air service, there are no services in the Methodist or Parish churches.

15th June '05 - Jumping for Joy

JUMPA’s made it! Thanks to lots of hard work by committee members and friends, plus generous grants, Hornton and Horley's Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area now has enough money to start work on the hard playing surface to be built on the field behind the Pavilion.

"It's great news, said chairman Steve Woodcock, “but we now need to make sure we get the best possible play area we can, so it is a real success with local people, and especially children.

“There is loads to do and we need to make sure we comply with all the stipulations of the grants. The team have done a fantastic job in getting us this far and, of course, it was made possible in the first place by the generosity of the Nunneley family in donating the land."

The next step is to sort out all the administrative requirements in order to issue a building contract. It is hoped to start work before the end of the year. Fund-raising events will continue, but at a lower level, because construction is not the end of the story: the terms of the grants require that there are sufficient funds to maintain and run the play area effectively.

And the first of those takes place this Sunday morning from 11am when JUMPA holds its ever-popular Golden Mile along Quarry Road.

Dogs, baby buggies and even three-legged entrants took part last year. But it also raises money for JUMPA, so be there to cheer the runners on or, better still, join in!

Then on Saturday week, June 25, there’s a barn dance from 8 till late in a marquee alongside the Pavilion on Bell Street. Music will be provided by local favorites Lazarus and if you fancy coming along in cowboy-style you won't be alone! Tickets are £5 on the door or from JUMPA committee members. There's an optional BBQ too and, of course, a raffle. So mosey on down!

You can get more details on both events from Steve Woodcock on 01295 670795.

15th June '05 - It's a Snip

Well, not literally. If you went on this year’s 3hs Gardening Club Annual outing and started picking the flowers, you wouldn’t be invited back next year! But if you’re well-behaved and fancy a great day out to one of Britain’s most beautiful gardens, then sign up right now - even if you’re not a 3Hs member.

The club is breaking with tradition this year and inviting new members along on Saturday week, June 25, in a bid to attract new members, so why not take up the offer? The outing really is a snip at just £14 a head and this year it’s going to Mottisfont Abbey and Hillier Gardens near Romsey in Hampshire.

The 12th-century Augustinian priory of Mottisfont boasts sweeping lawns and magnificent old trees set amidst glorious countryside. The coach leaves Hornton at 9am and will be back by 6.30pm. If you would like to go, please get in touch with Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible.

15th June '05 - Blooms Open

Gardeners won’t want to miss out when three of Hornton’s most beautiful gardens are opened to members of the public on Sunday, July 3 in aid of Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust.

Between 2pm and 6pm that day you can Audrey and Eric Turner’s magnificent hillside garden in Bell Street, Linda and Malcolm Cross’ small but beautiful cottage garden on The Green and Lord and Lady Tweedsmuir’s classic garden with “rooms” in West End.

There will be teas, a merchandise stall and a plant stall.

15th June '05 - Brilliant Bike Ride

Last Sunday’s Annual Leisure Hornton Bike Ride saw its biggest turnout yet despite disappointing weather.

The sun was supposed have shined but the cloudy start didn’t deter almost 20 cyclists from making the trip over to Cropredy. There they were joined by friends and family who drove over and by Sarah Walther, Jean Burden and Lynne Miles, who walked as part of their upcoming 26-mile charity walk in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

That made almost 30 people crowded into the bar of the Red Lion at Cropredy for a well-earned pub lunch.

Plans are already being made for next year’s bike ride which will follow a similar format but with one crucial addition: after the cyclists all get back to Hornton, plans are afoot for tea and home made cakes in the pavilion!

15th June '05 - Hilary's New Job's No Childs Play

Hornton School’s Class 2 teacher Hilary Childs has been given a well-earned promotion to Deputy Head in recognition of the role she plays in the school.

Mrs Childs already carries out some of the responsibilities of a deputy head and the governors unanimously agreed to her promotion in their last meeting.

The school has also appointed a new finance officer, Mrs Linda Palmer, who has already started work, and from September Mrs Michell Wythe will join the staff as administrative officer. They replace school secretary Sally Phelan who is leaving.

Teaching assistant Maggie Hannah is also leaving and two part-time replacements will take over next year in classes 2 and 3, thereby ensuring that the teachers have full-time support as class sizes increase.

Please don’t forget that the School Association are holding a special camp at Horley the weekend after next. All children and their parents are welcome and Liz Hirst has more details.

Finally, if you’ve still got any Tesco tokens or Persil Stars, please send them into the school as soon as possible, as they are not valid next year.

9th June '05 - Sunny Ride Up

The weather looks fantastic for this weekend, so get on your bike and join the annual Hornton Leisure Cycle Ride this Sunday!

“We had a great time last year even though it rained a little,” said organiser Lynn Corke. “So if it’s good weather this year – and the forecast is for lots of sun - it should be even better!

“The emphasis is very much on leisure and we’ll be leaving from the village green at 11.30 am this Sunday, June 12th.

“We’re going to Cropredy and we’ll be arriving at about 1pm for a pub lunch so walkers and car drivers can meet up with us there.”

Cyclists, walkers and drivers will probably meet up at the Red Lion in Cropredy but final arrangements about the pub lunch will be made this week. Give Lynn a call if you need details of the venue before Sunday morning.

If you haven’t got a bike but would still like to come, don’t despair! Give Lynn a ring on 01295 670673 and the ever-resourceful cyclists of Hornton should be able to rustle one up. And if you do know you’re definitely coming or need further details, please give her a call. Otherwise, just turn up at 11.30am on Sunday and we’ll see you there!

9th June '05 - PQR

Peachtree Pre –School’s Quiz and Raffle takes place next Friday, June 17th. It may be a Grand Summer Quiz but it’s only £10 for a team of four to enter, so roll up to the Old School at Horley at 8pm. There are great prizes, including a selection of wines, and there will also be a raffle and bar. You can get further details from William Huskisson on 01295 730754.

9th June '05 - Lots to Say Cheese About

Hornton’s intrepid Ribbon Walkers had plenty to smile about last weekend when they collected nearly £400 in aid of Breast Cancer Care at a cheese and wine evening.

Sarah, sister Lynne Miles and friend Jean Burden are raising the money prior to their 26-mile trek at the end of this month in aid of the charity.

“It was a real social evening,” says Jean. “The luxury raffle proved very popular with the star prize of a mega pink hamper being won by Sue Coles.”

Lynne Jean and Sarah would like to thank all those who generously donated raffle prizes, edibles and items for the bring n' buy, also to all those that still sent items and money even though they couldn’t come.

9th June '05 - Fun Cow

The Dun Cow has plenty of fun in store towards the end of next month. On Saturday, July 23, at 7pm Banbury Wine Merchants S&H Jones will be conducting a tutored Wine Tasting in the garden. Further details will be available soon.

Then the following weekend sees the Third Hornton beer summer festival will be held.

At least 12 real ales and some draught ciders will be available for sampling over the weekend of July 29,30 and 31. Food will also be available throughout the festival.

9th June '05 - Fete On

You can pluck the hedgehog in Horley this Saturday! It sounds painful but it isn’t. It’s one of more than 20 stalls and sideshows at Horley fête, so pop along from Hornton from 2pm with some change in your pocket and help raise money for St Etheldreda’s Church.

9th June '05 - Fete Off

Hornton School are no longer holding a school fête on June 18. Instead, there’s a camping day at Horley the following Saturday, June 25, when parents and children can come for the day and also camp out overnight. More details from the school on 01295 670335.

9th June '05 - Fine Weekend for Studay

Upton House are holding a Fine Art Study Weekend for three-day from Friday week, June 17. The organisers promise “an enlightening study of Upton House and its collections through fascinating talks and tours.” The weekend will be held in conjunction with the Farncombe Estate Adult Learning Centre and you can get more details from 01386 854100.

Curious to know what secrets lie behind the door, in the drawer or under the lid at Upton? Normally sealed to keep out the light and the dust, for one week only Upton’s furniture will be exposing itself! It all happens from Monday, June 20 in Upton’s Open Furniture Week. Normal admission prices apply and you can get more details by calling Upton on 01295 670266.

And at the end of that week, on Saturday June 25th, there will be Jazz at Upton with John Burnett’s Jazz Bandits. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes for a summer’s evening of live jazz, in the beautiful grounds of Upton House £ 12.50. The gates open at 6.30pm and the music starts at 7.30pm.

9th June '05 - Open Book

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.

9th June '05 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 11am this Sunday, June 12, in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist.

1st June '05 - In the Pink

Intrepid Jean Burden, Lynne Miles and Sarah Walther are well into training to raise money on Breast Cancer Care’s 26-mile Ribbon Walk to Blenheim Palace at the end of this month - and you can help them this Saturday!

That’s when the charity’s bright pink ribbons will be fluttering around Sarah’s House - Paertree Cottage in Eastgate - for a cheese and wine party at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome and there will be a warm welcome and, of course, a traditional Hornton raffle along with the cheese and wine.

Jean Lynne and Sarah’s walk is literally a marathon attempt. It’s taking place on Saturday, June 25th, from Lechlade to Blenheim Palace - a distance of 26 miles!

By comparison, a walk along to Sarah’s this Saturday is just a stroll.

1st June '05 - Pop Off to Cropredy

And the intrepid Pink Ribbon walkers will be getting in more practice on Sunday week, June 12th - at the Hornton Annual Leisure Cycle Ride.

No, that’s not a misprint. It’s a cycle ride all right but walkers and car drivers are invited too when everyone joins up at lunchtime at a pub in Cropredy and the Ribbon Walkers are using it as part of their training schedule.

Since it was first run four years ago, the event has become more successful every year. Organiser Lynn Corke puts that down to the fact that the main aim is to have a good time, not peddle so far that you nearly kill yourself!

“The main emphasis is on leisure, not hard work,” said Lynn. “We have people of all ages and abilities on the ride and we deliberately pick a route that’s not too challenging.

“On top of that, there’s plenty of time built into the schedule for a nice leisurely pub lunch.”

This year, the destination of the cycle ride looks set to be Cropredy, where there are several pubs to chose for lunch. There will be more details in next week’s Guardian about which pub the cyclists will visit. That way, walkers and drivers can meet up with the cyclists for a bite to eat.

The cyclists will start from the village green at 11am on Sunday, June 12th, and Lynn would like to give the pub landlord some idea of numbers, so if you might be interested in coming, please call here on 01295 670673.

Haven’t got a bike? Don’t worry. The resourceful cyclists of Hornton will find one for you!

1st June '05 - Mystery Tour will be Magical

The 3Hs Gardening Club Mystery Tour sets off next Tuesday, June 7th, at 6.15pm from the village green and it’s not too late to join it! Organisers are keeping the route as closely-guarded a secret as they do their tips for growing prize-winning blooms but you can rest assured that there’s a great evening in store. And for just £3-50 a ticket, there’s even dinner included!

Then, on June 25th, the club is holding its annual outing, which this year is going to Mottisfont Abbey and Hillier Gardens near Romsey in Hampshire.

The 12th-century Augustinian priory boasts sweeping lawns and magnificent old trees set amidst glorious countryside and the trip costs just £14 a head.

Please could any member who wants to go on either trip get in touch with Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible.

1st June '05 - It's Only Once a Year

The Pavilion is holding its Annual General Meeting this Wednesday, June 8th, at 7.30pm. Please come along for an hour to support the people running it and discuss its future over the next year. Better still, what about joining the committee and doing your bit to keep Hornton’s biggest public space up and running? New members are always welcome.

1st June '05 - Tree of Knowledge

Peachtree Pre-School will be testing your general knowledge at a special fund-raising quiz night on June 17th. There will be a host of tempting prizes on offer and it’s only £10 for a team of four.

The quizzical fun kicks off in Horley Old School at 8pm and if you’d like to take part or find out more information, please call 01295 730754.

1st June '05 - We Won the Cup

Come along and celebrate Hornton’s fantastic victory in the Mid Oxon Cup on the might when it’s actually presented!

The boys in blue won the cup by beating Fenny Compton 5-0 after a fantastic team performance in front of more than 100 spectators at Souldern.

On Saturday week, June 11th, the club are holding a special presentation evening in the Red Lion at Horley. For just £5 per ticket, the close-of-season presentation will also feature a buffet and a 70s and 80s disco. For more details, please call Hornton FC’s Mark Wright on 01295 730530.

1st June '05 - Fine Way to Spend a Day

Upton House is holding a special Fine Art Study Weekend from Friday, June 17th, to the following Sunday. It promises to be “an enlightening study of Upton House and its collections through fascinating talks and tours”, say the organisers, and you can get more information by simply ringing 01386 854100 for further details.

1st June '05 - School's In

Term 6 for Hornton School begins next Monday, June 6th, and runs to July 22nd. A very imprtant date for your diaries in the meantime - the School fete is on June 18th and this year it promises to be better than ever!

1st June '05 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8.30am this Sunday, June 5th, in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. Holy communion will be celebrated at 11am in the Methodiat Church.