Launton Lines Issue 264 October 2022

 One of the first trains to come through the Launton bridge, carrying hardcore for the rail bed, on 19 August Photo by Nikki Fine

 New kit for the Launton U10’s Girls Team Launton Ladies FC would like to thank Peter Goss Butchers Ltd for their sponsorship of a new match day kit for our U10’s girls. Your ongoing support and sponsorship is much appreciated.

Photo from Launton Ladies FC

The front cover shows the winner of the Sunflower competition launched at the FoLPH May Day Fair. She is Daisy Gray, and the sunflower pendant was a part of the winner’s prize package. See page 32 for a final report on the sunflowers. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

Autumn is well and truely here. I’ve yet to find any field mushrooms, but have enjoyed the blackberries. And there should be a bumper crop of sloes for later.

Our front cover shows the winner (by proxy) of the Sunflower Competition: the winning plant was 2.62 metres tall (page 32). There is an appeal for people to join the Launton Lines distribution team (page 7), and Jane Olds - the Parish Clerk - tells (pages 23-24) the background story of planning details of events following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II. I hope to gather for the November issue more accounts of how the Queen’s death and funeral, and the period of national mourning, affected people of Launton.

Both the WI (25) and the Ladies Football (34) are looking to recruit members and the Community Cafe (26) launches a new term. There are reports and photos from St Mary’s Fayre (14, 20 and 21), the What3Words Scavenger Hunt (36, 37 and 43), and the Craft and Food Market (12-13), and a photo from Launton FC (2)of the Under 10 girls in their new kit.

There are also regular reports from the Parish Council (4-6), from our CDC Councillors (8-9), the WI (16-17), and the Historical Society (22).

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 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 01869 241755 - Lesley | 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry Pharmacy Runner

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2022 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2021-22 Chair: Jon Spinage | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill | Acting Treasurer: Robert Cornford Associate Editor: Kathy Gilbert | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 01869 247171

To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: Christine Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner; Robert Cornford

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Would you like to sponsor an evening’s floodlighting at St Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, birthday, or wedding?

A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided.

Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 October for entry in the November 2022 issue of Launton Lines.

October 18 | Remembering Helen Cannon on what would have been her 97th birthday.

We miss you every day.

From Shirley, Terry, Mike, Val and all the family

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 1 September 2022 at 7:30pm in Launton Parish Hall Councillors present Mr Andrew Briant, Mrs Abigail Dowman, Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman), Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman), Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies None In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; Cllr Angus Patrick (CDC); 5 members of the public Councillor Resignation There is still time to help the community by joining the Parish Council. 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 No report had been received from the EWR team.

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Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Patrick made a report. The Ukrainian refugee guests living in Cherwell are able to apply for a free bus pass which will be valid for three months. CDC has created a ‘cost of living’ webpage: see https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/118/communities/977/help-withthe-cost-of-living for more information which has consolidated all the links for support available. Councillor Patrick has also met with the Keep Launton Free group.

No report had been received from Councillor Corkin (OCC).

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

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk in the Agenda and Minutes section).

If any villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments.

Guidance about how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planningapplications Parish Hall The planning application has received approval and so the work now starts in earnest. The Working Group has met to discuss more of the architect’s questions and it is hoped that the next stage of pricing the project will take place shortly.

Noticeboards We hope that you might have noticed that the noticeboard by the Bull has been repaired and the noticeboard on the Parish Hall has also had a lick of paint.

During the period of mourning for Her Majesty the Queen, the majority of the notices were taken down so that the Proclamation and information about the condolence book could be seen more clearly.

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Emergency Plan There’s still time to let us know if you have a special skill or are able to help in the event of an emergency - please see page XX for more information.

Fencing in The Glades and the Bollards in Sherwood Close The Parish Council is responsible for both grass areas. Work on the fencing in the Glades will start shortly and quotes are currently being obtained for the bollards around the grass area in Sherwood Close.

Speedwatch Project The Parish Council has now bought the speed gun, special Community Speedwatch hi-vis jackets and signage for the project.

More information will be available shortly.

Traffic volumes and parking around the crossroads Members of the Parish Council have recently met with an Officer from the Highways department of the County Council to discuss the issues and is now waiting for their proposals.

Bethel Chapel - Station Road Villagers are probably aware that the Bethel Chapel on Station Road has been put on the market for sale. We have been assured that one of the terms of the sale is that the graveyard is maintained and we now hold a plan of those graves.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings

The next meeting will be on Thursday 6 October in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

We are trying to reduce our printing and paper use, so if you would like hard copies of the agenda or any of the meeting papers, please let the Clerk know well before the meeting.

Suggestions for agenda items for the 10 November meeting (please note that this is the second Thursday and will be held in the School Hall) need to be with the Clerk by 27 October and items for the 1 December meeting by 17 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/ Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 6

Appeal for Distributors for Launton Lines A message from our Distribution Manager, Shirley Johnson

We have an amazing group of people who, every month and no matter what the weather brings, set out to deliver Launton Lines to their neighbours.

Over the past few months, as people start moving around for holidays and to see family and friends, I’ve realised that I need a few back up people who can fill in when regular distributors have to drop out for one or two months, and maybe to replace, more permanently, people who move away.

We try to arrange it so there is a maximum of about 50 copies to deliver, and the routes are all based on individual roads, so it’s not too far to walk.

If you want to help, please contact me at shirley.johnson060708@gmail.com or

by phone at 01869 369269

On 10 September three local riders took part in this annual event, organised by the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, the donations from which will partially benefit St Mary’s Launton.

Tom Bailey, Robert Bradshaw (St Mary’s organist) and Chris Frost (Launton PCC Treasurer) cycled 84 miles, visiting 18 churches - a magnificent effort!

Chris will be collecting the sponsorship pledges until 31 October and can be contacted on 07775 066962 if he hasn’t already spoken to you.

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The regular report from our Cherwell District Councillors for October 2022 As with the whole Country, Commonwealth and across the globe, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. At the time of writing, we are in a period of national mourning and the messages of remembrance and support from so many people will have touched the hearts of many of you. The scenes on our TV screens show how much the Queen meant to us all in so many ways, and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Royal Family and all our residents. We wish King Charles III a long and healthy reign. There is a dedicated page on the CDC website at https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/5/your-council/1010/payingtribute-to-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii with details on how to pay tribute and key events happening across the region.

As a lot of government business is paused at this time, there are just a couple of updates from us: Grange Farm, Station Road Planning Application As mentioned last month, this planning application, originally refused by the Planning Committee is now going to an appeal hearing. The hearing is scheduled for 11 October and we will be there to represent this village. We are aware of concerns ranging from the lack of suitable infrastructure (drainage, the Station Road crossroads), to the additional flood risk and the location of the development a fairly long walk from the village centre. We will report back on how the meeting went next month, although it is likely that a decision will not be available until mid-November at the earliest.

Three-month Free Bus Passes for Ukrainian Guests A reminder in case you missed it last month that Cherwell District Council have been working closely with bus companies to offer a three-month free bus passes to any Ukrainian on the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The passes will enable guests to travel in their local area, as well as access Oxford city. A number of passes will be available; suitability will depend on where the guests are living or Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 8

working, or what journeys they are more likely to need to take. A single page is now available for both Guests and Hosts as well as other information at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/ukraine Keep In Touch Finally we just wanted to say please do keep in touch! We love hearing from you and want to support residents in any way we can.

Even if it not necessarily a district matter, we will try and point you in the right direction of who can help the best. Email at these addresses: gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.org.uk angus.patrick@cherwell-dc.org.uk or call us on 01869 717712.

Cllrs Gemma Coton and Angus Patrick

Danny Cunningham

We are very sad to report that Danny Cunningham, a regular contributor to Launton Lines since 2017, died on 1 August. The funeral on 11 August was at North Oxford Crematorium with a wake afterwards at The Bull in Launton. We hope to include an obituary for Danny in a future issue.

The Launton Watercolour Classes The Watercolour Classes with David Meeks as Tutor have restarted.

The picture on the right was one of the subjects we tackled recently.

We have a good number of people but there is space for two or three more if anyone is interested.

We meet at 2pm on Monday afternoons in the Launton Parish Hall, £8 per session.

Please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com if you are interested.

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Launton Village Players LVP Pantomime 2023: Hickory Dickory Dock Performances: Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 February 2023 Our Welcome Evening for existing and new members went very well and we were really pleased that a representative from Nai’s House came and talked to us about the work they do. Nai’s House is based in Bicester and aims to give all children and young adults access to appropriate and empowering mental health support. Our 2023 pantomime will be supporting Nai’s House, and any profits from the shows will be donated to this important cause.

We have a full cast ready to start rehearsals of Hickory Dickory Dock. The script is finalised, the songs are written, and we have original music from our own Steve Webber which will be performed by our wonderful band.

We are also working on choreography, set painting, as well as all the administrative tasks that go into putting on a pantomime such as tickets, publicity, props and lights.

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Tickets will be sold through TicketSource, but this year they will be available to buy before Christmas - so they would make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family! Watch out for more news next month about when and how you can get them.

The story of Hickory Dickory Dock is full of the expected pantomime elements - a messy scene, an ‘It’s behind you’ scene, sweets, lots of audience interaction, magic, some great effects and a ‘wonderful’ baddie who just has to be booed.

And of course there is a clock! It is suitable for all ages, so put the dates in your diary and come to enjoy a traditional family panto and help us raise money for a very important cause.

Friends of Island Pond Wood Autumn Event We will be singing at the Island Pond Wood Autumn Apple Day Event on the afternoon of Saturday 15 October. Do come along and listen. See their Facebook page for more information about the event, or the back cover of this issue: https://www.facebook.com/IslandPondWood Christmas 2022 It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas! We are hoping to do our ‘round the village’ carol singing again this year; watch this space for the date.

Find out more by email (membership@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk), Facebook or our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you.

The LVP team Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 11

The September Launton Craft and Food Market

We had gloriously warm sunshine for the September Craft and Food Market at The Launton Arms Garden on Saturday 17 September.

A delicious Greek food van was in residence for the day and a host of local small businesses were selling their crafts and artwork.

Please do continue to use the makers and artists, particularly In Other Words Occasions for gifts, The Cattleshed Candle Company for candles, Refills by Beez for your household waste-free refills, Canine Captures for wildlife photography gifts and dog photo shoots, and Line and Love for textile gifts. They are all Launton-based creators.

You can find their details, and the rest of the stall holders, on the Facebook page @LauntonCountrysideCraftCentre or contact cattleshedcandles@gmail.com or 07702207387 and I can let you have contact details.

Special Thanks to The Launton Arms for allowing us to host the market again, and to all the shoppers and sellers who support the market.

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Our CHRISTMAS MARKET will be on 26 November 2022. More details in the November issue of Launton Lines, and look out for the seasonal visitor!

If you are a local maker - do get in touch if you would like a stall.

Jen - Launton Countryside Craft Centre

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From St Mary’s Fayre on 3 September

Clockwise from the top: the Fayre in full swing in the garden of the Old Rectory; the ‘Autumn’ display in the Church; knocking down cans on the front lawn; the tea stand outside the church porch; checking out the lollies stall.

Photos by Ben Jones

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News from St Mary’s Church for October 2022 You are warmly invited to our October Services 2 October 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am Harvest Family Service - all welcome 9 October 6.00pm Harvest Evensong 16 October 11.00am Holy Communion 23 October 11.00am Morning Prayer 30 October 6.00pm Joint All Souls Service It is always advisable to refer to the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton for the most up-to-date information, in case any last minute changes have been necessary, or please contact one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735

<<<<<<<<<<|>>>>>>>>>> Please see pages 14 (opposite), 7 and 20-21 for more from St Mary’s Launton

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Launton WI Report for September 2022

Our meeting opened with greater numbers now that members have returned from their holidays and we were delighted to welcome visitors to this meeting.

Having completed our official business, we acknowledged the September birthdays of Hilary, Eleanor, Jackie and Helen and in addition, we discussed forthcoming social events. By the time you read this report, members will have enjoyed a social evening at The Bull in Launton.

Our speaker for the evening was Nicholas Gill, a community musician who came to speak about and play the music of Cole Porter. This was an exciting talk where we learned that many of the songs that we had known from childhood were from the pen of Cole Porter.

Cole Albert Porter was an American composer and songwriter who was born in 1891 and died in 1964. Many of his songs became standards noted for their witty, urbane lyrics. His musical scores found success on Broadway and in film.

While we were astonished to discover that he wrote an operetta in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan at the age of 10 we recognised most of the songs sung and played by Nicholas and of course we revelled in the opportunity to join in the singing.

His most successful songs were:

Let’s Do It Begin The Beguine Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 16

I’ve Got You Under My Skin Every Time We Say Goodbye Night And Day It’s The Wrong Time True Love Perhaps this list has jogged your memory and you are singing, humming , or whistling one of these well-known tunes as you continue to read.

Our evening of non-stop singing and music concluded with the competition, ‘Something Musical’ which was won by Jackie Webber.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 13 October 2022 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall when Peter Buchan-Symons will be talking to us about Origami.

We welcome anybody who would care to join us for the evening.

K.T.Gilbert

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Island Pond Wood: Working Party and a Celebration On Saturday 17 September a team of volunteers set to work in the wood cutting back overhanging vegetation around the pond. This involved trimming willow on the pond edge, and venturing over to the island. The aim was to increase the light levels reaching the pond in areas that were severely overshadowed.

The group also started on the annual reed cut, but could only get so far due to the reach of the tools, so this will be continued in the coming months.

The willow brash cut will hopefully be used to create a dead hedge around the far side of the pond to prevent people stepping off the bank into the pond. As always, a massive thank you to everyone who came out to help, and a special mention to Yvonne Barrett for lending us the boat! Please keep your eyes peeled for the next work session dates which will be confirmed in the next issue of Launton Lines and on our Facebook page.

But our Saturday did not end there!

At 11.30 we welcomed Bob and Maureen Roberts into the wood for a celebration of their work and achievements on site over the many years they have been in charge. Friends of Island Pond Wood are grateful that the site was handed over so seamlessly and with an outstanding legacy to uphold. We were also joined by many of the residents who worked with Bob and Maureen over the years and celebrated with tea and cake by the pond.

These residents had also made a donation for a new bench to commemorate Bob and Maureen as “Custodians of the Wood”, which was officially christened on the day. Thank you to everyone who showed up to help us celebrate their achievements, it was lovely to see so many familiar faces enjoying the wood.

There are some photos of the new bench opposite on page 19 Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 18

The marking of the new bench by the pond  Maureen and Bob Roberts take a first sit down on their ‘Custodians of the Wood’ bench by the pond.

Photos from FIPW Ltd

 Left to right: Rob Dowman (current FIPW Ltd chair), Maureen Roberts (previous F&F committee chair), Bob Roberts (previous FIPW Ltd chair), Ed Hamill (LEG member and long serving volunteer), Chloe Bradford (current F&F committee chair), Tony Meacock (previous FIPW Ltd chair).

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St Mary’s Fayre the refreshment gazebo in the churchyard and the Autumn Tree in the church

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St Mary’s Fayre 3 September 2022 Many thanks for helping us make this event such a success. In particular, thank you if you sent donations, helped move tables and/or set up and/or staffed stalls or gazebos, or came along to St Mary’s Fayre on 3 September.

It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and it was wonderful to see so many people chatting over a cup of tea and slice of cake, or browsing the many stalls and simply enjoying the beautiful location of the Old Rectory garden and the Church.

Many thanks to Becky and Tom Sowler for hosting us and to all who helped during the event, and with the clear up at the end which went very smoothly.

The exhibition in the church “What Autumn means to me” looked so colourful and there were many imaginative creations, from photographs to models of trees and mushrooms, from embroidery to paintings, and several personal memories, as well as poems and many leaves! We hope you all enjoyed it, and huge thanks to all who entered the challenge.

We raised £885.00 for St Mary’s Church which will be of great benefit to the running and maintenance of the Church.

The free craft activity, which was to help us decorate an autumn tree, was very successful. We put this in the church for the Family service the next day and thank you to all who helped with this. It looked marvellous and certainly autumnal!

See pages 14 and 20 (opposite) for pictures of the Fayre and “The Tree”.

Many thanks again for all your support. If you need any information about the Fayre please contact Email: events@stmaryslaunton.org.uk.

The Fayre Team Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 21

LAUNTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

In August we had an enjoyable social event in a member’s garden - a bring and share supper which worked out well as the warmth and the light continued for us. By the time you read this we will have had our September meeting - our first in the reign of King Charles III. John Tyler spoke about The Lost Forest of Bernwood and we’?ll report on that next month.

Our programme for the coming months is as follows: all meetings start at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall and you would be very welcome: October 27: Hendrik Ball speaking on Napoleon’s Wallpaper November 24: Alastair Lack on The Oxford of Inspector Morse December 29: Carol McGrath (local author) on A Mediaeval Christmas For further information about the Historical Society, please contact cathyprocopiou@hotmail.com Gwen Skinner

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Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 22

Reflections of a Clerk on a Momentous Occasion I suspect no one outside the Parish Clerk world has any idea of the preparation which has gone into the organisation of all those condolence books, meeting arrangements, proclamations and not forgetting the positions of flags at relevant points in the proceedings.

Behind the scenes, Clerks up and down the country have been preparing for the moment when the announcement came of the death of our Queen for many years.

Last December, I worked on a presentation for our Oxfordshire Branch of the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) all about ‘Operation London Bridge’. We had asked the County Council officer to come and brief us, but unfortunately she wasn’t able to.

So, at the last minute, with advice from the SLCC guru Philip Peacock (Town Clerk to Huntingdon and current SLCC President) I threw a PowerPoint presentation together on my iPad sitting at the side of a swimming pool the night before the meeting while my eldest teen learned to roll a kayak.

Well, that presentation has stood me in good stead.

On that fateful Thursday, after I received the BBC news notification that the Royal Family were all travelling to Balmoral, I suspected that it was time to start putting The Plan into action. I contacted our local County Association and suggested that I could re-jig the slides and we could do a Zoom presentation whenever needed. Slides done, I started to prepare our own condolence books and admin.

As well as being a member of SLCC, I am also a member of a countrywide Clerk Facebook group. We all support each other, but I could tell from the rising panic during that momentous Thursday that others weren’t as well prepared and were fast becoming like rabbits in headlights. There was no way that I - and my other knowledgeable colleagues - could answer all those questions, so at about 4.15pm, I Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 23

contacted the admin team suggesting that as I had a presentation, even if it wasn’t totally accurate at the moment (there were so many ‘whatifs’ still to clear up), it would be a start and might help.

We agreed that the first session would start at 5pm which gave Clerks, by that time, 30 minutes to join. We used the Launton Parish Council account (I didn’t think they’d mind!) but that is limited to 100 people. I opened up the session at about 4.58pm and by 5pm we were well oversubscribed. One of my Clerk colleagues was a fantastic ‘wing-man’ and helped with letting people in, watching the chat and being a voice of sanity while I presented. It was very well-received and so I agreed to do another session at 7.30 that evening.

On the Friday, I did a further two presentations to national colleagues together with a presentation to Oxfordshire Association of Local Councils. All in all, I probably presented live to almost 400 Clerks. I shared my slides online and OALC also shared them to those Oxfordshire Clerks who couldn't come along. While that is a drop in the ocean compared with the 10,000 parish and town councils in England and Wales, I like to think that at least I did a bit to quell the rising panic amongst the Clerking community.

We now know all about raising and lowering of flags, proclamations, how long the mourning period is, when the funeral is, whether we can hold meetings during a period of national mourning, what to do with events already booked in Council buildings and many more issues.

It has been a steep learning curve, but one I feel very privileged to have been able to play a part in - albeit in a very small way.

Clerks are an extremely resilient bunch who can turn their hands to anything, but sometimes need a bit of guidance to know that they’re going in the right direction. I hope that my colleagues are recognised for the amazing jobs they have all done over the last two weeks.

Jane Olds | Clerk to (among others) Launton Parish Council Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 24

e’re not just Jam and Jerusalem!

We’re a friendly, sociable group and always welcome new members. We have a varied programme of talks, discussions, events, outings and social gatherings. We also try to meet for a walk and lunch each month.

We actively support other village groups and organizations. Our cake baking skills (rather than jam making ones) are often called on for events in the village, and we are always happy to help.

Launton WI was formed in 1941 and has been going strong ever since.

We meet on the second Thursday each month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall.

To find out more, contact Gaye (241883) or Hilary (241989).

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The Launton Community Café starts a new term It is great to report that we have had a really positive start to the new term. The format remains the same. We have two sessions on every Tuesday in school terms, as follows: 9.00am - 11.00am This tends to attract pre-school children and their carers, of all ages 2.30pm - 4.30pm Up until 3.15 you can have a quiet cuppa until the children come out of school to enjoy the activities organised by our superb support worker, Emma. So 3.15 to 4.30 can be a bit lively and energetic Do come along for a visit to see for yourself!!!!

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For the fifth month in a row, there are no planned road closures in Launton in October.

But do keep an eye on Gigaclear throughout the village.

You can also register for Gigaclear updates at www.gigaclear.com/mycommunity

Watch this space for the future.

Grange Mews News October 2022

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease Bicester Dance Academy have resumed their sessions and Sarah Tree with her new hip is really enjoying the freedom of the dance floor and the teaching and schooling of the attendees.

Writing this on a Saturday morning it is obvious from the noise (dare I call the music and moves ‘noise’?) of those in the classes that the enthusiasm and athleticism is compelling.

It may be early days but there will be a Christmas event at Grange Mews on 4 December and a diary note could be made so as not to miss it.

We have recently had a >1,000 sq. ft storage unit become free for a term lease and due to our long-term electric contracts, we are able to offer it with 3 phase and an almost two-year charge of less than 20p per unit.

Not that it is likely to be used, but the height of the roller doors accommodates double decker buses.

This will shortly be advertised more widely but this could be useful for a local skilled worker.

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

Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH)

There have been two Open Meetings of FoLPH since our May AGM on 21 July and 22 September. We now have seven Trustees, have arranged insurance to cover fund-raising events, are developing a website, and have confirmed a programme of events through to the end of the year.

We’ve announced the winner of the Sunflower competition launched at our May Day Fair. With a plant grown in Launton by her grandparents, Daisy Gray’s plant reached 2.62 metres. The prize (a tub of Celebrations and a voucher from the Sun Wah in Langford) were given by Andy Ng. What3Words Scavenger Hunt took place on Sunday 25 September with 56 people (and a dog) taking part. It was widely enjoyed, and raised £295.

Harvest Fair+Apple Pressing runs on Saturday 1 October in the Hall.

On Friday 18 November the Hall becomes a community cinema with the Singalong version of Grease!. Come along for fun, and (if you want) in costume. Popcorn, wine, and other refreshments will be on sale. As the nights draw in join us and relive all those Summer Nights! Tickets are on the door at £5 for Adults and £10 for a family ticket. Doors open at 7.30.

WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST-ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR

A caring traditional 24 hour service Provided by Mr Hancock and his team personally 

Private Chapel Of Rest



Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars 

Perfect Choice Funeral Plans

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 28

On Friday 9 December FoLPH will run an early Christmas entertainment evening, featuring a Snowman Drive, a seasonal Quiz, a ploughman’s supper, and some Christmas songs. There will be more info in the November issue of Launton Lines.

Suggestions for future events include another Quiz, a disco night, another What3Words Hunt, and an open meeting to share the detailed plans once they are finalised.

The advisory Working Group established by the Parish Council has been working with the architects to produce detailed building plans. Once these are completed, we can go ahead with applications for funding.

We are also looking for volunteer Project Leaders in the village to push the whole project through. Any volunteers? And anyone with experience of researching and writing grant applications and general fundraising, please do come forward: your help will be valuable.

The next Open Meeting of FoLPH will be on 17 November at 7.30 in the Parish Hall.

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 29

An Emergency Plan for Launton

We are currently in the process of updating the village’s Emergency Plan.

Under normal circumstances, of course, major emergencies are handled by the emergency services, by County and District Councils, by public utilities and voluntary agencies in a combined response, but there can be times when we may need to help ourselves - particularly if there is an issue affecting a large area.

Our Plan isn’t intended to be a substitute for these services, but it is there to increase the short-term resilience of the community in the event of an extreme event. This could be a fire, flood, loss of water, loss of power, or snow.

In addition, the Plan is to cover situations, such as the recent pandemic, where there is a need for community support at a local level.

Experience has shown that those who have spent time planning and preparing for this are better able to cope, and can recover more quickly.

Community emergency planning enables groups to provide more effective support. It provides information to responding agencies (the emergency services, relevant local authorities, etc.) who are coordinating responses on a wider scale.

Our current plan is available on the Parish Council website www.launtonpc.gov.uk/emergency-planning and now needs refreshing.

We need you!

If you have a special skill, or a useful vehicle - whether that’s being able to use a chainsaw, have a 4x4 or a tractor, can administer first aid, or volunteer to make tea at a reception centre (to name but a few) - we’d love to hear from you.

We will hold your details securely, and will, of course, only contact you if we need to put the plan in place. But this could be at any time - in fact Bletchingdon’s was only implemented recently because of a fire, so it’s always good to be prepared.

Please get in touch with any of the following Jane Olds - clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk or Lesley Thompson - lesley.thompson@launton-pc.gov.uk or Abi Dowman - abigail.dowman@launton-pc.gov.uk Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 30

Future Events for Autumn 2022

The Sunflower Competition Report

At the May Day Fair this year PHIP gave sunflower seeds, compost, pots and instructions and promised to measure the tallest in mid September. It became clear that the hot and dry summer had brought the plants on, so set 4 September as Measuring Day. Some growers reported that plants had flowered in mid August and then died. One had measured their plant to 2.2 metres, but most growers’ plants had either been eaten by slugs, or had died in the very hot weather. The winner was a plant grown in West End that reached 2.62 metres (or 8'7¼'') on Measuring Day. The seeds will be saved and we’ll offer them for a similar challenge next year.

The tallest plant was grown for a granddaugher who lives in Edinburgh. The prizes have been delivered, and she appears on the cover of this issue.

Robert Cornford FoLPH

House maintenance   Repointing  Internal and external decorations Patios  Decking  Fencing  For a personal service, call Peter N Southam 01869 278333 07721 633 220 peteroofer@aol.com Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 32

Community events at Island Pond Wood

There are two events in the Island Pond Wood this month, and the popular Muddy Feet Forest School are back for drop-in sessions at both the Apple Day (15 October, see page 44) and our Halloween trail (29 October, see page 31). No need to pre book, just turn up and join in, all materials are provided, Muddy Feet will be set up within the woodland area on the event days.

We are pleased to have our local Launton Village Players playing a 45 minute set at the Apple Day event on Saturday 15 October, and Peekaboo’s Music and Play Group will be running two interactive music sessions for under 5’s between 2.15 and 2.45 and then again between 3.15 and 3.45. There will be arts and crafts, a cake sale and refreshments available, as well as the very important apple pressing and demonstrations running until 4:00pm. If you have any spare apples to donate for apple pressing - please message our Facebook page or email, as we’ll be collecting these on the day before the event - so on 14 October.

As we had some budget left over from our Launton Parish Council grant we have been able to host the Halloween Spooky Trail on Saturday 29 October. Muddy Feet Forest School will run from 1:00pm - 3:00pm and the self-led trail is open all day which will see areas of the woods decorated for the day.

Zara Sankey

Parish Council Meeting for November The November Meeting will be on Thursday 10 November (the second Thursday of the month) and in a different venue, in the School Hall.

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 33

To find out more, message us through our Facebook Page, by scanning the QR Code, or contact Claire on 07540 013 105 Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 34

The ex-Launton Boy tells of meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2016

See page 40, where Tony Jeacock tells of her visit to1RSME Chatham (The Royal School of Military Engineering) to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

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 2022 | Page 35

The Scavenger Hunt: winners and answers

Winner of the Bonus Round prize was Team Black Thorns: Zach Arshad, Nic Warwick, Tanya Arshad, Tobias Arshad.

Winner of the Standard Round prize was Em-J Poppy Team: their prize was accepted for the Team by Emily Jane Harnden. In the background is Jon Spinage who came up with the idea.

 Left: checking a location on the What3Words app  Below: At the end of the Hunt all Teams returned to the Hall to submit their answers and enjoy refreshments and cake while waiting for the results to come through.

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 36

Launton What3Words Scavenger Hunt

On 25 September and during the beautiful afternoon, 18 teams came to the Parish Hall and entered the Hunt. While sitting in the Hall, clues were solved to find the missing words from the What3Words locations, and teams then set off into the sunshine to find the answers and to collect the scavenger items, such as an empty snail shell, a feather and an acorn. A few teams entered the bonus round where the clues were more cryptic. All teams had a maximum of an hour and a half to complete the Hunt.

At the end of the Hunt the teams returned to the Hall for welldeserved refreshments. They also submitted their answers by Google Forms and had a chat over their tea and cake: meanwhile, Jon Spinage, the organiser, was at home collating the team answers. There were 56 participants, and the winning teams were as follows: For the standard round “Em-J Poppy Team” (4 Adults, 1 Child, and a dog named Poppy) For the bonus round “Black Thorns” (2 Adults and 2 Children) Well done to them, and to all who entered. There was a lovely busy feel in the Hall and everyone was awarded a certificate for making it back having done the route. After all the sweet treats were finished, the location sticky.exits.caked seems quite appropriate!

Many thanks to all who helped set up and clear up, and to Jon Spinage who came up with the idea and worked on the question and answer sheets, and much more. Many thanks too to East/West Rail for doing the printing and making up the Team Packs and printing the Certificates for us, and to all who donated cakes or prizes.

It was a great afternoon and thank you to all for helping to raise funds for Friends of Launton Parish Hall. The What3Words Hunt raised £295 for our funds.

Maybe we will run it again in 2023.

Robert Cornford | Communications Officer, FoLPH There are photos of winning teams on page 36 (opposite) and more pictures of the Hunt on page 43.

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 37

Letters and emails to the Editor Dear Editor, I write with a proposal to improve the visual appeal of our streets.

It is great to see that village life is returning to something close to “normal”, and with the summer just passed, there have been many events. All of these mean that there has been a sudden display of posters, flyers, and other promotions. It makes for interesting changes in the streetscape as one strolls round the village.

But, there is one downside - that not all organisations that put up posters or flyers have plans in place to go round after the event and take down their publicity. I know that some of us do go round removing out-of-date materials - but also know that others don’t think they should take down what is someone else’s property.

Maybe we can organise a regular poster clean up alongside the regular village clean up - giving volunteers metal tools to remove the drawing pins or staples used to put them up. But it would be good to think that the organisations putting up the posters also make plans to take them down - maybe within a week after the event. -|-

Dear Editor, I noticed in August that there was a gulper lorry cleaning the road drains along Bicester Road - not before time. I didn’t see if it continued along Blackthorn Road (where the drains must be very clogged with road wash off from the traffic delivering to and from the Launton Mews site) or Station Road - but a quick visual check on West End showed that the lorry had not visited there. The drains are still blocked, with many sporting growth of grasses and weeds. Once the gulper was in the village why didn’t it just complete its work?

We wait to see the positive results in Bicester Road over the winter as rain drains cleanly away and into the sewers. We just hope that the pumps in the Thames Water works on Blackthorn Road can handle the flow!

Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 38

Memories of an ex-Launton Boy

I was all set to write a piece for this month’s Launton Lines when sadly we were advised of the sudden death of our beloved Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We all knew she had become very frail, as could be clearly seen when she invited the new Prime Minister to form a government, and I had wondered whether this, her 70th (Jubilee) year on the throne, she might still be with us by the year end, but nonetheless, the news of her death came as quite a shock.

Although I am able to remember (faintly) her father, King George VI, it is as if our Queen has been with us forever, and it began to feel as if she would remain with us forever.

It is difficult to put into words how I feel about the Queen’s passing and what she meant to me personally throughout my life.

I first saw Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II back in 1957 at the World’s Jubilee Jamboree when Scouts came from all over the world to the great park of Sutton Coldfield (now Royal Sutton Coldfield), the town in which I was born. Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were there and I actually saw them twice that day. Once was in Sutton Park where she reviewed all the Scouts on parade (of which I was never one) and the second time was in a sparkling opentopped Landrover. As a nine-year-old boy I found the whole experience most exciting and have never forgotten it.

Like many of my age, I remember well the Queen’s coronation and Union Jacks being hung from front bedroom windows throughout Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 39

the village, including our own. Goodness knows what happened to my Coronation Mug over the years, but I remember clearly gathering with so many villagers on The Cross, which looked quite different then from the way it appears today, to receive our Coronation Mugs.

Those of my generation will remember those trips to the local cinema, such as The Regal at Bicester, when after the last show of the evening we would all stand for the National Anthem and see on the cinema screen Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in vivid colour riding sidesaddle on her horse. Most of us back then held the Queen in very high reverence, but in the intervening years, the display of reverence seemed to fade for some reason. However, upon the announcement of her passing, unified evidence of that renewed reverence has been displayed throughout the entire British Isles and far beyond.

The last time I saw Her Majesty was when in 2016 she paid a special visit to 1RSME Chatham (The Royal School of Military Engineering) to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Corps of Royal Engineers which I was privileged to attend as the Welfare Officer of the Medway Branch of the Royal Engineers Association, along with my wife Julie.

Her late Majesty was the Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Engineers and Patron of the Royal Engineers Association. (Please see photo on page 35) I did not have the opportunity to travel to London to Westminster Hall; however, the Standard Bearer of my REA Branch is also a Yeoman of the Guard and was one of those attending Her late Majesty as she lay in State, having also recently attended her upon her Jubilee celebrations.

I was so moved at the passing of our dear late Queen, I wrote a poem from a personal perspective which, I would like to crave your indulgence by allowing me to share it with you.

Keep well and Stay SAFE. Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | October 2022 Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 40

Farewell Your Royal Majesty May You Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory It’s as if I’ve lost my mother All over again For that is what you’ve been Throughout and beyond our land.

With total dedication And a love that was profound You took us to your bosom And held us by the hand.

I knew of your father briefly For I was but a boy aged three We knew not what our nation From thence was going to be.

But there was no need to worry As through you we came to see Not just a very pretty mother But that your wisdom was the key.

Warmth conjoined with wisdom, Qualities in short supply But you, our dearest Majesty Didn’t even have to try.

We all on earth will miss you As you rise to a higher plain And we hope that when our time comes We will see you yet again.

God Bless You and May You Rest in Peace A. J. Jeacock 10 September 2022 Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 41

Diary Dates: October 2022

In the current situation, it is difficult to be specific about village events. Listed are those we know are planned - but check with organisers nearer the date if you plan to attend.

OCTOBER Saturday Sunday

1 FoLPH Harvest Fair, Parish Hall, 10am-12 noon 2 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Harvest Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 3 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 4 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 6 Parish Council Meeting, Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Parish Hall Sunday 9 St Mary's Church, Harvest Evensong, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 10 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 11 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 12 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.45pm, ends about 3.30pm Thursday 13 WI Meeting, speaker Peter Buchan-Symons on Origami, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 14 SCOTS Night at The Bull, from 5.30pm Saturday 15 FIPW Apple Day Family Community Event in The Woodland, 2pm-4pm | BCOS Concert, Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat, St Edburg's Church, 7.30 Sunday 16 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 17 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 18 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 20 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE NOVEMBER 2022 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Last day of school Friday 21 First day of half-term holiday Sunday 23 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 24 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 25 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | No Community Café this week as school half term | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 26 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 12.30pm, with lunch and the bar open. ends about 3.30pm Thursday 27 Launton Historical Society, Hendrik Ball on Napoleon's Wallpaper, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 28 Family Halloween Party LPFA Hall, Children's entertainment and disco from 5.30pm - Karaoke and Adult Disco ends 11.30pm Saturday 29 Halloween Spooky self-led Trail open all day and evening in the Woodland, Muddy Feet Forest School, 1pm-3pm, Island Pond Wood Sunday 30 Clocks go back, Summer Time ends | St Mary's Church, Joint All Souls’ Service, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 31 Back to school, half term over | Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm

What3Words Scavenger Hunt - from hall to field

 Top left: The entry desk where Teams collected their packs  Top right: working on the clues for locations before setting off on the Hunt  Middle: one (or possibly two) teams in a Launton field  Looking for answers in

West End

All What3Words Scavenger Hunt photographs by Matt Hill Launton Lines October 2022 | Page 43

Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which also manages the Launton website www.launton.org and the Launton Village Facebook Page and Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council.

Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXII Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion.

Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.