Hornton Archive 2007

All right, there may be 26 shopping days left till the big day but that doesn’t stop the Christmassyist village in Banburyshire getting in on the act early, and the traditional start to the Hornton Christmas is the Yuletide Fayre and Social taking place at the Parish Church and organised by the Ladies’ Working Party.

It’s all in aid of local charities and this year it’s happening this Saturday, December 1, at 7pm, so be there and get your Christmas off to a flying start!

30th November '07 - Hang up your Stocking

The Gate Hangs High near Hook Norton is the venue for this year’s 3Hs Gardening Club Christmas Dinner. There’s still time to book a place – but you must be quick!

Organiser Eileen Lewis says she needs people to book their £15 places by this weekend coming, so if you can make it, please call her as soon as possible on 01295 670449.

30th November '07 - School for Santa

Pop along to Hornton School tomorrow week and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll bump into Father Christmas.

That’s because Friday, December 7, is the date for the Hornton School Christmas Bazaar.

Just to confuse you, it’s actually taking place - from 6 to 8pm - at the Methodist Chapel this year while building works are going on at the school, but 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!”

30th November '07 - Christmas Candle

Now is the time to book for the Candlelight supper at the Methodist Church on Saturday week, December 8. 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.

And whilst you’re doing it, ask Julie and Jean about The Tin Soldier.

The first week back after Christmas is always a bit of low point, so it’s great that there’s something to look forward in Hornton.

On Saturday, January 5, Storybox Theatre will be performing Hans Christian Anderson’s The Tin Soldier. It’s a story 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 tale of a very special toy and his extraordinary journey.

The performance is subsidised by Cherwell District Council through their Arts at Large programme. That means that you’ve already paid towards it through your council tax, so pop along to get your money’s worth – and don’t forget to bring the children!

30th November '07 - Squeeze in for Sunday

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, December 16, but there are more spaces available for the evening before. She’ll be taking bookings up to the weekend before.

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.

30th November '07 - Lamb to the Slaughter

The Dun Cow have leapt into third place in the Harbury and District Crib League after a dramatic 4-3 away win against the Shoulder of Mutton of Granborough. As we approach half way through the season, there’s everything to play for!

30th November '07 - Make it Snappy this Christmas

There’s a good chance that you’ll be buying someone a camera or a phone this Christmas. If so, try to persuade the lucky recipient to use it to enter the village’s exciting new event – 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, 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.

30th November '07 - Stamps of Approval

Any day now, the first Christmas cards will be dropping through your letter box and Maggie Higgins makes a plea to keep all the 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."

30th November '07 - Chat Up

The deadline for contributions to the latest edition of The Gossip, Hornton’s very own village newspaper, is January 31, so before Christmas preparations overwhelm you, please sit down and pen a contribution. Editors Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 or at julieharrystan (at) aol.com and Ann Hemmings on 01295 670511 or at ann dot hemmings (at) orh dot nhs dot uk are waiting for those literary pearls to drop through their letter box!

30th November '07 - Up Market

This Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, you can join in all the festive fun at Upton’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 House 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. The market will continue the following weekend.

And next Monday and Wednesday lunchtime, December 3 and 5, 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 and the festive feast will be available again the following week, on December 10 and 12.

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

30th November '07 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 8.30am this Sunday, Advent Sunday. There will be a United Service of Holy Communion at 11am in Hornton Methodist Church. It will be led be the Rev John Warren.

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! The Thursday Club has been cancelled for the forseeable future because there is no room in the Chapel whilst the School are using it.

22nd November '07 - Look In

It will be eyes down tomorrow, Friday, when the Church Ladies’ Working Party hold a Christmas Bingo session in the Church Room. Eyes down is at 7.30pm.

22nd November '07 - Mince along to the Pavilion

Hornton Neighbourhood Watch are holding a Mulled Wine and Mince Pies evening this Sunday evening, November 25, in the pavilion from 6 to 8pm. Don’t miss this Winter-warming limber-up to the festive season!

22nd November '07 - Ladies at Work

The traditional start to the Hornton Christmas is of course the Christmas Fayre and Social at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist and organised by the Ladies’ Working Party.

It’s all in aid of local charities and this year it takes place on Saturday week, December 1, at 7pm, so pop it in your diaries now!

22nd November '07 - School's Cool

Hornton School is the place to be on the evening of Friday, December 7, when they hold their annual Christmas bazaar from 6pm onwards.

“We’d especially like villagers who don’t normally come to the school to drop in,” said one of the organisers, Ruth Griffiths.

“And there will be lots of things for children, including for those who don’t go to the school.”

Don’t be surprised to spot Santa Claus amid all the festive mayhem. See you there!

22nd November '07 - A New Flame

Now is the time to book for the Candlelight supper at the Methodist Church two weeks on Saturday, December 8. 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.

22nd November '07 - In the Soup

Hornton Methodist Church raised a fantastic £442 for Chapel funds from their soup lunch last Saturday, November 17 – and that’s despite the fact that the very same Julie Stanley put the date of December 17 in The Gossip by mistake!

But as everyone who came was treated to home-made soup with crusty bread with yummy puddings for afters, it’s not surprising that the whole event was a big success.

“Apologies for the slip-up and thanks to everyone who came and supported us,” said a red-faced Julie.

She promises the Candlelight Supper really will be going ahead on December 8!

22nd November '07 - Pride in our Poppies

Maggie Higgins and Audrey Turner would like to thank all the villagers of Hornton who gave so generously to the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal this year. £311.52 was raised – a 10 per cent increase on last year’s house-to-house total of £281.

22nd November '07 - Raise a Glass

Now’s the time to book up for the Dun Cow’s Christmas meals. There will be traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings – plus a vegetarian option - on the evening of Saturday, December 15, and Sunday lunchtime the next day.

On New Year’s Eve, 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 here’s a date for your New Year diaries. 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.

More details on all these events from Gwyneth and Martin on 01295 670524.

22nd November '07 - Get Stuffed

Now’s the time to book up for the 3Hs Gardening Club’s annual Christmas dinner, taking place on December 11. Please ring Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible to reserve your place.

22nd November '07 - Crib Crunch

The Dun Cow crib team stormed back to form with a 5-2 home win over the Harbury Club in their latest Harbury and District Crib League match.

The win puts the Hornton cribbers fourth in the table with a match in hand.

22nd November '07 - Basement Bargain

There’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a free tour of the basements beneath Upton House, peering into the 'downstairs' life of the house and finding clues to the house's early history this Saturday and Sunday. You can get more information from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.

And on the following weekend, December 1 and 2, you can join in all the festive fun at Upton’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 House 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.

22nd November '07 - Leaves on the Green

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, November 28, from 10.40 to 11.20am.

22nd November '07 - Church Services

The Rev D. Clarkson will lead the service in Hornton Methodist Church at 11.00am this Sunday, November 25. There will be no service in the parish church because there’s a Benefice Advent Carol Service at 6pm in Shenington 25th Nov,

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!

The Thursday Club has been cancelled for the foreseeable future because there is no room in the Chapel whilst the School are using it.

14th November '07 - Spoilt for Choice

No less than eight people put their names forward for the two vacancies on the Parish Council.

“We were spoilt for choice!” said delighted parish clerk Alan Cater. “Hornton is extremely fortunate to have so many people prepared to contribute to village life.

“All the candidates would have brought valuable knowledge and it was a very difficult task to decide the final two. Ultimately, Glenis Griffiths and David Jarrett were invited to join the council.

“It is reassuring to know that there is a pool of people ready to step in should further vacancies occur in the future. The next Parish Council elections will take place in 2010.”

14th November '07 - Maggie's got it Licked

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."

And Maggie has joined forces with Audrey Turner to collect for this year’s Poppy Appeal. As this year’s Remembrance Sunday approaches, wear your poppy with pride – and please make sure you buy it in Hornton so that we can beat last year’s fundraising total.

14th November '07 - Yule be There

The 3Hs Gardening Club’s next meeting event is a demonstration given by Freefields florists in Banbury on Tuesday week, November 13. Pauleen, Susan and Helen so wowed the club with their demonstration of Christmas flower arranging that they were immediately booked to come back this year.

The floral trio came at very short notice on their first visit and gave a terrific demonstration of how to make Yuletide arrangements with fresh flowers. They donated the finished products for a raffle and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

And now’s the time to book up for the club’s annual Christmas dinner, on Tuesday, December 11. Please ring Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible to reserve your place.

14th November '07 - Be Cheeky at the Checkout

Hornton School is only small and needs all the Tesco for Sports Equipment vouchers it can get. So whilst the store is holding its present promotion, go on - be cheeky and ask the person in front of you for their vouchers if they don’t want them. And if you ask nicely, the checkout staff will often give you a few more as well!

14th November '07 - Frying on Friday Week

The Dun Cow will be holding a special fish and chip night a week tomorrow, November 16, from 6.30pm. This is a change from the original date in The Gossip.

And bookings are now being taken for the pub’s Christmas meals, which will be on Saturday, December 15, and Sunday lunchtime the following day.

Please ring Gwyneth on 01295 670524 for more details about both events.

Finally, please keep any chipped or cracked crockery!

“We’re hoping to hold a Greek evening in May or June and we’d like to end it with a smashing time!” said Gwyneth.

14th November '07 - Chat and Chomp

It’s nearly time for Upton’s Winter talk on growing and cooking your own food in the From Plot to Plate series – scheduled for a week today, November 15.

You’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of Upton’s kitchen garden, with an introduction to their history and tips on the techniques and benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables. The event then transfers to the restaurant, for a demonstration of cookery using produce fresh from the garden to create mouth-watering dishes. Lunch is included in the £20.00 ticket and it begins at 11.30am.

And on the following weekend, November 17 and 18, there are free basement tours of the house - a rare opportunity to enjoy a free tour of the basements beneath Upton, peering into the downstairs life of the house and finding clues to the house's early history.

You can get more information on all these events from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk. Bookings can be made on 01295 671121.

14th November '07 - Dropping Leaves

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be dropping in next Wednesday and will be on the village green from 10.40 to 11.20am.

14th November '07 - Lest We Forget

There will be a United Service at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday November 11. As this is Remembrance Sunday, it will start five minutes earlier than usual at 10.55am.

And 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! And Thursday Club meets every week after school until 4.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room. All children are welcome.

8th November '07 - Spoilt for Choice

8th November '07 - Maggie's Got it Licked

8th November '07 - Yule be There

8th November '07 - Be Cheeky at the Checkout

8th November '07 - Frying on Friday Week

8th November '07 - Chat and Chomp

8th November '07 - Dropping Leaves

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be dropping in next Wednesday and will be on the village green from 10.40 to 11.20am.

8th November '07 - Lest We Forget

1st November '07 - You'd be Batty to Miss it

The bats in the pavilion roof mean that there will need to be a big rethink in Hornton’s plans to refurbish it and if you’d like to have your say, now’s your chance.

The steering group who last year put together ideas for the future of the pavilion are getting together at 8pm in the Dun Cow next Tuesday, November 6, and co-ordinator Andy Perry said he would be delighted if any new people would like to join in the discussion.

The problem arises because the bats who have set up home in the roof space are of the rare brown long-eared variety and you’re not allowed to touch their home unless you’ve provided them with alternative accommodation first.

The steering group will now make new recommendations which will be passed on to the village for consultation before any decisions are taken. They may decided to recommend building a bigger extension than was originally envisaged because the bats don’t simply need somewhere to hang – they need somewhere to fly, too. Certainly, the building will need to be co-ordinating so as not to disturb our furry friends during the breeding season.

1st November '07 - Lest we Forget

When you buy your poppy this year, remember that you’re not just helping soldiers from previous wars. You’re also helping those who are serving today in countries like Afghanistan – and one villager is about to go to serve there.

So please have lots of money ready when Audrey Turner and Maggie Higgins call at your door. Also, please buy your poppy in Hornton, as Audrey and Maggie are hoping that Hornton will raise even more money than last year’s superb response of almost £300.

1st November '07 - Christmas is Coming

It was only a matter of time before Banburyshire’s Christmassyist village would begin its Yuletide celebrations before the start of December and this year it’s happened.

Hornton Neighbourhood Watch are holding a Mulled Wine And Mince Pies evening in the pavilion on Sunday, November 25, so put that date in your Yuletide diaries now!

1st November '07 - 18 Carat Gold

Hornton Methodist Church rocked to the music of Brazil last Saturday – and if you missed it, you missed a treat!

Caratinga performed music on a variety of instruments, including the seven-string guitar, mandolin, percussion, cavaquinho and violin with all the infectious enthusiasm of the Rio Carnival and it was a great evening.

The concert was part of Cherwell District Council’s Arts at Large programme and the next event in the series is next year on Saturday, January 5, when Storybox Theatre perform Hans Christian Anderson’s The Tin Soldier.

A little boy is given a present of 12 soldiers on Christmas Day. On soldier is very different fofromthe rest and so begins the story of a very special toy and his extraordinary journey.

Tickets will be available in December from Julie Stanley on 01295 67507.

1st November '07 - Fish in a Fortnight

The Dun Cow will be holding a special fish and chip night two weeks tomorrow, November 16, from 6.30pm. This is a change from the original date in The Gossip.

And bookings are now being taken for the pub’s Christmas meals, which will be on Saturday, December 15, and Sunday lunchtime the following day.

Please ring Gwyneth on 01295 670524 for more details about both events.

Finally, please keep any chipped or cracked crockery!

“We’re hoping to hold a Greek evening in May or June and we’d like to end it with a smashing time!” said Gwyneth.

1st November '07 - Free Entry

The 3Hs Gardening Club’s next meeting event is a demonstration given by Freefields florists in Banbury on Tuesday, November 13. Pauleen, Susan and Helen so wowed the club with their demonstration of Christmas flower arranging that they were immediately booked to come back this year.

The floral trio came at very short notice on their first visit and gave a terrific demonstration of how to make Yuletide arrangements with fresh flowers. They donated the finished products for a raffle and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

And now’s the time to book up for the club’s annual Christmas dinner, on Tuesday, December 11. Please ring Eileen Lewis on 01295 670449 as soon as possible to reserve your place.

1st November '07 - Power to your Elbow

Jo Bell, whose parents Terry and Doreen used to run the Dun Cow, has started a class in Sun Power Yoga every Tuesday at 6.30pm at the Church Room.

Sun Power Yoga incorporates special breathing exercises and Jo says it’s designed to revitalise your whole body.

And at just £5 for a 90-minute session, you can be fitter without breaking the bank! Please being a mat with you if you can and wear loose clothing.

1st November '07 - Green with Envy

The Dun Cow crib team were pipped at the post 4-3 in their latest Harbury and District Crib League match by the Green Man at Long Itchington. The result leaves the Hornton cribbers just below mid table with four points from four matches.

1st November '07 - Pop up to Step Down

This weekend, November 3 and 4, there’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a free tour of the basements beneath Upton House, peering into the 'downstairs' life of the house and finding clues to the house's early history.

And there may by just a few tickets left for the ever-popular Putting the House to Bed tour next Wednesday, November 7, when the Conservation team at Upton invite you to learn the processes of preparing National Trust collections for winter hibernation.

The two-hour tour, which starts at 10.30am, includes coffee on arrival and lunch. Tickets are £20.

And a fortnight today, Thursday, November 15, it’s time for Upton’s Winter talk on growing and cooking your own food in the From Plot to Plate series.

You’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of Upton’s kitchen garden, with an introduction to their history and tips on the techniques and benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables. The event then transfers to the restaurant, for a demonstration of cookery using produce fresh from the garden to create mouth-watering dishes. Lunch is included in the £20.00 ticker and it begins at 11.30am.

You can get more information on all these events from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust.org.uk. Bookings can be made on 01295 671121.

1st November '07 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 8.30am this Sunday. There will be a United Service of Holy Communion at 11am in the Methodist Church, which will be taken by the Rev Dorothy Hewitson.

And 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!

The Thursday Club meets every week after school until 4.30pm in the Methodist Church School Room. All children are welcome.