Brush up on your spelling or expect a few lines when you turn up to Peachtree Pre-School’s special School dinners evening this Saturday, September 29 - because spelling tests are very definitely on the menu!
Fortunately, there will also be prizes for the best-dressed pupil, a graffiti wall and a bar with alcoholic drinks - but don’t tell the teachers!
“There will be plenty of fun to be had and of course dressing up is a must,” said organisers Laura Short. “Spelling will need to be brushed up on and lines will definitely feature. There will also be a school disco and the good old school dinner.”
Tickets are just £10 each and there’s still time to get yours, so book up now by calling Laura Short on 01295 670232 or Claire Bottoms on 01295 670776. Better still, why not get a table with a few friends and make a night of it.
26th September '07 - History isn't Bunk
Hornton’s newest society - a history group to record and research the village’s past - looks certain to get off to a flying start next week as almost a dozen people have already pledged to come along to its first meeting.
The Hornton history society will be meeting at Kevin Wain’s house, The Swallows, just off the top green next Tuesday evening, October 2.
“We have 11 people coming to the first meeting but there is still room for lots more if you’d like to come,” says Kevin. “Please give me a ring on 01295 670716.
“We would also like information about the village even if people don't want to get involved in the group, if they have old photos, news cuttings, information of past events or activities and documents that may help in shedding light on our history. All information received will be handled with care and returned to the person who shared it with us.
“Also if people know things of interest about the village we would be more than happy to see them to document the information. Don't forget that other members of your family or friends not living in the village may also be a source of information. We will need all the help we can get our hands on!”
The idea for the group came because there was so much interest in the Hornton May Day Photograph Exhibition. One of the first projects the group may tackle is to name all the fields around the village with their centuries-old names.
26th September '07 - Fast Food
Make sure you’re around in Hornton on Saturday, October 13 and you’ll be spoilt for choice on the food front - but you must be quick!
First up is this autumn’s Hornton Progressive Dinner Party and you need to book up for this by next Friday, October 5.
It’s a great way to meet new people, eat good food and raise funds for a good cause all at the same time, says organiser Anne Joyner, who explained how it works.
“You either opt to be a host or a guest,” she explained. “If you’re a guest you go to three different houses during the evening, one for each course. The week before, you'll get a letter telling you who and where and what time your first course is and you'll take that host a bottle of wine. Afterwards, they'll send you off to your main course hosts and thence to your final hosts of the evening who will present you with a bill for £20 a head. Simple!
“If you opt to be a host, you'll provide a three-course meal for six people, including yourselves. This isn't as daunting as it may seem - the courses can be as simple or as elaborate as you like and people can be seated however and wherever you please.
“The whole point of the evening is variety and fun! Your guests will change with each course but don't worry, that bit's all organised for you and you'll get all the necessary info the week before.
You can take part alone or with a partner and all of the proceeds will go towards Hornton's own Pavilion Renovation project. It's the perfect, friendly way to meet some of your neighbours, particularly if you're both at work most of the time or if you're new to Hornton.”
If you can take part, please fill in the form which came through your door recently and post if in the village post box, which is on the wall next to the notice board on the village green, by 6pm on October 5.
If you have any questions or don’t have a form, please ring Anne Joyner on 01295 670337.
And there’s another culinary choice on the same night, so there’s no excuse to just sit in a watch the telly.
The Dun Cow is holding a Bangers and Mash evening. From 7pm onwards, Gwyneth will be cooking a whole range of superb sausages - with mash, veg and onion gravy, of course. You can just turn up or reserve a table beforehand by ringing her on 01295 670524.
Unfortunately, the Harvest Supper scheduled for the previous day, October 12, has had to be cancelled because not enough people had signed up.
26th September '07 - Howard's Way
The 3Hs Gardening Club will be treated to a talk by Howard Drury, the former presenter of Central TV’s Garden Time programme, at 7.30pm in the pavilion next Tuesday, October 9. This is a welcome return for the ex-TV gardening pundit, who first delighted the club with a string of stories and anecdotes last September. Everyone is welcome.
26th September '07 - Cheese Please
The wine flowed, the cheese oozed and the money poured in at a charity cheese and wine party organised by Hornton’s Sarah Walther and Horley’s Jo Gamage.
“We all had a wonderful time at Jo’s house in Horley and all for a very worthwhile cause,” said Sarah. “There were games, Indian Head Massages kindly given by Nicki Homewood, a mammoth bring’n’buy stall and a bumper raffle with over 30 prizes!
“We’d like to thank all who came and everyone who generously donated raffle prizes and money.
“A particularly big thank you must go to Ross, Linda, Judith, Jean, Loo Loo, Anna ,Ros, Karen and Nicki.”
At the moment, the money raised stands at £653.50 - and rising. All proceeds will be going to the Oxfordshire Nurse Appeal. Anyone who still wishes to make donations is not too late and can contact Jo on 01295 730717 or Sarah on 01295 670627.
26th September '07 - Handy Andy
Andy Perry, the co-ordinator of the steering group who last year put together ideas for the future of Hornton Pavilion, is calling them back together - and it’s all down to bats!
Two species have been discovered living in the roof and, because they are a protected species, the original plan to use part of the space in a refurbished pavilion will have to be re-considered.
Whatever is eventually decided, the bats will have to take first priority. We’ll even have to find a temporary place for them to go if they are disturbed by building work.
After the group have got their heads together, there will be a village meeting to update everyone and consult on potential options.
Hornton football club hope that work may include upgraded changing rooms but the pavilion committee have decided to postpone any discussion about this until their next meeting in February. By that time, the situation regarding the pavilion refurbishment should be more certain.
26th September '07 - Soccer Every Saturday
Please come down to JUMPA on a Sunday afternoon at 5pm for some five-a-side football for an hour or so. No previous experience necessary!
The football is for over 16's only, although it’s usually mixed it up with some games with the youngsters too. It’s lots of fun and keeps you fit in the process.
26th September '07 - Nutty to Miss it
Caratinga are coming to Hornton!
Caratinga are an exciting ensemble who perform music from their native Brazil on a variety of instruments, including the seven-string guitar, mandolin, percussion, cavaquinho and violin - plus the voice of their Brazilian vocalist, Leandra.
The music’s infectious, it’s live and it’s in the heart of our community. So turn the telly off on Saturday, October 27, and come along to the Methodist Chapel for a couple of hours of great entertainment.
Tickets prices are to be confirmed but they’ll be available from Julie Stanley on 01295 670507. Since it’s all part of Cherwell’s Arts at Large season, you’re already paying for part of those tickets through your council tax, so pop along, get your money’s worth and have a great time!
26th September '07 - Twilight Talk
The last of the series of expert-led art tours and talks in the New Light on Old Masters series is taking place today, Thursday, at Upton House. This talk concentrates on Upton’s collection of landscape paintings, and explores how our greatest artists have captured their environment. Tickets are £12 each and the two-hour talk begins at 10am.
And on October 21, it’s war! On the eve of the nearby battle of Edge Hill, experience the sights and sounds of the English Civil War, with living history and displays by Sir Gilbert Hoghton’s Companie of Foote of the Sealed Knot.
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.
26th September '07 - Turn Over a New Leaf
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, October 3, from 10.40 to 11.20am.
26th September '07 - Church Services
The District Property Committee will be visiting the Methodist Chapel this Saturday, September 29, at 10am. All members of the church are welcome to attend and put forward ideas for the improvements to the building.
There will be a service of Holy Communion in the church at 11am this Sunday. The preacher will be Andrea Harding-Smith. There will be no service in the Parish Church because there will be a Benefice Harvest Festival at Horley Parish Church at 10.30am.
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.
19th September '07 - Six on Saturday Week
Don’t be late when Peachtree Pre-School hold a
special school dinners evening in the pavilion on Saturday week, September
29 – or expect six of the best!
Fortunately, there will also be prizes for the best-dressed pupil, a
graffiti wall and a bar with alcoholic drinks – but don’t tell the
teachers!
“There will be plenty of fun to be had and of course dressing up is a
must,” said organisers Laura Short.
“Spelling will need to be brushed up on and lines will definitely feature.
There will also be a school disco and the good old school dinner.”
Tickets are just £10 each, so book yours now by calling Laura on 01295
670232 or Claire Bottoms on 01295 670776. Better still, why not get a
table with a few friends and make a night of it?
19th September '07 - Bumper Harvest
Where can you get a three-course meal, great live
entertainment and fantastic company – all for just £7-50?
At Hornton’s Harvest Supper, that’s where. And this year the organisers
are hoping to get plenty or bums on seats to make it a great evening at
the pavilion on Friday, October 13. With wine and beer at very reasonable
Hornton prices, that shouldn’t be too difficult!
“The number attending has dropped off in the past year or two – possibly
because some people confuse it with the event run by the churches,”
explained pavilion chairman Ian Harris.
“We’d like to get numbers back up again because it’s always a wonderful
evening.”
So do make it if you can. Please ring Ian on 01295 670541 by September 30
so that the organisers can work out the numbers in time.
19th September '07 - Moveable Feast
You won’t have to wash up on the following evening,
either – at least not if you sign up as a guest to Hornton’s next
Progressive Dinner on October 14.
It’s a great way to meet new people, eat good food and raise funds for a
good cause all at the same time, says organiser Anne Joyner, who explained
how it works.
“You either opt to be a host or a guest,” she explained. “If you’re a
guest you go to three different houses during the evening, one for each
course. The week before, you'll get a letter telling you who and where and
what time your first course is and you'll take that host a bottle of wine.
Afterwards, they'll send you off to your main course hosts and thence to
your final hosts of the evening who will present you with a bill for £20 a
head. Simple!
“If you opt to be a host, you'll provide a three-course meal for six
people, including yourselves. This isn't as daunting as it may seem - the
courses can be as simple or as elaborate as you like and people can be
seated however and wherever you please.
“The whole point of the evening is variety and fun! Your guests will
change with each course but don't worry, that bit's all organised for you
and you'll get all the necessary info the week before.
“You can take part alone or with a partner and all of the proceeds will go
towards Hornton's own Pavilion Renovation project. It's the perfect,
friendly way to meet some of your neighbours, particularly if you're both
at work most of the time or if you're new to Hornton.”
If you can take part, please fill in the form which came through your door
recently and post if in the village post box, which is on the wall next to
the notice board on the village green, by 6pm.on Friday, October 5.
If you have any questions or don’t have a form, please ring Anne Joyner on
01295 670337.
19th September '07 - Just One Cornetto
The Dun Cow has a special Italian night this Saturday,
September 22, with a delicious range of food with a Mediterranean twist.
You can either reserve a table by ringing Gwyneth on 01295 670524 or just
turn up on the night.
And the next event – in what is turning out to by a very busy culinary
weekend for Horntonians – is on Saturday, October 14, when the pub is
holding a Bangers and Mash evening. From 7pm onwards, Gwyneth will be
cooking a whole range of superb sausages – with mash, veg and onion gravy,
of course.
19th September '07 - Yule be There
There may be 96 shopping days left till Christmas but it’s
never too early to plan for the festive season, is it?
So that’s why Hornton Neighbourhood Watch are planning a mince pies and
mulled wine evening at 6pm on Sunday, November 25. There will be more
details in the coming weeks but put that date in your diaries now, for it
will be the start of the Hornton Christmas!
And here’s another musical note for your diaries. Caratinga are coming to
Hornton! Caratinga perform music from their native Brazil on a variety of
instruments, including the seven-string guitar, mandolin, percussion,
cavaquinho and violin – plus the voice of their Brazilian vocalist,
Leandra.
The music’s infectious, it’s live and it’s in the heart of our community.
Turn the telly off on Saturday, October 27, and come along to the
Methodist Chapel for a couple of hours of great entertainment.
Tickets at a price to be confirmed are available from Julie Stanley on
01295 670507. Since it’s all part of Cherwell’s Arts at Large season,
those tickets are already with your council tax. So do pop along and get
your money’s worth!
19th September '07 - Flower Power
Next Wednesday, September 26, there will be an Aster Open
Day at Upton House when the gardens will be open for charity through the
National Gardens Scheme between 12 noon and 4pm.
Upton has the National Collection of Asters and they’ll be in their prime.
There will be talks and walks with garden’s team and an opportunity to
buy plants.
A proportion of all garden admission prices will go towards nominated
charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Royal Gardener's
Orphan Fund.
And today, Thursday, you can be guided by experts round Upton House’s
priceless collection of pictures if you come along to the second of three
talks entitled New Light on Old Masters.
Starting at 10am, today’s subject will be portraits and works by Romney,
Reynolds and Holbein will be featured.
On September 27, landscapes will come under the spotlight.
Each talk will cost £12 and you can get more details from Upton on 01295
670266 or by email on uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk. Bookings can be
made on 01295 671121.
19th September '07 - Godhead to Godhead
There will be an 11am service this Sunday, September
23, in Hornton Methodist Church, which will be taken by Reg Ellis. At the
same time, there will be a service in the Parish Church of St John the
Baptist.
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 the Thursday Club meets every week after school until 4.30pm in the
Methodist Church School Room. All children are welcome.
13th September '07 - It's a Gift
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist holds its annual Gift Day this Saturday, September 15. 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 takes 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 churchgoer. You will be really welcome.
13th September '07 - Plenty on the Menu
Make sure you’re around in Hornton for the second weekend in October and you’ll be spoilt for choice on the food front!
First up on Friday, October 12, is the Village Harvest Supper at the pavilion. This is one of the most traditional events in the Hornton calendar - and for just £7-50 you get a three-course meal and live entertainment too! There’s also plenty of wine and beer to wash it all down - at very reasonable prices.
The organisers are hoping for a really big turn-out this year, said pavilion chairman Ian Harris.
“The number attending has dropped off in the past year or two - possibly because some people confuse it with the event run by the churches,” he explained. “We’d like to get numbers back up again because it’s always a great evening.
“To enable catering we will need to know numbers attending no later than September 30 and people can contact me to book a place on 01295 670541.”
And your culinary luck’s in the following day, Saturday, October 13, because you’ll have not one but two choices to eat out in Hornton that night.
Choice Number One is a Bangers and Mash evening down at the Dun Cow. From 7pm onwards, Gwyneth will be cooking a whole range of superb sausages - with mash, veg and onion gravy, of course. You can just turn up or reserve a table beforehand by ringing her on 01295 670524 - and don’t forget Italian night down at the Dun Cow on Saturday week, September 22.
Choice Number Two on October 13 is to take part in this autumn’s Hornton Progressive Dinner Party. It’s a great way to meet new people, eat good food and raise funds for a good cause all at the same time, says organiser Anne Joyner, who explained how it works.
“You either opt to be a host or a guest,” she said. “If you’re a guest you go to three different houses during the evening, one for each course.
“If you opt to be a host, you'll provide a three-course meal for six people, including yourselves. This isn't as daunting as it may seem - the courses can be as simple or as elaborate as you like and people can be seated however and wherever you please.
“The whole point of the evening is variety and fun! Your guests will change with each course but don't worry, that bit's all organised for you and you'll get all the necessary info the week before.
“You can take part alone or with a partner and all of the proceeds will go towards Hornton's own Pavilion Renovation project. It's the perfect, friendly way to meet some of your neighbours, particularly if you're both at work most of the time or if you're new to Hornton.”
If you’d like to take part, please fill in the form which came through your door recently and post it in the village post box, which is on the wall next to the notice board on the village green, by 6pm on Friday, October 5.
If you have any questions or don’t have a form, please ring Anne on 01295 670337.
13th September '07 - Smack on for the End of the Month
Don’t be late when Peachtree Pre-School holds a special school dinners evening in the pavilion on Saturday, September 29 - or expect to be punished!
But for the good children there will be prizes - including one for the best-dressed pupil. There will also be a graffiti wall and a bar with alcoholic drinks - just don’t tell the teachers!
“There will be plenty of fun to be had and of course dressing up is a must,” said organisers Laura Short. “Spelling will need to be brushed up on and lines will definitely feature. There will also be a school disco and the good old school dinner.”
Tickets are just £10 each, so book yours now by calling Laura on 01295 670232 or Claire Bottoms on 01295 670776. Better still, why not get a table with a few friends and make a night of it.
13th September '07 - The Nursery End
Hornton’s very own nursery is once again open for business.
Quarry Nurseries on Quarry Road has pansies, violas and chrysanthemums available and is open from 10am to 8pm (or dusk if sooner) from Wednesday to Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday the nurseries open at 6pm and close at the same time.
13th September '07 - History in the Making
Hornton will soon have a new society to add to its ever-growing number of village activities - a history group to record and research the village’s past history.
The idea came because there was so much interest in the Hornton May Day Photograph Exhibition and Kevin Wain, has kindly agreed to lead the meetings.
They should begin on a monthly basis in October but Kevin and fellow organiser Liz Jeffs would like to hear from anyone who may be interested in taking part. You can call Kevin on 01295 670716 and Liz on 01295 670529
13th September '07 - New Light Highlight
You can be guided by experts round Upton House’s priceless collection of pictures over the next few weeks if you come along to New Light on Old Masters, a series of three talks starting today, Thursday, at 10am.
The first two-hour tour covers religion and mythology and examines religious art and classical mythology through Upton’s important collections, including works by Hieronymus Bosch and El Greco.
On the following Thursday, September 20, the subject will be portraits and works by Romney, Reynolds and Holbein will be featured. And on September 27, landscapes will come under the spotlight.
Each talk will cost £12 and you can get more details from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust.org.uk. Bookings can be made on 01295 671121.
On Wednesday, September 26, there will be an Aster Open Day when the gardens will be open for charity through the National Gardens Scheme between 12 noon and 4pm.
Upton has the National Collection of Asters and they’ll be in their prime. There will be talks and walks with garden’s team and an opportunity to buy plants. A proportion of all garden admission prices will go towards nominated charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Royal Gardener's Orphan Fund.
13th September '07 - Autumn Leaves
The mobile library from Oxfordshire County Council will be on the village green next Wednesday, September 19, from 10.40 to 11.20am.
13th September '07 - Church Services
Mattins will be celebrated at 10.30am in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, September 16. Half an hour later there will be a service in the Methodist Church and the preacher will be Katy Beard.
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.
6th September '07 - Step it Out
If you fancy walking around our beautiful countryside and raising money for a good cause, set aside a couple of hours this Saturday, September 8.
That’s the day for the annual Ride and Stride organised by the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, in which you raise sponsorship money by visiting as many of our historic churches as possible.
Sharp-eyed readers will noticed that, as the event’s called Ride and Stride, it might not be necessary to walk to each of the churches. It’s not, for you can ride your bike instead, though sneaking around in a car is frowned on!
Half the money you raise will go to the trust and the rest to a church or churches of your choice. In the past, a tidy sum has been raised for Hornton’s Parish and Methodist Churches and if you’d like to take part this year, please call Julie Stanley on 01295 670507 for a sponsorship form.
Lynn Corke is definitely doing the Ride and Stride and, if you’d like to sponsor her, there’s still time. You can call her on 01295 670673 or email her at lynn.corke (at) blueyonder.co.uk
6th September '07 - Fun Cow
The Dun Cow is hosting an unusual event this Sunday, September 9. You’ve seen the Morris Men in the village but now it’s time to meet the Morris Ladies!
The Nancy Butterfly Morris Ladies from Redditch are dancing at the pub between 1pm and 1.45pm as part of their Cotswolds tour. So come down to feast your eyes on two of our finest traditions - a pint of Hookey and a troupe of Morris dancers.
And in two weeks’ time, Saturday, September 22, it’s Italian night down at the pub, with a delicious range of food with a Mediterranean twist.
6th September '07 - Child's Play
Last Saturday’s coffee morning at Hornton children’s playground made £228 for Helen and Douglas House Hospice.
The Oxford hospice cares for children and young people who are seriously or terminally ill.
The coffee morning made £25 from lucky squares, £91 from the raffle, £43.98 from the white elephant, £63.02 from coffee, produce and the travel game and there was a further donation of £5.
“Thanks to everyone who helped, gave prizes and attended,” said playground committee member David Miles.
6th September '07 - It's a Gift
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist holds its annual Gift Day on Saturday week, September 15. 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 takes 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 church goer. You will be really welcome.
6th September '07 - Smack on for the End of the Month
There will be punishments galore for latecomers when Peachtree Pre-School hold a school dinners evening on Saturday, September 29.
There’ll be prizes for the best-dressed pupil, a graffiti wall and a bar with alcoholic drinks - but don’t tell the teachers!
Tickets are just £10 each, so book yours now by calling Claire Bottoms on 01295 670776 or Laura Short on 01295 670232. Better still, why not get a table with a few friends and make a night of it.
6th September '07 - Making History
Hornton will soon have a new society to add to its ever-growing number of village activities - a history group to record and research the village’s past history.
The idea came because there was so much interest in the Hornton May Day Photograph Exhibition and Kevin Wain, has kindly agreed to lead the meetings.
They should begin on a monthly basis in October but Kevin and fellow organiser Liz Jeffs would like to hear from anyone who may be interested in taking part. You can call Kevin on 01295 670716 and Liz on 01295 670529.
6th September '07 - Hardy Perennial
The 3Hs Gardening club’s next event is a talk given by Frank Hardy this Tuesday, September 11, at 7.30pm in the Pavilion.
6th September '07 - Lighten Up
You can be guided by experts round Upton House’s priceless collection of pictures over the next few weeks if you come along to New Light on Old Masters, a series of three talks starting next Thursday, September 13 at 10am.
The first two-hour tour covers religion and mythology and examines religious art and classical mythology through Upton’s important collections, including works by Hieronymus Bosch and El Greco.
On the following Thursday, September 20, the subject will be portraits and works by Romney, Reynolds and Holbein will be featured. And on September 27, landscapes will come under the spotlight.
Each talk will cost £12 and you can get more details from Upton on 01295 670266 or by email on uptonhouse (at) nationaltrust.org.uk. Bookings can be made on 01295 671121.
On Wednesday, September 26, there will be an Aster Open Day when the gardens will be open for charity through the National Gardens Scheme between 12 noon and 4pm.
Upton has the National Collection of Asters and they’ll be in their prime. There will be talks and walks with garden’s team and an opportunity to buy plants. A proportion of all garden admission prices will go towards nominated charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Royal Gardener's Orphan Fund.
6th September '07 - Church Services
There will be a Village Service at 11am in the Parish Church of St John the Baptist this Sunday, September 9. As this is a village service, there will be no service in the Methodist Church.
But 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.
6th September '07 - Bags of Cash for the Brownies
Hornton Brownies are the recipients of the latest loot from the sixpence-a-line cash generated by the Hornton column of the Banbury Guardian. They get £170, which represents more than 15,000 words about the best and busiest village in Banburyshire! Please keep all the information about village news, views and events coming in!
