Copy for the next edition should be given to Roger or Vanessa by midnight on 15thJanuaryplease.
Paper submissions can be left in the box in the Church

If you normally prepare your material using a computer, it would make my life easier ifyou could submit your offering in electronic form. The ‘official’ e-mail address is: news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk if you wish to send me stuff that way.

This edition (482)
edited by Vanessa Druce & Roger Goodman

Cover Picture

In memory of Joyce McKail, seen here at Knit and Natter with one of the many blankets she organised for us to make for the AIDS babies in Ghana.

Carol Taylor

Contributions to the Oxhill News

The News is what we make it!

The editors would welcome any pictures, photographs, drawings, poems, puzzles, recipes, announcements or items of local news for possible inclusion in The Oxhill News.

Please emailnews-editor @ oxhill.org.ukor place paper contributions in the box labelled ‘The Oxhill News’ in the Church.

February Issue

The copy deadline will be the 15^thof each month, this is necessary due to the external printing of the News.

Please can you ensure all copy is sent to us by midnight on 15^thJanuary 2014 for the next edition –news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk A box labelled ‘The Oxhill News’ has been placed in the Church for any paper based contributions.

Roger & Vanessa

Mobile Library

The library van has books withlarge print, ordinary print, picture books, children's books, paperbacks, non-fiction, novels, sagas, crime, mysteries, adventures, westerns and romance. The van also has talking books, cassettes and CDs.

The library van will continue to visit Oxhill every 3rd Friday, stopping at the Village Hall at 2:30pm and staying there for 30 minutes.

This monththe van will visit us on Friday 9th at 2:30pm.

You can renew books between van visits by calling 01926 851031, or online at www.Warwickshire.gov.uk/wild.

Refuse Collections

Recycling and green waste bins (blue and green bins) will be collected on Tuesdays 13th and 27th.

The grey rubbish bins will be collected on Tuesday 6th and 20th.

Weekday Walkers

Weekday Walkers usually walks on the 2nd and 4th Friday's of the month.

If you are interested in joining or to find information, pleasecontact Jim Saxton on 01295 680613 or
at saxton @ talktalk.net.

At the Peacock

Quiz Night

Quiz night on Sunday 4th January at 8pm.

Village Events

The village coffee morning is on Wednesday 7th January at 10:30am and the village lunch is on Wednesday 21st DJanuary at 12:30pm.

Joyce McKail

5 September 1944 - 8 December 2014

Joyce was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, granny, auntie, teacher and artist. She loved art, music, theatre, literature, history, gardens, wild cliffs and moorland. Joyce was very proud of the fact that her daughters all inherited these interests. In addition she was a chatterbox, enjoyed a good giggle and was a terrible Scrabble cheat!

Joyce met John through mutual friends after a country walk and visit to a pub in the late 1960s. They were married at St Peter’s, Harborne in 1970, and were happily married for almost 45 years, having three daughters and one granddaughter. Joyce loved children and loved to teach. Initially as a primary school teacher in Birmingham, then in rural schools around here, as well as secondary schools such as KES, Shipston and Chipping Camden. Not only did she enjoy the teaching she also liked to get involved with other school activities, especially helping to make props and costumes for school plays, such as ‘Pirates of Penzance’, at Shipston School. She also taught at night school, showing people how to make lampshades and curtains, and more recently helping people to knit at the knit and natter group. Her lampshades still light up many homes in South Warwickshire and beyond. Sewing and knitting projects were always on the go, ranging from soft furnishings, clothes - she made her daughter Lucy’s wedding dress - to tiny costumes for puppet shows in Tysoe, most recently ‘The Little Mermaid’. Cardigans, hats and toys were knitted for many, including Martha, her granddaughter, babies in the village, friends’ babies across the country, even in Australia, and many for a charity sending them to Africa.

It is very hard to sum up such a broad ranging life in a few sentences, Joyce had so many interests but we will all have treasured memories of her we can carry in our hearts. Who could forget the refrains of “Cup of tea?” or “Are you sure?” You would end up with a cup of tea, or a bag of apples whether you really wanted them or not! Joyce left us far too soon, but her great warmth and love will be cherished forever.

Family and Joyce's many friends attended her poignant funeral and wake.

With Thanks

The McKail family would like to thank all those who attended Joyce's funeral, and who have sent condolences and best wishes during this sad and difficult time. Oxhill should be very proud of itself.

Thank you very much,
Lucy on behalf of Susanna, Catriona and John

After Valentine

If you would like a treat on a Sunday afternoon in February, then Cantamus, Richard Emms’ unaccompanied choir, would love to see you at their “After Valentine” concert with cakes at the Townsend Hall in Shipston-on-Stour on Sunday 15^thFebruary at 2.30.p.m.. There will be a warm welcome, plentiful home-made cakes, hot drinks, and a programme of music and readings from Three’s Company, to appeal to all ages and stages.

For lovers of the “classic American song-book”, there are numbers from George Gershwin, and Jerome Kern; if your musical tastes lie in the 1960s or so – the Beatles, and Flanders and Swann will fit the bill, and if your love is for early music, come to enjoy madrigals and more.

All of this will be complemented by readings to amuse, entertain, and reach the emotions!

This is an afternoon designed for all the family, and tickets (£10 for adults, £5 for children) can be obtained from R. Clarke Electricals in Shipston, or on the door. Any queries to Yvonne Ridley – telephone 01789 269587.

In Concert at the Village Hall

Friday 13^thMarch 2015 at 8.00 ( door opens 7.30 )

Brooks Williams - Guitarist Singer-Songwriter
http://www.brookswilliams.com/

“Pan-Americana Roots 'n Blues, doused in Moonshine alt-Billy and delicious Dixie”- Net Rhythms

Ranked in the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists, Brooks Williams is one of the most versatile and entertaining performers on the acoustic roots music scene today. From Statesboro Georgia USA, he is a proverbial triple threat: a fiery guitarist, a smooth-as-silk vocalist, and stunning songwriter. In February 2014 he was nominated best male vocalist by the UK’s folk roots mavens,Spiral Earth.

"Deft, tasteful guitar chops." - Rolling Stone

A road warrior, in the truest sense, Williams has toured throughout the world including the USA, Canada, Ireland, the UK, Turkey, France, Italy, The Netherlands and Africa. Appearances include Shrewsbury Folk Festival and Cropredy Festival in England, New Bedford Folk Festival in Massachusetts, Celtic Connections in Scotland, and Uncle Calvin’s in Texas.

Tickets just £10 from Pat at patrickcrowther @ hotmail.com

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

©2015 Oxhill Village (Terms and Conditions of use)

Last modified:December 27, 2014

Village Hall Events

Forthcoming Events

Burns Night Celebration – Saturday, 24 January, 2014

We are staging another Burns Night celebration on Saturday, 24 January, 2014. The evening will be a traditional event with Haggis (Vegetarian alternative available), Tatties and Neeps and a wee dram to keep out the cold. Our talented Scots from the Village will be on hand to recall and toast the life of Rabbie Burns, ‘address’ the Haggis and generally entertain us.

The evening will start at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm Dinner

Tickets, which cost £15.00 per person, need to be ordered and paid for in advance as this is always a sell-out. They are available from Tricia Harbour on 680676.

Spring Programme

For the spring we are working on a programme that includes a Talk in February and the fabulous Brooks Williams (rated as a Top 100 Acoustic Guitarist and Singer) on March 13th and a Friday Night event, etc but if you have any suggestions please let us know.

Knit & Natter

Please Note that Knit & Natter will take place on 8th & 22nd January.

Art Group

Six-week course starts

Wednesday 28 January 2015

10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Beginners welcome

All media – bring your own materials

Contact: Grenville Moore – 01295 680664

Christmas Lunch – Monday, 8 December

The Christmas Lunch for the Senior Citizens from the Village was held on Monday 8 December and followed the usual, successful format of previous years. We had 42 guests to Lunch and in addition to the delicious 3 course meal with wine that was provided we also had some enjoyable entertainment.

We are grateful to the Shenlow Singers who sang Carols and some new and old Christmassy songs and generally entertained us all.

I would like to thank the following people who, whilst not on the Village Hall Committee, always help out behind the scenes: Sue Robbins, Anne Marshall, Hugh Rowse, Jeff Reid, Gill Stewart and Brian Hobill who donated the excellent pork & gammon. I’d also like to thank Gaynor van Dijk for her overseeing the whole event and my colleagues on the Village Hall Committee, who decorated the Hall, cooked food, waited upon tables and generally worked tirelessly to make the day the success that it clearly was.

Derek Harbour

Church Service Times

St. Lawrence Oxhill

All are warmly invited to our services

Sunday 4th - Christmas I
9:30 a.m. Parish Communion (ML)

Sunday 11th - Epiphany II
9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship (JT)

Sunday 18th - Epiphany II
9:30 a.m. Parish Communion (ML)

Sunday 25th - Epiphany III
9:30 a.m. Family Service with Baptism (NM)

For details of other services in the Benefice please see the list in Church or telephone the clergy.

From the Parish Registers

Funerals: remembered with thanksgiving

Joyce McKail (aged 70)

Vicarage Notes

Thought for the month

It hardly seems possible that another year has come round. The busyness of Christmas id dying away, but I would like to express thanks to all who shared in the special services here at St. Lawrence’s. As always, we welcomed many people to the Parish Church, decorated so beautifully for this joyful season.

Some of you may have watched the TV programme about life at Canterbury Cathedral, the mother church of the Anglican Communion worldwide. The work that goes on behind the scenes is amazing, though I did feel sorry for the choristers with their demanding regime.

After the martyrdom of Thomas a Becket in 1170, his cult became international, with churches around Europe dedicated to his name. I’m not convinced that Thomas was a very saintly character, but he did stand up for what he felt to be right, despite risking the wrath of the king.

As we look forward to the coming year, may we all be steadfast in bearing fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – that is a saintly list!

Best Wishes &
God bless,

Nicholas Morgan
01608 685230
braileschurch @ gmail.com

Remembering

The funeral of Joyce McKail took place last month and our love, thoughts and prayers go to John and all the family. We shall miss her warmth, care and cheerful chatter!

Nicholas Morgan

Deanery News

At our next Deanery Synod, onTuesday, February 3^rd, will focus on Coventry Cathedral. We shall be welcoming the Dean of Coventry, Very. Revd. John Witcombe, and a warm invitation is extended to anyone who would like to meet him, and hear of his vision for Coventry, the City and its Cathedral. We shall meet at St. Edmund’s Church, Shipston, at 7.30 pm.

All too soon it will be Lent and Easter: could I remind you that this year the Deanery Lent Services will be happening on WEDNESDAY evenings, to give all those who struggle with Tuesday a chance to attend. This year we will be the Pilgrim Course: Turning to Christ. Could I encourage you to make this part of your Lenten discipline? For information, the dates and venues are as follows, at 7.30pm :

Wednesday 25^thFebruary - Shipston:
Do you turn to Christ?

Wednesday 4^thMarch - Tysoe:
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?

Wednesday 11^thMarch - Long Compton:
Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?

Wednesday 18^thMarch - Brailes:
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

Wednesday 25^thMarch - Tredington:
Do you repent your sins?

Wednesday 1^stApril - Ettington (HC):
Do you renounce evil?

As we go into this New Year, an adaptation of some words by Metropolitan Anthony in ‘School for Prayer’:

This year is blessed by God,
it is God’s own and now let us go into it.
You walk in this year as God’s own messenger;
whoever you meet, you meet in God’s own way.
You are there to be the presence of the Lord God,
the presence of Christ, the presence of the Spirit,
the presence of the Gospel – this is your function this year.

As I write this, the Travelling Nativity is hopefully making its way around the village. On Advent Sunday it was commissioned at Whatcote Church, and sent on its travels around Whatcote and Oxhill, reminding people that Jesus was coming, and asking for somewhere to stay. Twenty-one families welcomed the Holy Family into their homes, and the Nativity finally reached Oxhill Church at the Christingle on December 21^st, where it stayed over Christmas. My thanks to all those who took part, made room for the Holy Family and guarded them so faithfully!

As a result of various donations and the generosity of Oxhill folk, two breeding pairs of goats had been sent in the autumn to villages in Africa via the Christian Charity Cord. Following Joyce’s death the members of the Garden Club have donated a third breeding pair to Africa in her memory. Thanks to everyone for their generosity.

St Lawrence Church is about to acquire some Bibles, to be placed in the pews. If anyone would like to donate one, perhaps in memory of a loved one, and have it suitably inscribed, could they get in touch with me?

Finally, looking ahead, Shrove Tuesday is on Tuesday, February 17^th– and there will be a Pancake Supper at The Old House that evening. Mark the date – more details nearer the time.

Every blessing, Jill

Jill Tucker. 688193

Heard Somewhere in Oxhill in early December -

“I reserved the best room in the house for Mary and Joseph weeks ago and now you tell me that they won’t be arriving until Thursday! I could have sold the room ten times over for twice the price what with everyone visiting for Christmas.

When they actually get here they’ll be lucky if I can even find room for them in the stable. I’ll ask the Manager, but I shouldn’t be surprised if a late arrival fee isn’t payable!”

Welcome

We are pleased to welcome new residents to the village:

Kevin & Marika at Cow Barn Cottage and
Ed & Elaine Morgan at Appletree Cottage.

Festival Choir

Once again the Church glowed in soft candlelight and everyone enjoyed all our favourite carols and readings of the old story of the birth of Christ at our annual Carol Service. It is a lovely start to the Christmas season and once again the Oxhill Festival Choir sang their little hearts out. We were more than ably assisted this year by the ladies and gentlemen of Tysoe Church and very welcome they were too, giving the choir carols a much needed boost in volume and depth. Thank you all for a wonderful performance. Our grateful thanks must also go to George Parris who yet again excelled in the solo for Three Kings, to Sue Wightman who had more than her hands full with keeping control of such a large choir and to Colin and Jill Tucker who kindly allowed us to rehearse in the Old Chapel. We all had such a wonderful time that there are already plans for a possible joint effort with Tysoe choir at Easter. Watch this space.

Gaynor Van Dijk

Christmas Choir Singers just before their fabulous performance.

Thank you

A big thank you to our News Editors Vanessa and Roger who put together our news and views every month to keep us all in touch with what is going on. They work very hard to get the Oxhill News out on time, often hindered by people like me putting items in at the very last minute. We really do appreciate you.

The Parish Council

Reflections on a Quiet Morning

At the beginning of Advent, a Shipston Deanery ‘Quiet Morning’ was held at the Old Chapel conducted by the Reverend Cathy Davies. This contemplative event was in four parts interspaced with intervals of half an hour or so when the individuals attending found their own space (literally) within or outside the Chapel and in stillness reflected on suggested topics or, indeed, the meaning of Life, the Universe and everything.

In her introduction to the day’s format, Cathy drew our attention to the striking difference between the quiet start of the Church’s new year leading up to the birth of Christ at Christmas and the fireworks and noisy celebrations that bring in the secular New Year. A little different, too, to the frenetic activity that characterised Black Friday when Xmas shoppers reportedly fought over reduced price bargains offered by supermarkets and departmental stores in the major towns.

Each of the reflection and prayer periods focused upon / was illustrated by a famous painting – the first being ‘The Annunciation’ by He Qi depicting the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her that she would give birth to a son and that she would call him Jesus. It was suggested that in the first quiet period we might like to ponder upon what we treasured in our everyday life, our community, our church, and in the wider world. I sat in the beautifully refurbished chapel hall bathed in the sunlight coming through the stained glass windows, counted my blessings, and listened for a hoped for, still, small voice…..

The second session centred on Luke’s account of Simeon and Anna waiting in their old age for the coming of the Messiah and their joy when Jesus was brought to the temple by his parents. The topic for consideration / meditation was how we could best experience / set aside time for stillness and, perhaps, make room for God in our daily lives. I sat outside in the chapel garden warmed by the midday sun, listened to bird song and buzzing insects, enjoyed the peace of the Oxhill countryside, and continued to listen for a hoped for, still, small voice…..

The third period of reflection and prayer was about those less fortunate than ourselves. Jesus’ words paraphrased from Matthew’s gospel: “I was hungry and you fed me; thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger and you received me into your home; naked and you clothed me; sick and you took care of me. In so far as you do this for others, you do it for me.” Much food for thought on a personal level …..

In the final session Cathy reminded us that in the coming season of Advent we were here to watch and wait and pray for the coming of Christ’s light into the world. Prayers were said and candles lit to “Light up the future that we may prepare for it in hope”. The day ended with a late lunch of soup and a roll with the company refreshed and energised by an event that had concentrated the mind in periods of unaccustomed, for most of us, silence and stillness. It was a day that I can recommend to others as a very worthwhile life experience should the event be repeated on a future occasion.

Douglas Nethercleft

Parish Plan

By now I am sure everyone will have received a copy of the Parish Plan. Many people have approached me to say what an excellent piece of work it is and also a cracking read. A few people have also told me that they are a little uncomfortable about some of the comments under ‘What do you not like about Oxhill’. I hope that no-one feels that they have been specifically targeted and that we can move on and now start to put into place the changes identified in the Action Plan. This is an important part because much of it calls for action to be taken by the Parish Council and this will be put on the Agenda for our first Parish Council meeting to be held on 13 January 2015.

Grenville Moore

Dog Worrying Again

18th December 2014

Recently a ewe was bitten on the neck in the long grass field at the back of the church which runs towards Tysoe. Can all owners PLEASE keep all DOGS on a LEAD whilst in the fields with livestock and keep to the footpaths at all times. Or alternatively use footpaths with no livestock would be greatly appreciated. Troublesome dogs will be dealt with.

If anyone has any information please contact Nick Butcher 01295 680551.

Garden Club

On Wednesday 10^th December Garden Club members met up at the Old Chapel (thank you Jill & Colin) for the annual (naturally) Christmas Party. Mulled wine was on offer on arrival and proved popular on a chilly night. The three dozen or so attendees had previously cooked, baked and generally prepared a veritable mountain of ‘bring and share’ food that, on the night was a visual culinary delight – and tasted wonderful too! Sue and Martin Hunt had collated the offers of the various dishes, filled in any ‘gaps’ and masterminded the service.

Entertainment was provided by Myrtle Knight reading (reciting?) some amusing poems and Pauline Wyatt and Peter Rivers-Fletcher leading (almost seamlessly!) some ‘community’ singing of old favourites - but not carols which were quite properly left to be rendered more tunefully at the St Lawrence Carol Service.

The Garden Club committee had particularly extended party invitations to newcomers to the village and looks forward to seeing them / you again at the next meeting (always the third Thursday in the month) on January 15^th when Anne Chambers, owner and gardener, will take us through a year at Kiftsgate Court gardens.

Douglas Nethercleft

MacMillan Coffee Morning

Thank you to everyone who supported my pre-Christmas sale & coffee morning. The amazing sum of £1605 was raised! I couldn’t have done it without you.

Jackie Thompson

Jackie and Doreen making snowflakes at Knit & Natter

WOT2Grow - Community Orchard

A quiet month at the orchard as we move into winter, at last!

The planting of the “fedge” was very successful despite it being ahorrible day. It rained just enough to make life difficult for wearers of glasses but that didn't deter us. We got stuck in to removing the turf, digging out the soil and then planting the willow branches and tying them in. It is quite artistic making the shape and tying the bits together! We completed all of the first row of fedges so a good start.

Our second work session was held on a glorious frosty morning in early December. The temperature was -2C at the start but soon warmed up as the sun came out and as we warmed up we completed many tasks! The main ones were to remove some dead raspberry canes, cut back the sensory garden, and to cut back the wild flower strips. There are always things to do so if you want to help do join us or just come along as we can always use extra hands.

Don't forget the Wassail on Saturday January 17^thstarting at 4:30pm at the orchard. Do come along and join us – bring torches and something to bang to make a noise, food available at 4:30 followed by our very own Wassail!

Our AGM will be held on Tuesday January 27^that 8:00pm in Tysoe Village Hall committee room so come along if you want to know what we are doing and to find out more about the orchard.

For information about the orchard or the Wassail contact one of the team.

Liz Atkinson (680045), Paul Sayer (680451), Sue and Mike Sanderson (688080) Julia Stirman (01608 686776)