Launton Lines Issue 274 August & September 2023

The front cover shows a confused butterfly in the Island Pond Wood: a Red Admiral has landed on the information board about the Brown Hairstreak.We hope it worked out what it identified as. Cover designed by Matt Hill.

Photo from JonSpinage

TheEditorwrites…

YetmoreapologiesfromyourEditor.Afterthegallstoneproblemswiththe Julyissue,theAugustissuehasdisappearedfromthefaceoftheearthasI wasbackintheJRformostofJulytohavemygallbladderremoved.Ifinally camehome-sportinga15cmhealingscar-attheendofJuly,andquickly realisedthat-withtheeffectsofageneralanaestheticandsomeprettymajor surgery-Ihadtomakeanalternativeplan.Sothisisacombinedissuefor AugustandSeptember,withsomecontent(liketheParishCouncilreport) coveringbothmonths.Wehavealsoincludedadvertsfrombothmonths,so itisquitefull,andIhavehadtoholdoversomeless-timelycontributionsto October,whenIhopewe'llbebacktoamorenormalschedule:thedeadline forcopyfortheOctoberissueis17September.

ThecoverofthisissueisfromaphotosentinbyourChair-JonSpinage.It appearstobeconfusing-andafterthepastmonthsIwelcometheconfusion.

Thisissuehasallthenormalcontent(ParishCouncil-pages4-7,WIpages18-19and40,Over60s-page8,HistoricalSociety-pages22-3, VillagePlayers-pages11-13,andreportsfromour CDCCouncillorspages 34-5,andourcurrentMP,VictoriaPrentis-pages32-3)aswellas areviewofthePlayers’SummerShow-pages14-16,andStMary'sFayre isonpages24-25.Theex-LauntonBoyisonpages43-45,too.

RobertCornford

Groupemail:village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk

PHONENumbers:9:30amto5:00pm

AmonthlynewsletterforLaunton.Publishedaroundthefirstofeachmonth bytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroup©2023LauntonLines email:launtonlines@launton.orgwebsite:https://launton.org/launton-lines/

Contact:JoanPacker

Phone:07922042133

ParishHallCommittee:ChristineMassey; AudreyDeeley;LynneHarper;JoanPacker; SimonTurner;RobertCornford

LIGHTUPALIFE

Would you like to sponsor an evening’sfloodlighting at StMary’sChurch 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 JoanPacker on 01869 241694 by 20 September 2023 for entry in the October 2023 issue of Launton Lines.

7 August | Sponsored by Clare Farmer. Another year, another birthday, always in our thoughts Louise, lovingly remembered. From Mum, Davie, Amber, David, Kitty, Megan

11 August | For MaryBrydon

Special birthday wishes, with love from ‘Your Girls’

29August | Sponsored by MaryBrydon

Remembering my dear Tom on this day

4 September | Sponsored by MaryBrydon in memory of her school friend Laelia

9 September | Sponsored by MaureenRoberts to celebrate the birthday of her mother Iris Baker

Launton Parish Council Meetings held on Thursday 6 July and 3 August 2023 at 7:30pmin Launton School Hall

Councillors present (6 July) MrAndrewBriant, MrEdSanders (Vice Chairman), MrsLesleyThompson, MrSimonTurner (Chairman), Mrs

JaquelineWebber

Apologies (6 July) MrsAbigailDowman

Councillors present (3 August) MrsAbigailDowman, MrsLesley Thompson, MrSimonTurner (Chairman), MrsJaquelineWebber

Apologies (3 August) MrAndrewBriant, MrEdSanders (Vice Chairman)

In attendance (both meetings) The Clerk, MrsJaneOlds; District

Councillor GemmaCoton; on 6 July, 3 members of the public; on 3 August, no members of the public

East West Rail

No report had been received for either meeting. If anyone has any queries, please contact East West Rail directly at the 24 hour helplineat 03457 11 41 41 or at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk

Reports from District and County Councillors

Councillor Cotonreported that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be considering the Local Plan on 16 August and it would be submitted to the CDCExecutive Committee in September. The consultation was likely to start at the end of September.TheParliamentary BoundaryReviewhasbeenconfirmedandLaunton will be in the Bicester and Woodstockconstituency - probably with a new MP, as Victoria Prentisis likely to remain with Banbury.A ‘home upgrade’ grant has been made available toallhomeswherecombinedincomewasunder£31k.

No reports have been received from Councillor Corkin.However he has been helping to find funding for various traffic projects.

Finance

The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.

Planning

All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’sPlanning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.ukin the Agenda and Minutes section). If a 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 on how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planningapplications

Parish Hall

The Grants Group (a sub group of the Parish Hall Working Group) is working on which grant bodies to apply to. The Clerk has received confirmation that the Expression of Interest Form submitted by the Parish to the DLUHCCommunity Ownership Fund had been successful

and the Council has been invited to complete the full application form.

Following a review of the Energy Performance Certificate, the Hall now has a rating of C and can therefore be leased to the Parish Council. Once the Lease is signed the Parish Council will be responsible for the running of the Hall, but we very much hope that the current management committee members will stay on to help the Parish Council.

Gigaclearhas offered the Parish Hall the opportunity to apply for their Community Hub free broadbandprovision for a year. The Council has signed the agreement and it is hoped that broadbandwill be available in the hall shortly.

Climate and BiodiversityEmergency (July Meeting)

Following EdHamill’spresentation about the Launton Environmental Society in June, the Council has decided to declare a Climate and BiodiversityEmergency. The next step will be building a local action plan. If anyone would like to help with how this can be developed, please contact the Clerk (clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk).

Highway and Traffic Issues

The pavement on Bicester Road outside the Church was renovated in late July. It is hoped that this will make it easier for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to use that section of pavement.

20mphConsultation

Many thanks to all those who took time to complete the consultation. It is obvious that Launton residents feel very strongly about the issue as OCC confirmed that this had one of the highest response rates they’veseen! We have now received confirmation that the application was approved, so we’re just waiting for an implementation date.

Speedwatch

The team made two one-hour outings in June with a total of 520 vehicles being counted in the two hours. Three vehicles were recorded travelling at more than 30mph.

In July, the team made four one-hour outings with a total of 833 vehicles being counted over the four hours. 14 vehicles were recorded travelling at more than 30mphincluding 9 on one afternoon.

One of the main purposes of Speedwatchis to deter drivers from speeding through the village, and the monitoring, with the team in their hi-visjackets, is definitely having an effect.

Our SpeedwatchCo-ordinator would love to hear from you if you are able to join the team - contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk

Village Gates

It may have been noticed that the village gates on Blackthorn Road have seen better days. We’dlike to thank the villager who repositioned them for the time being, but this is just a temporary measure. We hope to be able to apply for some funding to buy some new gates shortly.

Clerk Hours and Contact

Due to a change in the Clerk’spersonal circumstances, the Clerk’s normal working days will be between Monday and Wednesday. Social media should not be thought of as a default method of communication – unfortunately the Clerk can’tkeep an eye on Facebook 24 hours a day!

If you would like to contact the Clerk, please leave a message either by email(clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk) or on the mobile (07305 303889) and she will respond when she is next in the office.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings

The next meeting will be on Thursday 7 September in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm. If you’dlike 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. The agenda and papers will be available to view via the data projector during the meeting. Suggestions for agenda items for the 5 October meeting need to be with the Clerk by 21 September, and items for the 2 November meeting by 19 October.

If you’re not signed up to our mailing list to receive news from the Parish Council, you can find a sign up form at the bottom left hand menu of the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/

The Parish Council and the Parish Clerk has a new contact number.

You can now call or text on

Launton Over 60’sClub Report

Here is a poem written by Veronica Phillipsfrom Bicester who joined Launton Over 60sClub at the end of April this year. We are glad she is enjoying it so much. If you would like any more infoabout the Club please ring me, Pat Court, on 01869 244900.

Today is “every other Wednesday” again. We meet at the hall whether it’ssunny or pouring with rain. We pay our dues and collect our raffle tickets

Hoping our numbers are winners.

A packet of biscuits or a chocolate bar Or something to eat for our dinners. A cuppaawaits with a biscuit as well. Swap a book, laugh, have a good natter, There are subjects galore so it doesn’tmatter.

Putting the world to rights

Before setting our sights

On the tickets we hold.

A lucky someone will strike gold. Shh, Edwina’swaiting, microphone in hand.

Dabbers poised, are we playing for a grand?

It’seyes down as the numbers are called.

Tension mounts, it’sso quiet you could hear a mouse, Then someone lucky shouts “House”.

Time is up, it’shomeward bound once more. We slowly walk towards the door

Having to wait until the next “every other”. Spread the word, tell your sister or brother!

Join us for a celebratory dinner.

The Over 60sClub is definitely a winner!

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 13 September (a lunch meeting so doors will open at 12.30, and the bar will be open), then there is a Club meeting on Wednesday 27 September. Both will be in the Sports and Social Hall.

A Launton Birthday

The Afternoon Tea event in the Parish Hall on 13 August brought a surprise for MaryBrydonwhen staff carried out a cake with a candle and a bouquet of flowers to mark her 80th birthday. Marywas at a table she had organised with friends. It was specially appropriate as Marysupplies Launton Lines with information on births, marriages, birthdays, and deaths in the village. Happy Birthday, Mary!

Launton Watercolour Group

The Watercolour Classes will run on all Mondays in September (4, 11, 18, and 25), in the Parish Hall from 2pm. We have space for new members at £8 per session.

Here is a painting from a current class member.

If you would like to join the classes, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com

For more on Launton Environmental Society see the report from Chair EdHamill on pages 41-42

Launton Village Players

Family Variety Show 2023: ComeRainorShine

On July 15 and 16 July the show went on, Come Rain or Shine! Due to unpredictable weather, we moved the show into the big farm shed at Hare Leys, which was transformed into a pop-up theatre, with lights, marquees and a stage. Despite the wind and rain (and at one time, a thunderclap during Act One), the weather didn’taffect us, the sun even came out at a few points! There is a review of the show on pages 14-16.

We sang It’sRaining Men, Cold, Cold Winter, and even had tap dancing in a tray of water for I’m Singing in the Rain. The Lawn Chair Drill made both children and adults chuckle, and we enjoyed Act Two, with songs about rainbows and sunshine as well as “Musicals in a Minute”. Who could not relish seeing Kermitthe Frog sing about rainbows? Our soloists gave great performances, from Somewhere over the Rainbow to Rainbow by KaceyMusgraves, and the Carpenters’ Rainy Days and Mondays.

Our Front of House team did a marvellous job and looked after everyone really well. A huge thank you to our audiences who supported us and were so enthusiastic. Thanks to your generosity, we are pleased to announce that we made £1400 from Come Rain or Shine to be divided equally between UNICEF and Bicester Food Bank. Our last thank you goes to the wonderful LVP team who gave up so much of their time and energies to put on a wonderful show and help us to raise money for such worthwhile causes. It was a great weekend and many thanks to all involved.

Panto 2024: Rapunzel

Work is already underwayon our 2024 pantomime Rapunzel, written and directed by JuliaWest, with original music by SteveWebber.

We are delighted to announce the profits from Rapunzel will be donated to Bicester Autism, a community organisation in Bicester who provide much needed support, learning and opportunities for families and carersof autistic children, and those with, or awaiting a diagnosis of ADHDand Autism. continuedonpages12and13

There will be seven performances of Rapunzel during February half term, from 14 to 17 February 2024, in Cooper School Performance Hall. Tickets will be on sale in November.

Your chance to join LVP!

Do you like singing, dancing or acting? We are looking for energetic performers to join LVP, and this year have a few spaces in our Adult Chorus, which may lead to bigger roles in future performances. We are holding an Open Evening on Sunday 17thSeptember at 7pm in Launton Parish Hall – this is an ideal opportunity to come along and meet some of us, find out a bit more and have a very informal audition to see if LVP is the right fit for you. We will be doing some acting, group singing and learning a dance routine – and of course there will be tea and cake! It’sgoing to be lots of fun!

Being part of our cast for panto is lots of fun, and a great way to spend Sunday evenings over the winter. If you would like to get involved, including any of the many off stage roles, such as part of

Oneofthemostimportant decisionsyouwillmake ischoosingtherightaccountant.

Contact us today foraFREEinitialmeeting.

We will proactivelylisten toyourbusinessneeds andcreatepersonalisedsolutions.

email@stackandjones.co.uk

Tel: 01869 277973

Unit4,WillowsGate,StrattonAudley

Bicester,Oxon OX279AU

our fantastic Front of House team, just drop us a message on Facebookor emailto membership@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk

Games in the Garden

Launton Village Players are holding a fund raising event in the garden of 14 Chestnut Close, Launton on Saturday 16 September from 2pm until 4pm.The players are now in a position where we need to replace some of our equipment and like everything at the moment the amount of money needed is quite substantial. So we are holding an afternoon event for families. There will be a bar to purchase beverages/tea and coffee and garden games to keep you occupied. Please feel free to bring your own picnic or come with friends and have a bring and share picnic. There will be a small entrance fee, keep an eye out for posters and where to buy tickets from. Please come and support us. For more information check our Facebookpage.

The LVP Team

Come Rain or Shine, The Show Will Go On!

Months ago when the concept for this year’svariety show was imagined, the organisers were hoping for another open air experience in the picturesque grounds of Hare LeysFarm, but given the unpredictable weather in the days leading up to 15 and 16 July, it was decided the show would be performed under cover in one of the large sheds to protect audience, cast and LVP crew from the elements. How apt!

Now, I have seen many a cow shed in my time, having spent most of my childhood around my grandparents farm in the Cotswolds, but I can assure you, I have never seen a shed quite like this before. Pristine white marquees with country pink bunting promised strawberries and cream, cream cakes and buns, teas, coffeesand prosecco. More bunting and floral pink artworksled us to the green tent of The LVP Band, housing GilesConway, John Nelson (more on him later), SimonTurner (more on him too) and SarahTurner, directed by SteveWebber.To the centre, dramatic black curtains enveloped the square red proscenium that would frame the action ahead, all prettily adorned with fairy lights. And so it was that 80 or so people at the Sunday show set up our own staggered seating arrangement, in our camping chairs, drink in hand, eagerly awaiting our first sight of the full ensemble opening number. The Band announced the start of proceedings with the comforting arrangements recognised by any seasoned LVP fan, accompanied by the energy rousing booming sounds of the bass drums.

Miles Penhallowonce again masterfully compèredthe show, designed to show off the vagaries of our British weather delivering some weather relevant tongue twisters and some quick one-liners along the way: “What do weathermen wear under their trousers? …Thunderpants” will give you a sense of the vibeif you were unfortunate enough to miss it, pitching it just right for an audience ranging in age from 1-101, providing sighs, groans and chuckles in equal measure!

The whole show was thoughtfully structured: Act 1 focused mainly on the wind, rain and snow, while Act 2 majored on sunnier, happier climes. Numbers ranged through songs, song and dance routines, comedy sketches, and speeches. One of the most powerful parts was early in Act 2: after The Company roused us with a pretty rendition of What A Wonderful World, we heard an extract from GretaThunberg’s Our House Is

On Fire speech. Made more poignant in the levity of music hall variety, this house was silent as EileenPenhallow, EdwinaRalston, Sayward

Burns and StephPoulsenstepped forward and eloquently delivered their part. We had only to see recent pictures of displaced holiday makers in Greece to witness that parts of our house are literally already on fire. Unsurprisingly, rain featured quite a lot with songs featuring It’sRaining Men (loved that the male members of the cast walked out with cloud props during that full ensemble piece), Rainy Days and Mondays sweetly sung by NickyRoberts, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head sung by husband and wife duo AndyRobertsand Nickyand Umbrella (fun choreography with umbrellas featuring BethHeale, JuliaWest, Sarah Nixeyand StephPoulsen). I particularly was excited to see the LVP Tap Dance Troupe, clad in black with sparkles, led by soloist BethHeale Singing In The Rain backed up with her tap dancing chorus of Jackie Webber, LizHill, SarahNixeyand TinaCherry. Beth, showcasedher triple threat capability, acting beautifully through song and delighting us with a mini tap solo including, if I’m not mistaken, some rather nice paddles, pick-ups and shuffles!

For me, the diversity of the show was excellent this year on so many levels. New soloists came to the stage: Martin Evansgave a charming performance About the Weather in his rich tenor voice and CharlieNewell gave a thoughtful performance of Rainbow with her more commercial tone, contrasting nicely with the more classical and musical theatre styles. The comedy sketches such as The Four Seasons Sketch (Beth, Eileen, Liz, Miles and Tina), The Forecasters Sketch (Andy, Miles and Tina) and the Lawn Chair Drill (Simonleading the charge, with Beth, Julia, Michael Burns, Nick Cherry and Steph) altered the pace and were confidently acted. A special mention to SimonTurner in the Lawn Chair Drill: here’s a man who knows how to perform. He takes his space to suit the audience and the story he’stelling. He captured the audience from the first moment, and kept us with him throughout. The mini cast performed the choreography (chair opening and folding!) impeccably, and the one he couldn’tquite control, Nick, provided the laughs. The diversity of costume this year was fabulous. It gave the whole show a more modern, more relevant feel. We still saw the white top and vibrant coloured skirt outfits to please the traditionalists, but we also saw jeans and shirts, black trousers and white tops in some of the group turns

and full cast numbers. It created a contemporary simplicity that showcasedthe performers’ talents all the more. Encore to that!

Musicals in a Minute was particularly fun, with brilliant teamwork between Beth, Nicky, Miles and Simon.It was a tadlonger than a minute but we got through, at great speed, pieces from White Christmas, My Fair Lady (‘The Rain in Spain’), Frozen, Grease (‘Summer Lovin’), Dirty Dancing (‘She’sLike The Wind’), The MuppetShow (‘Rainbow Connection’ with Simonas Kermitthe Frog - just brilliant!), and MammaMia (‘Our Last Summer’) amongst others. A terrific feat that we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Bravo again to John Nelson for both his numbers Blowin’ In The Wind and Somewhere Over The Rainbow playing guitar and ukelele respectively. A true musician, he uses contrasting dynamics to enhance his storytelling. He doesn’tneed props or gimmicks, his natural musicality shines through. Such a composed performer, the audience genuinely quietens in his presence. It was simply wonderful.

Thanks must go to JuliaWest (Director) and CeliaEvans(Producer) and all who play their part in the LVP for giving us a “lazy, hazy, crazy day of summer” and metaphorical sunshine. As always, the big company numbers are a joy to behold with the evident enjoyment of every cast member. Ending with Bring Me Sunshine, complete with Morecambe and Wise signature exit, followed by Walking On Sunshine assured an uplifting happy finish to a jolly good show. In the traditional spirit of variety, come rain or shine we were going to have a jolly old time. And we jolly well did. For now though I leave you with another random pearl of wisdom from Miles: “Don’tTrust Umbrellas ….They’re far too shady.” Ba-dumbumCHINGfrom Gileson the drums…

Reviewed by AllisonFord-Langstaff

8 August 1873: FrederickMassey, the toddling fox-hunter, who was seriously injured on June 3 by a cricket ball on the Bicester Club grounds, is, we are very sorry to hear, in a bad and critical state at his cottage at Launton. His jaw is nearly righted, but the blow from the ball has caused a fearful abcesson his cheek. His finances are, we hear, limited, and he has a wife and five children at home.

22 August 1873: PETTY SESSIONS Incorrect Measures at Launton WilliamMarriott, landlord of the Greyhound Inn, Launton, was charged with having 4 earthenware jugs from 2 to 8 drachms deficient, on the 17thult.Superintendent Mouldenproduced the jugs, which were marked “J, F, L” and upon testing them before the Magistrates found them deficient 6½, 1½, 10½ and 10 drachms respectively. Defendant said he had taken to the “Greyhound” about 7 months. He bought the jugs at that time from MrFreeman, the last landlord, when he told him Superintendent Mouldenhad tried them and they were correct. The Chairman said it was clearly shown that the jugs were wrong; but the Magistrates had taken into consideration the fact that defendant had taken them from the outgoing tenant and he thought them right. Defendant was fined the mitigated amount of 5s, and costs 9s, which were immediately paid.

29 August 1873: MrWilliamJeacock, of Launton, has harvested, from allotment ground in his occupation, a bean stalk, having on it 188 beans.

Wheelchair available in

Launton

The family of a former editor of Launton Lines has given a wheelchair to be available for short-term use by residents of the village.

If you think you could use it, contact the following: Editor@Launton.org or phone 01869 241883

AgoodcrowdturnedoutfortheJulyWImeeting.TheHall lookedwelcoming,witheveryoneseatedaroundtablesand facingforward.NotBingo,butcrafts!

Marettawasinchargeandthenon-craftyamonguslookedonwithsome trepidationincaseourlackofskillwasabouttoberevealed.ButMarettawas kindtous.Sheprovidedmaterials,includingaselectionofcardsandachoice ofintricatepre-cutshapes,sowecouldfocusoncolour,shape,layoutand assembly.Also,tryingtodetachthegluefromourfingers.

Oneofthemoreintricatecardsfeaturedawindmill,anotherafoldeddesign. Someofusdidn’tattemptthose,buttheyworkedwellinmoreexperienced hands.Aboatsailingjauntilyonanoceanwasmorestraightforward.

Oncethebasicstructurewasinplace,wehadachoiceofmessagesandsparkly gemsindifferentcolourstoaddcharactertoeachcard.Theresultswere excellent-everyone’scardslookedreallygood.Notonlydidweenjoythe process,wehadafinishedproduct.ThankyouMaretta.

Therewereloadsofraffleprizes,and avarietyofupcomingeventswas announced:croquetandlunchina lovelygardenforJuly,asummerBBQ inanothergardenforAugust.July donationswereforOxfordshire HygieneBank-new,unusedpersonal careandcleaningessentials.

WemeetonthesecondThursdayof themonthintheParishHall,andnew membersarealwayswelcome.

GwenSkinner

Nowanupdateonlateractivities, whenLauntonWImembersenjoyed twosociablegatherings.OurWalk andLunchforJulybecameCroquet andaBringandSharelunchatthe kindinvitationofPatMitchell:the morningraingraduallyceased,andwe couldsitoutsideonthepatiofor

Heating&PlumbingServices

lunch,andafewroundsofcroquetwereplayed.Itwasgreatfun:wehave orderedbetterweatherforarepeatin2024(seephotosonpage40).

WedecidedtohaveaBBQforour

Augustmeetingand,foronce,the weathersmiledonus!Itwasawarmand sunnyeveninginHilary’slovelygarden. EleanorandSueexpertlymanned (womanned)theimpressivebbq,cooking theburgersandsausages(sadlythelast fromtheBlueTexel)whichwere accompaniedbybuns,baguetteandsalads withfruitsaladtofinish,allprovidedbythecommittee.Amostenjoyableand convivialeveningwhich,wehope,willbeasummerfixture.

OurnextmeetingintheParishHallwillincludeatalkonChildrenandWarby LizWoolleyonThursday14Septemberat7.30pm.Thecompetitionisatoy orgamefrombefore1960andwewillhaveourBring&Buystall.New membersarealwayswelcome-emaillauntonwi@oxfordshirewi.co.ukor phoneHilaryon01869241989.

OurCallCentresarethenervecentreoftheAmbulanceServiceandourroleisgettingmedicalhelpand advicetopatientswhohaveinjuriesorillnessesasquicklyaspossible. Wehave3primaryfunctionswhichare:

Wedealwithlifeanddeath,everycallisdifferent.Weneedpeoplewhocan remaincalmandempathic-it'snotforthefaint-hearted. Ifthissoundslikeachallengeyouwouldrelish,contactustoday!

We will be holding our SECOND STMARY’S FAYRE ON SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2023

Thank you to all who have so generously donated towards the Fayre

See page 47 for more details of this event organised by The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust

The Community Caféis back after the Summer break on Tuesdays 12, 19 and 26 September.

Volunteers needed to help run the Café.For more info, please contact Celiafor a chat. (contact details above)

Launton Historical Society

The June meeting of Launton Historical Society was treated to an excellent talk about the Ascott-under-Wychwoodmartyrs, whose 150th Anniversary is being marked this year. The AscottMartyrs were a group of women - two with very young babies - who were sent to prison in Oxford a century ago for supporting their farm worker husbands in trying to get a living wage.

Wages in this part of the country were very low, 10 shillings (50 pence) per week. In the north, farm wages were much higher where employers had to compete with textile mills, and everywhere cheaper agricultural produce was being imported from north America, Australia and New Zealand.

A fledgling farm workers Union had been formed and it was decided to try and get a raise of two shillings a week in the Ascottarea. The men refused to go to the fields, after giving their employer several days warning, and there was a stand-off for three weeks. The farmer next employed two lads from a nearby village at a wage of 7s6dper day (32 pence) to do hoeing, work often done by the women to bring in extra money to feed their families. On 21 May 1873 the women gathered and tried to get the lads to understand how they were making a difficult situation worse. After a couple of hours, the lads went and told the farmer’swife what had happened; she sent for the police, who arrested the 17 women and took them to Chipping Nortonpolice station. There the local magistrates decided that all the women (including the two babies) must be sent to prison. However, while they waited in the police cells for the next train, word quickly got around and the townsfolksurrounded the police station and caused quite a riot. Nevertheless, the Ascottwomen and babies were sent to Oxford, prison. The women had no legal representation, and the magistrates did not seem to realise that they had other options.

However, a local resident wrote to The Times newspaper recounting what had happened. This caused a great stir: journalists from far and wide descended on the village to find out more; questions were raised in the House of Commons; there was outrage that the women had to undergo hard labour in prison, and that 26 children were left motherless. A collection was made to support these women, described as ‘martyrs’ by an influential journalist.

Seven women were released after a week, and the final ten on 31 May. A wagon was sent to take them home via BlenheimPark, where a lunch was laid on in their honour, and on to Chipping Nortonfor huge celebrations. The women were each awarded £5 from the collection started by the press. However, wages for farm workers did not improve, so many of the families

emigrated or moved to the industrial parts of Britain; there was a 25% fall in the population of the Wychwoodarea in the following decade. Sadly many of the women involved - who were all related by blood or marriage - died young (they were all aged between 17 and 46 at the time these events took place). It was a very inspiring story of courage and determination by women who had had little or no education, and was given by a member of the Ascott-underWychwoodSociety, Carol Anderson.

In July we had an outing to Upper Heyford, the former RAF/USAFcamp, with a tour of the USAFcommand centre and the exhibition about the camp over the years. Afterwards we went to the pub - the Bell at Lower Heyfordwhere they put on a good spread for us. As it was July we imagined that we would sit in their garden but we had forgotten about the British summer. It was cosy inside this lovely pub.

In August we gather in Pat’sgarden (we hope) and on 28 September we’llbe again in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm to hear StephenBarker speak about the Oxonand Bucks Light Infantry on the Sommein 1916. All are welcome.

Pat Tucker and GwenSkinner

Please bring donations of Cakes, Tombola items, Plants, or Toys (soft or hard) to the Church on Friday 1 September (6pm-8pm) or to the front garden of The Old Rectory (10am-12noon) on Saturday. Thank you for your support!

Afternoon Tea in the Hall: Sunday 13 August

AllourObedienceTrainingispartof TheKennelClubGoodCitizenDogScheme.

Jennieour Head Instructor is a Fully Approved Instructor of The Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour,an Agility Club Approved Basic Instructor and a Level 1 UK Agility Instructor.

SaturdayClassesinSteepleAston(WestfieldStables)

 General Agility Class, starts at 1.00pm

ThursdayClassesinArncottVillageHall

 Puppy Foundation Assessment, for under 6 months, starts at 6.45pm

 Bronze Award, for dogs age 6 months and above, starts at 7.30pm

 Rally Obedience, for any dog with some obedience training, starts at 8.30pm

AfternoonTeaintheHall

Aselectionofphotosfromthesuccessful FoLPHevent.HowmanymockMaids Capscanyoufind?

PhotosfromAndyNgandSteveWebber

Registered Charity Number 1199171

Sunday 13 August | Afternoon Tea in the Parish Hall and Launch of Sponsor a Tile Project

The Hall was full of Afternoon Tea Takers as the Tea (and cake and scone) makers JackieWebber, CathyProcopiou, HilaryBradshaw, CeliaEvans, and SherieParrot, all topped off with tasteful doileybasedcaps (see photos opposite) replenished teapots and brought out refills of jam and clotted cream for the 40 guests. It was a great afternoon, bringing some sunshine to the wet summer

FoLPH Events for September 2023 - April 2024

Sunday 24 September | What3wordsTreasure Hunt The return of this popular event - a modern twist on the old favourite treasure hunt. Suitable for families and all ages. See page 48 of this issue.

Friday 20 October | Beetle Drive There may be a variation on the theme but this will surely be a family event and fun for everyone.

Saturday 25 November | BoogieWoogieBellas A very talented group of local ladies entertaining us for the evening. Don’tmiss it!

Saturday 6 January 2024 | Twelfth Night event Plans are very much in the early stage for this but get the date in your 2024 diaries.

Saturday 6 April 2024 | A slightly earlier Spring Fair at the Hall.

Date to be confirmed in Spring 2024 | The Sixth TytheBarn

Quiz Always a great event in the Fourteenth Century TytheBarn.

MoreinformationonFoLPHEventswillbeinLauntonLinesandalso onFacebook.

OurnextFoLPHOpenMeetingisonThursday19Octoberat 7.30pmintheParishHall.Docomealongtofindoutmoreabout thisexcitingstageintheplansfortheParishHall.Thelease shouldbesignedbythen,andatimetableforworkbeavailable.

AllFoLPHmeetingsareopentoeveryone.

AVet’sVoice:ATriptoTheWildIsles

I was fortunate to have a trip to Shetland and the north of Scotland during the wonderful warm weather we experienced in June. My elderly mother and aunt were over from Australia, and we had planned the “trip of a lifetime” to the northernmost areas of the British Isles. Prior to setting off we had all seen the latest David AttenboroughWild Isles programs and were hoping to be able to experience some of the incredible seabirdswhich featured in the series. I was also aware that “Bird Flu” was about, which might affect our access to breeding areas. We especially wanted to see the iconic and much-loved puffin, which everyone knows of, but many have never seen in the wild. Puffins are small birds from the family called Auks. These are small to medium sized seabirdswith short tails, small wings and legs set back on their bodies: guillemots and razorbills are also members of the Auk family. Puffins appear awkward when walking as they potter about on sea cliffs, where they nest over the summer. Their flight also appears challenging with their disproportionately small wings. However, it’sin the water that they excel - they dive and swim exceptionally well as they “fly” underwater hunting for small fish and sand eels. Having sailed on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen, we arrived in a very sleepy Lerwick at 7am.Our first outing was to the southernmosttip of the Shetland mainland, SumburghHead. This rocky headland has a Victorian lighthouse and is a haven for seabirds.We quickly spotted guillemots and kittiwakes and even an occasional oyster catcher with its distinctive long, orange beak. The rocky cliffs were covered in seabirds, chattering and busy, diving to the water, soon to return with a meal for their chicks.

We scoured the cliffs looking for the colourful but elusive puffins and soon were rewarded as one waddled out of a little burrow in the steep, grassy wall which sits at the top of the rugged, rocky cliff face. The little bird seemed oblivious to the attention it was getting from the excited onlookers. The puffin is unmistakable with its multicoloured, chunky bill and beautiful eye surrounds on their little black and white body. They also have characteristic orange legs which they thrust forwards awkwardly when coming in to land.

Before long, our little friend waddled to the cliff edge and leapt into the

air before fluttering down to the water to fish. We saw several other puffins over the subsequent week, but this first sighting felt very magical and left us with great memories.

We explored the lighthouse museum including its huge steam driven foghorns before enjoying the first of many rounds of coffee and cake!

The relliesare now safely back in Australia, but they took with them many fond memories of a wonderful trip and the unforgettable spotting of the elusive puffin. Enjoy your pets!

JasonWilliams|BicesterVets|September2023

SumburghHead, Shetland

Peaceofmindforpetowners...

CompassionateandCaringatalltimes

Longopeninghoursforyourconvenience

24houron-sitenursingcareasstandardforallourhospitalisedpatients

24hourEmergencyserviceprovidedbyourvetsatourpractice

Aservicethat'ssecondtononefromNorthOxfordshire'smostestablished, independent,specialitysmallanimalhospital.

 Tea and cake at the end of the walk

 The walkers gather at the start by the Station Road pond

Footpath report for July 2023

The First Annual Launton Parish Path Wardens’ Walk was an unqualified success. Some thirty people joined us for a circular walk which included some of the paths recently realigned following the EWR project. Our route took us up Station Road, along a new path just outside the village and over the new footbridge. We then walked alongside the railway before striking to the north almost to the Stratton AudleyRoad. Then heading back past Field Barn, across a newly combined field towards the airfield then turning towards Launton via the footbridge and hence back to Station Road. The ground underfoot was predominantly dry in spite of significant rain the day before, even in the recently ploughed field we had to cross. The more significant hazard was brambles which had proliferated in the few days between our checking the route and the event itself. While the walk was indeed a great pleasure it was equalled by the tea and cake which Lesleyprovided for participants when we returned to our starting point by the pond on Station Road.

R JWAKELIN

email:rjwakelin@outlook.com

Painting & Decorating Specialist

VictoriaPrentis

Coming from a family of teachers, the importance of education was drummed into me at an early age.

Ensuring all children have access to a good quality education is vital. As a local authority which has been historically underfunded, I welcome the news that the core schools budget in Cherwell will be the highest it has ever been in real terms for the 2024/25 academic year.

The Government’slong-term vision is for a school system that helps every child to fulfil their potential by ensuring that they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. A broad and balanced curriculum helps ensure that our young people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and are prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of later life.

We have some fantastic schools here in north Oxfordshire with teachers who do their very best to support our children’slearning. One of the best parts about being a Member of Parliament is having the opportunity to get out to visit them regularly and speak to pupils. Recent visits have taken me to HanwellFields to see how Opening School Facilities funding is supporting pupils to live healthy and active lives; Dashwood BanburyAcademy to join a Be InternetLegends assembly teaching onlinesafety; and, The Warrinerwhere I was invited to speak at their Careers Experience Week. This summer I have seen first-hand the impact of recent reforms to the curriculum which have allowed schools to tailor lessons more specifically for their pupils.

When I meet students, I am always so impressed with how engaged they are, particularly about politics. It always shines through at my annual Cherwell Democracy Challenge where teams of students from local secondary schools debate motions on a range of topics relevant to them. Returning for the ninth time this year, my Democracy Challenge coincides with UK Parliament Week which takes place in November. In previous years Banburyhas been one of the most engaged constituencies in the country, with more schools, groups and young people signing up to take part in Parliament Week activities than anywhere else. I am really looking forward to hearing more about what the groups get up to and getting involved with some of their plans.

I was thrilled for those who received good A-Level, T-Level, vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) and GCSE results last month. The past few years have not been easy for young people - including my own children - who had to study through the disruption of the pandemic. I hope all those who sat exams this year got the results they were expecting. There are plenty of options available for people to explore, from university courses to apprenticeships. We are lucky in our area to have so many opportunities on the doorstep.

Victoria Prentis

New home, new services and all the usual ones too

After much effort and the inevitable back and forth that goes with any move, we are finally moved in to our second home at 16 Sheep Street, Bicester. Nicely nestled between CraftersEmporium and Iceland.

We say second home, because our wood and electrical workshops are still at The Stables on the Launton Road. Bicycles and our shop can be found on Sheep Street along with a few new offerings.

The first is our Library of Things, a service where you can rent items such as tools, garden equipment, a tent, pasta maker, sewing machine ... all those things that you don’tneed on a regular basis, so purchasing isn’tjustified.

Join up as a member, then pay a small loan fee and the ‘Thing’ is yours for seven days. For £4.50 you can rent an angle grinder, for £2.50 you can rent a baby high chair, or £1.00 for lawn shears.

The second is the addition of our friends Nothing but Footprints, and their wonderful Zero Waste shop where you can buy plastic free goodies from pasta and rice to herbs and spices, and seeds, nuts and grains, to household and personal care goods.

It’sa delightfully simple concept, bring your own containers to fill (though paper bags and jars are also available for you to use), weigh empty, fill with the quantity you need, weigh again, the weight of the container is deducted at checkout, then pay and away you go. And the absolute best bit is that the majority of items are cheaper than the supermarket equivalent that are shroudedin plastic.

We still have bicycles, electricals, hand tools, power tools, DIY and random ironmongery, garden tools and wooden makes available for sale, as well as

continuing our electrical repairs, wood commissions and wood repairs. And we’re still running our laptopinitiative, Getting Oxfordshire Online, from the new workshop on Sheep Street.

We need your help to keep making a difference though. So, if you’re clearing out a workshop, garage, shed or house then we’dlove donations of tools, screws, fixings, small electricalsand garden equipment, as well as laptops, tablets and mobile phone. Or if you’vesome spare time then volunteers are always needed in our wood, electrical and bicycle workshops and to help in the shop or with the laptops.Volunteering is fun, rewarding and provides some wonderful social interactions that we all need sometimes.

Get in touch at info@bicestergreen.org.ukor via facebookon our new page (the old one was hacked so we can’taccess anything) facebook.com/GreenBicester

CeliaCornforth

ThereportfromourCDCCouncillors

Wehopeyouareenjoyingthissunnierweather(atleastsunnierattimeofwriting) andhavefoundtimetorelaxoverthesummer.Thereareafewupdatesfromus.

LocalPlanUpdate

TheupdatedLocalPlanhasnowbeenpublishedanditwenttotheOverviewand ScrutinyCommitteeon16August.ItwillnowbeconsideredattheExecutiveand then,ifapproved,willlikelygotopublicconsultationattheendofSeptemberor startofOctober.Wewillkeepyouupdatedonprogressasweknowmorebutif youwouldliketoreadtheupdatedversionofthelocalplanyoucandosohere: https://modgov.cherwell.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=3966&Ver=

JobFair

CherwellDistrictCouncilandJobcentrePlusarearrangingaJobsandSupport FaironWednesday6SeptemberatExeterHall,Kidlingtonasadrop-inbetween 10:30amand1:30pm.Allresidentsareinvitedtoattendtomeetavarietyof employersandsupportorganisations-toexploreavailablejobs,training opportunities,andthewealthofhelponoffer.

FullCouncil17July2023

TheFullCouncilofCherwellDistrictCouncilwason17July.Atthiscouncilsix motionswerepassedunanimouslyconfirmingCherwell’scommitmentto:

Drawupacost-of-livingactionplanwithinthenext100days;

GivecarefulconsiderationtokeepingopentheYarntonSandyLanerailcrossing

ContinuetofundresourcesintoCherwell’sactivelifestyleschemes;

Runapublicawarenesscampaigntoensuretenantsareawareoftheirrights;

Reaffirmthecouncil’ssupportfortheNHSandtocallonthegovernmentto domoretoensurethatitisproperlyfundedandmaintained;

LookathowCherwellcanencouragepeoplenottolitteracrossourvillages andhowitcansupportkeepingareastidy.

ParliamentaryBoundaryChanges

Asmanyofyoumayhaveseen,theBoundaryCommissionshaspublisheditsfinal report.ThismeansthatalloftheLauntonandOtmoorwardwillmoveintothe newBicesterandWoodstockconstituencyseatatthenextparliamentaryelection. ThereismoreabouttheboundaryreviewontheBoundaryCommissionswebsite.

GetinTouch

Asalways,pleasegetintouch!Ouremailsaregemma.coton@cherwell-dc.gov.uk andjulian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.ukorphoneuson01869717712.

GemmaandJulian

John Stephens’ memories: Hitler’sV3weapon

In my previous article in the July issue of Launton Lines I wrote that it was 80 years since Hitler started sending over V1‘Doodlebugs’. Sorry, I can’tcount; it was 79 years!

Not many people know that Hitler also had plans to use the V3 weapon. This was a group of gun barrels, 150 metres long, buried in some chalk cliffs near the Pas deCalais area. They were angled at 50 degrees and intended to fire one ton shells at London at the rate of one per minute. If this weapon had ever been used it would have been disastrous for London.

Secret agents disclosed the V3location and Lancaster bombers of the DambusterSquadron were sent to drop their BarnesWallisdesigned ‘Tallboy’ bombs which buried deep in the ground before exploding. This bent the gun barrels and rendered them useless. One tragic aspect was that many workers underground, slaves and prisoners of war, became entombed. Anyway it seems that there were great problems in the design and construction of the guns and they were unlikely to have ever been operational. Furthermore, the site was soon overrun by advancing allied troops.

So Hitler never got to use the V3and London was spared a terrible ordeal.

John Stephens

Recent deaths in the village

Launton Lines tries to record significant events in the village. We try to list births, marriages, civil partnerships, and deaths as we get information.

To have a listing included, contact launtonlines@launton.orgor drop a note in at 36 West End. There is no charge for such reporting.

Rosemary Figg, late of The Glades, died on 15 June 2023, age 91

KathleenJesty, late of Laurels Farm, died on 4 July 2023, age 95

NorahEdwards, late of Sycamore Road and The Glades, died on 27 July 2023, age 102

NorahEdwards:27September1920-27July2023

In the October 2020 issue of Launton Lines we included a birthday notice for Norah.To mark her death in July 2023 we are reproducing part of the report of her Hundredth Birthday celebration submitted by her daughter, MaureenClark.

“Mum was born in Oxford in 1920. Her parents were Emilyand JamesWilliams.James, her father, was a corporal in the army during the First World War. Norahgrew up in Oxford and went to school in Holywellnear Longwall.She left school in 1934 and became a housemaid.

She met my dad (TrevorEdwards) when she moved to MiltonCommon to become a barmaid. They were married in Tiddington and lived in a house which my father and his family had built. They had two daughters: my late sister and myself. We moved to Headingtonin 1967 and then Mum moved to Launton in 1991 to live near me after losing my dad, and lived in The Glades. Mum later moved to live with me in Sycamore Road.”

The photo is from Norah’s100thBirthday

GrangeMewsNewsSeptember2023

CommercialOffices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

WehopethatallhavehadanotificationfromGreencore andareabletovisittheSportsandSocialClubon2September, andmakeanycommentsby11Septemberifyouareunabletoattend.

ItisinterestingtoseethatGreencoreexpect toretainandenhancethepresentrouteforthePRoW, andunlikeanumberofdevelopmentstheirproposals enablethemselvestoutilisetheBiodiversityNetGainonthesite, ratherthanotherswhobuyCarbonCreditsfromaway.

ThePRoWnetworkalsoenablesashortroute totheplayingfields,theParishHall,theSchool,andChurch.

Arareoccurrenceisthatwewillhave a400sq.ft.officeavailablesoon,withaveryreasonable contractedelectricityrateuntilOctober2024. Thereisalsofreeuseofourmeetingroom,subjecttoavailability.

Weletofficesandindustrialspaceandcanbefoundat

pacox@grangemews.co.ukandourwebsitewww.grangemews.co.uk

Phone01869252846or07711778230

Update from the Woodland for July and August

It has been a quiet few months in the wood, with our August work party cancelled due to forecast rain and thunderstorms. We have had two grass cuts carried out by Mark Blake, kindly funded by the Launton Parish Council.

Work picked up mid-August with NeilHewittkindly volunteering his time to cut the meadow areas using a hired cut and collect machine. He put in a long day on the Thursday due to rain forecast on the Friday, but it ended up being machine faults that ended work early! A big thank you to Neilfor his hard work again this year.

Our next volunteer work session is planned for Saturday 30 September to undertake the reed cut in the main pond. We hope to arrange an additional session in the interim to cut and rake the path around the pond and a few areas missed in the meadow cut. Finally, our annual Autumn event is on Saturday 14 October (see page 2 for more details). We look forward to seeing you there! ChloëBradford

Mallets and hoops and balls, and lunch

TheWImetinaWestEndGardenforlunchandaquickroundofcroquetatthe endofJuly.Therainheldoffenoughforlunchonthepatio,(below,right)and somecroquet(belowleft,withGroupSecretaryHilaryBradshawactingas umpire).Seepages18and19forthe main WIreport.

Further on that colourful banner, the one with that number 6.375 on it. The arithmetic is quite basic. Roughly speaking, today there are 8 billion people alive on our planet. Clever scientists have worked out that between us we are emitting 51 billion tonnes of green house gasses (CO2e) into the atmosphere every year. Those two very large numbers reduce to 8 and 51. So every 8 individuals are responsible for about 51 tonnes. And by dividing 8 into 51 we get 6.375 tonnes of greenhouse gasses. And that, on average, is what each and every one of us is dumping into the atmosphere every year. 6.375 tonnes is the global average. In a sense it is your Carbon Footprint!

That colourful banner is also quite interesting. It is called Warming Stripes as it is really a graph which represents what is happening to our planet. It IS getting hotter. A lot hotter. The bluer stripes show the cooler years, the redder stripes the warmer. The full graph shows that in the earlier years it was pretty much constant, mostly blue. But, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution things gradually started to get worse. In the Twentieth Century, we are not living sustainably, and the colour has been mostly red, and it seems to be getting redder every year. That is Global Warming, and there is relationship with our Carbon Footprint. Do you know what your actual Carbon Footprint is?

What are YOU going to do about your part in the Global Warming Problem? Deny that it exists! Blame it on ‘the other guy’! “There is nothing I can do about it! My little bit isn’tgoing to help at all. I’lljust carry on as usual” Or, “I want to do something to help! What can I do?”

We, at Launton Environmental Society… LES, want to do something about the problem! And we have a plan. To find out what our plan is all about, and what you can do, to be a part of the solution, why not join us on Wednesday 13 September at 7:30pmat the Parish Hall? We’llget you started. If you can’tmake it on the night, just write ‘I want to be a part of the solution’ and use our mail address - launtonenvironmentalsociety@ gmail.com- and we will help you make that first step. Remember, every journey begins with a simple step. Together we could make a difference.

EdHamill, Chairman of Launton Environmental Society

10 August 1923 TREAT TO YOUNG AND OLD Through the generosity of MrsAubreyMorton, the children of the Church Sunday School were entertained at The Elms yesterday. In the close they had a most enjoyment[sic] tea, after which DrBurtoncalled for cheers for the donor. The inhabitants generally were invited, and many availed themselves of the opportunity. There were sports to suit all, for which MrsMortongave the prizes. The officials were MessrsHaig, Osborne, Starbuckeand Hurst, and MrsWaine.[The report had an extensive list of the prize winners, with many recognisable village names.]

Ices and refreshments were given to all those present. Afterwards there was a dance on the lawn, for which MrHurstplayed. It was indeed a happy afternoon and evening for a great number.

17 August 1923 CHILDREN’S TREAT. The scholars of the Launton Congregational Sunday School, and friends, numbering upwards of a hundred, journeyed to ClaydonHouse yesterday. Various games were indulged in. After tea the Rev TSmith called for cheers for Sir Harry and Lady Verneyfor their kindness in allowing them to come to Claydon, and these were heartily given, and also for MrW Fenemore, the president of the Sunday-school, who has done so much in so many ways. The garden was then visited, and mush admired. The party eventually reached home, delighted, but somewhat tired, after such an enjoyable day.

24 August 1923 BICESTER

PETTY SESSIONS Obstinate

Donkeys John Smith, travelling showman, was summoned for allowing donkeys to stray on the highway in Launton on August 4th.When asked to plead, defendant said he supposed the donkeys were his. He put them in a field, and found them there the next morning.

P C Quelchsaid that at 1amon the 4thof August he was on duty in Launton, and saw eight donkeys straying on the highway. He tried to put them in a field, but could not do so. The same afternoon he saw the donkeys on the Market Square at Bicester. He also saw the defendant. Witness told him that he had found eight donkeys straying early that morning. Defendant said that they must be his, as he put them on the aerodrome field the previous night, and they were there in the morning. Defendant said he supposed they must have been his donkeys, as no-one else had eight. Fined 5s.

Memoriesofanex-LauntonBoy

Thismonththeex-LauntonBoystartsbyrememberingLookatLifefilmsfromhis youththathenowwatchesontheTalkingPictureschannelonTV.Oneshowed paratrooperstrainingatAbingdonandWeston-on-the-Green,whichheremembered watchingforrealwhenachild.Thesecondwaslessmemorable,apartfroma“Post OfficeTelephones”MorrisMinorvan.ThisbringsbackmemoriesofMrStephens,who hadasimilarvanandlivedbythecrossroads.Fromthisit’sashortmind-skipto telephonesinthevillageinthe1950s,thentothoughtsofmobilephonestoday.

Iwashavinganosethroughsomesaved/recordedtelevisionprogrammes fromtheTalkingPictureschannel,whereonecanhappilygochasingafter nostalgiainsomeformorother.Ijusthopetheydon’tremoveitfrommy VirginMediaproviderwhereunfortunately‘ForcesTV’recentlystopped. Regrettably,weneverhadForcesTVwhenIwasservinginthearmyback inthe1960’s/70’s,althoughinWestGermany(asitwasbackthen)wedid haveBFBS(BritishForcesBroadcastingService),whichmanyofusavidly listenedtoonSundays,waiting/hopingformessagesandarecordrequest fromlovedonesbackhomeonTwo-WayFamilyFavourites.

Anyway,Idigress(whichisnothingunusual),forIwastalkingaboutthe nostalgicprogrammesonTalkingPicturesentitledLookatLife.Weoften usedtoviewthematthecinemabetweenthe‘B’featureandthemain featurefilm,dottedeithersidebythePearl&DeanadvertsandthePathé News,allofwhichcontributedtoagreatnight’sentertainment.

TheseLookatLifesnippetsareapproximatelytenminuteslotsbuttheyare mostinformativeandentertainingandverywellputtogether,filmedin old-fashionedTechnicolor,whichshowsitsage.AparticularonethatI watchedwasthetrainingofparatroopersoftheTerritorialArmybackin thedaysofwearingheavy,itchybattledress(beforemytime)wherethey wereundergoingbasicparatroopstrainingatRAFAbingdon,jumping fromscaffoldtowersofsomesixtyfeet,allcontrolledofcourse.Theythen graduatedtojumpingforrealfromabasketslungbeneathabarrage balloon,whichwasbasedatWeston-on-the-Green.Irememberwatching themfromadistancewhenIwasayoungboy,ghoulishlywaitingfora parachutethatwouldfailtoopen,havingheardaboutso-called‘Roman Candles’.Fromthere,thefilmwentontoshowthemjumpingfroma

Beverleyaircraft(whichreplacedtheearliertwin-boomedArgosy),again overWeston.Irememberthemflyingabigcirclebetweendroppingsticks ofparatroopers,basicallycirclingBicesterandtheycouldbeclearlyseen fromWestEnd,Launton,ontheiroutwardcirclebeforereturningabove Westontodropfurthersticks.Icanactuallyrememberthemdoingthis fromtheearlierArgosyaircraft,andofcoursetheBeverleywaseventually replacedbytheHerculeswhichhasnowcometotheendofitslongand illustriouscareer.

IthensatthroughafurtherepisodeofLookatLifeandIcannotrecallfor thelifeofmewhatitwasabout,butIdistinctlyrememberoneparticular scenewhichshowedanolive-greenMorrisMinorvanwhichhadwrittenin blackalongthesideofthedrivers’door,‘PostOfficeTelephones’.

Wow!didthattakemebacktomyLauntonchildhoodandbeforethedays whentheTorygovernmentsoldoffthatpartofthePostOfficetocreate BritishTelecom.WhatIparticularlyrememberedwasacertainMr.Stevens wholivedinthecottageoppositethebusshelterandnextdoortothe butchers’slaughteryard.MrStevensusedtodrivesuchavanforPost OfficeTelephones,oftenleavingitparkedonhissideoftheroadoutside hiscottage.AsIrememberhewasapleasantbutquietgentlemanwhoI believeworeamoustache,butthatcouldbemymemoryplayingtricksasso verymanymenworeamoustachethen,mydadincluded.Hiswifewasvery pleasanttoo,butIdon’trecalleitherofthembeingparticularlyoutgoing.

Theyhadason,Michael,whohadalargemotorcycleinimmaculate conditionandaratherattractiveandpetitegirlfriendwhoalsoownedand rodealargemotorcyclewhichIalwaysimaginedtobetoolargeforher,but couldshehandleit!Whateverhappenedtothefamily?Ihavenoidea,as threemonthsbeforemyeighteenthbirthday,Ilefthometojointhearmy.

However,thinkingoftelephonesIdoremembersomeotherthings,too. IthinkinmyveryfirstofferingtoLauntonLinesImentionedPolice SergeantBroderickwholivedinBlackthornbutwasresponsibleforthe ‘community’policingofBlackthornandLaunton.Hewouldcycleoverto Launtonacoupleoftimesaweekandprophisbicycleupwhilsthestood forafewhoursnexttothetelephonekioskinStationRoad.

Apartfromtheoddwell-to-dohouseholdandacoupleoffarmsinthe village,ifyouneededtomakeatelephonecall,thatiswhereyouwent, armedwithyourpenniestomakeit.

ThencamethetimewhentheNolansinStationRoadtookownershipofa privatetelephone,somymum,beingaclosefriendofMargaretNolan(née Ancil)wouldhavetheprivilegeofusingtheNolans’telephoneonthose fewoccasionsitwasneeded,likemakingdoctor’sappointments.

Butthencamethetimewhen-heypresto!-weobtainedourownphone. Well,whenIsay“ourownphone”itwasinfactwhatwasknownasa ‘Party-Line’,wherethelineandthenumber(notthehandsetitself),was sharedwithanotherhousehold.OurswassharedwiththefamilyGeorge whowereJehovahWitnesseslivingupthelaneoppositeourhouseand nexttotheBuildersYard.Eventuallyhowever,mumanddadobtained theirownexclusivephonelinewhichpleasedmumtremendously,butdad clearlyhatedthetelephone.Aquietmanatthebestoftimesonaface-tofacebasis,dadalwaysfeltawkwardonthephonesothatduringmyfirst marriagewhenIhadmovedtoWiltshire(whereIlivedfornineyears), wheneverIphonedhome,ifdadanswered,almostinevitablyhissecond sentencewouldbe,“I’lljustfetchyourmum”.

Idonotconsidermyselffollowinginmydads’footstepsasfarasthe telephoneisconcerned,butIcanhonestlysayIdonothavemymobile phoneconstantlyweldedtomyear-holeandmyfingersarenotconstantly weldedtothekeyboardofmymobilephone.Isometimesthinkthemobile phonewasoneoftheworstthingseverinventedbecauseironically,itis thecauseofsomuchanti-socialbehaviour.WhenIseeacoupleoutforan eveningtogetherinarestaurantsittingoppositeeachotheratthetablebut notgazinglovinglyintoeachothers’eyesorevenhavingamildtiffbut insteadgluedintentlytotheirownrespectivemobilephones,Iaskmyself whytheyhavebotheredtocomeoutwitheachotheratall.Theycould havejustaseasilyandfarmorecheaplystayedathomeinseparaterooms intheirownlittleworlds.

KeephealthyandstaySAFE! TonyJeacockMInstRE|Theex-LauntonBoy|August/September2023

Diary Dates: September 2023

Inthecurrentsituation,itcanstillbedifficulttobespecificaboutvillageevents.Listedarethosewe knowareplanned-butcheckwithorganisersnearerthedateifyouplantoattend.

Saturday2StMary'sFayre,TheOldRectoryandtheChurchandChurchyard,2pm-4pm| GreencoreHomesdisplayandplans,SportsandSocialHall,

Sunday3StMary'sChurch,HolyCommunion(BCP),8am;PatronalFamilyService,11am| WeeklyQuizatTheBull,8pm

Monday4WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm|StMary'sChurchFellowship GroupMeetingintheChurch,2.30pm

Tuesday5RubbishCollection:garbagebin|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Thursday7ParishCouncilMeeting,PublicSession7.15pm,CouncilMeeting7.30pm.Launton ParishHall

Friday8SCOTSMeeting,TheBull,from5.30pm

Saturday9Ride&Stride,visitingChurchesandChapelsinOxfordshireandraisingmoneyfor historicchurches–throughoutthedayatStMary's

Sunday10StMary'sChurch,PatronalFestival,6pm|WeeklyQuizatTheBull,8pm

Monday11WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm|StMary'sChurchFellowship GroupMeetingintheChurch,2.30pm

Tuesday12RubbishCollection:recyclingandgardenbins|CommunityCafé,ParishHall:9am11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Wednesday13Over60sClubLunchMeeting,SportsandSocialHall,startsat12.30pmwiththe baropenandendsabout3.30pm|LauntonEnvironmentalGroupOpenMeetingcalculateyourCarbonFootprint,andwhatyoucandoaboutit.ParishHall,7.30pm

Thursday14WIMeeting:LizWoolleyspeakingonChildrenandWar,ParishHall,7.30pm

Saturday16GamesintheGarden,afundraiserforLauntonVillagePlayersat14Chestnut Close.Gardengamesandshareapicnic.2pm-4pm

Sunday17FINALDATEFORCOPYFORTHEOCTOBER2023ISSUEOFLAUNTON LINES:SUBMITTOlauntonlines@launton.org|StMary'sChurch,Morning Prayer,11am|LauntonVillagePlayersOpenEveningfornewmembers,Parish Hall,7pm|WeeklyQuizatTheBull,8pm

Monday18WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm|StMary'sChurchFellowship GroupMeetingintheChurch,2.30pm

Tuesday19RubbishCollection:garbagebin|CommunityCafé,ParishHall:9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Sunday24StMary'sChurch,HolyCommunion,11am|What3WordsTreasureHunt,starts fromTheParishHallfrom1.30pmtoabout4.30pm–aFoLPHevent|Weekly QuizatTheBull,8pm

Tuesday26RubbishCollection:recyclingandgardenbins|CommunityCafé,ParishHall:9am11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Wednesday27Over60sClubMeeting,SportsandSocialHall,starts1.30pm,endsabout3.30pm

Thursday28LauntonHistoricalSocietywithStephenBarkeronTheOxonandBucksonthe Sommein1916,ParishHall,7.30pm

Saturday30IslandPondWoodWorkingParty-ReedCuttingandPondManagement,meetat thepondbenchesat10amforacoupleofhours

It is time for RIDE & STRIDE ON 9 SEPTEMBER 2023

This event is organised by Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust Funds raised are shared between the Trust and a Church or Chapel of our choice

Please support Launton’sown ChrisFrost and other riders/striders by sponsoring their journey around local churches. For more details contact Chrison 07775 066 962

Chriswill be at StMary’sFayreon 2 September to sign up sponsors.

For more information about Ride & Stride go to the website

https@//ohct.org.uk/ride-and-stride