Launton Lines Issue for April 2020

Issue 234

April 2020

A Fairly Significant Birthday Cake

India is helping Revd Peter celebrate his fairly significant Birthday recently - let’s look forward to the time when we are able to meet again in church.

In the meantime, the church is putting together craft packs for Sundays similar to the activities done during the family service. Please email Revd Peter Wright (revpeterwright@gmail.com) if you would like more details.

We will let you know as soon as we are able to re-open the Community Cafe.

Photo by Andy Ng The ongoing saga of the new post box - almost concluded

As we go to print for the April 2020 issue we include photos of the new post box (see front cover). The picture on the right, first printed 25 months ago, shows the box originally promised. At least the EIIR box we now have is more in keeping with Launton than the original EVIIR box. We just hope that it will be in use by next month’s issue and we can conclude this feature.

Front cover shows two views of the newly-installed post box (or is it a Pillar Box) outside the Costcutter shop. It has been given a coat of bright Pillar Box Red paint and now stands proudly waiting for the collection information plate to be installed, and the blanking plate to be removed. Then we can start using it! Photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

Well, what times we are living through. It takes me back to October 1962 when, with the Cuban Missile Crisis filling the news, we all lived with anxiety every day.

I would go to sleep at night not knowing what the next day would bring, or indeed if there would be a next day - all this while revising for mock O Levels.

But we (or certainly I) quickly learned to live in that world, and we all survived.

Covid-19 is not quite the same threat, but you can sense the anxiety and worry.

This issue is the full length (48 pages) online issue. We distributed an 8-page print issue yesterday with updated contact details from the village support group leaflet.

This issue contains most of the regular features. There is a very shortened Diary Dates section (page 46). And, as there has been a serious shortage of village events, I have made up the photo sections with some restful Spring pictures from round the village. The centre pages (24-25) feature the Island Pond at the fullest I have ever seen it. If readers want to contribute photos for future issues, just send them, as jpeg files, to editor@launton.org. It would be good to have a photo archive of the village through this time.

As you can see on the cover, the new pillar box has been installed, but we still have to wait for it to be opened. Pages 44-45 has an update on progress with the lease for the Parish Hall. The 2020 Panto The Snow Queen completed before talk of social distancing, and pages 20-21 report on the money it raised for PHIP, and the three categories in the ODN Pantomime Awards where it won.

There are reports from The WI (pages 16-17), The Parish Council (5-7, 9), Friends of Island Pond Wood (pages 18-19), The Vet’s Voice (34-35), and The Ex-Launton Boy (41-43). The School Reporters filed their copy and photos (pages 22-23) before the school closed. On pages 38-40 Danny Cunningham writes the first part of his report on the British car industry.

Robert Cornford

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2020 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org The Launton Lines Committee 2019-2020 Jon Spinage, Chair Jenni Walker, Advertising Manager Robert Cornford, Editor | 241883 Michael Stack, Treasurer | 242600 Kathy Gilbert, Associate Editor Shirley Johnson, Distribution | 369269

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: 07903 610405 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 April for entry in the May 2020 issue of Launton Lines.

April 8 | In loving memory of John Harris who passed away on April 8th 2018, with love from Val, Sue and Kevin April 12 | In loving memory of Peter Brady, loved and missed every day.

From your loving wife Joan, and family April 15 | Happy 2nd Birthday Hamish, with love from Nana April 29 | In loving memory of Adrienne Susan Thomas, taken far too early from us all, greatly loved and missed by all the family and friends

Stagecoach Bus Timetable Changes

Stagecoach are revising the weekday service on their S5 route in the light of current Coronovirus restrictions. The ‘revision’ will be to a Sunday service ‘with additions’.

As readers will know, there is no Sunday service for Launton.

The ‘addition’ for Launton is an outgoing service at 06:46 on Mondays to Saturdays with no return and no other service through the rest of the day, or week. There continues to be no service on Sundays.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 4

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5 March 2020 at 7.30pm in Launton Parish Hall Councillors present Mr James Allpress, Mrs Lizzie Chisholm, Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) Apologies Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chairman) In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; three members of the public.

Reports from District and County Councillors No District or County Councillors attended the meeting.

Finance The Finance Report was 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 a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns.

Village Matters Parish Hall Discussions between the PC and PCC solicitors are still on-going, but it is hoped that the final concerns would be resolved very swiftly.

The architects appointed for the work surveyed the hall earlier in the month and we’re awaiting their report. It is hoped that they will be able to recommend ways of upgrading the hall on a limited budget so that it at least complies with an EPC rating of E or better. The full refurbishment will take place once the Lease is in place.

Parish Hall Car Park All the organisations which had an interest in the road and the car park - the Playing Field Association, the PCC, the Parish Hall Committee, the School, the County Council and the Parish Council met to discuss the full and comprehensive document which outlined the history of the 1971 Agreement. It was acknowledged that short Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 5

term improvements were needed urgently, but no work could be undertaken until the area had dried out sufficiently. The Clerk would be investigating two options and get costings.

Post Box The post box has finally been installed and is due to be re-painted shortly.

Station Road Drainage Issues Further exploratory work has been done by OCC who discovered that while the Mulberry Homes developers have started to clear the ditches on their land, one of the pipes in one of the gardens is obstructed and appears to be the owner’s responsibility, and a storm drain has been damaged by utilities so that will be followed up by the OCC officer.

Public Art in Launton The open meeting had taken place, but unfortunately the CDC officer had been unable to attend. The Parish Council and Head of School would take the suggestions from the meeting forward to a further meeting with the CDC Officer in due course.

Footpath between the Playing Field and Yew Tree Field The OCC Officer had reported that until the area had dried out sufficiently, it was impossible to understand the full extent of the issue and how to resolve it. However, they would keep it under review.

Road Closure - reminder Station Road will be closed on 13 April from 7.30am to 6.30pm beyond Grange Mews for more railway enabling work. More information was available at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/roadclosures/ 20mph Zone As we hope you’ll see, the 20mph zone outside school is now in operation.

Agenda items for the next meeting As we write this, it is recommended that we do not hold further public meetings. We are waiting for the legislation to be updated, but have decided that to continue Parish Council business, a Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 6

pragmatic approach is the way forward, so we intend to hold virtual meetings for the forthcoming months.

With this in mind we have set up an account with Zoom – https://zoom.us/ and now have a virtual Meeting Room at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/5338478874 . If you already have Zoom installed (and there’s an app for the PC, Mac, as well as for phones and tablets), the meeting ID is: 533 847 8874. It can also be used in a web browser. Any villager will be able to watch the meeting.

As with in-person meetings we will start at 7pm for anyone who wishes to raise anything with the Council, look at planning applications or other meeting papers and then we will start the formal meeting at 7.30pm.

There is no charge for Zoom and you don’t need an account to participate in the meeting. However, it also has the facility to sign up if you wish.

Jane will need to have items for the next agenda by 19 March (now passed) with any items for the May agenda by 23 April and 21 May for the June meeting.

We’ll look forward to ‘seeing’ you online!

Date of next possible meetings Thursday 2 April and Thursday 7 May (please note that the May meeting has reverted to 7 May as there are no elections) either in the Parish Hall or online (if possible) at 7.30pm.

At normal public meetings of the Parish Council, Councillors and the Parish Clerk are normally available before the start of the formal meeting, from 7pm, to meet the public and to hear informal discussions on agenda items. Public plans and correspondence are normally available for viewing and comments, including paper copies of planning applications.

Full minutes are available on the Parish Council Notice Boards in the village (by The War Memorial and on the wall of the Parish Hall), and on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk See page 9 for more information and updates.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 7

CHURCH NEWS April 2020 Suspension of Community CafĂŠ and Church Services One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right accountant.

Contact us today for a FREE initial meeting.

We will proactively listen to your business needs and create personalised solutions. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU

In line with Government advice, Community CafĂŠ sessions have been suspended until further notice.

The Church of England has also taken the decision to suspend Sunday and midweek public worship until Government advice changes.

Worship and ministry will continue in other forms (for example, with online streaming of some services) and you are invited to contact Revd. Peter for more information, or just to talk: Phone 01869 572272 Mobile 07966 531921 email revpeterwright@gmail.com The following websites can also offer help and support. www.stedburgschurch.org/ www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavir us-covid-19/livestream/

Launton Congregational Chapel

There will be no Sunday services at Launton Chapel because of the Coronavirus, for the foreseeable future.

We will advise readers when services start again Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 8

Additional information for the Parish Council Report continued from page 7

You will have seen that all local elections, including Parish Council elections, have been postponed until May 2021.

The Village Tidy-up day originally scheduled for Saturday 18 April will not take place until the autumn: watch for the revised date.

The Annual Parish Meeting scheduled for Thursday 21 May has been postponed until later in the year: watch in Launton Lines for a rescheduled date. All organisations involved in the village are invited to give a short report and all villagers are welcome to attend.

This is a great opportunity to hear about what has happened in the village over the past year and to get involved with new projects and organisations.

If there is anything specific you would like to add to the agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting when the meeting is held, please let The Parish Clerk, Jane Olds, know. email clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk The Parish Council has recently set up an email mailing signup list which is available on the left hand menu of the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk If you’d like to receive email notification just add your details. This will only be used for Parish Council and essential village news and we’ll try not to bombard you – please sign up!

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 9

These two pages include main updated information from the leaflet distributed to Launton households

LAUNTON VILLAGE HELP FOR THOSE IN ISOLATION

village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk | Phone 0844 879 7710 WHO ARE WE? A voluntary group of over 100 Launton residents in association with Launton Parish Council. We formed to help you if you are isolating and need any assistance.

HOW TO CONTACT US If you need help please make contact with the local volunteer named on the leaflet.

Alternatively, email unless urgent or unable to do so. We may not be able to respond immediately, but we will regularly check emails and reply as soon as possible.

EMAIL at any time to village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE: 9.30 to 5.00 to any of the following 07375 991539 - Janice 07806 634494 - Rebecca 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council Clerk) By phone via Shangri-La Cleaning & Ironing, 08448 797 710. Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm, Saturday 9am - 12 noon (This is Rebecca’s mobile) Rev Peter Wright St Mary’s Church Tel: 01869 572272 Mobile: 07966 531 921 Email: revpeterwright@gmail.com HOW WE CAN HELP PICKING UP SHOPPING OR MEALS We can arrange to have your shopping or pre-ordered meals picked up from local stores/pubs and delivered to your door. (See page 11 facing for contacts) POSTING MAIL We can arrange to collect your mail and deliver it to the post office to be sent.

MEDICATION/PRESCRIPTIONS Under your guidance we will collect and deliver medication GPs are currently only seeing urgent cases. Please DO NOT go into the surgery or to hospital if you have Coronavirus symptoms. Stay home and call 111 or contact the pharmacy.

FACEBOOK GROUP Help for self-isolating Launton Residents.

Check regularly for updates and useful links

We Are Here For You

How do I arrange for my shopping or meals to be collected?

Contact your preferred supplier with your order and make payment. Ask when your order will be ready for collection and contact your volunteer to arrange collection.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 10

Supplier

Offering

Orders via

Payment via

Costcutter

Shopping orders over £10

01869 321825

Card payments over phone

The Bull

Meal Delivery (self-isolated 01869 248158 only) or collection. See page 12 following.

Card payments over phone

The Black Bull

Meals (call for details). See page 13 following.

01869 248846

Card payments over phone

01869 252619

Card payments over phone

The Blue Texel Food orders over £5

Please call for menus or see more details of these and other outlets. Information on the offer from the two pubs is on pages 12 and 13.

For groceries, write the list before making contact with your volunteer. Call your volunteer with the list and they will shop for you. Try not to leave it until you run out of something in case there is a delay in getting the shopping.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PAYMENTS You must never give out your PIN or card to any volunteer under any circumstances.

Your volunteer will explain how to pay when you call them. If you can’t reach your volunteer, or if you have problems that can not be solved by your volunteer, please call Janice, Jane, Rebecca or Shangri-La (numbers on facing page) How do I arrange for medication to be collected?

Call your volunteer to make arrangements. Make sure you know when the medication will be ready to collect, and where from, before calling your volunteer.

Laundry and Ironing If you need help with laundry or ironing Shangri-La are offering a free collection and delivery service in Launton. Their price list is on page 27 of this issue of Launton Lines, or call 08448 797 710.

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS

Langford Medical Practice 01869 248585 www.alchestermedicalgroup.co.uk Bicester Health Centre 01869 249333 www.bicesterhc.co.uk Montgomery House 01869 249222 www.montgomeryhousesurgery.co.uk Jardines Pharmacy (Langford) 01869 323008 Jardines Pharmacy (Bure Park) 01869 324965 Ahmeys Pharmacy (Market Sq) 01869 240460 Age UK Oxfordshire 01865 411288 Volunteer Driver Service 0300 303 125 Milk and More 0345 606 3606 Monday, Wednesday, Friday Milk Delivery, Chris James 01442 822275 mob 07842 426793 Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 11

The Bull Inn, Launton

SPECIAL TAKEAWAY MENU Monday to Saturday Free Home Delivery to Launton Residents Self-Isolating MAINS

Breaded Whole-tail Scampi £8.00 Served with garden peas and chips Beer Battered Fish & Chips £9.50 Line-caught Cod in home-made beer batter. Served with garden peas and chips Beef Chilli con Carne £8.00 Home-made classic Mexican chilli con carne.

Served with rice and garlic ciabatta bread Five Bean Chilli £8.00 Home-made classic Mexican chilli with five beans.

Served with rice and garlic ciabatta bread

For daily home-made specials see our Facebook page PIZZAS

Two for £18 | All our pizzas are hand-stretched and made to order, with a home-made tomato base.

The American £10 Chorizo, Ham, Pepperoni, and Cheddar Cheese The Vegan £10 Falafel, Red Onion, Mushrooms, and vegan cheese The Hawaiian £10 Ham, Pineapple, and Cheddar Cheese Margherita £9 Classic Cheddar Cheese and Tomato

BURGERS

Two for £17 | All our burgers are in rustic Ciabatta rolls with salsa, tomato, and red onions, and served with chips and onion rings.

The Bull Burger £9.50 Home-made beef burger topped with Cheddar Cheese and Bacon Falafel and Salsa Burger £9.00 Grilled Halloumi and Mushroom Burger £9.00 Southern Fried Chicken Burger £9.50 Topped with BBQ sauce and Cheddar Cheese The Ultimate Chicken Burger £9.50 Chicken breast topped with Cheddar Cheese and Streaky Bacon

SUNDAY ROAST TAKEAWAY

Traditional home-cooked Sunday Lunch. Choice of Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Nut Roast. Served with Seasonal Vegetables, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Stuffing and Gravy. Adults £9.00 Children £4.50 Call us on 01869 248158 to order all items Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 12

The Black Bull (Soon to be The Launton Arms) We find ourselves in unprecedented times and as such we will keep you updated at

facebook.com/bblaunton You can continue to shop with us at

the-launton-arms.myshopify.com where we have launched an online order and delivery service for the village only, offering drinks, takeaway food and extra grocery items for those stuck in isolation.

You can also call us on

01869 248846

during times displayed on our Facebook page.

We send our best wishes to all, and stay safe.

Kyle and the team Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 13

The Easter Egg Hunt: Friends of Launton School

It was with regret the Friends of Launton School and the Egg Hunt Committee made the decision to postpone the Egg Hunt, originally scheduled for 21 March. Should there be any indication of school commencing again in the next few weeks we shall endeavour to hold the event as soon as possible, and the opportunity to buy tickets from Stonelily Hairdressing will be available once again. The village donated a generous number of eggs and cash towards the event, for which we are very grateful. Rest assured that if we cannot hold the event, then we will decide on an appropriate course of action to ensure that the eggs are donated to give those that need it most a little lift.

It also meant that the Mother’s Day hunt didn’t happen. We had three beautiful gift bags filled with lovely gifts for the children to try and win and take home for Mother’s Day. We must thank The Black Bull, Stonelily and Blue Diamond for sponsoring the gift bags. They will be won at our next event, hopefully later in the summer. Our thanks also to Chris at The Blue Texel for providing the Golden prize. They have kindly supplied this prize for several years, and we will ensure that somebody is lucky enough to take it home.

The Egg Hunt team also deserve a thank you. This is the largest event the PTA regularly holds and it requires an awful lot of work in advance of the day, so you can imagine how disappointed the team were to have to postpone. The PTA committee extends it thanks to Theresa Carlyle, Sarah Walker and Hannah Allpress for their organisation of the event. We also thank the parents and grandparents of the school children who hit the streets of Launton, not once, but twice, delivering fliers about the event and requesting donations, and then again a week later collecting those donations.

Once again, many thanks to the generous people of Launton.

Without your donations events like this simply couldn’t happen. We will bring your more news about future plans in forthcoming issues of Launton Lines.

The Friends of Launton School Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 14

St Mary’s Church, Launton

In line with Government Coronavirus advice the Church of England has suspended regular public worship, including Sunday services.

During this period you are welcome to join us in spiritual Holy Communion on Sundays, and for Morning and Evening Prayer daily, from your own home.

Please contact Revd Peter Wright for more information: Email:revpeterwright@gmail.com Tel:01869 572272 Revd Peter Wright Vicar, St Mary’s Church, Launton

Launton Community Café The Café is CLOSED for the duration of the Coronavirus emergency.

Watch Launton Lines for updates on plans for the future.

And see the inside front cover of this issue for a photo of our vicar on the occasion of A Very Significant Birthday.

For information on future Café plans contact Rev’d Peter Wright revpeterwright@gmail.com or phone 01869 572272

Everyone is welcome in normal times

Come to meet friends and neighbours

ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

“your feet are in safe hands” Sharon Ball S.A.C. DIP.FHPT S.A.C. DIP. FHPP Registered foot health practitioner // www.royalfootcare.co.uk

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 15

Launton WI Meeting Thursday 12 March 2020

The WI met this month for the AGM, where Helen Aris was elected chair for another year.

The finances and other matters were discussed and then there was time for socialising and refreshments.

The membership is healthy as always, currently 40 ladies, and there is another year of interesting and varied talks and meetings planned. These include Oxfordshire and the Norman Conquest, History of Nursery Rhymes, Myths and Legends of the Stars, and Renewable Energy Without The Hot Air. We also have regular walks and lunches out.

We always welcome new members, new ladies with new ideas and views.

At Launton WI we put great emphasis on friendship, fun and support.

We meet on the second Thursday of each month in Launton Parish Hall.

Grange Mews News for March 2020 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

Whatever I write will be overtaken by the Coronavirus pestilence around us.

It’s a shame that Corona can’t remain the much-loved soft drink from my youth.

As I write I am, like many others, in isolation; fortunately I have a large garden to wander around: maybe my garden will be tidy this year! Canada Geese have returned with their noisy honking to nest on our pond, thrushes are singing, and the sun is shining: what a temporary break from the virus clouds around us.

Most businesses are closed at Grange Mews, but urgent mechanical repairs are so far available at Launton Transport, and urgent or safety electrical work can be had from Justin Bucknell.

The Government continues to alter the parameters with changes to their expert advice and if I report anything today it may be different, by the time Launton Lines is published.

We do all have mortgages or rent to pay and we are all waiting and watching for a real lead in to the mooted payments for people to be received.

I hope for all of us that this is more clear by the time this issue is published.

All keep well, please.

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

At the time of writing, meetings are suspended for the foreseeable future due to Coronavirus. Please check the website and Launton WI Facebook page for further details.

If you are interested in joining us, please look at the website www.launtonwi.webs.com Lesley Thompson

Crimewatch April 2020

Received from PCSO Louise Beaumont on Sunday 15 March Launton A break into a commercial unit at Grange Farm, Launton was reported overnight on 11-12 March. If you have any information regarding this incident please update via 101 ref 43200084095.

Blackthorn A break in reported to an outbuilding on the Thame Rd overnight on 8-9 March.

Catalytic Converter Thefts We have seen a rise in reports for theft of catalytic converters from vehicles and have received reports from both Ambrosden and Arncott in the last week. The offence takes approx. 5 minutes to commit, and if anyone witnessed anything suspicious please ring 999 if it is in progress.

Cold Calling Offering Free Insulation Trading Standards have received reports in the Bicester and North Bicester area regarding a company cold calling offering free insulation. We have been made aware that there is a list of companies who have been approved by NEF (National Energy Foundation) who can offer loft insulation for free. Before you engage with any companies offering free insulation, please contact Better Housing Better Health on their advice helpline 0800 107 0044 where they can assist further or answer any questions.

Our advice normally is not to engage with any traders who cold call. If you come across any businesses you have concerns about, please contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Louise Beaumont louise.beaumont@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk PCSO C6333 Bicester Police Station Thames Valley Police 101 | Phone 07977 138 476 Much has happened since 15 March, and there are updates from Thames Valley Police on Thames Valley Alert. Sign up to stay in touch.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 17

News from the Woodland Guess what? The wood is muddy.

The ducks’ empire has expanded, up to the seat by the pond. How things can change in a short time - we all know that now.

Brave souls walk round, but not me. The boardwalk stands proud over the swampy lands and that’s as far as I go. I will just have to imagine what the gateway to the field is like. But I reckon the seat by the wild orchard at the far end is still a good place to sit if you can get there. There is space.

The wood shreddings on the pathways have done a pretty good job but they have somewhat sunk. Should it ever stop raining, and should working parties be possible again, we will need to renew those shreddings.

Talking of the future, Maureen and Bob Roberts, and Judy Taylor, have said at the AGM that after this year they will be reducing their Local Osteopath in Launton Hannah is committed to helping you restore your mobility and keep you moving, through hands-on treatment and exercises.

Hannah specialises in all types of pain, including low back pain, neck pain, hip pain, stress, injuries, and pain prevention.

Call on 01869 640 315 or book online at https://hannahosteopath.business.site Book a free 15-minute assessment to see if osteopathy could help you. 

Grange Mews, Launton OX26 5EG Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 18

involvement with the Friends of Island Pond Wood. All of them have been extremely hard working for many years and they deserve a bit of free time.

My brief trip to the wood was a bit sad for me as my vizsla dog Robi loved it. He left us suddenly in February; he was twelve and a half.

But a rescue vizsla will come to join us, from Hungarian Vizsla Welfare. We don’t know when. On present plans he is called Ramsey and he is two and a half. His owners plan to move abroad to work in a very hot country but I imagine their plans are on hold at the moment, too.

In time, the swampiness will subside and another vizsla will love the wood too.

Gwen Skinner

THE BLUE TEXEL FARMSHOP BUTCHERS & DELICATESSEN From our Farm to your Fork Fresh, local & seasonal produce

STATION ROAD, LAUNTON OX26 5DS www.thebluetexel.co.uk 01869 252619

OPENING HOURS

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM SATURDAY 8AM-3PM | SUNDAY 9AM-1PM CLOSED MONDAYS - PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 19

Launton Pantomime 2020 The Snow Queen

On Sunday evening 29 March the members of The Village Players involved with their 2020 Panto The Snow Queen came together for the video of the show, edited from over 15 hours of recording of seven shows in February.

Originally planned for the Parish Hall, the physical showing was transmuted into an online show thanks to YouTube, so at 7pm on Sunday the files were released, and people across Launton and Bicester, and even further afield, settled down to 2 hours and 22 minutes of the show.

For many watching it was the first time they had watched the whole show. Seeing the drilled choreography, the colourful costumes, and the imaginative and varied scenery and set, all carried along by the music from the Panto Band, reminded watchers of what a great show they had been part of.

Oxfordshire Drama Network announced their 2020 Pantomime Awards on 6 March, and The Snow Queen won three of the eleven awards: Best Technical Achievement - judges particularly noted the use of UV lighting throughout, and especially the real snowstorm at the end.

Music - judges commented that it was good to have a live band, and praised the original music and that the style of music complemented the action on stage.

AERIALS

SUPPLIED, ERECTED & REPAIRED SINCE 1962

Contact PAUL W. EWERS Telephone Brill 01844 237131 Mobile 07956 509166

Anytime

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

Magic Moment - from all the entries, the judges picked the one moment they thought had that WOW factor - and chose the underwater UV sea creatures as performed by the children’s chorus.

The Snow Queen was also nominated and shortlisted in seven other categories.

Best costumes  Best chorus  Best baddie - Lesley Watson-Burn as The Snow Queen   Best cameo role - Marcus Lamb as The Admiral Best comedy role - Lorraine de Brun as Jetsam  Best dame - Mark Hudson as Dame Helga   Best all-round production Finally, the Producer Celia Evans announced that profits from The Snow Queen will be handed to the Parish Hall Improvement Project. The amount raised will be £7,500, the largest amount from any Launton Pantomime. This brings the total given away by Pantos since 1991 to over £104,000.

Robert Cornford | Publicity Officer, Launton Pantomime

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 21

The School Reporters: Willow Structures

“We can take you to see the new willow structures in our grounds. We all helped to build them. We brought our wellington boots to school because there was rain and the grass was very muddy. We went outside in the rain and worked with Miss Nightingale building the dome and the tunnel. Mr Ford helped too. Years 2-6 all worked on this project. We pushed the stems of willow into the ground and joined them together and tied them where they crossed over. There is a black plastic membrane on the ground to stop weeds and grass growing. The corner of the field that has been used for this work is very soggy so we hope that the willow will take up lots of water from the soil.

Willow likes to be in damp places. If you look carefully you can see that leaves are growing already.

“We are looking forward to playing in the dome and the tunnel but we will have to play carefully until the roots have grown really strong. We might pretend that the dome is a home or a jail or even an igloo. The tunnel might be a garage, a place for trains or the start and finish point for running. Some of us are still thinking about the games we could play. Insects will like to live there. In the autumn we will be able to weave in the new growth to make the dome and the tunnel stronger. This will be fun for the whole school.”

Evie, Harry, Josh and Sam | Year 3 Reporters, Launton School There are photos from the work with willows on the facing page.

A letter from a grateful villager I’d like to say a big thank you to our local shop Costcutter, for working so hard to keep Launton well supplied with food, drinks and newspapers, not to mention toiletries, medicines and cleaning products. It has been a relief not to have to visit the supermarkets with all their attendant problems. The Blue Texel too has been amazing in keeping their cabinets well stocked with delicious products, with bread and vegetables - and eggs - available too.

The pub takeaways from The Bull and The Black Bull are a boon for those of us bored with trying to think of interesting things to do for supper.

Well done to all of them and please keep up the good work; everyone I speak to ... from two metres away! ... is full of praise for all our local services. We are fortunate indeed, and long may it last.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 22

Reporting on Willow Structures

 Some of the willow stems have already started sprouting

 The Dome

Photos provided by the school

 The Tunnel

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 23

Spring Sunshine in the woodland on Monday 23 March shows the calm that nature, and sunshine, can bring.

Photos by Robert Cornford

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 24

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 25

Seen around the village this month  Left: The front door of The Bull after lockdown, with signs selling off Ales and Lager and, on the door, a direction to the back door for takeaway pick-up (see page 12).

Photo by Robert Cornford

 Right: A small clump of daffodils at the entrance to West End. Photo by Robert Cornford

 Left: The Black Bull/The Launton Arms offer a free hot drink to people out for isolation exercise.

They also offer online shopping and village delivery (see page 13).

Photo by Carol McGrath Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 26

Friends of St Mary’s, Launton A small group of people who are willing to get this project started met on 9 March to form a committee and to get a rough idea of how to move forward.

Hilary Bradshaw agreed to be chairman; Ben Smith undertook to be honorary secretary and Lesley Thompson to be treasurer. Others present agreed to look into setting up a possible constitution (necessary in order to support applications for grants) and ideas for possible fund raising events. Naturally we will send regular updates to Launton Lines about how this project is progressing.

The Friends will be concerned with preserving the heritage of the building and its surroundings. (The very necessary but unglamorous work of supporting the church - heating and lighting, day-to-day upkeep, insurance - is dealt with by the Parochial Church Council).

The Friends will undertake to raise money for projects to secure the fabric of St Mary’s - and the first two items of concern are the lychgate and the porch windows. It is almost 40 years since the last major work was done on the lychgate. The late Bill Burrows, of Blackthorn Road, supplied the timber, and John Hollis with some of his pupils from Cooper School undertook part of the work. Are any of those pupils still living locally?

Pat Tucker

Shangri-La Laundry and Ironing See the information on Launton Village Help on pages 10-11. Shangri-La is offering a laundry and ironing service for Launton. Below is their price list.

General Laundry and Ironing Shirts Laundry and Ironing £6.60 per kg wash and iron £2.45 each wash and iron £5.60 per kg iron only £1.95 each iron only Free collection and delivery for addresses in Launton during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 27

Launton Lines Noticeboard

Domestic Help

Local Lady has availability Cleaning | Ironing | Cooking | Care Animal Care and Walking Experienced and DBS-checked Telephone for information 07485 071 837 The planters by the war memorial, at The Poplars turning, bring a patch of colour as you walk along Bicester Road.

Many thanks for all the work put in by Sarah Kidney keeping them so well-tended throughout the year.

See the back cover for pictures

Launton Watercolour Group

In normal times we meet in the Parish Hall on Mondays at 2pm.

We will not be meeting until the Coronovirus situation improves.

Watch this space!

For more information phone 249725 or email johnandpatsystephens@gmail.com Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 28

Recent Births and Deaths in the village Alfie Dowman Alfie Dowman was born to Abi and Robert Dowman early on Wednesday 25 March. He is now back in Chestnut Close with his parents.

Roy Wilkins Sadly on 22 January 2020, after a brief period of illness Roy Wilkins of Ancil Avenue passed away peacefully in the Horton Hospital aged 88. Roy and his late wife Patricia, who died in 2006, had lived in the bungalow since it was built in 1963 where they brought up Sandy and Tony. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbours.

We were sent this notice by Roy’s daughter Sandy in February, but did not receive it until March and now include it. We apologise for the delay.

Keith Mitchell Keith Mitchell of West End, Launton, died peacefully on 4 March 2020, aged 83. The funeral was held on Friday 20 March at St Mary’s Church, Launton.

ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS

HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATIONS

PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING

FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL

PETER N. SOUTHAM 01869 278333 OR 07721 633 220 peteroofer@aol.com INSURANCE APPROVED Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 29

Launton Village Support Group for Self-Isolating Villagers

Supported by Launton Parish Council A group of over 100 residents of Launton have volunteered to help any Launton residents in need of help or support due to the isolation plan for Coronavirus that will come into play in the next few weeks/months.

The group has been set up by two villagers, Janice Hawes and Rebecca Davidson, supported by Launton Parish Council. Janice and Rebecca have lists of volunteers from most roads in the village who are happy to help any residents of Launton.

PLEASE NOTE - This service is not only for ‘elderly’ residents. It is open for anyone in self-isolation and in need of help. By now, you should have received a flyer through your door with all the details of the scheme, what help is available and how you can access it and who to contact. It also gives information on local businesses that are offering meals and shopping, some with delivery offers too.

PLEASE NOTE - There are some errors in the contact phone numbers on the flyer. Pages 10 and 11 of this issue of Launton Lines have corrected the information. The phone number for the Costcutter store is 01869 321825.

The phone number for the Black Bull/The Launton Arms is 01869 248846.

Collecting Shopping or Meals We can arrange to have your shopping or pre-ordered meals picked up from local stores/pubs and delivered to your door. Or to get items of shopping where possible from other shops. (Discuss with individual volunteers) Posting Mail We can arrange to collect your mail and deliver it to the post office to be sent.

Medication and Prescriptions Under your guidance we will collect & deliver medication How to Contact the Volunteers If you need help, make contact with your local volunteer named on the flyer. Or email, the group at village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk, unless urgent or unable to do.

The response may not be instant: emails will be regularly checked and responded to as soon as possible. For further information, please contact from the list below: Email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk Website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/launton-isolation-help/ Phone Numbers between 9:30am to 5:00pm 07375991539 - Janice 07806634494 - Rebecca 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 0844 879 7710 - Shangri-La Cleaning and Ironing (This is Rebecca’s business, but the phone is monitored Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, Saturday, 9am - 12 noon) Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 30

Some Useful Contacts and Numbers Milk and More 0345 606 3606 Delivery Monday, Wednesday, Friday Milk Delivery Chris James Tel 01442 822275 mob 07842 426793 Oak House Foods 0333 370 6700 Bicester Bean and Coffee Shop 07891 777219 (can deliver) Warrens Bakery 01869 814500 (can deliver) Healthy Juice Company 01869 324328 (can deliver) Stansfield and Hoole 07581344640 (can deliver) Twinkl free voucher for one month subscription - learning aid for children being home schooled - visit www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and enter the following code PARENTSTWINKLHELPS HMRC Advice line for self employed 0300 465 3565 Age UK telephone support for older people 01865 411288 This will include a friendly, regular weekly call to see how people are, to chat and also problemsolve if people are facing practical problems. Leave your name and contact number. A member of the Age UK team will then ring you back as soon as they are able during normal working hours.

Correct at time of going to print, please check website for any updates.

Lesley Thompson

thevillageclinic.co.uk Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Blackthorn 01869 253552 info@thevillageclinic.co.uk Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 31

Launton Health Walks Report

Sadly, we have had to suspend these weekly walks, the last one for the moment was on 10 March. There is no need to say why as it is fairly obvious!

The suspension will be until at least 31 May following a directive from the Walking for Health organising group and the Ramblers Association. Further updates will be provided before the end of May, hopefully sufficiently early to be included in the June Launton Lines.

It is not all bad news! We have a second Walk Leader, Barbara French, who has undergone the training and is now qualified. This opens up the possibilities for dual walks, so that those preferring a longer walk can be accommodated without detriment to the shorter walk devotees. It also means that walks can be run when one or other of us is on holiday (assuming that we can actually go!).

It might be that when we are able to resume, some of the ground will have dried out and routes that have not been possible will once again be available.

Sport England have produced guidance on exercising when restricted to home: https://www.sportengland.org/news/how-stay-active-while-youre-home which is worth a look!

Dave Gilbert | Walk Leader, Launton Walks

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 32

150 years ago - from the school log book Fri April 1 Re-arranged desks etc, for better conducting the School now all children are for a limited time to be managed by the Master. Av 90.2.

Mon April 4 I Standard read last lesson in the book ... very fluently....

Thurs April 7 The IV Standard have now quite mastered Long Measure after much patience...

Mon April 11 30 Children away with severe colds ...

Wed April 13 A very bad form of Measles is thinning attendance ... badly.

Thur April 14 There were so few children at school this morning that we were compelled to break up for Easter holidays, which we usually postpone until after the Inspector’s visit.

Mon April 25 A few ... Children who have recovered returned this morning Thurs April 28 Was obliged to have a fire in the Schools this morning.

Fri April 29 Av for week 51.3.

[The number of pupils at the school was about 90 at this time. The head had to teach more classes as the junior teacher had moved to another post - as noted the previous month.]

PODIATRY/CHIROPODY ALDRED CASEY MEDICAL LTD Nail Care | Chiropody | Diabetic Foot Check | Nail Surgery Biomechanics/Musculoskeletal Assessments | Orthotics Podiatry/Chiropody is provided by Miss Joanne Casey M.Ch.S, BSc (Hons) and Associates at our clinics in Stratton Audley and Banbury.

We have over 20 years experience in both NHS and Private Practice.

Patients can be sure to receive the best care and advice possible for their feet.

Our podiatrists are HCPC registered and are members of The College of Podiatry.

We also offer home visits on request.

Visit our website at www.aldredcaseymedical.co.uk To book an appointment please contact us using the details below, or email enquiries@aldredcaseymedical.co.uk In Stratton Audley: The Old Post Office, Cherry Street, Stratton Audley OX27 9AA

Phone 01869 278088

In Banbury: Marlborough Road Clinic, Suite 4 Borough House, Marlborough Road, Banbury OX16 5TH

Phone 01295 273073

A Vet’s Voice: Cats with clots

You’re probably familiar with strokes and thrombosis in people, but you may not be aware that cats can also be prone to getting major problems relating to blood clots. Most problems arise most commonly when a cat has underlying heart disease. Heart disease is reasonably common in older cats but can also occur in younger cats especially in certain purebreds like Maine Coons.

Heart disease often comes on insidiously. By this I mean that it can be developing inside your pet and you wouldn’t be aware of it. At some stage the disease will progress to the point where the circulation can’t cope, and signs of heart failure ensue eg difficulty breathing and lack of energy.

The other problem arises because the blood flow within a diseased heart can be abnormal. Instead of flowing smoothly through the chambers and out around the body there can be areas of blood stagnation within the diseased heart chambers. This can lead to blood clot formation - a thrombus. If the thrombus breaks off from the heart wall it rapidly gets washed along the arteries which get progressively smaller as they branch out within the circulation. The moving clot (thromboembolism) will reach

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Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 34

an artery which it can’t pass through and so will lodge itself and block the blood flow, and the tissues will be starved of oxygen.

Often in cats this clot will lodge at the lower part of the aorta where the main arteries to the hind limbs branch off. This causes a sudden onset of intense pain and inability to move the back legs. The feet become cold from lack of circulation, the muscles swell and the pain levels are extreme.

The prognosis for recovery from a severe case of thromboembolism is poor and with the cat in so much pain, euthanasia is commonly performed.

Milder cases or those where the pain can be controlled may be treated and some will recover. Unfortunately, they will be susceptible to a repeated episode in future. Because of the risk of thromboembolism in cats with heart disease, they are generally put onto a long-term medication to reduce the risk of clot formation. In the past this was low doses of aspirin but now a drug called Clopidogrel is more routinely used. This will reduce the risk but unfortunately doesn’t take the risk away altogether.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk of problems? Regular health checks may detect heart disease eg a murmur or rhythm abnormality. This may lead to an ultrasound scan of the heart (echocardiography) which can guide treatment and anti-clot prophylaxis can be started if warranted.

Thankfully most cats don’t get heart disease but if they do, it’s best to find out sooner rather than later.

Enjoy your pets and stay well Jason Williams | Bicester Vets

Football Club News, April 2020

Not much to report on the football front unfortunately as everything is now cancelled!

The last few weeks have seen very little football due to wet weather rendering pitches across the county unplayable. No sooner had that started to improve, then the current situation worldwide means we are out of action for a different reason and obviously will be for the foreseeable future.

While we are holding out a little longer before deciding, it’s likely we will have to cancel our summer tournament as has been the case for the Launton Fete, so we’ll just have to hope life has returned to some kind of normality by the time we get to the next football season.

Graeme Stoddart

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 35

Launton Village Fete 2021

MORE THAN JUST MARTIAL ARTS AND LOCALLY BASED IN LAUNTON We have a range of different classes to offer everyone for adults and children

Adult classes Qigong Tai Chi Latino dance (salsa etc) Judo (Senshu judo club) Vinyasa flow yoga Yoga and mindfulness Physio led matwork pilates Physio led chair based pilates (for less mobile) Children’s classes Judo (Senshu judo club) Dance Kids yoga (coming soon) Self defence (coming soon) Call or text Laura Scarlett-McAllister on 07900 866 423 www.dojosportsbicester.co.uk Dojo Sports Ltd, Unit 7c, Grange Mews, Station Road, Launton, OX26 5EG

The Fete Organising Group took the decision on 17 March to cancel the 2020 Fete, due to be held on Saturday 13 June, and to focus on the 2021 Fete, to be held on Saturday 12 June next year. The Group expects the current Covid-19 restrictions to be lifted in time for planning and Group meetings to start in September this year.

We took the decision soon after the government announced that they expected the peak infection to be in June - with the Fete right in the middle. Postponing to later this year was not a sensible option either.

Later, with news that the Olympics were to be postponed to 2021 it was possible to continue with our planned theme of The Olympic Fete, and will carry over our beneficiaries to next year - St Mary’s Church and the Bicester Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

And, in the way of these things, soon after we decided to move to 2021 we heard from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with confirmation (subject to weather conditions) of a fly past for the Fete by a Lancaster, as we had a few years ago. We will ask if we can carry this over to 2021.

Watch out for updates as the close down progresses and ends.

Robert Cornford, Fete Coordinator

Launton Lines April 2020 | Pag e 36

50 Years Ago from The Bicester Advertiser 10 April 1970 FUNERAL OF MR WD SPRY The funeral of Mr William Douglas Spry, who died suddenly at his home on Wednesday of last week, took place at St Mary’s Church, Launton, on Tuesday A native of St Austell, Cornwall, Mr Spry served with the Royal Navy in the 1939-45 war and later worked for the Bristol Aircraft Corporation at Bicester aerodrome. He married a Launton girl, and after returning to civilian life, resumed his trade as a gents’? hairdresser. In the early 1960s Curly opened at Ambrosden and was well-known in the Bicester area for his expertise in this art. About two years ago he opened a further shop in Sheep Street. Mr Spry was 49 years old and leaves a widow and five children.

[Lists of mourners and floral tributes follow] FATAL ACCIDENT IN LAUNTON ROAD Van and Car in Collision A fatal accident occurred on the Bicester-Launton Road last Saturday night, when a Ford van and a Hillman saloon collided.

The driver of the van, Mr Charlie Stead, of 35 Ancil Avenue, Launton, was found to be dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the car, Mr Michael Deeley, was accompanied by his wife.

The Deeleys, who live at Manor Farm, Launton, were both admitted to the Radcliffe Infirmary suffering from shock and minor injuries.....

[Details of the inquest appeared in the paper on 1 May, but it seems more appropriate to include it here] Bicester Advertiser 1 May 1970 ... The jury heard how a farmer and his wife, driving their car near Launton, were confronted with a Ford van as it came round a bend on the wrong side of the road. The farmer, Mr Michael Deeley, of Manor Farm, Launton, said that he saw the headlights of the van coming straight at him as he rounded the bend. The van seemed to be on the wrong side of the road and there was a collision. Both vehicles were badly damaged in the crash.

Mr George Higgins, principal bio-chemist at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, said that analysis of a blood sample taken from Mr Stead showed that he had drunk the equivalent of three pints of beer, or six single whiskeys.

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 37

Whatever Happened to the British Car Industry?

Among village residents there will be some people who’ve had direct (either working for the companies or in the local supply chain) or indirect contact (through being a driver) with the British car industry.

They, and others, may be interested in the changing fortunes of this important industry. As you will read, these changes have been dramatic.

Not that long ago historically, the UK was the biggest exporter of motor vehicles in the world. That was in 1950, but it didn’t last long.

Even so, in the 1960s, 90% of cars sold in Britain were built in Britain. The best seller in the mid-1960s was the Austin 1100, the Austin/Morris Mini was in third place, and there were two other UK models in the top 10 – the BMC 1.6 Farina came 6th and the Morris Minor was 9th. In 1972, post-war UK car production peaked at 1.92 million vehicles. In the 1970s, behind the US-owned Ford Cortina and Ford Escort, the third best-selling car in Britain was the Cowley-built Morris Marina, followed by the Longbridge-built Mini. The Austin Allegro came 6th and the Austin 1100 was 8th.

Once again, four of the top 10 cars sold in Britain were UK-owned and UK-built. That would never happen again.

The UK-owned car industry was about to collapse. By 1982, just under 0.9 million cars were produced – a staggering 50% drop in 10 years. Compared to just 10% in the 1960s, 60% of new cars sold in the UK in 1982 were imports. In the 1980s, there were only two UKowned car models in the top 10 – the Austin Metro was 5th and the Austin Maestro was in 10th place. Ford models took three of the top four places – Escort, Fiesta, Sierra - with the Vauxhall Cavalier in third place. Ford repeated their success in the 1990s, while there was only one UK-owned model in the top 10 - the Rover 200 at Number 5. In the 21st century, that collapse was completed. In 2019, although 1.5 million cars were made in Britain, there were no UK-owned brands left. And 80% of these newly built cars went for export, mainly to mainland Europe. Some readers will remember some of those once popular British brands – Standard, Triumph, BMC, Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 38

Riley, Wolseley, Rover. The UK brands still in production are all now foreign owned - Land Rover and Jaguar (Tata Steel, India), Mini (BMW, Germany). Chinese firm SAIC Motor owns the MG brand, making MG cars in China for the British market, selling 13,000 in 2019, compared to nearly 65,000 Minis in Cowley.

Up to the 1970s, while other European makers were still catching us up, we Brits could get away with making and selling poorly designed cars, like the Marina in Cowley. The Germans didn’t start producing the Golf and the Polo until the mid-1970s. The Ford Fiesta followed soon after. The French didn’t start using Thierry Henry to sell the Renault Clio until years later, but it paid off! In 2020, the Golf, Polo, Fiesta, and Clio are still in production, but who remembers the British models from then - like the Austin Allegro (known by many disappointed owners as the All-Aggro)? Some UK-made cars were rust buckets. The mid-1970s Rover SD1 had known rust traps, which Solihull production line workers knew about, but nobody asked them. The Mini could also rust quickly, unless its new owner gave it extra rustproofing. One of my mates bought a new Minivan in the early 1970s. He worked in heavy industry where a product called ‘red lead’ was widely used. It’s probably banned now due to Health and Safety rules. My mate ‘acquired’ enough red lead to thickly coat the underside of his Minivan. That van is maybe still on the road. I suspect the Rover SD1 won’t have been so lucky.

As the rest of the motoring world improved its design and reliability, we Brits sensibly allowed foreign firms to do what we couldn’t produce reliable mass market cars. Since the mid-1980s, these foreign firms have been making cars here: 1986 - Nissan (Sunderland); 1989 - Honda (Swindon); 1992 - Toyota (Derby) and 2001 - BMW/Mini (Oxford). Some US-owned brands had already been here for many years, with Ford selling models like the Cortina and the Escort, then later the Sierra/Mondeo and the Focus, and General Motors selling its popular Vauxhall Viva, then later the Cavalier, followed by the popular Corsa.

I can’t put all the blame for this turn of events on my first car, but it Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 39

was no angel. In 1972, I bought an elderly Austin Cambridge A55, built in 1958 at Longbridge in South Birmingham. It was a bit shorter than the current VW Golf and produced 51hp from a 1.5 litre engine - one third of the power of today’s 1.5 litre Golf. Its performance figures didn’t quite match modern mid-sized cars. It had a top speed of 77 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 27 seconds - yes, that’s 27 seconds! The current 1.5 litre Golf takes 8 seconds.

Its seats were cracked leather and probably its most useful feature.

They were great to sit in while waiting to be towed off the M6 motorway after the ‘big end’ bit of the engine spectacularly failed near Crewe. It came with its own ventilation to parts of the floor and the wings, front and rear. It was two-tone green, supported in those breezier areas by layers of filler and ‘red lead’ supplied by my mate. It looked cheerless and was structurally doomed, even before the rest of the UK-owned volume car industry disappeared with it.

According to reliable sources, my Austin Cambridge A55 was simple to service, simple to use and, according to me, simply the worst car ever. The only, and most depressing, thing it could do efficiently was to quietly rust. There was ‘automatic’ nothing. The rest of the inside was ‘spartan’. Gears crashed embarrassingly, the doors fitted where they touched, the exhaust belched fumes, the suspension crunched, it drank oil like an alcoholic. It summed up the state of the British car industry.

Happily, things have improved greatly since those days. The foreignowned firms, in places like Cowley and Swindon, have been producing very good cars, and they’ve given well paid jobs to thousands of people in this area. Disappointingly, Honda are shutting down their Swindon plant next year with a loss of 3,500 direct jobs, plus many others in the supply chain. In a future issue of Launton Lines, I’ll be looking more closely at the modern car and speculating about what might lie ahead for the increasingly uncertain mass market British car industry.

Danny Cunningham Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 40

MEMORIES OF AN EX-LAUNTON BOY

This month the ex-Launton Boy remembers community life and support mechanisms in the Launton of his youth, is depressed by what he sees in 2020 Kent, and dons his tin helmet in preparation for a response.

Having been one of the ‘Baby-Boomers’, born in 1947 as were so many after the terrible years that our parents and grandparents had endured throughout WWII, I was brought up in an era so very different to that of today.

Most adults of that period had known and participated in ethical acts of pulling together, of keeping an eye out for their neighbour, of muddling through. And many of the men folk would have, within the armed forces, been looking out for their buddy. During the years of austerity that followed, by and large, that ethical stance prevailed and we children experienced the benefits of such an atmosphere.

When my mother first moved to the village, having been born and bred in Sutton Coldfield, then in Warwickshire where incidentally, I too was born, she commented to my father on how nosey she found the villagers to be. He in turn responded with, “But Duckie, this is a village and people are much more closely knit and they Heating Plumbing Servicing simply take an interest in each other and watch out for each Domestic Oil and Gas Servicing other.” It didn’t take her long to fit in.

Installation and Maintenance And when dad fell very seriously Gas Safe Registered ill with tuberculosis and was hospitalised for several months Oftec Registered leaving us virtually penniless, people gathered around and “A local Business were very supportive. Old Mr from Launton” Albert Matthews, who then owned the village shop and post Phone: 07483 864 571 office in Station Road, was particularly supportive, allowing Email: simonnashserv@aol.com mum to have groceries on tick,

Simon Nash

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 41

knowing that one day it would be paid back, as indeed it was.

I cannot remember a single time when either me or my brother Cliff ever went to bed feeling hungry, but on reflection, I’ve no doubt there were many occasions when mum went hungry to make sure we kids were fed.

When dad was eventually sent home to recuperate, confined to bed for several more months yet, people still gathered in support. I can even remember the old Rector, Reverend Tarrant calling in to see dad and to bring him a packet of ten Woodbines.

Despite all the support shown to mum throughout this difficult period, at the end of it when at last the sun shone through, she had quite a serious nervous break-down. But with the help and support of the village, she had kept it together when it really mattered. Thankfully, she recovered shortly thereafter.

Back then, survival was about collective caring, but how things have changed over the years. Not even does Darwin’s Theory of the Survival of the Fittest come into play; it is now indeed the survival of the thoughtless, the survival of the greedy, the survival of the “I’m alright - screw the rest of you” brigade. It has become that I am almost ashamed to be British, for this is not the Britain I served six years in the Armed Forces to protect.

This country has seemingly become a trough where those who have had their snouts in it for so many years are well self-catered for and now we have those who have been the most vociferous in criticising the “very well-offs”, burying their own snouts in the trough to the exclusion of the really needy, considering themselves before anyone else at all.

Having gone to do our normal weekly shop after Sunday church, Julie and I were not even able to get half our normal shop, so empty were the shelves. We do most of our shopping these days at our local branch of Aldi’s, and so we determined to get there for the 8am opening on Monday morning. We were about sixth in the queue waiting to gain entry and once the doors opened, you would have thought it was the January Sales of the 60’s in Oxford Street. Short, stocky, bald-headed, thug-like looking middle aged males elbowed and Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 42

dived their way straight to the toilet roll section. There were large packs of twenty four and these apologies for members of the human race were grabbing two such packs apiece; forty eight loo rolls for goodness sake, I ask you! Within half an hour there was not one toilet roll to be had. And whilst they were swaggering to the tills, boasting that they had got what they had come for, their wives and partners were stripping the tinned food section bare. I have to say, I was fuming. And what gets me, I don’t mind betting that they will not consume all the food they have bought; an awful lot will be wasted and thrown out.

And the effect this has had on the local Food Banks has been devastating. I fear for those who are so poor and destitute that they have had to resort to Food Banks in order to survive. What has happened to people? What has happened to our country? And to crown it all, some local moron placed on Facebook, “That’s what comes of letting certain ‘people’ in”, thereby suggesting that it is immigrants causing this when in fact it is the indigenous British. If one looks at international news reports stating that Italy’s death toll arising from the coronavirus now exceeds that of a much larger China, yet looking at the supermarket shelves in Italy, there is no evidence of ‘panic’ buying. Although I don’t consider what we are experiencing to be ‘panic’ buying but rather, selfish, thoughtless, greedy buying.

I’d like to think that people in Oxfordshire and particularly in Launton and Bicester are rather more civilised than the examples I am witnessing here in Kent. Mind you, they are predominantly Brexiteers down here, you know, those who blame everyone else for our nations’ woes. Echoes of the 1930’s in certain parts of Europe methinks. It’s about time Britain and we British took a good long and hard look at ourselves.

So, as I reach for my tin helmet to shield myself from any flack, I wish each and every one of you very good health and offer you my sincerest wishes that you all come through this unscathed. And can I implore that you each look out for your neighbours and remind people what village life is all about, close-knit and caring.

Stay healthy and keep safe.

Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | March 2020 Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 43

Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP) There was a meeting of the Working Group (Parish Council, Parochial Church Council, Parish Hall Committee, PHIP) on 13 March (probably the last meeting in the Parish Hall for some months). It considered the following issues: Lease and Agreement to Lease A benefactor has come forward with an offer to cover the difference in rent to be paid to the PCC by the Parish Council during the Agreement to Lease period (could be up to 3 years) and the first three years of the full lease period. We are very grateful as this has cleared a big hurdle, and it looks as though the Agreement to Lease can be signed soon. Only one major thing needs fixing - changing the date of the Agreement from 2019 to 2020 (did we really believe that it would take this long to get the legal stuff done?).

Future management of the Hall There is no immediate need for a new management structure as, during the Agreement to Lease period, the Hall will continue to be managed by the PCC as the Agreement only gives the Parish Council (PC) right of access to the Hall to carry out necessary work to get to the Lease stage.

The PC have looked into whether a future management group after the lease is signed should be a sub group of the PC, or a charitable trust like a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) - a legal entity that can enter into contracts and gives security to trustees.

What is the next stage?

The current idea is to carry out work needed to bring the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for the Hall to the level where the Lease can be signed as it is only when we have a Lease that we can start fundraising from external sources. We want to make sure that any work done to get to an acceptable EPC can be used or recycled in the main work carried out later. Sound complicated? It is!

We are looking for advice from known consultants who can help us through this maze to secure an acceptable EPC. Alex Bond of PCMS (the architect selected to prepare an initial report Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 44

on the Hall) visited on 11 March. He is due to submit his initial report by the end of March.

The Parish Hall Car Park and Access There has been a meeting involving the PC, the PCC, the School and the Launton Playing Fields Association to discuss the car park and access: the meeting also included our County Councillor Ian Corkin.

The Chair of the PC has researched the original 1971 agreement which sets out each group’s responsibilities, and will prepare an article for Launton Lines to clarify who is responsible for which parts. There are two options to explore for immediate repair work on the worst potholes: the Garrison may be able to secure materials and help with work; and the County Council’s (OCC) minor works team may be able to help (they charge £500 a day plus materials at cost).

Both will be explored.

The next meeting of the Working Group is set for 22 May, place and time depending on meeting restrictions.

Robert Cornford

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Diary Dates: April-May 2020

With the closing down of almost all community activity and events, we have decided to hold off including Diary Dates in issues until we come out the other side of restrictions. The only information to carry forward are online Parish Council meetings via Zoom (see pages 6 and 7). The next two meetings will be on Thursday 2 April, and Thursday 7 May. And the deadline for the May issue of Launton Lines will be Monday 20 April, just a week before my birthday.

The print Special Coronavirus Issue of Launton Lines distributed in the village listed, on page 7, some of the main events that have been cancelled. We have also put the special issue online, too.

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald

29 April 1870 PETTY SESSIONS Refusing to Quit a Public House at Blackthorn George Smith, labourer, Launton, was summoned for refusing to quit a beer-house at Blackthorn, when required to do so.

It appeared there had been a second summons taken out against Smith for committing an assault on Mrs Croxton, the landlady, but which had since been settled. Superintendent Moulden said the police were the prosecutors in the present case. Mary Ann, wife of Jesse Croxton, said her husband kept a beer-shop at Blackthorn. On Tuesday the 12th inst, the defendant was quarrelsome in the house and would not go out when she ordered him. He was drunk and making a row and disturbing the company. He remained in the house an hour after he was first ordered to leave. He said he would not go out, nor be put out. He ultimately went out of his own accord.

Defendant, in reply to the charge, did not see any necessity for leaving when requested to do so, for he made no row and he was not drunk.

The Bench, however, thought otherwise, and he was convicted and ordered to pay fine and costs amounting in the aggregate to 12s 6d, which was paid.

[12s 6d = 62p; that would have made a big hole in his week’s wages!]

Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 46

Photo by Carol McGrath

 Sheep and lambs are always a sign of spring coming - in a Launton field.

The organisers of the Community Café, before shutdown 

Photo by Robert Cornford Launton Lines April 2020 | Page 47

Planters and plantings by the war memorial

Photos by Lesley Thompson

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 Facebook page 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.

Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on the Issuu.com publishing website. © MMXX 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.