Launton Lines Issue 249 July 2021

July 2021

Issue 249

The front cover shows buttercups and clover in the meadow at the top of Yew Tree Close.

There seem to have been many more of these flowers this year. Photo by Mary Fox

The Editor writes …

We’ve been fascinated by the road to the allotment parking - for long-term residents a reminder of the old Road to Nowhere, now Charbridge Lane, before the ring road was completed, when a spur ran up to the railway embankment... and stopped. It was a great place for many activities. A pot-hole free perfect surface - with no traffic on it. And as many people have asked - how come there are two traffic calming measures on this short piece of road when the County Council will not consider anything on the superhighway through the village!

In this issue there is good news from PHIP about the lease on the Parish Hall (page 38), a photo of the Hall in the 1930s, news of an online Open Meeting on the Hall on 20 July, and info on the Bake Sale on 3 July (pages 9, 14 and 40). The Watercolour Group is planning to restart (page 13) and the Community Cafe is recruiting a Support Worker to reopen in September (pages 32-33). Kirsty Anders tells how her business Birchwood Therapy has coped with Covid-19 on pages 28-29, and Greta Walker writes about some memorable characters from Launton’s past 55 years on pages 29-32.

Finally, please support our advertisers. They need you as much as we need them.

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 241755 – Lesley 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry, Medical Parish Council) Runner

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2021 Launton Lines

email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2020-2021 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 To book the Parish Hall Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Contact: Joan Packer Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, Phone: 07903 610405 OX26 3XD Parish Hall Committee: Christine email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner, Robert Cornford Phone | 01869 247171

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 2021 issue of Launton Lines.

During this socially distanced time, we can also remember those to whom we are close but from whom we are physically far away.

June 22 | Sponsored by Michael and Angela Stack to wish their granddaughter Annie a very happy Second Birthday, with love from Gran and Grandpa Stack

July 17 | Sponsored by Bob Roberts in loving memory of his mother, Ann

Launton Parish Council: the Informal Meeting held on Thursday 3 June at 7.30 pm online via Zoom Councillors present Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chair), Mrs Jackie Webber In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; six members of the public; and Thaina Sa’id (East/West Rail) East/West Rail Thaina Sa’id gave a brief update.

The programme was currently on schedule with the main focus continuing to be the structures and the earthworks ready for the track installation.

Charbridge Lane construction works are on schedule; the shells are in and the two bridge sides have been erected.

Station Road is also on schedule; the structure is complete and the embankment earthworks are progressing.

Jarvis Lane footbridge has been installed and Grange Farm footbridge was due to be installed in June. The works surrounding the bridges are still continuing, with Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 4

Launton Community Communication Group AGM 7 July at 8.30pm See pages 6-8 for more details and financial reports Go to https://launton.org/lccg/ for the agenda, last year’s minutes, and a link to the Google Meet site for the online meeting.

heavy machinery on site. The works are scheduled for completion ready for opening both bridges in autumn this year.

It is hoped that the allotments access will be opened shortly, but this has been delayed by a required safety audit and approval from OCC. As mentioned in last month’s Launton Lines, it was hoped that tours of the site for villagers would be able to be arranged. Unfortunately, due to the Government’s extension to the Covid-19 restrictions date this will have to be postponed until EWR can safely accommodate more members of the public.

They will let us know in due course.

Finance The Finance Report was available on the Parish council website.

Village Matters Parish Hall The Parish Council’s solicitor is content with the PCC’s solicitor’s requested amendments and the Parish Council has instructed their solicitor to prepare the documents ready for signing.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings Again, following the extension to the current restrictions, the 1 July meeting will be an informal advisory meeting starting at 7.30pm so that the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk can gauge the feeling of the other Councillors and act accordingly, with the usual Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76605157135 (Meeting ID: 766 0515 7135) If possible, the 5 August meeting will be in the Parish Hall. Agenda items for the August meeting need to be with the Clerk by 22 July and items for the 2 September meeting by 19 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/ Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 5

Launton Lines, Launton Community Communications Group (LCCG) Annual Meeting 7 July 2021 The AGM for LCCG will take place, online, on 7 July 2021 at 8.30pm. Go to https://launton.org/lccg/ for the agenda, last year's minutes, and a link to the Google Meet site for the online meeting.

Let’s hope we can have the 2022 AGM in the Hall.

The Chair’s Report for the Annual Meeting on 7 July 2021 I am pleased to report that the Launton Community Communications Group (LCCG) has had a good year. Our financial position has improved significantly (see the accounts on page 8) and, if needed, we will seek extra funding from the Parish Council as the new houses in Launton Mews come on stream. Our aim over the longer term is to aim for break-even, recognising that we are not a profit-making organisation.

We aim to keep the percentage of commercial advertising space to under 20% of total pages, which is relatively low for a publication of its type. Even in these unusual times advertising revenue has held up relatively well (many thanks to all advertisers who have stayed with us), and we’ve even managed to add some new advertisers.

I’d like to highlight that the continuing success of the LCCG is due to the dedication of everyone involved, including:  the regular team (Robert Cornford, Michael Stack, Kathy Gilbert, Jen Walker, and Shirley Johnson) who have made the production and distribution of each issue go smoothly the distributors, coordinated by Shirley, who regularly deliver Launton  Lines (LL) to their neighbours  our advertisers, some of whom have supported us for many years our printers for many years, OxUniPrint, who have managed some really  fast turnarounds over the past year. Sadly this is the last year we’ll be using them as they are closing down; more in the Editor’s report  Steve Webber and others who maintain the online channels  Launton Parish Council, without whose grant we would struggle to continue; and finally, and importantly the contributors, both regular and occasional.  Highlights for the year included: Since the May issue, advertisers can choose either colour or black and  white for their adverts Recovery of more than twice last year’s deficit, putting the finances back  Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 6

on a strong footing. This is mainly due to an increase in advertising revenue and closely following up on invoicing.

For the year ahead: Find a new printing company. Early indications are looking good and  there should be no rise in cost either. We hope reliability will be at the same level as OxUniPrint who were very good Research options for new invoicing software. By keeping all invoicing and  receipts records in one place, with access for the Treasurer, Editor and Advertising Manager to view at any time, it will become much easier to track and to follow up on late payments and manage our finances Change our financial year to align with the calendar year. This will help  when reconciling invoices for advertising as advertisers tend to order by calendar year. This will also result in a short financial period from 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2021 We will also move to an accruals basis for accounting rather than a cash  basis. More on this in the Treasurer’s report The timing of the Annual Meeting next year will also be sooner following  the closing on 31 December 2021, date TBA nearer the time As always, we would welcome help from anyone who would like to be either regularly or occasionally involved with Launton Lines. In particular we would welcome applications for the role of Secretary, a committee role which is currently vacant.

Jon Spinage | Chair LCCG

The Editor's report for the Annual Meeting on 7 July 2021

The past year has been one of consolidation: obviously the restrictions of Covid-19 reduced the range of village activities to report on, but additional time available to people means more “opinion” pieces have been submitted.

We have printed 548 pages, over 137,000 words, included 248 commercial ads, and about 450 photos, with thanks to the regular photo contributors, especially our Staff Photographer Ella Rayner who is about to embark on a DoE award with photography as her special topic. By the end of May we reached the 91st contributions from Tony Jeacock, The Ex-Launton Boy. We have had to change printers as OUP are closing down but through links from a workshop organised by Oxfordshire First (formerly ORCC) have contacted Lonsdale Direct in Wellingborough, and will be printing with them from the August 2021 issue. Their lead times are a little longer so our deadline for submission will have to move to a little earlier in each month.

Robert Cornford | Editor Launton Lines Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 7

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Launton Community Communications Group Financial Statements for years 2019-20 and 2020-21 for AGM 7 July 2021 2021

2020

Income Advertising Other Income Sales LPC Grant Interest Total Income

£5,349.00 £3,379.00 £335.00 £31.00 £1,320.00 £1,320.00 £0.05 £0.12 £7,035.05 4,699.12

Expenditure Printing Postage Other Expenses Total Expenses

£5,523.00 £5,293.00 £67.25 £92.00 £149.43 £260.76 £5,739.68 £5,645.76

Surplus/(Deficit)

£1,295.37

£-946.64

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Opening Balances Debtors £12.00 Treasurers Acct £627.79 £3,253.65 Business Acct £211.18 £211.06 Accruals £-1,691.10 Cash in Hand £0.99 £0.99 Total £839.96 £1,786.60 Surplus/(Deficit)

£1,295.37 £2,135.33

£-946.64 £839.96

Closing Balances Debtors £180.00 Treasurers Acct £1,990.36 Business Acct £1.23 Accruals £-37.25 Cash in Hand £0.99 Total £2,135.33

£627.79 £211.18 £0.99 £839.96

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Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 8

Bake, Plant and Produce Sale outside The Parish

Hall on 3 July For the first time since 12 September last year there will be tables outside the Parish Hall on the morning of Saturday 3 July, and the toilets will certainly be open for those attending the market.

What will be on offer? We’ll have tables for the following Garden Produce   Cakes, biscuits and sweet items Plants (with the fete not being on Savoury baked goods like scones,   this year there must be surplus straws or quiches seedlings and rooted cuttings) Jams, Pickles and Chutneys 

But what’s finally on offer will depend on the choice and generosity of people who bring along the products. Organisers explain how it will work.

“Donations can be accepted on site from 9.00am on Saturday 3 July.

Sale starts at 10am, and ends at 12 noon. If you want to drop off things before the day, Jackie Webber at 7 West End Close will be happy to take them in (call ahead on 01869 242607).

“The market will have cover (tents/gazebos, in case of rain or sunshine).

“Pricing will be by donation, as in the past. We accept cash - but we don’t plan to give change so come prepared.

“Past PHIP events have been very successful (see the photo of satisfied customers last year below) but have depended on the generosity of people who give goods for us to sell as well as people who come to buy.

Donations can be left before the day with Jackie and Steve Webber at 7 West End Close or on the day after 9.00am outside the Parish Hall.

“If you are bringing cakes, baked good, chutneys, jams, or pickles, please complete an ingredients form (see page 14 of this issue) and attach a copy to each item supplied. Please also wrap any baked goods.”

The event will raise money for PHIP and will donate 20% of money raised to Christian Aid Week for Mary Brydon, tireless supporter of the Hall.

Robert Cornford | Information Officer PHIP Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 9

Launton Village Players

Another Opening, Another Show

Rehearsals are in full swing in the open air and so far the weather has been kind to us. Tickets went on sale online on 26 June from Eventbrite where you can pre-book refreshments too: a lot is happening and we hope that you will join us on 14 or 15 August at 2.30pm in the garden of 51, West End for a socially distanced performance. Tickets are £10 adult and £5 child (booking fee applies).

More information and tickets are available on our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk We are going to have Covid 19 mitigation measures in place, for example, payments will be contactless and there is plenty of space for a socially distanced audience. Even on the stage we have space between us unless we are from the same family bubble! Of course, we will also adhere to any government guidelines that are in place at the time.

Our show is going to be a variety show, so we have sketches, a monologue, songs, poems, and a melodrama - as well as an act that only has two sounds and is in many respects very quiet, though has taken lots and lots of

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rehearsing! Some of our acts are from a bygone age and we hope to help preserve their genre and credit their authors, as well as enjoy them.

LVP are not only celebrating the return to performing but are taking a moment to remember the last 15 months that we have all shared, even though apart. We are also celebrating our glorious summer and hope to bring some sunshine into all of our days.

Profits from this show will be donated to The Hummingbird Centre in our village of Launton which offers support to cancer patients and their carers and families. The Hummingbird Centre’s website explains “The Hummingbird Centre is a great place to meet people, get information, talk to our team, be pampered and have fun. We have created a space for you to come and relax, escape your daily life and pressures and have the opportunity to talk to people who can help and support you both practically and emotionally.”

Do come along and join the cast and crew of Another Opening, Another Show for a sunny afternoon and help us to bring some sunshine in to all of our lives.

The LVP team

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 2021 | Page 11

News from St Mary’s Church for July 2021 S E R V I C E S I N J U LY We are happy to be continuing with our in-person Services as shown below.

These will be held in Church except for the two on 4 July which will be delivered via Zoom.

CoNtaCt INfoRmatIoN foR St maRY’S foR IN-pERSoN SERVICES thE ChURChwaRdENS to RECEIVE a Zoom LINk

REVd pEtER

Please see full details below CoNtaCtS foR othER IN-pERSoN SERVICES St pEtER’S, bUCkNELL ChURChwaRdEN – katE hEdGES

d_hedges@btinternet.com 01869 242169 St EdbURG’S

SUSaN wYNNE-JoNES

office@stedburgschurch.org We continue to pay meticulous attention to Government Regulations and Guidance, taking account of the prevailing situation.

Our planned Services for July are as follows 4 July

11 July 18 July 25 July

8.00am 10.00am 6.00pm 6.00pm 10.30am 9.30am

BCP Holy Communion via Zoom Family Service via Zoom Please come along to celebrate “Friendship” Bucknell Patronal Songs of Praise In St Peter’s Evensong In St Mary’s Team Holy Communion In St Edburg’s (&Zoom) Holy Communion In St Mary’s

In light of current uncertainties, please refer to Launton Church Facebook page for up-to-date information, or contact Revd Peter revpeterwright@gmail.com 01869 573177 or 07710 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 Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 12

Launton Watercolour Painting Group We are hoping (lockdown permitting!) to resume watercolour painting sessions in the Parish Hall on Monday 13 September. We meet on Mondays between 2pm and 4pm.

The Group has been active since Patsy Stephens started it in 2004, until March 2020 when ‘lockdown v1’ stopped it.

David Meeks has agreed to continue as our tutor and we paint a wide variety of subjects, including landscapes, seascapes, animals, birds, flowers, buildings, and still life. What we do is decided democratically.

What will it cost? Well, we only have to cover the tutor’s fee and the hire of the hall so the more members we have, the cheaper it gets. But, owing to the Covid situation, there is a limit on our numbers, ideally about 12, when we can space everyone about 2 metres apart.

If you, or any of your friends, are interested in joining us please contact John Stephens on email johnandpatsystephens@gmail.com or phone 01869 249 725.

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 13

CAKE, BAKE AND PRODUCE STALL – SATURDAY 3 JULY 2021 10am – 12noon IN FRONT OF THE PARISH HALL We are required to list ingredients of the food we provide so we would be very grateful if you could complete the form below.

We apologise for the need for this and hope it will not deter you from donating – we really do value your help.

Please complete this form(s) by ticking the relevant ingredients, detach and include with your donation(s)

FLOUR

FLOUR

EGGS

EGGS

FAT

FAT

OIL

OIL

SUGAR

SUGAR

OTHER Please specify

OTHER Please specify

OTHER Please specify

OTHER Please specify

Thank you for your donation Before the day, please drop your goods with Jackie Webber at 7 West End Close or on the morning of the sale, drop at the Parish Hall after 9.00am

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Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 14

LaUNtoN LINES NotICEboaRd E L a S foR top k r o w ite n a r g n o i t i Black d n co t n e l l e Exc ?

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Launton Women's Institute Report for June 2021

h

On 10 June, Launton members spent the evening spooning on Zoom, hosted by Jane Olds, with our thanks.

Cathy introduced professional musician and percussionist, Jo May, who in turn introduced the meeting to a different and musical use for spoons.

Her enthusiastic introduction to the versatility of spoons as percussion instruments soon got the members bringing out spoons of all sizes to try their hand at this fascinating music making. Everyone was encouraged to have a go and although the resulting music would probably not win any prizes, there was a sense of achievement that some of us had managed to keep some rhythm going. For many of us it provided a new activity and workout for some arthritic fingers. All in all, it was a really good meeting with a great deal of hilarity and led by a friendly and enthusiastic professional musician, even allowing for the limitations of Zoom. It

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opened up a whole new meaning to the spoon section of the cutlery drawer for many of us.

For the remainder of the meeting, the chairman kept us up to date on other matters, our secretary informed us that our support for this year's Resolution - A call to increase the awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer - has been send to our delegate at Shelswell and our treasurer gave the good news that funds are satisfactory.

We heard that a former member, Iris Burden, would be leaving the village to be with family and we arranged to meet outside her house to give her a send-off on the day she left (see page 20 of this issue).

Our next meeting will be on 8 July, with speaker to be confirmed.

However, we are all looking forward to 23 June when members will be taking a walk in the village (whatever the weather), finishing at the Bull for lunch at 12.30.

Hilary Bradshaw Grange Mews News June 2021

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

The buzz we were expecting from 21 June failed to happen and unless you’re going to a wedding, restrictions still stand. However, work goes on: the latest electrically-powered industrial insulated doors will be fitted on another building. The first session of exterior painting has been finished and we’re awaiting the carpenter. I hope to report on his skills in the next issue.

We are sorry to see Shine and Glow leave, but already have a new client for their building - more next month. S&G changed their mode of operation and we could not handle their renting out RVs. We wish them well, and as foreign travel disappears over the horizon, there will be a great need for their offer.

They can be contacted at 365 Campers on 01869 254014.

We have to announce new member(s) taking up Grange Farm residence.

Mr, or maybe Mrs, Brock, or maybe both, have decided that the giant molehills built by EWR did not make a satisfactory home.

We have a bund which appears more comfortable than the plastic-piped entrances. I’m not sure if they realise there is no power to the redundant cooker next to their sett. Where have all the other evicted badgers gone?

There are none in the Station Rd molehill!

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

If you saw the Denmark-Finland Game in Euro 2020/2021 you’ll know how life-saving a defibrillator can be But did you know that Launton also has a defibrillator on the side wall of The Bull in the centre of the village?

If you are able to help someone with a medical emergency, wherever you are in the country, you should dial 999 and ask for the Ambulance Service.

The Ambulance Call Handler will decide whether a defibrillator is needed, will tell you where the nearest one is and will give the access code. It may be that you need to send someone else to get it while you stay with the patient.

The Call Handler will then stay with you on the telephone and instruct you on what to do until the paramedics arrive.

The South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) also has a ‘Save a life’ app for both iPhone and Android which will tell you where your nearest defibrillator is; and it gives basic information on how to

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Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 18

use one, including videos on CPR. Go to the store to download it and read more about it here: https://www.scas.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/savealife/ We understand that there are other defibrillators around the village but they aren’t currently accessible 24 hours a day or listed with SCAS. We have held instruction sessions in the past and we hope that once we are able to meet in person again that we’ll be able to run another session.

Lesley Thompson | Launton Parish Council

 Left: the location at The Bull  Right: the app

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 19

Iris Burden says farewell to Launton

Clockwise from top left: The great send-off - some of us were there to wave Iris off to pastures new, chauffeured by her son.

Iris Burden, a member of St Mary’s Church and a former member of Launton WI, moved from her home in Ancil Avenue in June.

There was a good turnout in the Parish Hall in 2018 to celebrate Iris’ 100th birthday during a session of the Community Café.

Iris receiving her farewell card in St Mary’s.

The beautiful hand-made card presented to Iris to wish her well.

Iris in her pew in St Mary’s, with members of the congregation.

Centre: Iris saying farewell to her special pew in St Mary’s - a bittersweet moment with many memories.

Photos from Robert Cornford, Reverend Peter Wright, and Celia Manderson

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 20

We have been sent this photo of a Launton FC team from 1958 by Shirley Johnson, with many familiar village names.

Back row: W. Jeacock, F. Timms, M. Jones, J. Jones, R. Timms, E. Cannon, A. Marriott, R. Jesty, G. North.

Front row: P. Butler, G. Jeacock (Capt.), R Marriott, C. Benn, V. Redfern.

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 21

Seen in the village in June  The working party in the Woodland on 12 June, at the midtime break (see the report opposite) on the open ground by the picnic table.

Photo by Robert Cornford

 A muntjac deer appeared in a Launton garden in time for staff photographer Ella Rayner to grab her camera.

Muntjacs are the smallest deer in the UK. They are originally from Asia, and escaped from Woburn Abbey estate about 100 years ago: they are now reckoned to be the most numerous species of deer in England.

Photo by Ella Rayner

 The replacement 5G mast on Grange Farm was delivered and erected in June. See page 37 for more information.

Photos from Peter Cox

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 22

Report from The Woodland A big Thank You to the volunteers who met for a working party on Saturday morning 12 June for the first major “tidy up” of Island Pond Wood of the year due to bad weather and Covid restrictions.

The lush spring growth was cut back around benches, around the pond and around specimen trees and shrubs, and the growth of the blackthorn hedge by the Stones was pruned (see photo of party on page 22, opposite).

A survey for future work to develop the woodland areas into mature woodland and extend the wildflower meadow area was also carried out, as the basis for the development of a 5 year plan which will include more conservation work to increase the habitats such as wet areas for amphibians, and more dappled woodland which provides the opportunity to increase species biodiversity. Further information will be available as the plan is pulled together over the next few months.

There will be a working party on Saturday morning 24 July between 10 and 12.30 after the summer meadow cut the week before, raking up the hay and removing into piles in the woodland to promote the nutrient-poor conditions to encourage wild ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS flower colonisation. We welcome anyone who would like to help out, or join the team as it’s a full-on job! HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING Please bring wheelbarrows, forks INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATING and grass rakes if possible. More PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING details will be closer to the date on our Facebook page.

The working party will prepare FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL Island Pond Wood for the Teddy PETER N. SOUTHAM Bears’ Picnic taking place on Saturday 31 July (see page 2), an 01869 278333 opportunity to enjoy the outdoors OR on our doorstep for everyone.

There will be stalls and activities 07721 633 220 for all ages. Look out for the poster around the village for more peteroofer@aol.com information Kate Neal | Friends of Island Pond Woo

INSURANCE APPROVED

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 23

A Vet’s Voice: Pet Travel post-Brexit

It used to be pretty easy. Microchip and Rabies vaccinate your pet, get a Pet Passport issued by an appropriately trained Vet and it was quite straightforward to take your dog, cat or even ferret on a continental holiday with the family. We did this a couple of times ourselves. The process was pretty seamless and it was actually quite nice visiting a vet in France for a worm tablet and a nosey round their practice before returning to the UK. This is not the place for political debate, but Brexit has made things infinitely more difficult. You’ve probably heard about the extra red tape people are finding to export and import goods from Europe and even to and from Northern Ireland - well pet travel has also become difficult!

Instead of a GB issued Pet Passport we now need to complete an Animal Health Certificate. This is a 10-page document written in English plus whichever native tongue is spoken in the first entry point of the pet. For car journeys this will often be in French but could also be in Spanish, or Dutch, or any other landing points.

Along with this, there is a strict process of certifying numerous options which apply to the pet, whilst options which aren’t applicable must be rigorously crossed through (in English and the appropriate 2nd language on the form). This may sound straightforward but with different sentence structure and grammar it is harder than it sounds to make sure you’ve crossed out the correct Dutch phrase!

Unfortunately, for those wanting to make multiple visits per year, a new Certificate is required for each journey to the EU from the UK. Ironically, once you are in Europe, it may be possible to get an EU Pet Passport issued by a Vet in a European country, which will then make the process of coming and going relatively simple again. The problem is that any existing passports issued by the UK is no longer accepted when entering the EU, but an EU issued pet passport will be accepted for travel in both directions!

You may well think, in these almost post-pandemic times, there wouldn’t be much travel of pets into Europe, but you may be surprised to hear that we are doing several of these every week. So, if Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 24

you have any plans to take your dog, cat or ferret to Europe any time soon, it is important to plan ahead. We have an information sheet and questionnaire to be completed by anyone planning to take their pet abroad, and as demand increases it will become harder to book a slot at a time that fits in with your travel.

It is also important to consider if taking your pet is the right thing to do. In many areas there are parasites which, in some cases, can be life threatening if your pet is infected, like Leishmaniosis or Babesiosis - but that’s for another article.

Enjoy your pets Jason Williams Bicester Vets

Peace of mind for pet owners...

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Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 25

150 Years Ago: from the School Log Book for July 1871

Fri July 7 Master out of School all day with two candidates at Winslow. No school in afternoon.

Wed July 12 All classes make good progress in Reading. I Standd are very much behind with Arithc.

Mon July 17 Fredk Tompkins commenced his duties as Pupil Teacher. I find he will need a great deal of working up to fit him for his examination.

Fri July 28 Av for week 87.4. The Spelling of the 3rd and 4th Classes has been very bad this wk, punished severely one or two children, who, I was quite convinced, had not learned for some time past the portion they had for home lesson.

Mon July 31 - Sat Aug 5 Absences without leave, or with leave but for very trivial reasons, seems to be a little on the increase. I have begun to adopt severe measures to stop it. Average for wk 87.2.

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 2021 | Page 26

Road Closures Report correct at 21 June 2021 16 January to 24 December 2021: Charbridge Lane road diversion - a 

temporary road has been constructed to enable the building of the road bridge over the railway (EWR) Until 25 March 2022: Station Road, Launton will be CLOSED from  beyond Grange Farm for the construction of the new overbridge and road alignment (EWR).  10 May 2021 to 6 August: Steeple Claydon Road, Twyford will be CLOSED for bridge repair works  9 July (8pm) to 12 July (6am): A4421 at Newton Purcell will be CLOSED for HS2 bridge demolition 23 July (8pm) to 26 July (6am): A4421 at Newton Purcell will be  CLOSED for new overbridge installation 6 August (8pm) to 9 August (6am): A4421 at Newton Purcell  Contingency dates (CLOSED if earlier work schedule slips)  28 August to 2 September: London Road Crossing, Bicester will be CLOSED to facilitate alterations to the signalling system and level crossing 31 August to 15 October: Station Road, Marsh Gibbon will be  CLOSED for reconstruction of the bridge 28 March 2022 - 17 June: Bicester Road, Marsh Gibbon will be  CLOSED for rebuilding the bridge.

These closures are correct as at 21 June 2021. See the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ for any updates This information is correct as we go to print but is subject to changes.

Please don’t shoot the messenger!

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Meeting the Challenge: Launton businesses and the Covid-19 pandemic We’re well into this series on village businesses and how they have coped with the Covid19 pandemic. Apologies for missing last month: Chris at The Blue Texel was tied up with shearing and didn’t get the words together, but has promised to do it in the future.

This month’s local business is Birchwood Therapy. Its owner, Kirsty Anders, tells us about it and what she’s been doing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. What is your business called? What exactly do you do?

I’m Kirsty Anders. My business is Birchwood Therapy. I am a Holistic/ Beauty Therapist. I’m based at Grange Mews.

2. When and how did you start the business?

I started my business five years ago when a building became available on the farm where I live. Having worked previously at Bicester Golf Club, I had peer/mentored at Banbury College which I continued whilst working at the Golf Club. I have a daughter at primary school, and being self-employed means I can spend time with her.

3. How has it changed since you started?

Over the years I have widened my skills with extensive training in many massage techniques, including Reiki, reflexology and hot and cold stones.

This has enabled me to provide a more personal and centred approach for my clients.

The beauty and holistic industry is ever evolving. Because of this there is a need to update my skills to provide the best possible experience for my clients. All of my products are of the best quality, hypoallergenic and not tested on animals.

4. Who is your typical customer?

My clients come from all walks of life, with many differing needs, from all age groups including pensioners and mums to be. I have also previously volunteered for the nearby Hummingbird Centre, mentally and physically supporting their clients throughout difficult times.

5. What makes you special/different from similar businesses in the area?

My space provides a very relaxed and private environment where the treatment is tailored to the individual, with unhurried attention and care, Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 28

enabling me to listen and often pick up on long term niggles and problems that have caused concern.

6. How have you been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?

What changes have you had to make since the March 2020 lockdown?

I'm very fortunate that I can offer one-to-one treatments in a safe environment. The pandemic has made me realise that I'm able to transfer other life skills and experiences to my business, having previously worked in a sterile environment at the Churchill hospital, as a cancer support/treatment technician. I feel fully confident that my hygiene standards provide reassurance and understanding for my clients in these testing times.

7. What plans have you got for the future? What changes might you have to make in the future?

I am always looking to expand my knowledge and expertise and may at a later date train to become a full-time tutor in Anatomy and Physiology.

8. Can you tell us a joke or something to cheer up our readers?

I heard that oxygen and magnesium were going out, and I was like OMG! You can find me on Facebook at Birchwood Therapies or contact me on 07812 942 787.

A letter from Greta Walker, with memories of people who should not be forgotten Dear Editor, I read with interest each month the memories of Tony Jeacock, the ExLaunton Boy talking of bygone days in the village. Tony obviously remembers further back than I do, but not the Walker family.

I was recently looking through some old papers when I was a member of Launton Parish Council, and I was reminded that in 1980 the number of residents was 1,054 (it’s estimated - in June 2019 - at 1,339). This made me think back over the 55 years that I have lived in continued on pages 30-32  Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 29

Launton and the changes that have happened, and in particular how many people who contributed so much to the village are still remembered. So, if I may, I would like to remember some of these people for you.

Bob and Jean Aitkin lived in the village for several years. They ran the Cubs, and did so much for the church, organising the fetes etc. Jean was secretary at Launton school for many years, also assisting with the children. When I was told they were moving from the village, I said to him, “You can’t leave! What will the village do without you”. Bob’s reply was short and to the point, and I quote, “Greta, in six months, everyone will say ‘Who’s Bob Aitkin?’ The majority will say “Who was Bob Aitkin?’.” And I think he was right.

So I would like to see how many people are remembered today. Talking of the church, we had two lovely Rectors - John Goddard and John Blyth.

I moved to Launton in 1966. When I married Gerald Walker (Jeff) we bought a piece of land at the bottom of West End where we had The Oaks built and we lived there until my husband died 10 years ago. By then the house was too big for me as my family had left home. I didn’t want to leave West End so we enlarged The Willows (where son Richard lived) and built

thevillageclinic.co.uk Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Blackthorn 01869 253552 info@thevillageclinic.co.uk Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 30

an annexe on and called it The Humble Abode. I moved here 8 years ago.

I met Jeff in a pub in Quainton. I was told he was Launton’s handsome bachelor and all the ladies were chasing him. Whether this is true or not, I’m not too sure! He lived at West End Farm where he farmed with his parents, and before that his grandparents also farmed there, so three generations on the same land. West End Farm is where Liz Colyer lived until her sudden sad death very recently. When my in-laws passed away, as we were living at The Oaks and still farming, West End Farm was purchased by Mr and Mrs Peacock who lived next door where the Fox’s now are. Mrs Peacock was a lovely and very busy lady who did a lot for the village - a real character.

Sadly, my husband had Parkinsons as quite a young man. He continued to farm with difficulty for many years: it was his life. Once a farmer, always a farmer. He was a generous man, he did a lot for the village. Without him, there would be no war memorial. He also did quite a lot for the chapel, and for the church too, although he did make it clear to the Reverend Blyth that he was a “chapel man.” We actually got married in Launton Chapel.

Earlier, I mentioned Bob and Jean Aitkin. When they left the village, David and Freda Clarke took over running the Cubs for many years, very successfully (sadly, David died last year). Freda still lives in West End and talks very fondly of the Cubs (as did David) who are now grown men with their own families, and she has many funny stories of their camping expeditions. David’s father, Dick Clarke, was a nursery man in West End and grew and supplied many shops with his tomatoes.

Still on West End, the new venture, which seems to be a great success - The Countryside Craft Centre - is actually where my swimming pool was. We had some very happy times there as did people from the village.

The W.I. ladies swam there regularly, which was great because the older ladies had given up going to the public pools. Connie Burrows was the WI President and also the village Tupperware Lady. I still have some of it in my cupboard. Connie always got dressed and undressed in the pool area and not in the changing room, so my sons stayed well away as we had very large windows and they didn’t want to catch Con in her undies or worse.

Sometimes the Wives Club swam as well: I remember the Wives Club was started by Mrs McCleod, Dr McCleod’s mother.

When I first moved to Launton, West End petered into the lane which is still there. No room for vehicles to turn round, the only way was to reverse out.

My Father-in-Law who was a Parish Councillor decided there must be a Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 31

change. So, talking to the Parish Council, it was agreed to buy a piece of the field from a lady who didn’t live in the village and make it a turn around, so no more reversing. It was never put there as a parking area: it has just become so.

John Jeacock, who lived with his Mum and Dad halfway up West End, rented the field for his cattle, so twice a day John or his Mum would fetch them to the house/farm for milking. It was a slow stroll. However, when Chestnut Close was built in 1969 this all had to stop because the cows thought it was still their walk, no one told them that flowers were not for walking on or eating. The gardens were all open plan, so John had to make other arrangements. It was sad because that was all part of West End’s life tapestry.

To be concluded next month Greta Walker

Launton Community Café – September Relaunch Paid Support Worker and Volunteers Needed We know the Community Café sessions in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays have been sorely missed during lockdown, and we are looking forward to relaunching it from September.

To help us do this, the Parish Councils of Launton and Caversfield have generously provided a grant to fund development of the Café through the engagement of a paid Support Worker for up to a year. This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to make a very significant contribution to our community in a lively, fun environment.

In the first instance the Support Worker will help plan the relaunch in September, particularly with regard to children’s activities and especially for older primary school children. This offers scope to shape the role significantly thereafter, with some specific activities likely to include: co-ordinating with, and possibly training, the volunteer group in relation to the children’s activities, helping generally with the set-up and running of the afternoon sessions of Community Café with particular focus on the children’s activities, preparing for eventual hand-over of activities to volunteers.

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 32

The Support Worker will be paid on an honorarium basis for the hours and at a rate to be agreed. They will report to the Vicar of St Mary’s Church and will be subject to DBS checks.

The Community Café has run on Tuesdays in term time with a morning session from 9.00am-11.00am and an afternoon session from 2.30pm4.30pm. We expect to reintroduce both sessions, but the precise timings may be flexible.

For more information about this role please contact Revd Peter Wright, but please note that he is on holiday until 3 July.

Email:revpeterwright@gmail.com Phone: 01869 573177 We are also looking for more volunteers to help with the set-up and running of the Café.

If you might be interested in this fun and rewarding form of service (which does not have to involve commitment every week) please contact Revd Peter Wright

Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 33

Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy This month the Ex-Launton Boy remembers working on the allotments at The Marlins as a lad, and recognises the benefits of allotment work to people doing it today.

I know I have mentioned on several occasions my membership of the Royal Engineers Association and that I am the Welfare Officer of the Medway Branch, which is the largest REA Branch anywhere by virtue of the fact that Chatham is the home of the Royal Engineers. I will also have mentioned that among the currently-serving membership of the Corps and we veterans, there are some who afflicted with PTSD as a result of combat experience in circumstances that no human being should have to endure.

In recognising those facts and wanting to do something positive to ease the affliction, whilst at the same time bringing about group activities to be shared by both currently serving personnel and the veterans, someone has come up with a superb idea and, thankfully, one which the current Commanding Officer agrees to: to establish within the barrack grounds of the Royal School of Military Engineering, an allotment. Complete with raised beds, greenhouse, garden shed (or ‘Man-Shed’), this provides a space and an activity for all and any volunteers among serving personnel and veterans to participate in.

Personally, I find nothing more therapeutic than gardening. It can be hard, back-breaking work and at the end of the day you can feel physically wrecked, but mentally, Oh! what a fabulous day it has been. And this is what we are aiming to achieve for those among us who either don’t have a garden or allotment of their own to get lost in. It won’t be just the gardening but also the comradeship shared among those taking part.

I think back to the days when I was a boy in Launton, how throughout my father’s long illness with TB, my brother Cliff and I had to do our share of vegetable gardening in our back garden at 2, Green View, Station Road, and our Uncle Bernard, dad’s youngest brother who lived with us at the time, had a large plot of allotment at what we used to call, The Marlin’s, which was on the corner of the Bicester Road, bounded by the Aerodrome Road as we used to call it, and backing onto the RAF Bicester airfield. We also had occasion to help out on the allotments which had various sheds and greenhouses dotted about the place, where men from the village in their rolled-up shirt sleeves and overalls were busying away removing weeds, tilling the ground, some with hand fork or spade whilst others used Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 34

petrol-driven rotovators. There was a tremendous bond and comradeship between them on the allotments, swapping plants, sharing growing tips and generally chatting away and putting the world to rights. Many of them had served in the army during WWII and so knew all about comradeship and what it meant. It was, as I recall, very much a male preserve, although women did put in an appearance from time to time.

Quite apart from providing food for the table from the produce of their labours on the allotments, I believe many of them found that working with the seasons, being at one with the land, and the comradeship shared between the occupants of the neighbouring plots - many of those guys from the village found the whole experience to be very therapeutic, especially after the traumas some of them would have faced during their military service during the war. I mean, it wasn’t as if they didn’t have sizeable back gardens back then on which to grow their vegetables, but in the back garden it was perhaps a little more private and did not offer the facilities in which to engage in that common bond, that comradeship that could be found by toiling together on adjoining allotments.

During the Covid 19 lockdown, all of a sudden more and more people have turned to gardening, whether that be flower or vegetable gardening matters not. It is the pure act of becoming acquainted with the soil and all that it has to offer, apart from the plants it produces. I mean contentment, experiment, achievement, and relative peace in a very disturbed world.

There are not enough allotments in the country as a whole, with waiting lists years long to be able to get one. With so much mental illness around it seems these days an obvious way of relieving the pressures on GP surgeries and hospitals to provide more and more allotments.

I know Launton has lost The Marlin’s (I think the Church sold it for development) and that a piece of ground next to the railway line was set up, but with the village having grown tremendously in size since my boyhood and youth as a Launton boy, it strikes me that with such small garden plots offered by the new modern houses introduced to the village, much more provision for allotments should be made.

A big bonus on top of everything else I have mentioned is that food tastes so much better coming directly from the land or greenhouse to the table than it does coming from the supermarkets.

I’m really looking forward to cracking on with the new allotments being Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 35

provided within the barracks of the Royal School of Military Engineering and working alongside serving military personnel and veterans like me.

I’m inclined to want to urge you to bring pressure to bear on both your Parish Council and Cherwell District Council to make more allotment provision for the village and that you prosper if such moves were to be successful. You’ll find it well worth it in so many ways.

Keep healthy and stay SAFE, Tony Jeacock MInstRE | The Ex-Launton Boy | July 2021

100 Years Ago: from the School Log Book for July 1921

Friday July 1 Mr RT Howes has been appointed Attendance Officer in place of Mr Durrant, resigned. Average for the week 84.6. Number on Registers 85.

Thursday July 14 Diocesan Inspection this morning by Rev OJ Hogarth.

Holiday in the afternoon.

Friday July 15 Average for the week 84.4.

School: Launton C of E. Date of Inspection July 14th 1921. Summary Mark – Excellent. Copy of Report: The discipline and tone of this school are all that can be desired. The prayers were repeated most reverently, and the singing was very good, tone and expression being excellent. The answering in the Upper Group showed that the subjects had been carefully taught and thoroughly explained. Prayer Book and Old Testament were specially good. The repetition was good collectively, but weak individually. The written work attained a high level of excellence, and was consistently good throughout the group. Stds II & III Facts very good. Catechism and repetition good. The Commandments were all well explained. The writing was most neat and correct.

The spiritual meanings and application should be more emphasised. The knowledge of the Infants was excellent in all subjects showing that the teaching had been direct and sympathetic. Their prayers were reverent and their singing good. Recommendations: Saying the Lord's Prayer more slowly and quietly. A good set of sacred pictures for the Infant Class. Good picture of Our Lord on the walls. Bishop's Prize:- Dorothy Foster 38 marks. Certificates:- Sydney Jeacock 34 marks, Fredk Reeves 30 marks. Commended:- James Marriott 25 marks, John Penn, Stella Foster, Sydney Sansome, Elsie Shayler, Lizzie Hughes, John Ancil, Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 36

Herbert Massey and Edw Jeacock. Stds II & III Eileen Reeves, Fredk Austin, Marjorie Massey, Marjorie Sharpe, Wm Jeacock, Lena Sansome, Gladys Massey, Ethel Gibbard and Sydney Castle. Infants & Std I Hilda Castle, Percy Jones, Ellen Jeacock, Wm Leach, Joan Jeacock, Edw Reeves, Louisa Hughes, Horace Luckett, Alex Jones, Ronald Massey, Arth Allen, Mollie Jeacock, Thos Hughes and Edith Jeacock.

(Rev) OJ Hogarth, Diocesan Inspector of Schools.

Friday July 22 Average for the week 80.4. Miss Pheasant visited the School on July 20th/21.

Thursday July 28 Close school for the Summer Holidays (July 29 to Sept 5). I Francis A Harrison resign my position as Head Teacher of the Launton C of E School today after 37 ½ years’ service of instructing the children of this parish of Launton.

“May God in His loving mercy pour down His Holy Spirit upon these dear children that they may grow up faithful Christian citizens unto their lives’ end.” Farewell. F Harrison.

Mr Harrison was the recipient of a very handsome silver hot water or Coffee Pot, very kindly given by the Teachers and Scholars.

Miss Warland was also presented with a beautiful Writing Case and crocodile leather Handbag by the Managers, Teachers and Scholars on her resignation after 17 years as Assistant Teacher in this school.

A theory about the 5G mast

The Orange mast at Grange Farm on Station Road became an EE mast and is maybe a BT mast too, although the engineers have always been from the same company, Siemens.

After fifteen years of service the wooden poles made in Sweden have neared the end of their lifespan and a new heavier weight steel pole which is to deliver 5G has been erected (see photos on page 22).

There has always been some conjecture as to why the mast was placed where it stands, and I just wonder if it shows outstanding forward planning and it is to give a complete continuation service to rail passengers on their journeys between Oxford and Cambridge?

Peter Cox Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 37

Diary Dates: July-August 2021

It looks as though it'll be a few months until we can sensibly produce a listing of events and activities for the months ahead. So this shows only events that we are fairly confident will go ahead.

Two of the three pubs (The Bull and The Launton Arms) are serving both drinks and food outside and inside on restricted hours to small seated groups with the next step increasing the number of people. The Playing Field Bar is open for drinks and big-screen television for Euro 2020 matches, with pre-booking. It looks as though Aunt Sally may start up soon. The Countryside Craft Centre in West End has a forward programme of shows every second Sunday with a growing number taking part. The Village Players have their Summer Show scheduled for 14 and 15 August (pages 10-11 and 21), and PHIP is planning an open-air market outside the Parish Hall on 3 July (page 9 and page 14 for the ingredients listing, and the back cover). The Parish Hall has just had the first public booking, and will reopen during July. The AGM of Launton Community Communications Group will be online on 7 July (see pages 5 and 6-8), and there will be an online Open Meeting of PHIP on 20 July (see below) In the past we have listed Parish Council meetings via Zoom but as the law allowing Parish Councils to meet virtually has lapsed, there will be an advisory meeting online on 1 July, and (we hope) the Council will meet in the Parish Hall from August. Most of the services at St Mary’s will now be in church (page 12).

The deadline for the August issue of Launton Lines will be Tuesday 20 July: send contributions (words and photos) to launtonlines@launton.org.

PHIP has some good news

The Agreement to Lease with the diocese has now been signed by all three parties, but there are some technical details that need sorting before it is complete. We have also paid the final bill to the PCC solicitors. Now we want to get on with finally Doing something about the Hall.

There will be an Open Meeting for everyone interested on 20 July at 7.30pm where the agenda includes future plans and draft options for the Hall, as well as possibly setting up PHIP as a charity so it can apply for grants and funding, and buying a contactless remote payment system so we can take remote payments at PHIP events. The meeting will be on Zoom: login will be https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8407931505 and the Meeting ID will be: 840 7931 5052.

And don’t forget the Bake, Produce and Plant sale on 3 July (see back cover).

Robert Cornford | Information Officer PHIP Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 38

Launton Dog of the Month

As we’ve been outside and walking a lot more we’ve got to see and know many of the dogs of the village.

Launton Lines wants to feature our canine stars in the months ahead.

Here is the sixth report.

Dog’s Name: Robin Age: 3 years Gender: Male Breed: Cocker Spaniel mix How long in Launton: 2 years and 8 months One interesting fact: I've been cuddled by Simon Cowell. He loves me!

I came from: A dog meat farm in South Korea. I was saved from slaughter by the Humane Society International.

Habit: Stealing my mum’s flip-flops Favourite food: Scrambled egg Favourite game or toy: a squirrel squeaker Favourite walk: Anywhere I can run because I used to be in a cage 24/7 If you would like your dog to feature in this column please email Kathy Gilbert, kathleengilbert533@googlemail.com or phone The Dog Of The Month on 07812 604 032 Does this look familiar?

Yes, it’s the Parish Hall soon after it was finished in the early 1930s. You can see the open porch, before the outer “front” doors were added. And what were the two chimneys doing?

Photo from Pat Tucker and Launton Historical Society Launton Lines July 2021 | Page 39

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 © MMXI 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.