Hornton Online

The Pavilion committee invite you to come and enjoy a meal, drink and `spec'-tacular entertainment to celebrate the rural tradition of he end of harvest.

With a four-course meal, waiter service and live entertainment from the fabulous Retrospex (retro music from three men in specs!) for just £6.50, you are assured great value and a great time. Tickets are limited so don't miss out: contact Audrey Turner on 670304 for tickets.

30th September '04 - Other Pavilion Dates for your Diary

On 20th November there will be a Skittles Night and on 27th November Hank Wangford will be performing in concert. More details soon on both.

30th September '04 - Feeling Quizzical?

Get down to the Dun Cow on Saturday 2 October at 7.30pm for the JUMPA Quiz. As ever, it's more about having fun than proviing your IQ. So please come along, either as a team of four or just turn up on the night and take part. It's £2.50 per person and there are prizes for the winners. Let Gwyneth at the pub know if you'd also like to order some pub grub to feed those brain cells.

30th September '04 - Fiendish Partying

And don't forget the Halloween fancy dress party on Saturday 30th October, 7.30pm, at the Pavilion. £5 per adult, £4 per child, with a disco, bar and prizes for the ghostliest outfits. All funds to JUMPA. Tickets are available from committee members.

23rd September '04 - 95 and Not Out

There are just 95 shopping days left till Christmas, so it’s just the moment to put a very important date in your diary - the Ladies Working Party Annual Christmas Fayre. It starts at 7pm on Saturday, December 4th, in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. There will be stalls of every shape and size, wine, mince pies, the obligatory Hornton raffle and, of course, squillions of Christmassy items. See you there!

23rd September '04 - Spooky Start to Autumn for JUMPA

Fiendish questions and haunting hi-jinks are just two of the items on the menu for this autumn's JUMPA fund-raising events.

The third JUMPA PUB Quiz takes place on Saturday, October 2nd, at 7.30pm sharp, at the Dun Cow. Ollie Fickling and Steve Woodcock will be the gruesome twosome once again setting the questions on a topical theme, and there will be a raffle and prizes for the team winners. Entry is £2.50 per person, payable on the evening. This is always a popular night, so don't waste any time in signing up your team of up to four people on the list in the bar in the Dun Cow. And don't forget to let Gwyneth know if you'd like to order some basket-type grub for the evening.

And there will be more devilish delight at the JUMPA Halloween Fancy Dress Bash on Saturday, October 30th at 7.30pm at the Pavilion in Bell Street. There will be prizes for the best costumes and a disco and bar will make sure the evening goes with a swing. Tickets are £5 per adult and £4 per child (15 and under). For tickets, contact Steve and Chris Woodcock on 01295 670795 Lynne and Ollie Fickling on 01295 670739, Anne Joyner on 01295 670337 or Mark Wright on 01295 730530.

23rd September '04 - "Woof", said Timmy

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist raised £76 at its special thanksgiving service for pets on Sunday, September 12th. The money will go to the Banbury Animal Rescue and Kindness Service, otherwise known as BARKS.

And the Parochial Church Council would like to thank all the generous parishioners who gave a fantastic total of £797 to the church’s annual Gift Day on September 11th.

This Sunday, September 26th, there’s an 11am service at the Methodist Church. There will be no service at the Parish Church as there is a Benefice Service at 10.30am at Drayton to celebrate harvest Festival.

22nd September '04 - Gold Stars for Hard Work

The school parents association will be holding their annual meeting tomorrow, September 23rd, at 7pm. If you’re a parent, please, please try to be there because the committee running the association on every parent and child’s behalf work really hard throughout the year and need your support, help and advice.

22nd September '04 - Zoom Down to the Italian Job

You don’t have to drive down to the Dun Cow in a Mini this Saturday but it wouldn’t go amiss because the pub’s staging a real Italian Job! Landlady Gwyneth Gelling is holding a special Italian evening to tantalise your taste buds and there will be a selection of home-made pasta meals, traditional Italian-style starters and sweets and a selection of Italian wine.

The fun starts at 7.30pm and you can just pop down on the night but why not make up a party and book in ahead of time by ringing Martin or Gwyneth Gelling on 01295 670524?

22nd September '04 - Come for Coffee

Tomorrow the whole country will be staging the biggest coffee morning in the world for a very good cause and Hornton is playing its part with its own special event. It’s all in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief and takes places tomorrow, Friday, at Hornton Methodist Church.

“This year, we’re going to start early in the morning so we can attract the Mums who drop their children off at Hornton School,” said one of the organisers, Philip Williams. “Instead of going straight off, why not pop in for a cup of coffee and a cake? We’ll be open from 9am!”

This year’s event follows on from last year’s fund-raising events for the charity, when around £900 was raised in a wine and cheese party run by Sarah Walther and a coffee morning organised by Philip’s late partner, Ronald Emblen.

This year Sarah and Philiphave joined forces and hope to raise even more money. The coffee morning will include a special Hornton raffle, lucky squares, a bring and buy stall and a mini white elephant, as well as a delicious selection of home made cakes to go with the coffee and tea.

And the Macmillan Fund will also be in the money after Upton House throws open its Gardens for the National Gardens Scheme this Saturday, September 25. The beautiful gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm, with a proportion of the admission price going to the NGS Fund, which benefits Macmillan and various other charities.

And if you go up to Upton, don’t be surprised if you stumble on a painter or two as you walk round the gardens and house. On Saturday and Sunday from midday to 4pm, there’s a whole range of art-based activities and workshops which members of the public are invited to take part in for no more than the usual admission price! So be inspired by the magnificent gardens and collections at Upton House, come along with your paints and canvasses and explore your creative ability!

22nd September '04 - Spooky start to autumn for JUMPA

Fiendish questions and haunting hi-jinks - just two of the items on the menu for this autumn's JUMPA fund-riasing events...

The third JUMPA Pub Quiz takes place on Saturday 2 October, at 7.30pm sharp, at the Dun Cow. Ollie Fickling and Steve Woodcock will be the quizmaster duo (gruesome twosome) once again, setting the questions on a topical theme, and there will be a raffle and prizes for the team winners. Entry is £2.50 per person, payable on the evening. This is always a popular night, so don't waste any time in signing up your team (of up to four people) on the list in the Bar in the Dun Cow. And don't forget to let Gwyneth know if you'd like to order some basket-type grub for the evening.

More devilish delight at the JUMPA Halloween Fancy Dress Bash on Saturday, 30th October at 7.30pm at the Pavilion in Bell Street. There will be prizes for the best costumes and a disco and bar will make sure the evening goes with a swing. Tickets are £5.00 for adults and £4 for children (15 and under). Contact one of four committee members for tickets: Steve/Chris Woodcock 670795; Lynne/Ollie Fickling 670739; Anne Joyner 670337; Mark Wright (Horley) 730530.

17th September '04 - Just One Cownetto

Tantalise your taste buds on Saturday week, September 25, when the Dun Dow presents a special Italian evening. There will be a selection of home-made pasta meals, traditional Italian-style starters and sweets and a list of superb Italian wines to choose from.

The fun starts at 7.30pm and you can just pop down on the night. Alternatively, why not book in ahead of time by ringing Martin or Gwyneth Gelling on 01295 670524

17th September '04 - Chip Off The Old Block

Quarry Nurseries in Quarry Road, Hornton, are open again for the autumn. There are pansies, violas and box plants available at very competitive prices. The nurseries are open weekends and Wednesday from 10am ill 8pm - or dusk if sooner - and on other weekdays till 8pm, unless the dusk gets in the way first.

17th September '04 - Wiggle Along

Bookworms won’t want to miss the latest visit of the mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council, which will be on the village green next Wednesday from 10.55 to 11.30am.

17th September '04 - The Lord God Made Them All

And they all squeezed into the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Hornton, last Sunday, for a special service celebrating animals. There was every animal from dogs to guinea pigs - plus a couple of very sweet animal costumes. The rabbit outfit and the tiger suit particularly stole the show and Lindy Bridgman, who took the service, captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly.

This Sunday, September 19th, Matins will be celebrated at the Parish Church at 10.30am and the Methodist Church service will be at 11am.

Meanwhile, both churches are a lot better off after last Sunday’s Ride and Stride for the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Several hundred pounds was raised in last Saturday’s sponsored cycle ride and walk and half the money collected by Hornton people goes to our two churches.

15th September '04 - Biggest Dinner Party Ever

Another fantastic evening was had by all at the latest Hornton Progressive Dinner Party, held last Saturday. JUMPA, Hornton and Horley's Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area, is now more than £500 better off.

This time, there were five intrepid couples who acted as hosts and, with their revolving selection of guests, a total of 34 people took part. That figure would have been even higher had it not been holiday season, said organiser Anne Joyner.

The final figure raised was a fantastic £537.50.

When the next dinner party is organised, do sign up, because the food, wine and company is fantastic and you’ll meet lots of new friends.

15th September '04 - JUMPA's Next Event

JUMPA's next event is a devilishly cryptic quiz night at the Dun Cow on October 2. Make up a team or just turn up on the night and join in.

14th September '04 - Award Puts School on the Map

Hornton School has won a prestigious international award - for the second time running. The International Schools Award is given by the British Council to schools which promote global citizenship and Hornton School’s headteacher Wendy Clifford is delighted that they’ve scooped the prize once again.

“To win the award, we had to show that we are committed to doing a lot of international work in all sorts of ways,” explained Wendy.

Key to the award was the work the school does in forging links with schools in other parts of Europe - Sweden, Lithuania, Holland and Spain. The school also raised money for aid projects in Africa in the Seeds for Africa Appeal last autumn and Class 1’s teacher, Judy Pettit, went to Edmonton, Canada, to see how numeracy was tackled in schools there. Meanwhile, the school’s Geobears have been busier than ever, going to all sorts of far-flung places and returning with tales and trinkets to teach the children about other countries.

“We’re really pleased,” said Mrs Clifford. “It’s a great result for the school, the staff and pupils.”

And the school parents association will be holding their annual meeting next Thursday, September 23rd, at 7pm. Please, please try to be there - because the committee running the association on every parent and child’s behalf - work really hard throughout the year and need lots of support.

14th September '04 - Biggest Coffee Morning Ever!

Hornton is gearing up to play its part in the biggest coffee morning in the world. The event, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief, takes place next Friday, September 24th, in Hornton Methodist Church, and follows on from last year’s fund-raising events for the charity, when around £900 was raised in a wine and cheese party and a coffee morning.

This year Sarah Walther and Philip Williams hope to raise even more money and are planning a special Hornton raffle, lucky squares, a bring and buy stall and a mini white elephant, as well as a delicious selection of home-made cakes to go with the coffee and tea.

Philip joined forces with Sarah following the death of his partner, Ronald Emblen, who was involved in last year’s fund-raising efforts.

“This year, we’re going to start early in the morning so we can attract the Mums who drop their children off at Hornton School,” said Philip. “Mums - instead of going straight off, why not pop in for a cup of coffee and a cake? We’ll be open from 9am!”

13th September '04 - The Hornton Music Festival 2004

The fund-raising coverage of the Ivor Shawyer Summer Blues cruise is now available on a two disc, CD and CD-ROM, set for only £10, with £5 going to the Hornton fund-raising. The CD has musical highlights from the day, (featuring The Firebirds, Sam & Tim and Rock Sober) and the CD-ROM has extended music coverage and pictures.

Copies are available from www.clockworkdata.co.uk or by sending a cheque made payable to "Clockwork Data Ltd." for £10 to :-

Clockwork Data Ltd
18 Bath Road
Banbury
OXON
OX16 0TW

10th September '04 - All Creatures Great and Small

Don’t forget that there’s a special village service this Sunday, September 12th, giving thanks for animals. It takes place in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist at 11am and any pet is invited, as long as their owner can control it!

It’s hoped that members of the congregation will help with readings and prayers. If you would like to do this or you know of a reading, prayer or hymn that you would like to be used, please contact Lady Tweedsmuir on 01295 670608 or Lindy Bridgeman on 01295 670282.

9th September '04 - Aunt Sally Hits the Spot

Sharp-eyed Aunt Sally shooters lined up in teams of up to six on Wednesday last week to take part in a contest raising funds for JUMPA, Hornton and Horley's Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area.

Seven teams - made up of Hornton and Horley villagers along with their friends - competed in a friendly game of two rounds at the Dun Cow and an up-and-under throwing technique proved to be the winning style! The Bell Street Bashers team carried off top prize with their overall score of eight.

The event raised a very welcome £90 for JUMPA and there is already talk among the enthusiastic participants of holding another Aunt Sally contest during the day next summer.

Thanks to everyone who took part and to Martin and Gwyneth for hosting the event, as well as Adrian for setting up the Aunt Sally gear.

Next for JUMPA is another, ever-popular Progressive Dinner this Saturday and a cunningly cryptic quiz evening at the Dun Cow on October 2. Look out for details soon.

9th September '04 - Sugar and Spice Need Something Nice

A holiday home - to be precise. Sugar and Spice are Hornton School’s two guinea pigs and Scampy is their friend, an adorable lop-eared rabbit. Can you give any of them a home for a day or two, during weekends and holidays? If so, the School would love to hear from you and will be delighted to put you on the rota.

Rest aaarused that all three of them are very well behaved - except when they start nibbling your jumper, so don’t put on your best cashmere when you cuddle them. But they’re great fun to have around the garden, so if you can help out, please give school secretary Sally Phelan a ring on 01295 670335.

Meanwhile, the school is delighted to welcome 12 new pupils and three new members of staff this term. The new staff are Henrietta Bailey, who lives in Hornton and will be working as learning support assistant in Class 1, Nigel Bateson, who is the new caretaker, and Janine Marshall, who is doing a teacher assistant training placement in Class 2.

9th September '04 - Watch Out, There's some Money about

The annual Neighbourhood Watch Party a couple of weeks ago was not only a very successful event socially - that goes without saying when the wine corks are popped and Horntonians get together on the village green - but financially too. The organisers have totted up the cash and it raised an unintentional but welcome profit of £89.

9th September '04 - Hornton Hits a High Note

Keep your eyes peeled on Songs of Praise this Sunday to see if you can spot a Hornton website tee shirt or two! Lynne Miles, Sarah Walther, Julie Stanley and Jean Burden joined a 2,000-strong crowd recently when the programme was recorded at Blenheim Palace and they were all wearing Hornton tee shirts!

8th September '04 - Peaceful Passing of a Gentle Man

One of Hornton’s great characters has passed away peacefully, aged 85.

Harry Brooks loved the land and worked on it all his life. He was a farm worker but most people will remember him going round the village with fork, shovel and hoe in hand, to one of many people’s gardens which he used to tend for them until infirmity stopped him. When we first moved to the village, we were delighted to discovered that our cottage not only came with a fully-fitted kitchen but a fully-fitted gardener too! It was Mr Brooks – and we always called him Mr Brooks. Somehow it would have been disrespectful to call him by his first name.

Harry was born in a village near Rugby, came to the village in 1939, and for most of his life here lived in a cottage at the bottom of Church Lane. As well as tending people’s gardens, he also used to help keep the paths in the village weed-free in a spirit of generosity which he passed on to his twin children, Rosemary and Phillip, who today do much to keep the greens and verges tidy.

But Harry’s greatest passion was the chapel, where he worshipped for many years and where his family would like all donations in his memory to go. On the chapel’s behalf, he signed a covenant with the Parish Church a few years ago, so it is perhaps fitting that after his funeral service on Tuesday was held in the Methodist Chapel, he was laid to rest next to his wife in the Parish Church cemetery.

If there’s a garden in Heaven, you can be sure that Harry will already be tending it.

8th September '04 - Wine Not?

What better to do on a Thursday evening than pop down for a delicious glass or win or two, or three, or four..? Tonight, Thursday, Dun Cow licensees Martin and Gwyneth Gelling are holding a wine festival featuring their exciting range of fruit and country wines.

At just £2 for 10 tastings, you’re bound to find a fruity little number in there somewhere to tickle your palette and when you do, you can buy wine at a ten per cent discount!

8th September '04 - It's a Gift

The Parish Church of St john the Baptist holds it annual Gift Day this Saturday, September 11. Between 10am and 12 noon everyone is invited to come along for coffee and a chat. It's also an opportunity to make a gift to church funds.

It take almost £200 a week to keep the church open for worship and provide a ministry to the parish, so please pop by, even if you aren't a regular chuch goer. You will be really welcome.

8th September '04 - Good Job, Well Done

Hornton Parish Councillors have paid tribute to the “superb job” done by Oxfordshire Highways in resurfacing the Hornton-Wroxton road over the past few weeks.

“It’s like driving along the M40 now, it’s so smooth,” said Parish Councillor Bill Jeffs. “First they renewed the base, then they laid down a layer of chippings and finally they finished off with tarmac on top.”

Bill said that special thanks should go to the Highways Department’s Steve Bowden who co-ordinated the £120,000 project.

The road, which was closed whilst the work was carried out, has now been re-opened.

3rd September '04 - Aunt Sally Hits the Spot for Jumpa

Sharp-eyed Aunt Sally shooters lined up in teams of up to six to take part in the JUMPA fund-raising contest at the Dun Cow last Wednesday evening.

Seven teams of Hornton and Horley villagers and friends competed in a friendly game of two rounds, where an up-and-under throwing technique proved to be the winning style for the Bell Street Bashers team who carried off top prize with their overall score of eight.

The event raised £90 for JUMPA (Jubilee Multi-Purpose Playing Area) - and there is already talk among enthusiastic participants of holding another Aunt Sally contest during the day next summer.

Thanks to everyone who took part and to Martin and Gwyneth for hosting the event, as well as Adrian for setting up the Aunt Sally gear.

Next for JUMPA is another, ever-popular Progressive Dinner in mid-September and a Quiz evening at the Dun Cow on 2nd October. Look out for details soon.

3rd September '04 - Firebirds on Song

Fresh from their triumph before 20,000 people at the Fairport festival in Cropredy three weeks ago, The Mighty Firebirds were once again right on song on Monday back home in Hornton.

They headlined Bank Holiday Music Festival at the Dun Cow pub, which was more packed than ever as a gap in the rain made the weather perfect for attracting a big crowd.

The band, led by Hornton’s Mark Bowes, went through their Fairport set, which contained newly-written material from their upcoming album. The band were supported by duo Tom Sole and Sam Scannell, who have played the Bank Holiday gig before and a covers band from Middleton Cheney called Rock Sober.

A big crowd meant lots of money for good causes. Village funds will benefit to the tune of ablout £700 and JUMPA, Hornton and Horley’s Jubilee fund for a multi-purpose play area, raised £300 on the BBQ.

3rd September '04 - Serene Songs on Saturday

Horntonians can listen to a much gentler sound of music this Saturday - by just popping down the road to Horley!

Serenata, a group of singers from Nottinghamshire, will be performing a selection of songs, madrigals and spirituals - with a little Gilbert and Sullivan thrown in for good measure - in St. Etheldreda’s Church on Saturday, at 7.30pm.

The event is coming to Horley because on of Serenata’s members, Chris Howell, has recently retired there. It seem a good idea to meet up with his old colleagues again and benefit the church with a charity concert. He has now been replaced in the group but he should take part in some of the pieces.

And parents, there’s no need to worry about babysitters. Children under 14 are free.

3rd September '04 - You just can't get the Staff these days

Which is why Upton House needs volunteers - lots of them!

You could help out as a restaurant assistant, room steward, buggy driver, produce picker, car park volunteer, garden volunteer, wildlife surveyor, visitor reception volunteer, shop volunteer, office volunteer, garden tour leader, raffle ticket seller or events assistant. Phew!

The National Trust, which owns Upton, can only continue the fantastic work it does with the help of volunteers, so if you’ve got an hour or two spare then the people up there would love to hear from you.

If you’re interested, please pop into the ticket office at Upton or write to Julie Lynch at the National Trust, Unit 312, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 A44. Alternatively, you can e-mail volenquirieswestmid at nationaltrust.org.uk

3rd September '04 - Book In

The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, September 8th, from 10.55am to 11.30am.

3rd September '04 - It's a Gift

Just a quick reminder that Saturday week, September 11th, is the annual Gift Day at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist. You can pop in any time between 10am to 12 noon for coffee and a chat and it’s also an opportunity to give something to badly-needed church funds. See you there!

3rd September '04 - Church Services

Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at the Parish Church this Sunday, September 5th, at 8.390am. There will be a United Service with Holy Communion in the Methodist Church at 11am. And on Sunday week, September 12th, there will be a thanksgiving service for animals at the Parish Church at 11am. All pets are welcome - suitably restrained.

2nd September '04 - The View from here is Free

Many thanks to the Hornton residents who responded to the request in the Guardian to get in touch if they can receive Freeview, the free-to-air multi-channel alternative to Sky TV.

Millers Lane’s Barbara Greenhalgh and Martin Lewis both get Freeview very successfully and so does David And Lesley Kings, who live at the bottom of the street on the village green.

Barbara thinks that the people in Millers Lane may have an advantage over people who live in other parts of the village because they face the Oxford transmitter and have always got good terrestrial reception, while others of us have struggled.

Barbara thinks that it’s also possible to get a satellite dish and only receive free-to-air channels without having to take out any Sky subscription at all. Does anybody know any more about this? If so, please get in touch at the usual phone number and e-mail address below.

2nd September '04 - Wheely Good Time

“A great day out” - that’s was the way organiser Lynn Corke summed up last Sunday’s third Annual Hornton Leisure Cycle Ride.

“We had a really good time,” said Lynn. “We had more than a dozen cyclists, which was less than last year but an excellent turnout considering it was Bank Holiday weekend and the weather hasn’t been great.”

The route took the cyclists from Hornton to Wroxton, North Newington, Shutford and eventually to the Chandler’s Arms at Epwell for a well-earned and delicious lunch stop.

Then it was on to the George and Dragon back in Shutford for dessert, in the form of scones and cakes at a special 1920s-style tearoom which was held in the pub to raise money for the BBC’s Children In Need Appeal.

“Everyone pedalled really well, especially Tom Donaldson, who’s only six and pedalled the whole way round on his little bike!”

Lynn said there would definitely be another bike ride next year.

“This has now become part of the Hornton calendar!”

And whilst we’re on two wheels, it’s not too late to get yourself sponsored for the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Annual Ride and Stride to be held on Saturday week, September 11. The aim is simple: you walk or cycle around as many local churches as possible and you split the sponsorship money you raise between the church of your choice and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.

You can get sponsorship forms from Julie Stanley on 01295 670507.

1st September '04 - A Fruitty Little Number

For a vintage evening, pop along to the Dun Cow next Thursday, September 9, and you won’t be disappointed!

That’s when licensees Martin and Gwyneth Gelling are holding a wine festival featuring their exciting range of fruit and country wines. Tickets are available at the Dun Cow before the evening or on the night and, at just £2 for 10 tastings, you’re bound to find a fruity little number there to tickle your palette. And when you do, you can buy wine at a ten per cent discount!

1st September '04 - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks for the new hospital comedy on Channel 4, Greenwing, because it features five-year-old Hornton starlet Tomos Griffiths.

Tomos is due to be in the second episode - along with parents Ruth and Marc Griffiths, who also feature - but Mum Ruth says but the focus is very much on Tomos.

“They wanted a child who was young but could act,” she explained. “He plays a little boy who has been in a wheelchair all his life and a physiotherapist is encouraging him to walk for the first time.

“They used Tomos because he’s small for his age and he could take direction. We’re the doting parents.

“He’s done a bit of acting before. He’s done Casualty and he’s done Silent Witness but they were walk-on parts. This is only a small part but it is a proper acting part.”

When he came back, he was asked to tell his class at Hornton School all about his experiences.

Ruth and Marc both act professionally and Tomos got his part through their agent. But Ruth doesn’t think that he’ll be an actor when he grows up.

“After several takes, he came out and said ‘I’m not into this acting thing’, so I don’t think he’s going to follow in our footsteps!”