Over the Jubilee Weekend The fly-past Lancaster disappears to the north east after three passes over the Playing Field. Above are photos of events on the ground. Clockwise from top left: The Village Players perform their Music Hall; The Jubilee Cake, made and iced by Maretta Dowman; Historic tractors on display.
The front cover shows the last airworthy Lancaster bomber in the UK, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as it flew over the Launton Playing Field Jubilee event on Saturday 4 June. There are other photos from the Jubilee weekend in this issue, and a report on pages 27-28. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by Ian Jones
The Editor writes …
This July issue will - I hope - be with you at the start of the month. It’s been an interesting issue to produce, with a lot of photos from Jubilee-related events including the four-page centre spread (pages 23-26) featuring all 42 Scarecrows from the Really Royal Trail, which has been put together by coeditor Matt Hill who researched all the royalty-free frames, along with doing a fulltime job. He also produced the front cover, which features Ian Jones’ photo of the fly-past Lancaster bomber that roared over the Playing Field on 4 June. There is also a report of the two-day village Jubilee event on pages 27-28. Still to come is the Jubilee-related Village Players’ Summer Show A Musical Jubilee (see page 11 and the back cover), and then I know that there are already three “Harvest” themed events planned in September and October to be run by St Mary’s, by FIPW, and by FoLPH. This issue also includes update news about the Parish Hall project on page 6 including the charity registration of the Friends of Launton Parish Hall, and the submission of the planning application for work on the Hall. Please continue to support our advertisers:.we now print 650 copies each month and we need their support to keep on producing and distributing Launton Lines.
Robert Cornford
Launton Village Support: Contact Details A Support Group for Launton. Group email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE Numbers: 9:30am to 5:00pm
07522 231 100 - Janice | 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 01869 241755 - Lesley | 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry Pharmacy Runner
Launton Lines
A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2022 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2021-22 Chair: Jon Spinage | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill | Treasurer: Michael Stack Associate Editor: Kathy Gilbert | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 01869 247171
To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: Christine Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner; Robert Cornford
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Would you like to sponsor an evening’s floodlighting at St Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, birthday, or wedding? A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 July for entry in the August 2022 issue of Launton Lines.
July 17 | Sponsored by Bob Roberts in loving memory of his mother, Ann
Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 9 June 2022 at 7:30pm in the Launton Parish Hall
Councillors present Mr Andrew Briant, Mrs Abigail Dowman, Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman), Mr Simon Turner (Chairman), Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies Mrs Lesley Thompson Absent Mr Kyle Michael In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; Cllr Angus Patrick (CDC); 3 members of the East West Rail team (from 7.40pm to 8.01pm); 4 members of the public (3 left at 8.01pm) East West Rail Mr Singh apologised for the delay in the opening of Bicester Road. This was due to a delay by the utility companies; the bolts which had been reported as missing from the barriers (Vehicle Restraint System) across the bridge would be put in place once the track was live, but the current work had been passed by OCC Highways. The Station Road VRS was due to be completed shortly. The Charbridge Lane bridge realignment has now been completed and the temporary embankment is being removed. The Road to Marsh Gibbon is on schedule to be re-opened on 17 June. The EWR Team has been pleased to be able to support the Friends of Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 4
Island Pond Wood with some bird boxes and seed bombs and to support the Hummingbird Centre with painting some of the communal areas of the building, landscaping outside and some first aid and defibrillator training. The compound was scheduled to be deconstructed from September. Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Turner welcomed Councillor Angus Patrick to the meeting. Councillor Patrick would be representing the Launton and Otmoor Ward for the next year as a Cherwell District Councillor. Finance The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website. Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk -in the Agenda and Minutes section). If any villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments. Guidance about how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planningapplications/ Parish Hall The Parish Council had seen the plans provided by the architect and was pleased to be able to ask the architect to submit the planning application. Speedwatch The Parish Council was very pleased to receive a proposal from David Jones about setting up a Speedwatch group. The Parish Council will be supporting David in getting the group off the ground [see report on page 14 of this issue of Launton Lines]. All volunteers who would like to help, please contact David at speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk Bus timetable The route 17 bus now has a revised timetable following the re-opening of the bridge on Bicester Road. The information is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/village-news/route-17timetable-from-4-june/. [See also page 7 for the revised timetable] Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 5
Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The 7 July meeting will be in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm. We are trying to reduce our printing and paper use, so if you would like hard copies of the agenda or any of the meeting papers, please let the Clerk know well before the meeting. Suggestions for agenda items for the 4 August meeting need to be with the Clerk by 21 July and items for the 1 September meeting by 25 August. If you’re not signed up to our mailing list to receive news from the Parish Council, you can find a signup form at the bottom left hand menu of the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/
Update on plans for the Parish Hall
There are two important milestones passed for the improvement project to update the Parish Hall. First, the planning application for the improvement work was submitted to Cherwell District Council by PCMS, the architects appointed by the Parish Council, on 16 June. It is now listed on the CDC Planning website at www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/9/planning-and-building, reference no 22/01777/F. The deadline for comments is 14 July and a decision is set for 11 August. Second, Parish Hall Improvement Project has secured charitable status (Registered Charity Number 1199171) and changed its name to Friends of Launton Parish Hall. Founding Trustees are Celia Evans (Chair), Robert Cornford, Cathy Procopiou, Simon Turner, and Jackie Webber.
Road Closures for July 2022 For the first time in what seems decades, there are no planned road closures in Launton in July. Watch this space for the future.
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New Bus Timetable after Bicester Road opening The Red Rose Service 17 has a new timetable from 4 June. It provides a service from Launton to Bicester and (the other way) to Aylesbury. Special services during Buckinghamshire school terms serve Waddesdon Secondary School and run through Bucks villages. Here is the current timetable. RED ROSE TRAVEL TIMETABLE ROUTE 17
MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS (except Public Holidays) SDO
AYLESBURY: Bus Station Waddesdon: Anstey Close Waddesdon School Westcott Venture Park Kingswood Crossroads Grendon Underwood Edgcott Marsh Gibbon Launton: The Bull Bicester: Launton Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Bicester: Launton Road Launton: The Bull Marsh Gibbon Edgcott Grendon Underwood Kingswood Crossroads Westcott Venture Park Waddesdon School Waddesdon: Anstey Close AYLESBURY: Bus Station
05.55 06.13 06.23 06.30 06.42 06.47 06.52
07.30 07.48 07.52 08.02 08.14 08.19 08.24
SDO
SHO
07.29 07.34 07.39 07.49 07.54 07.57 08.00 08.07 08.12 08.45
07.38 07.43 07.48 08.00 08.19 08.35
SHO
SDO
SHO
07.30 07.48 07.58 08.05 08.17 08.22 08.27
09.00 09.18 09.25 09.37 09.42 09.47
10.00 10.18 10.25 10.37 10.42 10.47
11.37 11.42 11.47
12.30 12.48 12.55 13.07 13.12 13.17
14.45 15.03 15.15 15.25 15.28 15.31 15.36 15.46 15.51 15.56
SDO
SHO
09.03 09.08 09.13 09.25 09.15 09.30
11.03 11.08 11.13 11.25 10.15 10.30
12.33 12.38 12.43 -
13.33 13.38 13.43 13.55 14.04 14.22
14.33 14.38 14.43 14.55 15.20 15.25 15.43
15.00 15.05 15.10 15.23 15.32 15.50
15.00 15.15 15.25 15.34 15.39 15.44
16.00 16.18 16.25 -16.37 16.42 16.47
18.30 18.48 18.58 19.05
16.13 16.18 16.23 -
17.13 17.18 17.23 17.35 17.44 17.53 18.10
18.13 18.18 18.23 18.35 18.44 18.53 19.11
19.17 19.22 19.27 19.30 19.35 19.40 -
SDO Waddesdon Schooldays only | SHO Waddesdon School Holidays only
SATURDAYS AYLESBURY: Bus Station Waddesdon: Anstey Close Kingswood Crossroads Launton: The Bull Bicester: Launton Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road
07.30 07.48 07.55 08.07 08.12 08.17
09.00 09.18 09.25 09.37 09.42 09.47
10.00 10.18 10.25 10.37 10.42 10.47
11.37 11.42 11.47
12.00 12.18 12.25 12.37 12.42 12.47
14.30 14.48 14.55 15.07 15.12 15.17
16.30 16.48 16.55 17.07 17.12 17.17
17.30 17.48 17.55 18.07 18.12 18.17
BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Bicester: Launton Road Launton: The Bull Kingswood Crossroads Waddesdon: Anstey Close AYLESBURY: Bus Station
09.03 09.08 09.13 09.25 09.34 09.52
11.03 11.08 11.13 11.25 11.34 11.52
12.03 12.08 12.13 -
13.03 13.08 13.13 13.25 13.34 13.52
14.33 14.38 14.43 -
15.33 15.38 15.43 15.55 16.04 16.22
16.33 16.38 16.43 16.55 17.04 17.22
17.23 17.28 17.33 -
18.23 18.28 18.33 18.45 18.54 19.12
No service on Sundays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Public Holidays. Saturday timetable operates between Christmas and New Year holidays. The timetable is on the Parish Council website: https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/village-news/ Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 7
The first of regular reports from our Cherwell District Councillors We can’t believe it has now been over a month since election day; thank you so much for making us feel so welcome as your new District Councillors! By way of introduction: Gemma has lived in Bicester for just under three years and currently works in Visitor Experience for the National Trust. She focuses on ensuring heritage and green spaces are accessible for everyone. Her working week is Wednesday to Sunday, and so is not always available at short notice on the weekend but will endeavour to be at anything she can. Gemma has been interested in politics from a young age and has been an active member of the local Liberal Democrats for three years. She is also part of local refugee support groups and has been delighted to see the amazing support that Launton has shown to our Ukrainian guests. Please get in touch if you need any support in anyway on this! Angus is an IT consultant, currently working for Xerox, and has lived with his family in Bicester for over 6 years. He is partially sighted so may not see or recognise you but is looking forward to supporting and listening to residents. He is keen on protection of our beautiful area, and is already a Friend of Island Pond Wood! We campaigned on a platform for change, to listen and engage with residents, and to get things done where we can. This included safer roads and making your voice heard over housing development. While the Conservatives maintain a two-seat control of Cherwell District Council, the Progressive Group (made up of LibDems, Greens, and Independents) are now the official opposition. In that role, we intend to hold decisions and recommendations to account and be the voice for all of you, however you voted. We want to stay in touch all year round, not just at election times. You will find one of us at Parish Council meetings but we will also be out and about in Launton; knocking on doors to chat to you or Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 8
holding drop in surgeries. If you see us, please stop us and say hello! You can also always get in touch with us via email if you have anything you would like to raise. Even if it not necessarily a district matter, we will try and point you in the right direction of who can help the best. Emails: gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.org.uk or angus.patrick@cherwell-dc.org.uk or call us on 01869 717712. Thank you once again for putting your trust in us to represent you at Cherwell District Council. Cllrs Gemma Coton and Angus Patrick
The Launton Watercolour Class Group We are looking at restarting the Launton Watercolour Class with David Meeks as Tutor. I have 4 from the original class who want to continue so we are looking for a few more to make it a viable proposition. We meet on Monday afternoons in the Parish Hall from 2 to 4pm. The first one will be on 27 June. Cost will be £8 per session with a reduction if you book multiple lessons in advance. You will need to bring your own materials, paper, brushes, paints etc. If you are interested please drop me an email at Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com. Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 9
Launton Village Players’ 2023 Panto
LVP are very pleased to announce that in February 2023 we will be performing our 36th pantomime. It will be Hickory Dickory Dock, written by Rod and Nikki Fine and directed by Julia West. As usual the story has a hero and heroine winning against a mean and ambitious baddie! There is lots of magic and music as well as fun and slapstick along the way. Our music will be original tunes once again written by Steve Webber and arranged and played by our own pantomime band. All profits will be donated to Nai’s House in Bicester which provides mental health support for young people. Their vision is “a world where all children and young adults have access to appropriate and empowering mental health support”. Our 2023 performance dates will be 15, 16, 17, and 18 February. More details will follow in later issues of Launton Lines; however if you would like to find out more, or information on how to join us, contact us on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk or check our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk The LVP team
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We are getting very close to putting on our show A Musical Jubilee on the afternoons of Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July at 2.30pm. This is very much a show for the whole family and will include some songs from the Musicals performed during Her Majesty’s reign, plus sketches relating to some of the events that happened during the 70 years - and there will even be free Union Jacks to wave! It will be a real variety show and offers lots of fun moments as well as a few surprises! Door open at 1:45pm each day and refreshments will be on offer before the show as well as in the interval, including cream teas (both with and without prosecco), Pimms, fruit juice, tea and coffee, as well as strawberries, sweets and homemade cakes. We take cash and contactless card payments. We are hoping for sunny weather so we can enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and tea in a country garden at Mayflower, Hare Leys Farm, Launton, Bicester OX26 5AB. If the weather is very wet and windy we will be moving into one of our big sheds, but still bring your chairs and picnic rugs! To book tickets go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp. Tickets cost £10 adult and £5 children (a booking fee applies). You can also book refreshments online, but these will also be available on the day. If you are unable to buy online, call us on 07864 715708 for cash and cheque purchases. As well as continuing to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, (yes, the bunting and flags will come out again), we are also raising money for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, so there will be a raffle with some lovely hampers as prizes. We hope you will be able to support us and help raise funds for Ukraine, and its people, who need our support very much at the moment. Remember if you do come along please bring your own chairs or rug to sit on, sun hats and sun cream or rain coats and wellies. There is plenty of free parking available and we do have space for disabled parking and a few spare chairs for anyone who cannot bring one. If you have any questions please contact us on 01869 277625 or by email tickets@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk We look forward to seeing you and thank you, as always, for your support.
The LVP team. Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 11
Yew Tree footpaths: an update
Launton Parish Council have been in touch with the OCC footpaths officer to discuss progress on the gap between Yew Tree Close and the playing fields. Because the field behind Yew Tree Close belongs to Cherwell District Council, they will install a culvert/pipe below the footpath connecting the two ditches so that these two ditches are balanced. The ditch will never drain away as there is nowhere for it to go, it is more like a holding/balancing pond on each side because the field behind Yew Tree is naturally very wet. This means that in wet weather these two ditch/ponds will always be full and it’s therefore one of the many hazards that one meets when one is walking a footpath. Because this ditch will remain deep parents do need to ensure that children are supervised and reminded that this is not a play area. The second issue discussed was the stile going from the children’s play area at the back of Yew Tree into the field behind Blenheim and
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then across to the new EWR foot bridge. This is often flooded and muddy. OCC also have a plan for this area, also involving CDC. Both of these projects will hopefully be sorted this summer but are also budget related. These areas will always be very wet due to the nature of the fields, but hopefully these two projects will ensure that they are more user friendly in the future. Launton Parish Council
Wheelchair for community use
I have in my shed a folding wheelchair, donated by a villager who is moving, that she wants to be available for village residents who may need the temporary use of a wheelchair back from hospital, or with temporary mobility issues. If you could use it, please call me on 01869 241883.
Robert Cornford
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 13
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News from St Mary’s Church for July 2022 You are warmly invited to our July Services, all of which are in St Mary’s apart from the Team Evensong on 31 July
3 July
8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am Pet Family Service all families - and pets - welcomed! 10 July 6.00pm Evensong 17 July 11.00am Morning Prayer 24 July 11.00am Holy Communion 31 July 6.00pm Team Evensong at St Peter’s Bucknell It is always advisable to refer to the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton for the most up-to-date information in case any last minute changes have been necessary, or please contact Revd Peter revpeterwright@gmail.com 01869 573177 or 07966 531 921 or one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735
Please see page XX for details of forthcoming events The Community Café is open every Tuesday until 19 July Morning session 9.00-11.00am: Afternoon session 2.30-4.30pm and is then closed for school summer holidays. The Café reopens on 6 September.
<<<<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>>>> PLEASE NOTE - AN IMPORTANT DATE FOR YOUR DIARY ST MARY’S FAYRE will be held on 3 SEPTEMBER 2022 It will be held in the front garden of The Old Rectory and in the Church and Churchyard. FULL DETAILS TO FOLLOW Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 15
Launton WI Report for June 2022
For our June meeting we visited the lovely garden centre at Preston Bissett. We gathered for refreshments in the garden tipi and sat surrounded by twinkling lights to watch the show provided by Jacky and Peter, our hosts. Clutching armfuls of beautiful plants, they jostled each other for talking space to tell us about what’s in colour at this time of year. It was a good-humoured cabaret act, with plants. They recommended foxgloves (all sizes), delphiniums, astrantia, salvia (some new varieties), verbena lollipop (shorter than verbena bonariensis) and many more. We were encouraged to mix textures and shapes in the garden and, when watering, to drench not sprinkle. We learnt that silver leaved plants need poor soil, that there are new clematises being bred all the time, that plants which flower profusely are likely to have a shorter lifespan. Moving from flowering plants to shrubs, we learnt that the shrub of the moment is a new viburnum – Painting & Decorating Coppertop. It has a fragrant Specialist blossom and soon everyone will be growing it. We heard about lavender and its differing forms, its need for poor well drained soil and the need to avoid cutting into old wood when giving a light haircut in autumn. INTERIOR - EXTERIOR Jacky and Peter were a mine of information and real entertainers. PRIVATE - COMMERCIAL We got to ask questions afterwards and to wander round Contact the garden centre with all its Mobile: 07947 822794 beautiful and very healthy plants. email: rjwakelin@outlook.com There was such a range to see, and
R J WAKELIN
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 16
we bought quite a few of them so cars were fuller on the way back. As well as plants, the garden centre hosts spring, summer and autumn supper clubs and they have had a live music night raising money for Ukraine. There will be a big BBQ on 8 July. They also have a series of talks and workshops on gardening and related crafts and all the information can be found on Facebook or at their website www.thenurseries.com Thank you Jacky and Peter, and thank you to the WI members who organised the trip and the car shares. Launton WI meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Our next meeting is on 14 July when our speaker will be Jane Dickinson talking about Women in Oxford. Gwen Skinner
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 17
LAUNTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Launton Historical Society continues to host a varied programme of talks with very interesting speakers. The meeting on Thursday 26 May was no exception when Deborah Hayter spoke about The Lost Villages of Oxfordshire. Widford, near Swinbrook is an example of a village where the location is known, but all but the church has disappeared. Over the centuries villages have disappeared for different reasons; there are possibly as many as 150 in Oxfordshire alone. Sexintone has completely disappeared, but is believed to have been in the Bucknell area; the mediaeval village of Nuneham Courtenay was moved from the grounds of Nuneham House by Lord Harcourt in 1760. Astwick, Lower Chalford (near Enstone), Wretchwick (near Bicester), Coat and Ditchley are some of over 100 deserted Oxfordshire villages discovered by the 1960s. The reasons for disappearance are connected with shifting, contraction or disappearance and Wanted in the main they can be related to the following: House to Let in Launton 1 The Black Death (The Great I am looking for Pestilence); a 3 bedroom house 2 Forced enclosures and evictions - climate changes to let in Launton resulted in land becoming from 1 August 2022 unsuitable for the growing of for a minimum of 6 months crops and a change to sheep rearing as the only suitable Cash available alternative; for a suitable property 3 Suicide - i.e. voluntary abandonment by the Contact: Dickie Feakes population; 11 The Poplars 4 Euthanasia - putting a miserable place out of its Tel: 07710 221 131 misery. Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 18
We found the subject particularly interesting and thought provoking as this is part of our local history. The Launton Historical Society welcomes visitors at its monthly meetings held at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of the month, in the Parish Hall. By the time you read this article we will have heard Julie Ann Godson on Thursday 30 June speaking about Scandal in High Society Oxfordshire. Our programme continues on July 28 with a trip to Pendon Museum, Abingdon, for a glimpse of rural life around the 1930s and some impressive model railway layouts. The August meeting will be a social evening and on 29 September we reconvene for The Lost Forest of Bernwood when the speaker is John Tyler. For further information please contact cathyprocopiou@hotmail.com Kathy Gilbert
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 19
The cast for The Village Players’ Summer Show are dressed up and ready to go
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 20
Gigaclear and fibre installed - an update Gigaclear are installing fibre cabling in the village (though it will probably not go far outside the village envelope). They have said that information about their work will also be sent via email to all residents who have previously registered their details with Gigaclear. Other interested residents can also register for regular permit updates at Gigaclear.com/mycommunity We asked some questions of Gigaclear, and spoke to Rezia Khan, who is their Community Engagement Executive. Here are her responses. Look out for more updates in future issues of Launton Lines. Exactly what are you at Gigaclear offering for Launton? What speed are you offering users? We will be offering full fibre to the premises (FTTP). This will then allow speeds of up to 900mbs download speed and also an upload speed of up to 900mbps. This all depends on each individual customer and what their needs are. Packages start from 200mbps to up to 900mbps. What will be the cost to users in Launton? Will there be any up-front connection charges? What will be the subscription cost? Promotions are run regularly for new customers so when they are all ready to go live they can go online and check what offers are currently out there, or they can ring our Customer Loyalty team at our Customer Operations department. There are no upfront connection charges. Subscription costs depend on each individual package. Please see our website for more details. https://www.gigaclear.com/ Do you have a schedule of work for all streets in Launton? Can you share this? When works are scheduled in the Parish Council will be made aware [The current listings from Gigaclear are at https://www.launtonpc.gov.uk/village-news/gigaclear-works]. Any resident who has registered interest will also get personal updates on the build progress. If residents would like to get in touch with us, please ask them to contact our dedicated Customer Operations team on the details below. Email: networkbuildqueries@gigaclear.com Phone: 0370 774 0537 Residents can also register for updates at gigaclear.com/mycommunity Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 21
When do you plan to complete the project? When will your network go live? Currently we have no exact dates as to when the project will be completed and when customers will go live. Updates will available as soon as we have them. We are hoping for completion by Q4 of 2022 but again all is ‘Subject to change’. Where will your distribution boxes be located? As soon as we have the first build update we will let the Parish Council know when the main access cabinet will land and where it has been permitted to go. When you excavate your trenches will they generally be (a) on roadways? (b) on pavements/pathways? (c) on verges? How will you reinstate after excavation? Trenches are normally on the verge of the road/pavement - each build is different. Our build team is always audited by the Highway Agencies on a regular basis to ensure all build meets their requirements. Trenches are filled up as we build along, and we have been given up to 6 months to have all work reinstated.
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Launton’s Really Royal Scarecrow Trail: 28 May - 12 June 2022 Page 1 - Station Road, Yew Tree Close, Sycamore Road Photos by Ella Rayner
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Launton’s Really Royal Scarecrow Trail: 28 May - 12 June 2022 Page 2 - Station Road, Blackthorn Road, The Timbers Photos by Ella Rayner
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Launton’s Really Royal Scarecrow Trail: 28 May - 12 June 2022 Page 3 - West End, Chestnut Close, Woodland Close, Bicester Road Page 4 - Bicester Road, Sherwood Close, The Glades Photos by Ella Rayner
Launton Jubilee Weekend: a report of the fun
Thank you to everyone who attended our Jubilee weekend, we hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did. As the day approached the final decorations were put into place. Thank you to Shirley for the flower arrangements and Maretta for the Jubilee cake. More and more beautiful cakes and flower arrangements were dropped off early ready for the competition and judging, again, thank you to all who contributed. With good weather on the Friday plenty of delicious cream teas were consumed and kindly served by several wonderful ladies from the village who all looked fabulous in their Jubilee pinnies. The youngsters busied themselves with arts and crafts under Wendy’s watchful eye and made a number of lovely creations and painted rocks. The ten guest beers were a popular hit as people sampled and navigated them before settling on their favourite. Across both days the Launton Historical Society displayed some fascinating Jubilee memorabilia from the village. Other events saw the day take on a musical theme: in the afternoon the Launton Village Players ‘Old Time Music Hall’ was a definite hit, and provided a fitting atmosphere to the celebrations. Early evening saw the hall transformed into a kids party, complete with Karaoke. They may not be so musically gifted yet, but the kids were full of enthusiasm and belted out their favourite songs. I’m not so sure if it was the infectious energy and no-fear attitude of the kids, the prosecco, or the guest beers, but the adults couldn’t help but hijack the karaoke! A colder, wetter start to Saturday didn’t dampen the enthusiasm, as the dog show pulled quite a crowd (see pages 38-40)! Multiple categories, lots of winners and happy dogs, with best of show going to Arthur a nearly 13-yearold black lab and his owner Sophie. A big thank you to Jennie for her efforts in putting the show together with the help of Imogene and Liz (and to all of the sponsors of prizes). Following the excitement of the dog show, the anticipation was building for the flypast that Wendy had secured. Message came through early that the planned Spitfire was being replaced by a Lancaster bomber. Those of us who were a little bit excited had the plane tracked from its departure and refreshed the app frequently to get its latest location. It was great to see everyone packed outside as it made its approach to the playing fields and it was heard well before it came into view. Flying so low, the views of the plane were incredible, even making out the flight crew as they passed overhead three times before flying off Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 27
into the distance (see the front cover of this issue). What a delight! The activities were far from over. A tug of war battle was called. Some of Launton’s finest men swaggered up to the far end of the rope, with an air of confidence and invincibility. A stalemate early doors was broken in what can only be described as the biggest shock result of the century. Congratulations to the 30plus people who beat eight of us (I’m not still bitter about the uneven numbers, honestly!). The fun wasn’t over, as Wendy braved the stocks. Locked into position, and with children lined up to take aim, a free for all broke out and she was peppered with soaked sponges from all directions much to the kids’ delight. Three live music acts followed to take us into the evening - and they were enjoyed from inside and out as they livened up the remaining partygoers. The big screen then played the Jubilee concert with the dancefloor getting good use as families worked their moves to the hits and enjoyed the close to a fantastic weekend. Thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered, donated, attended, you all made it a special and memorable weekend. Can’t wait for the next family event and seeing everyone together again. Antony on behalf of Launton Playing Fields Association There are photos from Jubilee events through this issue of Launton Lines.
October Scramble at Bicester Heritage A message about the Scramble on 9 October: “Just to let you know
that tickets for the 9 October Scramble
will be live as from 9am on Monday 20 June. Local residents have a 50% discount allocated. Book on the website and use the promocode: BristolBoxkite”
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 28
The Tearoom Team at the Jubilee weekend, serving refreshments, cream teas, cakes and other baked goodies, staying on top of steady demand, and keeping the washing up under control. Thank you so much! Photo by Robert Cornford
Peace of mind for pet owners...
Compassionate and Caring at all times Long opening hours for your convenience 24 hour on-site nursing care as standard for all our hospitalised patients 24 hour Emergency service provided by our vets at our practice A service that's second to none from North Oxfordshire's most established, independent, speciality small animal hospital.
Launton Lines June 2022 | Page 29
From a visit to the June Heritage Scramble Joe Rayner, who has submitted material in the past, visited the June Scramble at Bicester Heritage, on a fine and sunny day, and has sent us some photos from his visit. What surprises us is that we have driven two of these heritage vehicles. Can you guess which ones? And see page 28 for details of the next Scramble.
C B BATHROOMS Experienced Bathroom and Shower Installer and Tiler General Plumbing and Heating Maintenance Leadwork Specialist Chris Barrett 11 Spindleside, Southwold, Bicester, Oxon OX26 3XH Home | 01869 250861 Mobile | 07773 853 640 Email | barrett.c3@sky.com
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 30
The July 2022 communiqué of the Grumpy Old Men of Launton
We have been able to start meeting again as the weather has improved and pub gardens have become more welcoming. And we have emerged into a world that is somehow familiar yet strangely different. Is it the fact that the village seems to be so much larger (Blackthorn Road seems to go on for ever now that Launton Mews is almost completed)? Or is it that the sudden and continuous stream of traffic through the village is so challenging after two years of disruption and road closures? Or is it that the relative silence of the months of lockdowns has been broken by what seems to be an invasion of rooks? Or are they crows? Or possibly ravens? And we find that the East-West Rail work has changed more than the line of the old railway: we’ll miss the two compounds and the sight of trucks and diggers travelling up the temporary haul road. And is it just us, or has the timing on the bridge lights been extended: a good thing if it deters a few boy racers from speeding through the village.
And we hear that the long-awaited Launton Speedwatch is about to start: we’ll be lining up to join the speedgun operators. See you there! Grange Mews News July 2022
Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease
Our PV solar arrays have saved a bit more than 110 tonnes of CO2 and the current sunshine is encouraging even more production. Unfortunately, the electric car we ordered is still a piece of paper on the manufacturer’s floor. The batteries we had expected to save energy for charging the car indicate that lithium is as rare as hen’s teeth. We hear orders are being taken with deposits for next year deliveries. Grange Mews has an interesting conundrum: a small Mercedes car has been parked outside for a few weeks. It has an MOT, and is joined occasionally, for a few days, by other motors without MOTs. Some have no plates, and a group of youths are occasionally seen on weekend evenings. Is something being hidden in plain sight? We are delighted to see the activity of The Dance Academy and the cheerful faces of its members. Sarah has the Mill at Banbury booked for a show on 10 July. We are looking forward to a very competent and composed performance.
We let offices and industrial space and can be found at pacox@grangemews.co.uk and our website www.grangemews.co.uk Phone 01869 252846 or 07711 778 230
Community Speedwatch established
The Community Speedwatch (CSW) program has been established to involve local communities in the monitoring and reporting of vehicle speeds in their local area. The program allows for speeding vehicles to be observed and reported to Thames Valley Police (TVP) for corrective and where necessary enforcement action. The Launton Parish Council has agreed to the establishment of a Community Speedwatch group for Launton. It is felt that the Speedwatch program will assist in traffic management through the village following the reopening of all the roads into Launton after completion of the EWR bridge works, completion of the A41 Graven Hill roundabout works, and the application to reduce the speed limit through Launton to 20mph. Villages/towns are able to use signage that makes road users aware of an area being active In the CSW scheme. Appropriate signs will therefore be set up at the entrances to the village on Bicester, Blackthorn and Station Roads to make all drivers aware that Community Speedwatch operates in Launton.
WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST-ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR
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Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars
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Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 32
Community groups are led by a coordinator who manages the program through the TVP CSW website. Individuals joining the program will need to register on the CSW website and complete the online training module before starting. For safety and reliability teams will consist of two or three individuals for each speed check and all equipment including the speed measuring device, safety vests and any other safety gear will be provided. In addition, TVP will undertake roadside risk assessments for each selected site to ensure the safety of team members during operation. In the last few years there have been a number complaints about the number of vehicles using Launton as a shortcut between the A41 and the north of Bicester, along with complaints about speeds through the village. This is the opportunity to get involved in educating drivers that Launton is a small village and speed management addresses both safety and environmental issues. Residents wishing to assist in the program can contact the coordinator at Speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk David Jones
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 33
An Emergency Plan for Launton
We are currently in the process of updating the village’s Emergency Plan. Under normal circumstances, of course, major emergencies are handled by the emergency services, by County and District Councils, by public utilities and voluntary agencies in a combined response, but there can be times when we may need to help ourselves - particularly if there is an issue affecting a large area. Our Plan isn’t intended to be a substitute for these services, but it is there to increase the short-term resilience of the community in the event of an extreme event. This could be a fire, flood, loss of water, loss of power, or snow. In addition, the Plan is to cover situations, such as the recent pandemic, where there is a need for community support at a local level. Experience has shown that those who have spent time planning and preparing for this are better able to cope, and can recover more quickly. Community emergency planning enables groups to provide more effective support. It provides information to responding agencies (the emergency services, relevant local authorities, etc.) who are coordinating responses on a wider scale. Our current plan is available on the Parish Council website www.launton-pc.gov.uk/emergency-planning and now needs refreshing. We need you! If you have a special skill, or a useful vehicle - whether that’s being able to use a chainsaw, have a 4x4 or a tractor, can administer first aid, or volunteer to make tea at a reception centre (to name but a few) - we’d love to hear from you. We will hold your details securely, and will, of course, only contact you if we need to put the plan in place. But this could be at any time - in fact Bletchingdon’s was only implemented recently because of a fire, so it’s always good to be prepared. Please get in touch with any of the following Jane Olds - clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk or Lesley Thompson - lesley.thompson@launton-pc.gov.uk or Abi Dowman - abigail.dowman@launton-pc.gov.uk Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 34
Out and about over the Jubilee weekend - 1 Clockwise from right: Facepainting and picnics on the playing field; The queue for Elsie and the trap; Inside the Hall busy with activity.
s by Photo
rnford o C t r Robe
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 35
Out and about over the Jubilee weekend - 2 Elsie, the gypsy Cob mare from Equilore, was a hit offering trap rides around the playing field. Here are some of her fans waiting for, and then taking, rides. Photos by Robert Cornford
House maintenance Repointing Internal and external decorations Patios Decking Fencing For a personal service, call Peter N Southam 01869 278333 07721 633 220 peteroofer@aol.com Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 36
A huge thank you to all of our entrants who once again showed there is a tremendous amount of talent and creativity in the village! It was wonderful to see all of the entries and certainly they were all original and a joy to look at. The guardsmen and horses were amazing, the corgis were on duty in many places and we had tea parties as well as the Queen enjoying several outings! You can see the 42 displays on the centre four pages of this issue pages 23-26. We hope you were able to collect all of the letters and the royal phrase was “ God save our gracious Queen”. And did you guess the number of crowns? Of course it was 70! Thank you to all who donated to our Just Giving page and with your help we raised about £150.00. Lastly another thank you if you wrote a compliments slip, we wanted this to be a “feel good” event and they certainly contributed hugely, especially as some vandalism had spoilt some entries which was very sad to hear. It was great to be able to deliver these to all of our wonderful entrants, so thank you again. It has been a great pleasure to help organise an event to celebrate our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a very special occasion, and it can’t be said enough, huge thanks to all who have supported us and helped to make this happen. The RRST team
Happy Birthday to Muriel Beck who will have her 101st Birthday on 4 July 2022. From all your friends in Sycamore Road and the rest of Launton Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 37
The Fun Dog Show on Saturday 4 June 2022
I would like to thank all the dog owners and their dogs who came to the Fun Dog show on Saturday as part of Launton’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as well as our lovely Judge Imogene, and Liz our very helpful ‘Gofer’. We had nearly 30 dogs entered and managed to raise £141 for the Children’s Playing Field equipment. What an excellent achievement from our lovely dog owners! Thanks must also go to those who sponsored our show: Hills Hydrotherapy Centre who donated a voucher for one swim in their hydrotherapy pool. Penny Stevens who donated a £20 voucher for Seeney’s. These two prizes went to the Best In Show and Reserve Best In Show. Each first prize winner received a heart shaped or rectangle plaque from Pets At Home. At the bottom of this page is the full list. For the Best in Show the dogs had to have won one of classes 1-9. The judge said it was a very difficult decision she had to make as all dogs should be Best In Show! The winner was a lovely black Labrador called Arthur, aged 11 years who also won the Any Variety Veteran as well as winning one heat in the Fastest Sausage Eater class. His owner is Sophie. Reserve Best In Show was Luna a sweet white crossbreed belonging to Alan and Jane Thomas. Luna is a rescue dog from Romania and won Cutest Puppy. Class 1. Cutest Puppy
First Prize Luna, owned by Alan and Jan Thomas
2. Most Handsome Dog 3. Prettiest Pitch 4. All Varieties Veteran 5. Dog Most Like Its Owner 6. All Varieties Rescue Dog or Bitch 7. All Varieties Crossbreed 8. Dog The Judge Would Like To Take Home 9. Fastest Sausage Eater
Reg a wire haired Pointer owned by Florence Deely Dinky a Spaniel owned by Kelly Arthur aged 11 years, a black Labrador, owned by Sophie Scarlett a Pomeranian owned by Rita Jones Rosie a Staffie-Labrador cross owned by Molly Lyons Buddy a cavapoo owned by Danielle Bamber Scarlett a Pomeranian owned by Rita Jones Won by either Winnie or Frankie not sure of the dogs name or the owner. Second was Rosie a Staffie-Labrador cross owned by Molly Lyons. Won by both Pip a mini schnauzer and Poppy a cross breed. They were both so good the judge had a hard time deciding on the winner. Pip was handled by Florence Deeley. Sorry no details of Poppy’s owner. Won by Marmalade a pointer owned by Kate Won by two beautifully-dressed Pugs. The Judge was not able to decide who the winner was so both were winners. I’m afraid I have no details of these two dogs other than one was black and the other fawn in colour nor do I have the owners’ details.
10. My Dog’s Got Talent
11. Best Treat-Catcher 12. Best Dressed Jubilee-Themed Dog or Bitch
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 38
Photos from the Dog Show
The entries and owners gather at the start of the Show The line up for the Best In Show judging
Some of the entries for the Best TreatCatcher class, with the show judge Imogene
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 39
More photos from the Dog Show
One of the Best-Dressed pugs The two beautifullydressed Jubilee pugs and owners, with former CDC Councillor David Hughes, and Judge Imogene Some of the dogs the judge would like to take home Report and photos from Jennie Fairweather
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm | Saturday 8am to 3pm | Sunday 9am to 1pm | Closed Monday Tel 01869 252619 | 1 Station Road, Launton, OX26 5DS | info@thebluetexel.co.uk | www.thebluetexel.co.uk
Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 40
Lymphoma and more
I’d like to share with you my experience of being a lymphoma patient at the Churchill Hospital. I spent 23 days there in May 2022, leaving at the start of June. It was a really major collapse in my health. Until mid-March, I went to Bicester Leisure Centre gym three times a week. I became really poorly at the start of April. On 11 April I saw Dr Lo from the Alchester surgery who fast tracked me for suspected cancer tests, which included a CT scan, an endoscopy, and a PET scan. The CT scan was easy. The endoscopy involved a reassuring doctor talking calmly to you while slipping a tube with a camera on the end down your throat to take pictures of your innards. The PET scan makes you radioactive by having a purple dye pumped into you, giving it time to get your body before the scanner takes pictures of your insides. The data from those scans told the Churchill doctors in early May that I was seriously ill. On 9 May, I had an appointment at the renal department, which has been monitoring me since my kidney transplant in 2016. Straight after that, I had an appointment with the haematology department. The haematology specialist said I was ill enough to need an immediate transfer to a ward to start cancer treatment. That treatment is still happening, through a programme of chemotherapy. The hospital’s big problem with tackling the lymphoma by chemotherapy is that it also weakens my immune system, which risks damaging my transplanted kidney and potentially ruining it. It meant that the renal team had to work extra closely with the haematology team to monitor my care, so they could kill off my lymphoma but not kill off my transplanted kidney. I became what they call an ‘interesting case’. I was released on Wednesday evening, 1 June. Since then, I’ve continued to be looked after by my wife Christine who has been truly world class all the way through this. At home, I keep trying to be more active around the house and to eat enough. My weight has fallen from 76 kilos to 64 kilos since the start of March. In my haematology ward, a good number of the nursing staff weren’t Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 41
British. Among the nursing staff looking after me were women, and a few men, from the Philippines, Poland, Nigeria, Romania, China, Slovakia, the Caribbean, Portugal, Uganda, Spain, India, Ireland, and Zimbabwe. And that was just on my ward. I was surprised at just how diverse and knowledgeable they were. For instance, I met a G4S support worker from Portugal who knew much more about European and world affairs than me. Having taught European Studies in an FE college, I especially enjoyed his occasional company. Some of the nursing staff got here as asylum seekers, often having fallen foul of whichever African dictator was ruining their country. Having applied and been accepted, they settled here. Some entered nursing and trained here. Others with a nursing background still had to qualify formally. They worked their way into their profession and ended up on my ward. Having met some successful immigrant workers in the Churchill, it got me thinking about the UK asylum system and the Home Office people who seem to be in charge. it. The main person is Ms Priti Patel, and I think she’s struggling for ideas. Here’s why. In 2020, her technology-driven solution was putting physical obstacles into the English Channel, which is the busiest shipping lane in the world. Then giant wave machines would come in and disrupt the rubber dinghies trying to cross to Dover. Her advisers would probably been more sceptical and told her: “That’s a courageous decision, minister, which would benefit from further reflection, refinement and polish. I’ll commission a wave working group.” Her eye-catching idea for 2021 was for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) to be fined for rescuing the people they found floating in rubber dinghies in the English Channel. This was very successful. The great British public gave the RNLI record amounts of money. 2021 was one of the best fundraising years in RNLI history. Ms Patel’s world beating idea for 2022 was hiring planes to take asylum seekers to Rwanda. I suspect that MPs will soon be asking her for more details like: “Your Rwandan scheme looks like people trafficking. What makes it different from the people-smuggling gangs Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 42
in Calais? You’ve been Home Secretary since July 2019. How many gangsters have you found and prosecuted?” My alternative would be to hire a cross-Channel ferry. Among the passengers would probably be people like a Syrian doctor who’d been working in a hospital in 2020 that a Russian bomber destroyed. Or an Afghan woman professor left stranded on the tarmac last year for the Taliban, while a plane load of UK government-approved stray dogs flew past. I want people like her safely in Britain to present her case, get the right to stay here, if that’s appropriate, and restart her career. The Home Office wants her in Rwanda. We’re missing a trick. We need these highly skilled workers here to fill thousands of vacancies, in places like our NHS and other key services. Danny Cunningham
Memories of an ex-Launton Boy
This month the ex-Launton Boy mulls on all the people from Launton who are in his memories, and how important long-time friendships can be. He is sure that there are others who can add to his knowledge of the village, and proposes a “Where are they now?” project. And he reports another unlucky year with his beetroot seeds. Over the years I have had occasion to browse through many magazines and other publications which have among their pages an item headed, ‘Lost Lines’, which almost invariably is a reference to hunting for people once known much earlier on in our lives but who for many years for one reason or another have disappeared from view. One such magazine is published by The Royal British Legion, which often includes faded and rather blurred photographs of the way various lost souls used to look. I have to say that I have personally never used such avenues to hunt down past associates, but with modern technology I have occasionally stumbled across names and faces from the past whilst browsing through Facebook for something completely different. As a consequence I have re-connected with some of my old school pals from Highfield Secondary Modern, such as Peter Bowers and Brian Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 43
Furzer, originally from Chesterton, Barry Naylor and David Kirk, originally from Bicester. I have also made contact with Hilary Hazel that was, who now lives in California but used to live up what we called School Lane but which is now Bicester Road in Launton, and Heather Burrows who used to live up Blackthorn Road (daughter of Bill Burrows who had the timber/fire wood establishment and who bought The Green from Tommy Ancil) who now lives near Croydon. A couple of weeks ago I received a Facebook message from someone with whom I once shared a bunk room in West Germany when we were both Lance Corporals serving in the Corps of Royal Engineers. It turns out he is a bit of a steam buff and loves to visit working railway preservation societies, having already done the likes of the Great Western Railway Society at Didcot. He advised me that he would be in my neck of the woods as he was scheduled to visit the Kent & Sussex Railway (which is well worth the visit if you have never been) and he, with his partner Maureen, would be staying for a couple of nights on the edge of Ashford (Kent) and wanted to meet up. Well, meet up we did, me and Julie and Dave Cook (who comes from Felixstowe in Suffolk, although originally from Bury St. Edmunds) and his lovely partner Maureen. Dave and I had not been in each other’s company for fifty three years, but it was as if we had never been apart. We had an absolutely fabulous evening, the two girls hitting it off immediately from the moment they introduced themselves to each other whilst Dave and I effectively picked up where we had left off all those years ago. I’m sure I have mentioned in the past about when Julie and I got married nine years ago last Easter and three of our guests (together with their respective wives) were guys with whom I had served in the Royal Engineers and who I had not seen for over forty years and they likewise had not seen each other for over forty years. It just so happens that Dave was part of the same cohort that served together way back then and we are looking forward to meeting up as a group yet again, perhaps later this year. Sadly, the wife of one of them passed away last year, added to which I learned from Dave that some Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 44
of the guys with whom we had served had since passed away and I was able to advise him of others still who had also passed away. Anyway, it then occurred to me, not having seen the likes of ‘Lost Lines’ within Launton Lines since I have been submitting my little offerings of times recently passed, I wondered if the idea might have been considered at any time. Due partly to the ridiculous price of property in and around Launton, along with many other reasons, I would imagine that most of the people of my generation who spent their formative years growing up in Launton will have of necessity moved away. Some, like me, will have moved completely out of area. I mean, look at Hilary Hazel, living in California and look at Alistair Redfern who became the Bishop of Derby and elevated to the House of Lords. And I don’t doubt there will be some who are quite literally still living on the doorstep if not still in the village whilst others of their peer group will have no idea as to their whereabouts. So, just a thought … why not start up a ‘Where are they now?’ page in Launton Lines with a view to putting ex-Launton people in touch with each other with the ultimate objective of laying on a massive Get Together in the village where old friends, associates and even school boy and school girl enemies (one time) can get together and share some cherished memories of the way we were and the way the village of Launton was during our childhoods? It would also serve to enable us to collectively remember those of an older generation whom we can recall who have some time since passed away, but nonetheless made their mark on the village. I can remember much, but only so much, and I am sure there are others who can remember things and people I have long forgotten about but who deserve to be resurrected in our collective memories. ’Tis a thought I leave with you good people of Launton, a seed of an idea that would hopefully germinate successfully, rather better, I hope, than my beetroot seeds. That’s two consecutive years now that they have let me down, and I love beetroot. Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock | The ex-Launton Boy | July 2022 Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 45
Diary Dates: July 2022
In the current situation, it is difficult to be specific about village events. Listed are those we know are planned - but check with organisers nearer the date if you plan to attend. JULY 2022 Sunday 3 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Pet Family Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 4 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 5 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 6 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.45pm, ends about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thursday 7 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm Friday 8 SCOTS Night at The Bull, from 5.30pm Saturday 9 FIPW Working Party in The Woodland, 10am Sunday 10 St Mary's Church, Evensong (BCP), 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 11 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 12 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 14 WI Meeting, speaker Jane Dickinson on Women in Oxford, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Saturday 16 The Hummingbird Festival at Launton Playing Field,, from 12noon | A Musical Jubilee, The Village Players Summer Show, Hare Lees Garden Theatre Poundon Hill, 2.30pm Sunday 17 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | A Musical Jubilee, The Village Players Summer Show, Hare Lees Garden Theatre Poundon Hill, 2.30pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 18 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 19 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 20 FINAL COPY DAY FOR THE AUGUST ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Last day of school today - holiday until 5 September | Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.45pm, ends about 3.30pm Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thursday 21 Friends of Launton Parish Hall Open Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sunday 24 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Tuesday 26 Community Café is closed from today for the summer school holiday. It reopens on 6 September | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 28 Launton Historical Society, visit to Pendon Museum, opens from 7pm Sunday 31 St Mary's Church, Team Evensong. At St Peter's, Bucknell, 6pm Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 46
A Jubilee Street Party in Sycamore Road
And Paddington came to tea as well
Two girls called Norah and Nora cut the cake. Norah Edwards (101 years old) and Nora (a little younger) both from Sycamore Road, wield the knife together.
Marquees and gazebos gave shelter to partygoers from rain and sun
Part of the spread for the street party, with commemorative wall hangings Launton Lines July 2022 | Page 47
Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which also manages the Launton website www.launton.org and the Launton Village Facebook Page and Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXII Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion. Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.