Launton Lines Issue 252 October 2021

Issue 252 October 2021

The Street Piano in use during Bicester Festival September 2021 See report on page 31 of this issue.

Photos clockwise from top left: two young women try out a duet; Nicki Roberts singing a set of classic show songs; Tim Payne rolls his left (bass) hand; the piano in

position outside the ExServicemen’s Club; the piano on its dolley being moved into position.

All photos from David Thompson

The front cover shows Zara and Matt Sankey with Skye and Iona and their friend Darcey after the Launton litter pick on Saturday 25 September. In the background are just some of the bags of rubbish collected by the nearly 30 litter-pickers who gathered at the Hall. See page 23 for more photos. Photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

This issue is back to 48 pages, indicating that village activity is picking up.

The most obvious sign is the Diary Dates feature on page 46, listing events for October, with at least one thing for almost every day.

The Parish Council needs to co-opt a Councillor (page 4) and is looking for a FixMyStreet SuperUser (who gets a Hi-Viz jacket and special paint sprayers) on page 40. There is a reminder - as the evenings get darker that there is traffic on the bit of Station Road that is still open (page 7). A memorial to Gwynne Harrington from her family is on pages 12-15 with a photo of Gwynne with a class from Launton school on page 15, and an alert (page 9) that PHIP plans to register as a charity and change its name to FoLPH. The Harvest Produce Stall on 16 October is on page 48 with further info about the Apple Juicing on pages 9 and 25, and more Apple Juicing is at the FIPW Community Event on page 24.

Please support our advertisers who 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 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry (Launton Parish Council) Pharmacy 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: 07922 042 133 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 October for entry in the November 2021 issue of Launton Lines.

LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL Vacancy to Co-opt a Parish Councillor Would you like to be involved in the decision-making in the village?

The Parish Council currently has a vacancy for the co-option of a Parish Councillor.

If you are interested and want to find out more, speak to one of the Councillors, contact the Clerk, or come to the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 7 October.

No experience is necessary, and training is available.

The Parish Council intends to consider applications at the meeting on Thursday 7 October.

Any person wishing to serve as a Councillor should complete the application form available on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/becoming-a-councillor/

by Thursday 30 September and return it to the Clerk.

To qualify, a person must be a British subject, Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of a member state of the EU, over 18 years old, and an elector; must reside within Launton or within three miles of it (for at least the past 12 months), or occupy as owner or tenant any land or premises therein, or have their principal or only place of work there, and must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor (further details available from the Clerk).

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 4

Red Rose Route 17: an update from a regular user Dear Editor, I write as a happy user of the new Route 17 bus into Bicester, but I have one warning, and some additional information, for users.

Although the timetable shows most daytime buses from Bicester as departing at 10 minutes to the hour, it would be useful to allow a few extra minutes in order to catch the bus as it leaves very promptly.

The good news is that the route to/from Bicester comes up Launton Road, and there are stops by Aldi/Wickes and Homebase/Lidl: this is a great improvement and leaves about 40 minutes to pop into these shops.

Launton Bus Service: updated timetable

The new service - Red Rose 17 - is now running. It provides an hourly service from Launton to Bicester and (the other way) to Aylesbury. There are special services during Buckinghamshire school terms serving Waddesdon Secondary School that run through Bucks villages. Below is the current timetable.

RED ROSE TRAVEL TIMETABLE ROUTE 17 Aylesbury, Waddesdon, Kingswood, Launton, Bicester MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (except Public Holidays) AYLESBURY: Bus Station Depart Waddesdon: Anstey Close Waddesdon School Kingswood Crossroads Grendon Underwood: The SwanEdgcott: Grendon Road Corner Marsh Gibbon: Church Street Launton: Bicester Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Arrive Bicester Village: Oxford Road Bus Stop

0633 0648 0655 0704 0712 -

SDO Bicester Village: Oxford Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Depart 0735 Launton: Bicester Road 0742 Marsh Gibbon: Church Street 0752 Edgcott: Grendon Road Corner 0757 Grendon Underwood: The Swan 0800 KingswoodCrossroads 0803 Waddesdon School 0810 Waddesdon: Anstey Close 0815 AYLESBURY: Bus Station Arrive 0837

SSH 0755 0802 0811 0819 0835

0740 0755 0802 0811 0819 0850 0859 0908 0915 0930

0840 0855 0902 0911 0919 0950 0959 1008 1015 1030

0940 0955 1002 1011 1019 1050 1059 1108 1115 1130

1040 1055 1102 1111 1119 1150 1159 1208 1215 1230

1140 1155 1202 1211 1219 1250 1259 1308 1315 1330

1240 1255 1302 1311 1319 1350 1359 1408 1415 1430

1340 1355 1402 1411 1419 -

SDO 1455 1510 1515 1520 1523 1526 1531 1541 1548 -

SSH 1455 1510 1517 1526 1534 -

1630 1645 1652 1701 1709 -

1715 1730 1737 17.46 1754 -

1840 1855 1902 1911 1919 1923

1535 1544 1553 1600 1615

SDO -

SSH 1610 1619 1628 1635 1650

1750 1759 1808 1815 1830

1820 1829 1838 1845 1900

1925 1930 1938 1946 1952 2005

SDO - Operates Mondays to Fridays on Waddesdon Schooldays only SSH - Operates every Saturday and on Mondays to Fridays during Waddesdon School holidays No service on Sundays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and Public Holidays Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 5

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 2 September 2021 at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall Councillors present Mrs Abigail Dowman; Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman); Mrs Lesley Thompson Apologies Mr Kyle Michael; Mr Simon Turner (Chairman); Mrs Jaqueline Webber In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; five members of the public Councillor Resignation Sadly, Mrs Janice Hawes has decided to step down and so there is now a vacancy. It is likely that the co-option will be considered at the 7 October meeting. If you are interested in putting yourself forward for co-option, please see the Becoming a Councillor page of the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/becoming-a-councillor/ or have a chat with one of the current Councillors.

East/West Rail Unfortunately, Thaina Sa’id was unable to attend the meeting and no report was provided.

Report from District and County Councillors No reports had been received. However, Councillor Hughes had been asked to assist with moving on the Yew Tree Field issue.

Finance The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk -in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns.

Unfortunately, CDC no longer provides paper copies of applications for the Council’s consideration, so planning application documents will now be displayed at meetings via a data projector.

Village Matters Parish Hall The Clerk has received confirmation that the Agreement for Lease Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 6

document has been formally exchanged and the hard copies would be available shortly.

The Parish Council will be taking advice from a VAT expert about the VAT implications of the project.

Yew Tree Field The OCC Footpaths Officer has confirmed that the works team has received the instructions for the work on the path between Yew Tree Field and the Playing Field and they were aware it need to be completed before the winter.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The 7 October meeting will be in the Parish Hall, at 7.30pm. In order to mitigate the Covid-19 effects, we will do our best to make sure that the Hall is as safe as possible, but this will mean that we may not hold the usual open session from 7pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor come along after 7.15pm. Unfortunately, we are not able to hold hybrid meetings at present - please arrive in time to use the hand sanitiser and find your seats!

Suggestions for agenda items for the 4 November meeting need to be with the Clerk by 21 October and items for the 2 December meeting by 18 November.

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/

Safety Alert on Station Road

Please remember that although Station Road is closed beyond Grange Mews, the road is still busy with all sorts of vehicles accessing the Hummingbird Centre, Grange Mews, Jewsons and all the houses and roads in between, both during the day and in the evening.

Pedestrians - and dog walkers - are still advised to avoid walking in the road and to use the footpath provided, especially with the nights drawing in. Remember, you may not be visible to others if you’re in dark clothing and have dark dogs!

Thank you.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 7

Launton Historical Society The Historical Society has planned a programme of interesting talks for the rest of this year. If you want to know more about the past that has shaped Launton, Bicester, Oxfordshire, and further afield, please do come along.

We are looking forward to our first meeting on Thursday 30 September, when we have Tim Healey speaking about Drovers’ Roads, and hope to be able to report on that next month.

October’s meeting will be on Thursday 28 October when we have Alastair Lack, an Oxford guide, talking about Literary Oxford.

The meetings will be in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm, and in order to comply with the Hall Covid-19 risk assessment people are asked to wear a mask when entering and moving around the Hall and to observe social distancing.

For more information call or email Cathy Procopiou, 01869 247694 or cathyprocopiou@hotmail.com.

This photo is looking up Station Road from the Crossroads, before the Post Office opened in the building to the left., and before there were footways built up on the road ways.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 8

Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP)

We have a lot to report and not much space or time, so here goes: Harvest Produce Stall with added Apple Pressing feature (see the back cover of this issue). The Harvest Stall outside the Hall will be on between 10am and Noon on Saturday 16 October - money split between St Mary’s Church and PHIP. Donations of produce, jams, chutneys, pickles, baked savouries, cakes, plants - all most welcome.

Before the day call 07922 042 133 to arrange drop off, otherwise bring along your goods on the day - after 9.30am. We are running this on the basis of donations, so no need to handle money other than hand it over.

A special feature will be Apple Pressing by Corinne Mitchell. Bring along your own apples (cookers and eaters mixed) and sample the juices.

We plan to have fresh bottles of juice on sale, as well as taster samples.

While the Market will be outside the Hall (cover will be provided), inside there will be a display of progress on plans for the Hall. We hope to have preliminary plans for a new layout from DCMS, the firm appointed by the Parish Council to work on the project. There will also be a historic section, including the original plans for the Hall from 1930 drawn up by Lewis Penn.

We will also give an update on progress to register PHIP as a charity.

We have to do this as we have exceeded the financial limit for being unregistered. There are many advantages in being a charity: it means we can apply to a wide range of funding bodies. We also propose to change the name to Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH) when we register. Do come on 16 October and contribute ideas to the plans for the Hall, and to the creation of FoLPH. PHIP currently has £22,198.12 in its books - a good starting point for work on the project.

The next meeting of PHIP/FoLPH will be on 18 November in The Hall at 7.30pm - open to all who aim to do something about the Hall.

We have begun to think about future events, but in the present uncertain time it’s difficult to make firm plans for the winter months, when it’s very optimistic to plan for outdoor events.

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

Launton Village Players Launton Village Players have two pieces of news to share with everyone. Firstly, about our donation from our Summer Show and secondly, news about our 2022 pantomime Dick Whittington.

Another Opening, Another Show!

Firstly we are happy to say we are able to give £565 to the Hummingbird Centre in Launton, as a result of our summer show Another Opening, Another Show! Thank you again for your support in helping to make this happen or if you came along as audience. See the pictures of the cast, and scenes from the show on page 20. It was wonderful to be able to put on a show again and this one was extra special after such a long break.

LVP Panto 2022 Dick Whittington We are excited to start on our 2022 pantomime Dick Whittington to be performed during February half term in Cooper School Performance Hall.

Would you like to join our cast and crew? There are lots of ways to get

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involved, both on stage and behind the scenes. Rehearsals are Sunday evenings in November and December, and Sunday and Friday evenings in January and February, most in Launton Parish Hall. We are a very friendly bunch of people and welcome everyone - there are no auditions to become a member, the only criteria is enthusiasm and a willingness to join in and have fun!

If you are aged 18 or over and would like to find out more about us, come along to our Welcome Evening on Sunday 17 October at 7pm in Launton Parish Hall. This is an excellent opportunity to find out more about what we do, who we are, and how to join, and we will also have a light-hearted quiz and even a bit of a group sing song of some well-known tunes!

Because of limits on capacity in the Parish Hall due to Covid-19, please contact us on membership@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk to book your place, and for more information.

We look forward to seeing you at a LVP event soon.

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Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 11

Gwynneth Harrington: 1 February 1927 – 17 July 2021 The piece below is based on the Eulogy given at the memorial service in St Mary’s on 23 August 2021. The address was given by Gwynne’s granddaughter, Emily Shead.

Nan was born Gwynneth May Jane Jenkins in Pontypool, Wales in February 1927, to Tom and Emily Jenkins, and went to Pontymoile Girls Council School from 1930 to 1939. As a child she won numerous prizes for piano and singing performances at Eisteddfods, and later qualified as a teacher in 1947 at Glamorgan Training College in Barry. She found it difficult to find a teaching job in Wales and applied for her first job in Grays, Essex, where she met my grandad (to become her husband), Frank who was originally from London and rented rooms two doors away from her. While she taught full time at school, she continued piano practice in the evenings and weekends, studying with renowned professor Harold Craxton at the Royal Academy of Music in London, until she gained her Licentiate Diploma for piano teaching in 1952.

Nan and Grandad Frank married in Pontypool in 1953. They eventually settled in Oxfordshire and built their own house in Launton where they lived the rest of their lives. Nan first worked at Brookside School then in 1957 Ambrosden School, where she met her lifelong friends Hilda and Jack Ancil, then finally Launton Primary School from 1964, where she stayed until she retired, initially teaching with Mrs Freeman and Mr Bond, and later Daphne Bellman. Other friends at this time were Barbara Burden and Connie Burrows, who invited her to join the WI. My Mum, Alison and Aunt Jane were born, and for the next 20 or so years Nan’s life centred around juggling teaching, piano practice, playing at church, rehearsals and performances with Bicester Choral and Operatic Society as well as keeping her children and the house in order. She loved to watch sport of all kinds and took trips to Wimbledon sometimes and The Oval, but everything was organised around music. She used to peel a pan of spuds early in the morning so they could be quickly cooked in the evening before practice or rehearsals started. She played for hundreds of rehearsals and performances for the Bicester Choral and Operatic Society, between the 1960 and 1990s.

From Trial by Jury, through to Die Meistersinger, Nabucco, William Tell, involving Bicester school staff and pupils, also innumerable small singing events, concerts, fundraisers, with musical friends Valerie, Gordon, and Ann. She also played Jerusalem for the WI monthly meeting and at church services every Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 12

Sunday. Music was almost as essential to Nan as breathing, and she loved every minute of it.

Frank didn’t play a musical instrument, apart from the spoons! But he loved music and was often to be found conducting enthusiastically in the kitchen to Rossini on the radio. Later, he set up Bicester Music Society which invited a performer or group to play at Bicester School, so in their different ways they were both part of a surge of musical activity in Bicester in the 60s and 70s.

Jane and Alison’s school holidays were often spent in Wales, seeing Nan’s family. The school term would finish, and the family would be packed ready to travel firstly by bus across country, sometimes with Pop (our great grandad) coming to meet them at Monmouth; then when Nan learned to drive in her 40s, by car through Chipping Norton, Stow on the Wold, Ross on Wye - the journey known so well through all seasons. Christmases in Wales were the best. But the family also loved trips to London to see Dad’s family, visiting much loved Aunty Margo and Uncle George and cousins Val, Janet, Georgie and Chris (Irene had married and moved out of London). It was also a treat to visit Aunty Vi in her off-licence in Goodge Street, or the occasional visit for lunch where Grandad Frank would smoke his annual cigar and Jane and Alison were offered sherry (aged about 10) to drink before a Christmas lunch.

Later, summer holidays included convoying across France in a little caravan with Nan’s brother Uncle Gray, Aunty Beryl and our cousins Sian, Peter and Lisa. These holidays were memorable and fun, meeting at the docks before catching the ferry, often with children swopping cars along the journeys, sometimes through borders in the wrong family cars.

Nan retired the year I was born in 1987 and carried on a very busy life with musical commitments across the county Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 13

with Bicester, Oxford and Kidlington Operatic Societies for years after her retirement from teaching.

My brothers Matthew, Ben and I all have fond memories of piano playing, with choc ices and biscuits always in the freezer/cupboard, Nan popping up at school playing the piano, and us always being introduced to people when we were out with Nan. Nan’s home provided a sanctuary for all family members to gather at special occasions and also at non-special ones. Nan encouraged us all with piano lessons and it is these lessons and Nan’s love of music that have given us an appreciation that we would not have had otherwise, and for which we are forever grateful. We as grandchildren will always remember Nan and how much she loved and cared for all of us. She supported us through everything and anything we endeavoured to do.

Of course, with generational differences, in my teens we experienced inevitable clashes, if I had my skirt too short; or if I wanted to listen to Radio 1 in the car, I was told we could only have classical FM on! Which I do actually listen to now at 34 years old - so it worked Nan! Her unwavering love and devotion to all three of us throughout our lives is something we will always hold with us.

Life was sometimes punctuated with difficult times, Nan’s husband Frank died unexpectedly early, but despite this loss Nan continued with her routines, living out her content and sociable life, centring her world around her family, friends, music and community. She was a fantastic example of an active member of society often raising money for charitable causes and partaking in local events. Our memory of her work ethic is extraordinary - she was the busiest person we knew and had a huge social life.

Nan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and in the face of such a terrifying disease showed such resilience. We are indebted over years to Mrs Kinchin, to Shirley, Nan’s hairdresser, then Ela who took over doing Nan’s hair, and to Nan’s wonderful carers - particularly Linda, Carolyn, Ash, Sophie, Diane, Barbara, Christine, and Carla, and also to Fran, and Caroline, Nan’s hairdresser. Some worked with Nan for many years and were extraordinarily kind and patient, always willing to put themselves out and give the time and attention that was needed.

We also know that Nan’s neighbours and the community spirit in Launton has been amazing. Over the Covid year of 2020 we had various neighbours in Launton kindly mow her lawn regularly when the gardener couldn’t come, Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 14

clear a blocked sink, check her fire alarm, change a light bulb, pick up urgently needed medication on the way home from work (in Bath, so already a long day for them), run over when unwanted callers knocked on her door, clear snow from her drive so carers could park, and had neighbours call family if needed. Before Covid her friends, particularly Joan and Jenny, supported her to attend the WI, and the church, both of which she loved and attended regularly. Pat next door has been so helpful, and Sharon and her family gave, and continue to give, the most amazing help and support. Mr Jefferies used to do Nan’s garden, and later Alan, which gave Nan pleasure every time she looked out of the window. Launton has such a wonderful supportive community, and it has enabled Nan to live happily and safely at home for almost the whole of her life, for which we are very grateful.

Matthew, my brother was very good at asking Nan about her life and writing it down. On one of these occasions Matthew said, “after telling me all of this she then said, and I will never forget it: ‘I’ve had a good life, I'm very lucky’ and I replied, ‘Yes you have Nan’ upon which she went into the living room and played My hen wlad fyn hadau on the piano, which she said is ‘the best national anthem as it’s about the people and the country’. I also remember sitting down and watching the Proms with Nan, especially the last night of the Proms which she very much enjoyed and she would sing along to Jerusalem.

We also watched Cardiff Singer of the World, which I would put on as I always knew she enjoyed it: we would sit in relative silence and watch and listen to these incredible singers and music.

Nan loved life and loved music, as she said to me while watching the Proms; ‘There’s nothing like it, it’s extraordinary.’” And so was our Nan. Emily Shead, granddaughter Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 15

News from St Mary’s Church for October 2021

SERVICES IN OCTObER You are warmly invited to our October Services which will be conducted within the latest Covid advice: listed below are details of the Services, all of which will be in held in Church while we continue to adopt a cautious approach.

On arrival you will still be asked to sanitize your hands, to register your details and to wear a face covering in the Church Please contact Revd Peter or one of the Churchwardens if you have any queries or concerns – details below.

Our planned Services for October are as follows 3 October

8.00am BCP Holy Communion In St Mary’s 11.00am Family Service In St Mary’s Please join us to help the children celebrate Harvest.

10 October

6.00pm Harvest Evensong

17 October

11.00am Licensing of Revd Dr Judith Ryder - Holy Communion

24 October

11.00am Holy Communion

In St Mary’s

31 October

6.00pm All Souls Service

In St Mary’s

In St Mary’s

It is always advisable to refer to the Launton Church Facebook page for the most up-to-date information in case any last minute changes have been necessary, or please contact Revd Peter revpeterwright@gmail.com 01869 573177 or 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 Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 16

01869 571735

Photography competition from The Island Pond Wood

The Friends of The Island Pond Wood plan to create a new interpretation board for visitors old and new when entering the Wood. As part of this we’d like to get everyone involved and so we are running a photography competition. The top photos will be featured on the board for everyone to see for years to come.

To enter, send your photos to chloebradford25@gmail.com by Friday 29 October. There are two categories - child (16 and under) and adult (17 and above). A maximum of three photos can be entered per person. We are looking for a mix of landscape/habitat shots and specific species photographs that showcase what the site has to offer.

Successful entrants will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday 19 November and featured in the December issue of Launton Lines. Good luck!

Chloe Bradford On behalf of Friends of The Island Pond Wood

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 17

Launton WI Report for September 2021

September saw the return of face-to-face meetings of Launton WI in the Parish Hall. It was well attended, with 20 members enjoying ‘the new normal’ of a social gathering.

Our speaker was Julie Ann Godson, an historian and writer.

One of her areas of interest and expertise is the Norman invasion in 1066 and the influence in Oxfordshire. From Edward the Confessor’s birth in Islip in 1003, to the surrender after the Battle of Hastings, the county saw much activity which we now know as the Norman Conquest.

Many Oxfordshire villages and towns were involved in the Norman progress through the county, including Wallingford, Eynsham, Bicester, and, of course, Oxford. Julie is an entertaining speaker, her knowledge extensive and her passion for her topic made for a very interesting talk.

September’s social is an outing to Waterperry Gardens, and the next meeting on 14 October in the Parish Hall is Peter Hague speaking about West Wycombe Park and the Dashwoods. The meeting starts at 7.30; please join us if you can.

Lesley Thompson

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Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 18

The working party in the Island Pond Wood cutting out aspen tree suckers in the meadow area at the top of the Wood on 22 September. More working parties are planned for later in the autumn (see page 27). Photo by Robert Cornford

Bicester Green at Work Top left: The compound and main building on a summer day.

Bottom left: The Bike Shed, with many of the refurbished bikes and bike parts all for sale.

Bottom right: The Aladdin’s Cave where you can find all the repaired, reused or repurposed items from Bicester Green.

See report on pages 21 and 22.

Photos from Bicester Green

The Village Players 2021 Summer Show

Another Opening, Another Show!

 The Melodrama in full flow The cast and band say farewell at the end of Another Show.

Photos by Barry Miller Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 20

An Appeal from Bicester Green: We Need You!

Bicester Green is a thriving volunteer led skills and reuse centre, off the Launton Road, next to the Garth. Many people think of us as ‘the recycling centre’ but really recycling is the smallest part of what we do.

We are so much more.

Firstly we are a place for the local community to feel part of; with nearly 40 volunteers throughout an average week we are a place where skill sharing thrives and the coffee flows! Many of our volunteers come to learn new skills, so come just to be involved in what we do, whilst others come to share their skills and experience.

Volunteering is fun and rewarding and at Bicester Green can be anything from a few hours to a few days. With restrictions easing we can take on more volunteers across the organisation; from woodwork to electricals and from bikes to the shop there’s an opportunity for everyone. Get in touch or pop by to find out more. See photos on page 18.

Secondly we are a ‘reuse centre’. We aim to intercept certain items of ‘waste’ destined for disposal, items such as continued on page 22  Grange Mews News September 2021 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

We welcome Suzzanne and John Elgar to Grange Mews. Many will know them as Bluebird Care who have operated from Murdock Road for some years.

It was great to see how efficiently they moved into their new quarters and the number of staff volunteers on hand assisting over the weekend.

We hope they thrive and continue their care and assistance within the community. It’s an interesting neighbourhood in the Mews now with Hannah as a popular Osteopath and Kirsty with her Therapy.

We are grateful to Sarah at Bicester Dance Academy for the use of her studio on the only wet morning for some time.

What great fun was had by Beatrice and Arabella and friends on the bouncy castle and wonderful art by Bicester Face Painting.

And thanks to Jane Hawes for her small hay bales.

There was a competition as to who could make the most noise!

I think Sarah may have yet more interested clientele!

The badger sett at Grange Farm is now occupied by a rabbit who has dug its own front door, ignoring the pipes laid to welcome Mr and Mrs Brock.

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

 continued from page 21 small electricals, laptops for our GOO

project, bicycles, wood and tools (hand tools, power tools and garden tools). We can only take certain items - we are restricted by space for storage - but it’s always best to ask first.

For all of those items that we can, we repair, reuse or repurpose. Our volunteers are incredible and most of our makes and repairs can be found in our shop (where you can also refill!). Other things can be made on commission, such as planters, bars, shelves, mud kitchens, potting benches and even pet boxes/homes!

So, recycling really is one of the last options.

If you haven’t visited us before but want to find out more then check out our opening times on our website and come and say hello, there’s much more to Bicester Green than at first glance! www.bicestergreen.org.uk | facebook.com/BicesterGreen Celia Cornforth

Your local, regular and reliable window cleaner

Domestic and Commercial window cleaning using pure water and a Reach & Wash system.

We clean:  Windows  Conservatory roofs  Soffits and fascias  Guttering (clean and clear)  Cladding  Internal glass partitions  Signs Solar panels  Contact us now for a free, no obligation quote

Simon Nash Heating Plumbing Servicing Domestic Oil and Gas Servicing Installation and Maintenance Gas Safe Registered Oftec Registered “A local Business from Launton”

01296 770005 or 07702 498 942 www.wallacewindowcleaning.co.uk enquiries@wallacewindowcleaning.co.uk

Phone: 07483 864 571

Public liability insurance Member of the Federation of Window Cleaners

Email: simonnashserv@aol.com

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 22

More from the litter pick on 25 September Top: many families took part: children enjoyed using the pickers.

Bottom left: the booty at the end of the morning: where did all those cans come from?

Bottom right: the Tearoom Team from the WI. See also the front cover.

Photos from Lesley Thompson, Matt Sankey, Robert Cornford

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 23

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 24

Launton Lines Noticeboard om o R g n i Di n r o n e h c Ki t ck a l B e l Tab ed d n e t x e hen w 8 s t a e S ion t i d n o c t Excellen £50 ONA 9 6 2 9 6 3 9  0186

The Pa rish Ha ll Ne e d s A Fridg e.

See no t ic e o n page 4 f o r f u rt 0 he r app eal .

For the PHIP Harvest Market on Saturday 16 October.

We need Apples for crushing and juicing. Windfalls OK if sound.

We can use Cookers or Eaters.

Drop off your cartons/bags/boxes at the Parish Hall.

For more info, phone 241883

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 25

East West Rail is taking shape in Launton We can begin to see the shape of things to come. The first rails have been laid into Launton, and the Jarvis Lane footbridge is ready to open. The next set of rails will be laid in July 2022, twin tracks of 8km into Buckinghamshire. All the track material will be delivered by rail - so less road traffic.

The Charbridge Lane overbridge is taking shape, below.

The Station Road diversion and overbridge is growing by the week, below.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 26

Working in the Woodland Autumn 2021

On Wednesday 22 September a group of IPW volunteers met to start the process of removing aspen suckers from the meadow at the top of the Wood.

Great progress was made - see the picture on page 19, so thank you to the dozen or so who turned up to help! There is another session organised for Tuesday 12 October, starting at 9.45am, when we will be joined by Bicester Green Gym to tackle the remaining saplings mob-handed! Later we will run at least two more weekend sessions, weather permitting, to cut back the rampant vegetation which has grown this year, and the hangover from plans lost through Covid disruptions.

Longer term woodland management will also start over the winter to thin the side wood, allowing remaining trees to reach maturity, while also creating more dappled shade to provide habitat diversity and attract more wildlife.

Look out for posters at the gate advertising future sessions. If you are interested in volunteering at any future events, please get in touch through our Facebook page @IslandPondWood or email fipwlimited@gmail.com Kate Neal

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 October 2021 | Page 27

A Vet’s Voice: Whiskey’s Worms We’ve recently been seeing a lovely rescue dog named Whiskey, who until recently lived in Turkey. Whiskey developed a sore left eye associated with a swelling on his conjunctiva. The swelling looked a bit inflamed but didn’t seem to be causing any distress. After some initial testing showed the lump wasn’t cancerous, Whiskey was booked in to have the tissue removed for a definitive diagnosis.

Vet Helen was well aware of a parasite which can cause these symptoms but was still pretty alarmed when she opened the mass and found a bundle of transparent little worms within the cavity! Eye Worms, as they are known, aren’t usually present in the UK, so most of us haven’t actually seen them before. We presume Whiskey contracted the infestation whilst in Turkey where the parasite is more commonplace.

He had been treated in recent months with an anti-parasite medication which we presume had done its job, as the worms in the mass appeared to be dead. Unlike gastrointestinal worms, which would be passed out of the body once they are killed, Eye Worms can develop inside a mass called an inflammatory granuloma. Despite them having been killed by the medication, they would remain in the mass until physically removed.

The parasite, known as Thelazia, is transmitted from eye to eye by specific flying insects who feed on tears of various mammals including humans! The larvae are ingested by the fly and develop within the insect till they are ready to be passed on. The fly unknowingly deposits some infective larvae on a new pet’s eye area where they thrive. The tiny worms can live a long time as they breed and invade all the various eye tissue from the conjunctiva, eyelids, tear ducts to even the eyeball itself!

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 28

The good news is that some routine worming treatments (such as those used on our Healthy Pets Plans) will kill these worms before they have a chance to migrate into tissues or cause harm. We expect Whiskey will make a full recovery despite the grim discovery of his eye worms and now we’ll all be on the alert for this parasite especially in dogs travelling from abroad.

Enjoy your pets.

Jason Williams | Bicester Vets

Peace of mind for pet owners...

Compassionate and Caring at all times  Long opening hours for your convenience  24 hour on-site nursing care standard for all hospitalised patients  24 hour Emergency service provided by our vets at our practice  A service that's second to none from North Oxfordshire's most  established, independent, speciality small animal practice..

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 29

Road Closures Report correct at 13 September 2021

ALERT: 17 October to 17 December 2021: Charbridge Lane WILL BE CLOSED - details of the diversion for all vehicles are on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/charbridge-laneroad-closure/. 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).  31 August to 15 October 2021: Station Road, Marsh Gibbon CLOSED for reconstruction of the bridge (EWR)  27 September - 1 October 2021: the A4421 at Newton Purcell will be CLOSED overnight between 8pm and 6am for HS2 bridge works  1 October - 4 October: the A4421 at Newton Purcell will be CLOSED overnight between 9pm and 6am for HS2 bridge works  HS2 Contingency Dates 4-8 October 8pm-6am and 8-11 October 9pm-6am 28 March - 17 June 2022: Bicester Road, Marsh Gibbon CLOSED for rebuilding the bridge (EWR) These closures are correct as at 13 September 2021. See the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ for any interim updates

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 October 2021 | Page 30

Bicester Street Piano Sounds Out for September

The Bicester Street Piano has been in place now for nearly a month, and refreshingly without any mishaps. There have been a lot of very good players and singers enjoying it and also entertaining passers-by.

Charlie Ross opened it on Saturday 11 September, wowing the crowd with some awful Piano jokes which are just unrepeatable. Then Catherine Cooper, accompanied by Mark Burden, sang two very nice show tunes.

Nicky Roberts sang for an enchanting half hour, and other performances are scheduled.

To see these, either google Bicester Street Piano, and look at the videos, or on Facebook go to the Bicester Street Piano Page.

It really has been a lovely couple of weeks for the piano, with old and young alike in awe of the lovely artwork by Casimira Mostyn and with a few encouraged to play. With any luck it may still be at the Ex-Services Club when this issue comes out, let’s see.

There are some photos of the piano on the inside front cover of this issue.

Launton Over 60s Club Report September 2021

Our first normal meeting on 1 September went according to plan with 27 members attending. Everything is cleaned and sanitised and we keep some distance apart with only four to a table instead of six as in the past.

The raffle was good and then there was Bingo. After everyone had put in their 10p, the jackpot stood at £21.20. This is won, in addition to the line money, if the line on the third house of the afternoon is called in 20 numbers or fewer. Wendy W was the lucky winner this time and we shall now have to start all over again! 10p is put in by everyone at the beginning of the Bingo session and so it soon mounts up.

The following meeting was on the 15th with just 20 attendees this time.

We all arrived soon after 1.30pm ready for tea and biscuits at 2pm, then the ever-popular raffle and, of course, Bingo. There will have been another meeting on 29 September before you read this. October dates are set for 13th and 27th. We are starting to plan for Christmas and hope to have our Christmas Party in the Hall and Christmas Lunch at the Littlebury Hotel.

We will always be pleased to see new members - give me a ring or just turn up on the day at the Playing Fields Hall.

Pat Court | 01869 244900 Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 31

Meeting the Challenge: Launton businesses and the Covid-19 pandemic This month, we’re delighted to feature The Bull Inn as our ‘Meeting the Challenge’ local business. Karen and Brandon are the ever-present couple whose cheery smile greets us. Karen has worked hard to produce this profile for us of the workings of the Bull Inn and its place in the village. We can under-estimate the work needed to keep a local pub going, specially through the unique circumstances of a once-in-a-century pandemic. So, here’s to its continued success.

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

The Bull Inn, Launton. Public House.

2. When and how did you start the business?

We took over The Bull Inn on 26 August 2014. We both have been in the licensed trade for more years than we would like to say! We decided to run our own pub in a nice village, with a garden and disabled-friendly. We can not believe how lucky we have been to find Launton. The village made us feel very welcomed immediately and we have met the most wonderful people over the years.

3. How has it changed since you started?

We have adapted our menu over the years to suit our customer dietary needs, as well as trends and customer suggestions. We installed a children’s play area and a second Aunt Sally throw, which has bought some wonderful times. A couple of years ago we updated the pub decor with the collaboration of a group of customers.

4. Who is your typical customer?

We have a wide range of customers from 0-102. Couples, families, friends, workers, and people just having some “me” time.

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

We are open all day 7 days a week from noon to close. We serve food Monday to Saturday 12-2.30pm, 6-8.30pm and 12-3 on Sunday. Blue Texel Butchers supply our meat and SH Jones supply our wines. We have 3 cask ales on tap, a craft ale, 3 lagers, 2 ciders and draught Guinness. We have a wide selection of grown-up alcohol-free drinks (beer, cider, gin and prosecco).

We host a fun pub quiz every Sunday evening which is very popular. We are delighted the pub is part of the local hub, with many groups gathering here for meetings and activities, and we have been the box office for the Launton Village Players Panto for the last few years.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 32

6. How have you been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? What changes have you had to make since the March 2020 lockdown?

It’s been a very strange, hard and challenging 18 months, with some interesting legal rules applied to the pub trade during the pandemic (i.e. 10pm curfew, and Scotch Egg gate). Cleanliness and safety have always been a priority to us through our experience and training and will always be. We started to do takeaways from the start of lockdown, which was a great help, not just financially, but mentally. Anyone who knows me knows that I can’t sit still! We have and will continue to offer takeaways.

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

Hopefully we can resume our normal diary soon.

Halloween party, Christmas charity raffle, New Year’s Eve party and more charity events. We have raised over £17,000 for charity since 2014 and would be delighted to hit £20k. Hopefully, FestiBull will be back for 2022!

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

What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator!

A letter (actually an email) to The Editor

Just to say how lovely it was to read about the old families of Launton, seen through the eyes of Greta Walker and Tony Jeacock, the ex-Launton boy.

But sorry to see no mention of the Reeves or Massey families.

My Grandparents, Ada Sarah (née Massey) and Frederick James Reeves lived in The Cottage, Station Road, (which was built by Frederick’s father, Richard) all their married life, 66 years. They raised 5 children, and were Lay-Preachers at The Bethel Chapel near their home. Their eldest son, also Frederick, lived in Station Road all his life with his wife, Doris and was a prominent member of St Mary’s Church.

The Massey family was also a large part of Launton. Marriages between the Reeves, Massey, Jeacock, Austin, Castle and Cox families were common back in the day when Launton was a small hamlet.

Kath Hawkins née Reeves The editor is always happy to have stories and recollections of the ‘old families’ of Launton - just send to launtonlines@launton.org.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 33

100 Years Ago: from the School logbook October 2021 Monday 3 October I commenced my duties as Head Teacher in Launton School this morning. Fred Parsons.

Tuesday 4 October Mr P Forder, organiser of Physical Instruction, called this morning.

Wednesday 5 October The Attendance Officer called this morning. We have two children away with Chicken-pox.

Friday 7 October The Attendance has been good. Roll 83. Attend 813. Av 81.3.

97.9%.

Tuesday 11 October The Managers have closed the School this afternoon. A Telegram has been sent to the Inspector.

Friday 14 October Roll 83.

Attends 723. Av 80.3. 96.8% Monday 17 October The Health Visitor, Miss Pheasant, WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED examined the school throughout.

INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR Thursday 20 October Dr A caring traditional 24 hour service Burton examined and signed the Provided by Mr Hancock and his team personally Registers.  Private Chapel Of Rest  Friday 21 October Roll 83.

Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars Attends 817. Av 81.7. 98.6%.  Perfect Choice Wednesday 26 October The Funeral Plans Attendance Officer called this morning. We have three children away.

Friday 28 October Roll 83.

Attends 805. Av 80.5. 97%.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 34

100 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser

28 October 1921 Messrs Hampton and Sons. Oxfordshire. 1½ miles from Bicester Station on the GWR, and slightly further from the station on the L&NWRailway. In the centre of the famous Bicester Hunt.

The very attractive and well-placed Freehold Residential Property known as “Brashfield House”, Bicester, Oxon. In fine open position, 276 feet up with Southern Exposure. Comprising:- Stone built Residence, approached by long Carriage Drive, and containing 11 Bed and Dressing Rooms, Principal and Secondary Staircases, Lounge Hall, 3 Reception Rooms, and compact Domestic Offices. Stabling for six or nine, small Farmery, Entrance Lodge and cottage, pretty Grounds, Fruit and Vegetable Gardens, and Park, in all nearly 26 acres. Vacant possession of all but one Cottage upon completion.

Hampton and Sons will sell the above by Auction at the St James’ Estate Rooms, 20 St James’ Square, SW1, on Tuesday 20th November at 2.30 (unless previously sold).

[This advert was repeated on 4 and 11 November. Nothing was found in 25 November or 2 December issues about this sale. Brashfield House was (and still is, though now as separate dwellings) in Caversfield, off the Buckingham Road.]

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 35

The Community Café in Action Clockwise from top left The afternoon Café Concentrating on a butterfly Relaxing round the mat Emma, the new Support Worker (grant funded by the Parish Council) helping children experiment with Playdough.

An invitation to the re-launched COMMUNITY CAFÉ

in the Parish Hall on Tuesdays between 9am-11am and 2.30pm-4.30pm Everyone is welcome for a chat, a cuppa, and some cake and crafts!

We are always looking for helpers for the afternoon sessions so if you have some time to spare just once a month in term time please do get in touch on celiamanderson@aol.com or call 01869 571735 or just call in for a visit!

You can be sure of a very warm welcome at The Community Café Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 36

Would I lie to you ... Part 2

Last month, I wrote about how British politics was old-fashioned and outof-touch. Technology-wise, it trails behind Teletext and probably the Sinclair C5. Language-wise, MP Dawn Butler was expelled from the Commons for accusing PM Johnson of lying, which he does regularly. 21st Century-wise, we need to catch up.

Let’s remove outdated features that are almost pantomime. There’s still somebody on the payroll called Black Rod. I doubt if s/he is black or called Rod. The position seems to date back to 1361, when it was called Usher to the Order of the Garter. It’s now called Usher of the Black Rod. Its main ceremonial function is knocking on the door of the Commons before each Queen’s Speech with a ‘rod’. Given how seldom that happens, what else do they do with their rod to justify full-time pay? Fish? Direct traffic? Polish it? This could be a zero-hours contract with the person popping in as needed, banging on the right door, and clearing off. Instead, it’s said to pay over £90,000 a year. Then there’s the Serjeant at Arms, more modern than Black Rod dating back to just 1415. This character carries the House of Commons Mace in the daily Speaker’s Procession. According to the official UK Parliament website, the Serjeant ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS ‘wears a traditional uniform and a sword’. More pantomime! Here’s another redundant role. Our taxes HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING are paying for this circus.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATING Abolish the House of Lords, where PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING 800+ members claim £323 per day for attendance, tax-free + travel expenses for themselves, their FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL spouse/civil partner and children.

PETER N. SOUTHAM The Lords is ultimately powerless.

It cannot veto what the Commons 01869 278333 decides, however strongly it OR disagrees. Let’s remove it, save money, and see if we notice the 07721 633 220 difference. peteroofer@aol.com If we want a second chamber, let’s think carefully about exactly what it INSURANCE APPROVED would do, and who’d be in it.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 37

Let’s abandon the museum called the Palace of Westminster. Sell it off and all its old-fashioned trimmings. Turn it into a real museum. It would make a fortune from UK visitors and overseas tourists. A rich foreigner would pay a fortune for Black Rod’s rod, or the Serjeant’s Mace. The government party could hardly oppose this. Under previous PMs, they happily sold off many of our key assets – water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, British Steel, railways, ports, Powergen, airports, National Power, BP, British Airways, Royal Mail. Many of these now have significant foreign ownership, like German-owned Chiltern Railways. Who could oppose selling off trinkets like a rod and a mace? How about ‘The Disney Westminster Museum and Hotel’?

Instead of the crumbling, reportedly rodent-infested, Commons, build a modern new Parliament away from London, where land is cheap and available. Choose new a ‘blue wall’ seat, and/or an obviously deprived area, to boost jobs and spending. Choose from Burnley, Middlesbrough, Knowsley, Hull, or Stoke. The government is blowing a reported £100 billion on a white elephant called HS2. If that ever gets built, and if it ever gets beyond Birmingham, what about choosing Stoke? Stoke’s also on the M6. Make sure to kit out the new structure with the latest technology. Build accommodation for MPs onsite. Hire it out when they’re on holiday, like universities do with their accommodation. Have MPs working similar hours to regular people, like 9-5 with an hour for an unsubsidised lunch. Have them working for most of the week, instead of pm Monday to pm Thursday. They could interact with their constituents over the weekend and use early evening Zoom meetings for one-to-one discussions in their ‘surgery’ time. MPs should show their constituents more clearly that they’re earning their enviable salaries of over £80,000, plus generous expenses. MPs should be far more productive, once settled into their new HQ in Stoke-on-Trent.

There’s one benefit of being an MP that’s worth keeping. It’s called ‘Parliamentary privilege’. It’s like the flipside of being expelled for using a banned word like ‘liar’. MPs can say what they want in Parliament without fear of outside prosecution. That privilege goes back to, at least, the 1689 Bill of Rights. MPs face no civil or criminal liabilities for what they say or do during ‘proceedings in Parliament’. Parliamentary privilege was in the news headlines in 2018. Lord Peter Hain used it in the Lords to reveal the name of Sir Philip Green, the very rich, allegedly sleazy, BHS/Topshop businessman accused of bullying and sexual and racial harassment of former employees.

Green wasn’t best pleased, having got a court injunction preventing The Telegraph from publishing such allegations. Hain blew that legal cover, saying Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 38

that he would “neither retract nor apologise for standing up for human rights.” He added: “Parliamentary privilege is a precious part of our constitution and an expression of parliament’s absolute sovereignty”.

Considering that, MP Dawn Butler might re-phrase her views on PM Johnson, with: “Britain’s worst ever Prime Minister is a work-shy, truthtwisting, racist, womanising, slovenly, homophobic, dithering, Russianbacked posh boy chancer. This good-for-nothing doesn’t know, or care, how many children he’s sired. He’s responsible for the corrupt, reckless, shameless, deadly mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic and the deceitful on-going shambles of Brexit.” She’d avoid any possible legal action by saying this in the Commons, rather than in the pub next door. How modern. A well-informed black woman MP calling out an Eton-bred clown.

How very 21st Century.

Lest we forget, the recently deceased inventor Sir Clive Sinclair (among other things, creator of the C5 mentioned in paragraph one) was ahead of his time. Oh, to have such a visionary with us now.

Danny Cunningham

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 39

FixMyStreet SuperUser: Training Offered Oxfordshire County Council created OXTOG - Oxfordshire Together - a while ago to mobilise and support a team of volunteers around the County to help look after their own area’s roads, pavements and public rights of way.

Launton is fortunate to have a Footpaths Warden to look after the public rights of way (see report on page 41) and has also benefited from our resident FixMyStreet SuperUser, Chris Fox, who has been very active over the last few years, but he is not currently able to continue.

With staffing shortages, the OCC Highways Officers can’t be everywhere so the SuperUser is, in effect, their ‘eyes and ears’ on road problems and defects in the village. The SuperUsers are trained to report road defects within the village area directly, which speeds up the repair process.

The OXTOG team are currently recruiting and training more FixMyStreet SuperUser volunteers, and are holding training sessions.

If you walk around the village regularly (or even daily) and would like to join the team, the volunteer co-ordinators at OCC would love to hear from you.

Ideally you need to work from home or be retired, and need to be able to bend down, measure potholes and ‘spray up’ in all weathers. You’d also need to be able to use a special part of the FixMyStreet website.

The training will take place ‘virtually’ on MS Teams and will cover the basics of how to raise works orders using the FixMyStreet website. It is followed up with regular contact with the area Highways Officer. SuperUsers are provided with a Hi-Vis jacket and spray paint and will be able get potholes and kerbs on minor carriageways repaired quickly, and save officer time too.

If you are interested, please get in contact with the Clerk (clerk@launtonpc.gov.uk) who will send details on to the Volunteer Co-ordinators.

Jane Olds | Parish Clerk

CAN YOU HELP?

THE PARISH HALL KITCHEN NEEDS A REPLACEMENT UNDER-COUNTER FRIDGE Height 85cm | Width 53/60cm | Depth 54cm Do you have one looking for a cool home?

Phone 241883 Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 40

Report from Volunteer Parish Path Warden I am expected to walk all public footpaths in the village once a year, cutting back brambles and the like with secateurs, and reporting any path problems to Oxfordshire County Council.

I have done this now for 5 or 6 years; however - despite my best efforts the condition of paths has deteriorated to such an extent that only one path within the village is easy to use. Happily there is one landowner - Martin Evans - whose paths are well drained and a pleasure to walk. Many thanks.

As well as paths closed by East West Rail this year I was unable to reach other parts due to blockage by crops. I therefore ask anyone who finds their use of paths impeded to email OCC at bethrutherford@oxfordshire.gov.uk attaching a photograph of the problem if possible.

During lockdown I was asked to help The Ramblers “lost paths” initiative.

This is to investigate and if possible reinstate paths which are missing from modern maps. Some of these routes are in fact well used while others can only be remembered by older residents.

I spent hours studying Victorian maps (and later) and have now submitted my suggested list for the parish which includes three Green Lanes and the three paths across the airfield “temporarily” closed during World War II. John Bolton | Volunteer Path Warden Report submitted at August 2021 Parish Council meeting.

[Editor’s note: I am trying to source a good base map of the parish onto which I can plot these lost paths researched by John Bolton, and then print them in a future issue of Launton Lines.]

Launton Village Support Group

Although the group has been quiet of late, we want to reassure you that we are still here, ready to spring into action if needed. Please pass our details to neighbours and friends if required and don’t hesitate to contact one of us or the group if you need any help.

Please let us know if you are still helping, it’s good to report back to the Parish Council who continue to support the group.

Lesley, Janice, and Jane Ways to contact us can be found on page 3, including Nick Cherry’s number who is able to ‘run’ to collect and/or deliver prescriptions or medications from the pharmacies or surgeries.

Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 41

Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy This month the Ex-Launton Boy tells about the Launton Sunday School in his youth, then muses about changes in autumn events, from Harvest Festivals of yore with fresh garden produce to the present day collection of donations to local food banks. And he writes about his first marriage (in the Registry Office in Garth Park) and his second (in his regimental Garrison church), and the pleasure he gets from a Sunday church attendance. There is a splendid photo of his second wedding group on page 47.

Well, that was summer, or at least so I have been told. Hard to believe isn’t it; at least it has been hard to believe down here in Kent. I think all told, we’ve had about two weeks worth of what I would call summer weather, and certainly no more than three weeks.

Not only have I not got my usual summer tan (UK style), but my tomatoes have performed very poorly indeed whilst my beetroot came to nothing at all.

No chance this year of being mistaken as being either, an Italian, Indian or Pakistani, as has often been the case in the past, as those who will remember me from years ago in the village can vouch. I used to turn almost as black as the Ace of Spades. Those who can remember, my dad was very dark skinned with jet-black hair, which I believe he got from his mother’s side of the family. She was a Markham from Blackthorn. My sister Elaine was almost as dark as me, but my brother, Cliff, took our mum’s paler complexion. This so-called summer would have suited my mum as she couldn’t take too much sun.

Well now, what about all these shortages from which we are all suffering, what with not enough HGV drivers to transport our foodstuffs to the supermarkets, with most of our food coming from overseas, including Europe. But isn’t it crazy, the foodstuffs of our own that we grow in the U.K. including potatoes, salad crops, apples and pears are already being ploughed back into the ground because as a result of Brexit, we cannot get the traditional EU pickers to do the job.

Now, if you can tell me the logic behind all that, you are a better man than me. The situation is quite insane and was quite unnecessary, even taking Covid-19 into account. Of course, you know where I am coming Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 42

from with this don’t you! It really didn’t need a brain surgeon to work it out and see what was coming, and no shuffling around of his cabinet is going to change that. He still has a bunch of total incompetents in my view, and none more so than himself.

Anyway, enough of politics as it invariably leads to arguments and I have no wish to fall out with my readership or turn Launton Lines into a political organ.

I was talking with someone the other day about Wicksteed Park up at Kettering in Northamptonshire where, as kids, we used to have a fantastic annual trip to with the St. Mary’s Church Sunday School Outing. Maybe I’m wrong, but I would guess that you don’t get many if any attending Sunday School at church these days, which is a great pity, as they miss out on those terrific trips, not to mention of course, the teachings that can go a long way towards forming who we are and what we become.

We used to have quite a healthy and thriving Sunday school at the church when I was a young lad in the village. There were that many of us, we would be split into two age groups which I suppose you might classify as infants and juniors. The younger group were taken under the wing of Mrs. Ida Wayne (Waine), who I believe may have been a widow as I do not recall from my childhood, a Mr. Wayne (Waine). She was a lovely lady as I recall and lived in the cottage on the opposite side of the school immediately before turning right into Sherwood Close.

As I recall she had at least one, if not two daughters who were a fair bit older than me.

The older group were placed in the care of Fred Reeves, he whom, as I have reported in the past, used to ride his bicycle so slowly it was a miracle that he never fell off it. He often used to tell us about his time when, as a young man in the army, he spent time in Palestine. I think it may have been around the time when Jewish terrorists (as they were then known), were fighting the British and the Palestinians in trying to establish the State of Israel. One such terrorist (who preferred to be known as a ‘Freedom Fighter’) eventually became President Begin of Israel.

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Fred Reeves never spoke to us about the trials and tribulations the British troops were being subjected to, but more about the places he had been to whilst he was out there. Places one could relate to in both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Holy Bible. He was quite fascinating to listen to, yet when I became an apprenticed carpenter and joiner at Launton’s own Building Contractors, Lewis Penn & Co, for whom Fred Reeves also worked as both a bricklayer and a master stonemason, I don’t remember him being all that talkative, being instead more of a thinker, especially when working in his capacity as a stonemason. So slow and deliberate was his work that if paid on an hourly basis these days, you would have to be very well-off indeed to be able to afford him.

As I recall, Fred Reeves was a very good bass singer in the church choir.

Never having owned a car, which is probably just as well, for if he had driven that as slowly as he rode his bicycle, he would have caused traffic chaos, Fred, who lived in Station Road, the other side of the duck pond, used to walk to church with his lovely wife and back again in all weathers. Mrs. Reeves always formed part of the congregation, never having joined the church choir.

Well, it will soon be Harvest Festival again and we’ll be gathering tins and packets of non-perishable food stuffs for the Food Banks, unlike the fresh produce we used to bring to Launton church for the old people’s homes and the village elderly when I was a lad. I know I have written of this before, when actors from The Archers used to come to read one of the two lessons in church which was a guaranteed crowd puller. It is such a shame to see so many of our churches relatively empty these days, whilst on the other hand, synagogues and temples are still healthy and thriving. What are we doing wrong folks?

Churches are not just there for weddings, funerals and baptisms, yet one would think otherwise when on so many occasions after such events have taken place, one hardly ever sees the participants in church again.

And to think that at one time, the hub of the village was made up of the church, the pub and the village Post Office and stores. The latter was for provisions; the pub for social entertainment and the church for Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 44

spiritual health and moral guidance.

So many people now shop either on line or click-and-collect or home delivery. So many pubs throughout the country are closing down, unless they provide good meals in addition to their liquid and alcoholic beverages, and the church?

Is it that we have become a nation of non-believers or is it that despite wheels to convey us from A to B, and domestic appliances to minimise the otherwise time-consuming drudgeries of life, we are too lazy to make the effort to make the 10:30am morning service or the 6:30pm Evensong?

With a pastor who can connect with the people, there’s nothing quite like coming out of the church on a Sunday morning feeling good and spiritually uplifted. It sets you up for the week ahead, and heaven knows, without the Sunday uplift, the Monday morning blues can be and often is the one day of the week least looked forward to.

Take a tip from one who was a regular churchgoer until his mid teens and then wrestled mentally with the subject of death after leaving the army, turning his back on the church for over forty years. My first marriage, which lasted twenty-three years, was conducted in a Registry Office at the Garth Park, Bicester. Julie, my now wife had a similar experience the first time round, lasting fourteen years. When we decided to wed, we both wanted a more sacred and meaningful wedding ceremony and with my past military service, we wanted to marry in the local Garrison church. The Army Chaplain, the Reverend Philip Bosher (Major), would only marry us if we made the effort to attend church for six months prior to the wedding. Thanks to him and a wonderful closely-knit congregation who could not have made us more welcome had they tried, we were brought back into the fold, and that was almost nine years ago, and without any Bible-punching, we have not looked back since. Sundays are good and worth getting out of bed for, regardless of the weather.

Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | October 2021 Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 45

Diary Dates: October 2021

Sun 3 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Trinity Camerata Concert, St Edburg's Church, 4pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Mon 4 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tue 5 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 6 Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thur 7 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Launton Parish Hall Fri 8 SCOTS Night at The Bull from 5.30pm Sun 10 Langford Orchard Apple Day, 2pm | Island Pond Wood Community Fun Day, 2pm-4pm | St Mary's Church, Harvest Evensong, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Mon 11 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tue 12 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Island Pond Wood Working Party, Meadow area, 9.45am | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 13 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm Thur 14 WI Monthly Meeting, Speaker Peter Hague on West Wycombe Park and the Dashwoods, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sat 16 Harvest Market at The Parish Hall, with Apple Crushing and Juicing, 10am-Noon | BCOS Concert, A Night at the Opera, St Edburgh's Church, 7.30pm Sun 17 St Mary's Church, Licensing of Revd Dr Judith Ryder - Holy Communion, 11am | Village Players Open Evening 2022 Panto, Parish Hall, 7pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Mon 18 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE NOVEMBER 2021 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tue 19 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 20 Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Fri 22 School INSET day Sun 24 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Mon 25 School half-term begins | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tue 26 Community Café closed for School half-term: reopens Tuesday 2 November | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 27 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm Thurs 28 Launton Historical Society monthly meeting, Speaker Alistair Lack on Literary Oxford, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Fri 29 Closing date for Island Pond Wood Photography Challenge Sun 31 St Mary's Church, All Souls Service, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Launton Lines October 2021 | Page 46

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 ninth report.

Dog’s Name: Suzie Age: 5 years old Gender: Female Breed: Bearded Collie How long in Launton: Since I was eight weeks old One interesting fact: I collect black Labradors as boyfriends: I’m irresistible to them.

I came from: The New Forest Habit: I love having cuddles on the sofa in the evening, my humans have to make space for me in the middle Favourite food: Anything which isn’t meant for me, especially toast Favourite game or toy: Chasing and bringing back anything which is thrown for me Favourite walk: Any walk which involves water and being able to go swimming If you would like your dog to feature in this column please email Kathy Gilbert, kathleengilbert533@googlemail.com or phone DoTM on 07812 604 032.

The Ex-Launton Boy at his second wedding . . . . . . in the Garrison Church on 30 March 2013. See page 45 for his account. All those present, except the Bride and Groom, and the Padre, are members of the choir at the Garrison Church where The Ex-Launton Boy now sings.

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A PHIP Event

HARVEST PRODUCE STALL Saturday 16 October 2021 10am - 12 noon Outside - on the front lawn of The Parish Hall featuring an Apple Crusher and Juicer with Apple Juice on sale.

Offers of chutneys, jams, preserves fruit, vegetables, garden produce, plants cakes, baked savouries, biscuits, breads ... ... all most welcome.

On the day, drop donations at the Hall after 9.30am - or before the day with Joan Packer at 19 Blenheim Drive Thank you for your support Proceeds to be shared between St Mary’s Church and The Parish Hall Improvement Project Contact j.packer779@btinternet.com 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 © MMXXI 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.