Launton Lines Issue 277 December 2023

Preparations for the 2024 Panto Rapunzel

Pictures show the many sides of work preparing for the Launton Village Players 37th Panto. See pages 34-35 for more.

 Nicky Roberts discusses a song with three band members at a rehearsal

Miles Penhallow fronts a rehearsal with lots of soldiers  Starting to build Rapunzel’s Tower  A publicity shot with Bicester Autism 

Photos from Launton Village Players The front cover shows Colin Cockshaw, a Licensed Lay Reader, leading the Remembrance Day service at the War Memorial on Bicester Road on 11 November. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

Apologies again to our readers, but this issue will be a few days late: we were held up waiting for promised material. The good side is that we could include some very late materials from around Launton: we need copy by the 20th of the month before the issue - so by 20 January for the February issue.

Although I'd like to get the length down to 44 pages, contributors keep sending material in and we depend on our advertisers to be able to keep publishing, so I'm happy that we have a healthy number of ads each month.

There is news in this issue of two pantomimes for Launton. On page 24 the LPFA write about Cinderella from Chaplins Pantos on 3 December as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations. Then on pages 34-35 the Launton Village Players tell more about Rapunzel, their 37th Panto on over half-term in February (with some photos on page 2, opposite).

There is an appeal for mince pies on page 19, for two village events: the Community Choir Christmas Concert (page 48) on 9 December, and the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on 17 December (page 11).

Greta Walker shares (pages 28-29) the second part of her memories of the area during the Second World War. There is all the normal content (Parish and Cherwell Council reports, and reports from all village organisations, and children from the school writing about Cross-Country running) as well.

Robert Cornford

Launton Village Support: Contact Details Group email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE Numbers: 9:30am to 5:00pm

07522 231 100 - Janice | 07305 303 889 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 01869 241755 - Lesley | 07921 392 201 - Abi Dowman 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 © 2023 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2023-24 Chair: Jon Spinage | Secretary: Toby Aspel | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill | Treasurer: Carina Collins 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 | 07305 303 889

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 December 2023 for entry in the January 2024 issue of Launton Lines.

20 December | Granny Hearn [Annie] who lived in West End. Thank you for leaving behind such happy treasured memories which I will always smile at and remember with love and kindness.

Always in my thoughts especially at this time of year. Wendy Foster 25 December | Kathleen Ayris, much-loved wife, Mum, and Nana.

Always in our thoughts, with love from all the family.

25 December | Sponsored by Rob Walker in loving memory of Jane Lindsey Walker

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.org or drop a note in at 36 West End. There is no charge for such reporting.

Phyllis Ann White, late of Sycamore Road, died on 24 October 2023, age 80.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 4

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 2 November 2023 at 7:30pm in Launton Parish Hall

Councillors present Mr Andrew Briant, Mrs Abigail Dowman, Mr Ed Sanders (Chairman of the Meeting), Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Richard Walker, Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies Mr Simon Turner (Chairman of the Council) In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; District Councillor Gemma Coton; 4 members of the public East West Rail Ms Sa’id was unable to attend due to the inclement weather. Road closures were scheduled around Stratton Audley and Godington, but we hope that the work will have been completed by the time Launton Lines is published.

If anyone has any queries, please contact East West Rail directly at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk or at the 24 hour helpline at 03457 11 41 41 Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Coton reported that the recruitment of the new Chief Executive was moving forward; the interviews would take place towards the end of November. Proposals to move the District Council offices from Bodicote House to Castle Quay in Banbury were ongoing. The Oxford Christmas Lunch event will be taking place again this year - more information about this is available at https://www.facebook.com/oxfordchristmaslunch/ No report had been received from Councillor Corkin (OCC).

Governance The Parish’s fixed assets, including the dog bins, benches, rubbish bins and bus shelters have been inspected by the Councillors. We will be looking at the provision of the dog waste bins, particularly on the Playing Field, in due course.

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

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 5

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk in 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 can respond is on the Parish Council website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications Parish Hall The Parish Council’s solicitors had confirmed that the engrossed Lease would be despatched shortly ready for signing.

The application to the CDC Village and Rural Community Halls Rural England Prosperity Fund was submitted on 6 November.

Gigaclear had made an appointment to install broadband in the Hall on 24 October, but it had to be cancelled because the engineering team hadn’t been able to complete the pre-checks required. We are waiting for a new date.

Climate Emergency The Parish Council recognises that it must play its part in acknowledging the climate crisis and has started to develop a Biodiversity Policy and Action Plan about what can be done at a local level. This plan is a working document and if anyone would like to help the Council with ideas, we would be glad to hear them. The plan is available in the Policies and Governance section of the website https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/policies-and-governance/ Highway and Traffic Issues The locations for new speed indicator devices are being considered.

The proposed sites are:  at the entrance to the village on Bicester Road (where the EWR portable sign was placed earlier in the summer),  on Blackthorn Road outside the Mulberry / Timbers Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 6

development, and  on Station Road near the Hummingbird Centre.

It has been very difficult to find appropriate locations, but we hope that the signs will help remind drivers of the speed through the village.

Speedwatch Unfortunately it had not been possible to have any sessions this month. However, our Speedwatch Co-ordinator would love to hear from you if you are able to help - don’t complain about the speed come and join the team!

Contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk for more information.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 7 December 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. The agenda and papers will be available to view via the data projector during the meeting.

Suggestions for agenda items for the 4 January 2024 meeting need to be with the Clerk by 19 December 2023, and items for the 1 February 2024 meeting by 18 January 2024.

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/

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

You can now call or text on

07305 303 889 Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 7

The November report from our CDC Councillors Bodicote House and CDC Offices On 6 November, the Executive at Cherwell agreed to move the Cherwell offices from Bodicote House to Castle Quay in Banbury. At the same meeting they agreed that Bodicote House would be put up for sale to help fund the move. We will keep you updated as we know more but the intention is that the offices will be relocated by the end of 2024.

Banbury Vision 2050 Cherwell District Council are currently running a consultation about the future of Banbury Town Centre and want to hear resident’s views.

This consultation will then help shape the future of Banbury for the next 30 years. The survey for Banbury Vision 2050 is available online at www.banbury2050.co.uk or you can get a hard copy from the Community Hub (Castle Quay Shopping Centre).

Energy Matters Energy Matters is a project from Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire aiming to help provide support and information for those worried about affording energy bills.

They have a range of information available, covering accessing energy grants, government financial support schemes, tips to reduce your energy usage, home energy improvement grants, support with suppliers and much more.

We know that this time of year can cause worry for residents and so to get in contact with the project you can either phone 0300 004 0401 or email energy.matters@cano.org.uk. There is more information at www.canosn.org.uk.

Get in Touch As always, please do get in touch! Our emails and phone are below: gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.gov.uk and julian.nedelcu@cherwelldc.gov.uk or phone us on 01869717712.

All the best Gemma and Julian Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 8

Launton Watercolour Art Group

The Watercolour Classes will run on the first three Mondays in December: 4, 11, and 18 in the Parish Hall from 2pm. Classes will not be held on the next two Mondays, 25 December 2023 and 1 January 2024: Classes will restart on Monday 8 January

We have space for some new members at £8 per session.

Here is a painting of a member of the class at work on an imaginary scene in Venice.

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

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 9

Wishing You and Yours a joyful old-fashioned FAMILY CHRISTMAS. LES LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY

We’ll be back with renewed energy on Wednesday 17 January 2024 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Join us if you can!

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 10

News from st mary’s ChurCh serviCes aNd eveNts for deCemBer 2023 You are most welcome to join the December Services and Events listed.

All Services in St Mary’s except the Team Evening Service at St Edburg’s

Services

3 December 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am Christingle Service in aid of The Children’s Society 4 December 2.30pm Fellowship Group meets in Church 10 December 6.00pm Evensong 17 December 6.00pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 15 December 11.00am Holy Communion 24 December 3.00pm Interactive Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion 25 December 11.30am Holy Communion 31 December 6.00pm Team Evening Service at St Edburg’s Please check on the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton to see the latest information, or contact one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735   

9 December sees the return of the popular Launton Community Choir Christmas Concert in the Church starting at 5.00pm Tickets are £10 for adults (accompanied children free).

Refreshments included in the ticket.

On sale at Costcutter Shop and The Bull Inn For more details see the back cover, or our Facebook page   

The Community Café closes at 4.30pm on Tuesday 12 December and will reopen on 9 January 2024.

Volunteers are needed to help run the Café. For more information, please contact Celia for a chat. (her contact details are above) Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 11

Launton Footpaths in the autumn We are not fair-weather walkers, but even we have had to postpone a few walks over the past month due to the heavy rain!

However, we have been busy. The Ramblers send us Oxfordshire County Council Rights of Way unresolved issue reports from time to time and we have been able to update and resolve most of the issues on the report. As well as this we have submitted a few reports on issues that we feel need addressing.

A villager contacted us and told us about an overgrown path under the railway bridge at the bottom of West End, footpath 272/3/10.

They had also reported it on the Countryside access website https://publicrightsofway.oxfordshire.gov.uk/standardmap.aspx The reply from their report said that this issue was part of the winter vegetation clearance programme, and was in fact cleared a couple of weeks later. Thank you to the villager who reported this.

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We will proactively listen to your business needs and create personalised solutions. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 12

We have just submitted two reports about flooded areas, one on the new board walk at the Yew Tree play area footpath no 272/11/20 and again under the railway bridge at the bottom of West End 272/3/10. The latter is a recurring issue and makes it very difficult to access the gates through to the bridge. We wait with trepidation to hear if there is a solution. Both areas are tricky to resolve, but we are always optimistic.

The new entrance to footpath 273/24/20 in Station Road was also flooded. Bob and David Thompson managed to unblock the surrounding ditches and this seems to have resolved the issue. Thanks to David for his help and use of his pitch-fork!

As always, please contact us if you notice any issues, or report them yourself on the above link.

Lesley and Bob lesley.thompson@launton-pc.gov.uk

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 13

150 Years Ago: The Bicester Herald, 1873 Friday 5th December COUNTY COURT Thomas Paxton, coal merchant, Bicester, v Thomas Shouler, carpenter, Launton Claim 7s 3d for coal.

William Cross proved delivery of the coals on December 29 1870. To be paid in a month and 2s expenses allowed.

PETTY SESSIONS Drunk and Incapable at Launton William Gray, hawker of umbrellas, from Aylesbury, was in custody of the police, charged with being drunk and unable to take care of himself at Launton on November 27. PC Stockford deposed that about 3.30pm on the previous day there was a row near the crossroads at Launton, and fighting, which was over when he got there. The defendant’s clothes were outside “The Bull”, he being in the house very drunk.

Miss Gessey requested him to leave the house several times, but he would not go.

The Officer eventually took him into custody and took him to the Bicester police station. - Defendant pleaded guilty and said he had not had any beer for 12 months till the day previous and it overcame him.

- The Chairman reminded prisoner that if it were true he had been a teetotaller for 12 months, it was a wonder that he had not got better clothes on his back.

He was fined 1s, costs 8s, police fees 2s, in default, 7 days hard labour.

Committed to Oxford gaol.

Friday 19th December PETTY SESSIONS Alleged Robbery at Launton John Massey, labourer, Rose Cottage, Bicester, and George West, labourer, of Jarvis’s-lane railway crossing, were, on December 15th, taken before C J B Marsham Esq of Bicester, charged with stealing cash, value 4s, the property of Mr Sansom, from the “Fox and Hounds”, Launton, on December 13th. The accused were remanded till Friday.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 14

50 Years Ago: The Bicester Advertiser, 1973

Friday 7 December ACTORS FIND WAY TO WARM UP AUDIENCE. One of the biggest problems faced by Launton Players on Friday and Saturday was not putting on their production of Your Obedient Servant, but heating the village hall.

They could not use the hall’s normal heating because of the power crisis, but substituted oil stoves and bottle gas heaters.

“The fire prevention officer told us we could use the heaters and stoves, provided they were fixed so they could not be knocked over,” said Mr Arthur Gold, a member of the cast, whose wife, Mrs Eira Gold, was Producer.

So the company nailed battens to the walls and floor and found their temporary heaters were already adapted to be fixed securely in the necessary way.

Launton School: Cross-Country Runners

We were all selected to compete in the Cross-Country running competition at Bicester School. There had been trials at our school and the fastest runners were chosen. This was an inter-school event and we were very proud to be chosen. The whole of Key Stage 2 was involved and that means all the children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. The fastest teams from the competing schools will be chosen to go to the Cross-Country finals at Sibford School in Oxfordshire. Some of us have been chosen for the individual events because we were the fastest runners. We will be very pleased to represent our school.

This competition helps us to remember two of our school values which are courage and resilience. In particular, we had the courage to believe in ourselves and the resilience to keep going knowing that we could improve and achieve a high position.

Before the races started at Bicester School some of their Year 8 pupils took us through some warm-up activities, e.g. star jumps, stretches, lunging and ‘scoop the chicken’.

It was very exciting to compete against children from other schools. We tried our very best for Launton School. We hope that our school does well in the competition at Sibford School.

Austin, Benjamin, Chloe and Elliot | Launton School Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 15

Can anyone offer

to help set up and run the new website pages for FoLPH The Friends of Launton Parish Hall

Registered Charity Number 1199171

It would be an interesting project for a student on a Computer Studies course. email rcornford47@gmail.com for more information.

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Public liability insurance Member of the Federation of Window Cleaners Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 16

Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

Stagecoach and Creative Courage for Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 17

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 18

TWO WAYS TO HELP ST MARY’S THIS MONTH In the lead up to Christmas we would very much welcome donations of mince pies, to accompany mulled wine, for these two events: On 9 December 2023, the return of the popular Launton Community Choir Christmas Concert In the Church starting at 5.00pm

& On 17 December 2023, after the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols In the Church at 6.00pm Your mince pies can be left as follows: For the Concert In Church on 3 December during the Sunday opening (10.30am-4.30pm) In the week leading up to the Concert at 8, West End a box will be in the porch In Church on the day of the Concert, from 10.00am onwards.

For the Service In Church on 10 December during the Sunday opening (10.30am-4.30pm) In the week leading up to the Service at 8, West End a box will be in the porch In Church on the day of the Service, from 10.30am onwards

Any queries to Celia (Manderson) on 01869 571735 or celiamanderson@aol.com

Many thanks Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 19

The quarterly report from our MP, Victoria Prentis A key part of my role as your local Member of Parliament is answering correspondence from constituents, whether that be emails, letters or telephone calls. Over the past year, more than 50 parents and carers have got in touch with me about their experience with Children’s Services at Oxfordshire County Council and I have met many more at local community groups. It has been clear to me for some time now that Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision across the county is not where it should be. Constituents tell me of the difficulties they have faced to have their voices heard. Missed deadlines, non-attendance at statutory meetings and exclusion from important decisions about their child’s future regularly feature in parents’ complaints.

When I met the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing in March, I was told that the Department for Education knew that Oxfordshire parents were concerned about the retention of specialists, compliance with Education and Health Care Plans, and the lack of school places for children with additional needs across the county.

Three months later, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission carried out an inspection into the provision. Over 2,000 parents and carers took the time to share their experiences with Ofsted - well above the average for an inspection. The final report was published in September and highlighted “widespread and systemic failings”. This evidenced my long-held concerns and those of my fellow Oxfordshire MPs. For too many children, when they can’t manage in a mainstream school, they end up missing key parts of their education as they have to adjust to school on a part-time basis or rely on home learning. I know of some children who have been without educational provision for more than six years. The County Council needs to do much better.

It is now time for them to right their wrongs, overhaul their processes and restore confidence in the system. I am having regular meetings with some of the Council leadership, including Chief Executive Martin Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 20

Reeves. He has given me his personal assurances that SEND is his top priority and has explained how things are changing.

I am hopeful that they have been given a long-overdue wake up call.

The promises that have been made must deliver the improvements we need to see. These are some of the most vulnerable children and their parents are at their wits end. Anyone with concerns should contact me via victoria.prentis.mp@parliament.uk.

Victoria Prentis

Heard on the Crossroads

Where to go for sausages? Part 2 Since last month we have heard about some other recommended butchers - especially for sausages. They are Peter Goss on Bucknell Road in Bicester, The Pointer in Brill, G. B. Wrighton in Fritwell, Eagles in Deddington, and Padbury Meats in Padbury. Do other readers have names to add to the list? Many people have said that they have never found a sausage to match John Walman’s “Directors”.

News from The Bull We’ve heard that Karen and Brandon have given their notice in to Greene King and will be leaving the pub in April 2024. Everyone wishes them well, and hopes Greene King finds a good replacement.

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 recovering from an accident or operation or needing some support with moving around.

If you think you could use it, contact the following: Editor@Launton.org or phone 01869 241883 Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 21

Rubbish Collection over Christmas/New Year

Collection dates will change for a couple of weeks: Wednesday 27 December 2023 will be Green (Garbage) bin collection.

Tuesday 2 January 2024 will be the normal Blue (recycling) bin and food caddy collection, but NOT the brown bin.

The next Brown (Garden Waste) bin collection will be on 15 January 2024. Then it's back to normal.

Launton WI Report for November 2023 November’s meeting began as usual with business including:

1. Reminder that subs are due for the 400 Club 2. Reminder about the pick-up point for those going to see ‘Oliver’ 3. Details of the social visit to Blue Diamond on 23 November 4. Arrangements for our Christmas meeting with a ‘bring and share’ supper Our birthday girl for November was Lyda.

The speaker was Emma Hamer, a farmer’s wife from north Oxfordshire. As well as working on the farm Emma is a representative for the National Farmers Union [NFU]. She also supports the farming charity Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution [RABI] by donating all her speaking fees to them.

Emma told us, illustrated with slides, that their farm is just under 200 acres, being half arable and half livestock, which are mainly cattle, but also includes three pet llamas.

Due to the increasing world population, agriculture will need to be of more importance than ever in order to produce enough food. In spite of gloomy forecasts, Emma remains positive about the future of British farming.

She was thanked for her talk by Gwen.

Our next meeting is on 14 December when we hold our Christmas meeting.

We meet at 7.30 pm in Launton Parish Hall on the second Thursday of the month, and all new members are very welcome.

Joan Packer Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 22

It’s snowflake time on the Launton Christmas Tree in aid of Cancer Research UK If you would like to dedicate a snowflake to a loved one, the children will hang it on the Christmas Tree for you. Make your donation online through the link to Just Giving here https://www.justgiving.com/page/launtonschool-1699887618423 Then email office.3085@launton.oxon.sch.uk with the name of the person to be remembered, and we will write it on the snowflake.

Alternatively, donations and names can also be posted in the school post box during school hours, or snowflakes can be collected from the school office for you to write your message on and to hang on the tree between 9am and 3pm Monday-Friday until 19 December.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 23

LPFA Panto on 3 December and news of New Year’s Eve at LPFA Cinderella is on for one performance only - on 3 December As part of the 50th Anniversary events to mark the opening of the Hall, LPFA has booked a performance of the most popular Panto Cinderella. The show is from Chaplins Pantos, who have over 25 years of providing Panto entertainments for children.

No story captures the imagination of children more than CINDERELLA. Children will be transported on a magical journey to the home of BARON HARDUP, where they will meet Cinderella and all her friends!

Packed with comedy, excitement and adventure, you’ll love to cheer the hero Prince Charming and boo the horrible sisters Fifi and Lala You’ll roar with laughter at the antics of Buttons and shout ever so, EVER SO LOUD, when the Prince finds the owner of The Glass Slipper!

All this is brought to life by a cast of five top entertainers from the world of Pantomime (playing eight character parts). It’s all good old-fashioned fun that you would normally see in a top line theatre.

The show is in the Sports and Social Hall on Sunday 3 December starting at 2pm. The show provides 2½ hours of fun, ending at 4.30pm.

Book tickets at Eventbrite.co.uk: the cost is £5.00 per child + a booking fee of £1.13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

New Year’s Eve The LPFA function room and Sports and Social bars will be open to everyone on New Year’s Eve with non-stop music played throughout.

People are welcome to bring their own food (not drinks) providing they clear all rubbish in the many bins provided. To continue our 50-year anniversary celebrations we are not charging an entry fee this year.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 24

Launton Plotters It’s the end of the 2023 season and all of our plots have finally been returned by the East West Rail Alliance.

After many years of disruption, which EWR did try to minimise for the plotters, we have a new access road, a reinstated water supply and nicely fenced and gated plots. We also had compensation for some lost sheds and use of two huge skips - which we filled very quickly!

There was a problem on the main side of the allotments (nearest the railway) with flooding. This was discovered after most of the fencing had been put up. EWR ripped up the fencing and installed a comprehensive drainage system, which has much improved the situation, before replacing the fencing and gates.

Most of my dealings with the many and various EWR managers, operatives and contractors were positive and I thank them for the generally helpful manner in which we were dealt.

There is still a problem with drainage at the end of the car park, but at least we are not trying to grow anything there!

All of the new plots have been taken and the waiting list is down to one person.

We welcome the new plot holders and look forward to seeing how their allotments flourish.

Now all of the big machinery and noise has gone we can all look ahead to a more peaceful and enjoyable 2024 on the allotments.

Jackie Hackett | Chair Launton Plotters | 07717 510990 Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 25

Number 17 Red Rose Bus Service We have been made aware of instances where the 17 bus between Aylesbury and Bicester has failed to come through the village.

If you have been unable to use the bus because it has not been available, we have been advised that you should contact the operators, Red Rose, directly - by email at Office@redrosetravel.com or by phone on 01296 747926 - with the exact details including:  the time of the scheduled bus  which bus stop - including direction (ie towards Bicester or towards Aylesbury), and  how long you were waiting.

The Red Rose Company receives a subsidy from OCC to provide the

All our Obedience Training is part of The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

Jennie, our Instructor is an Approved Instructor (Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour), Agility Club Approved Instructor, UK Agility Instructor.

Saturday Classes at a new venue in Grendon Underwood

Agility Class, starts at 12 noon

Thursday Classes in Arncott Village Hall

 Puppy Foundation Assessment, under 6 months, starts 6.45pm  Bronze Award, for dogs age 6+ months starts at 7.30pm  Rally Obedience, for any dog with some obedience training starts at 8.30pm

 Hoopers classes, The Bark Park, Launton, Mondays from 11am

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 26

service through Launton, so OCC needs to know if this service isn’t being delivered – contact them by email at public.transport@oxfordshire.gov.uk. However, problems should be reported to Red Rose first, before alerting OCC. Do feel free to copy in the Parish Council (clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk) and Parish Transport Representative (ptr@launton.org) as well.

Jane Olds - Parish Clerk

The Year End Thoughts of the Grumpy Old Men of Launton It really has been an odd year for our little group. Our health has been top of our concerns: some of us have missed meetings because of hospital or clinic appointments. But fortunately we are still well-enough to get together fairly regularly to set the world to rights. Our most heartfelt discussions are about the amazing NHS that is keeping us all going.

We have been restricted for meetings by the semi-closing of one of our regular places - but we have made the most of the Tap Room at the Vale Brewery, where they have monthly open days with street food vans - and the full range of their beers on offer. We generally settle for Gravitas.

We lament the closing of The Blue Texel: we think it’s unlikely it will reopen as a shop - but we'd be pleasantly pleased to be proved wrong.

Our discussions have ranged from the new 20mph limit through the village (we’re generally in favour but there are a couple of our number who are very solidly against and they have all sorts of facts and data to support their opinions - but we tolerate them because they contribute to our debates) and associated and assorted matters of traffic calming, through to safety at the A41 junction (we heard there was another accident last week), and whether we will be sad to see the back of East West Rail. “Maybe,” says the one of us who knows, “The enhanced 5G capacity that will be built along the line will provide decent data connections in future.” We’ll see how that turns out!And have a merry Christmas. 2024 will bring an election!

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 27

Wartime memories from Greta Walker part 2 This is the second part of Greta Walker’s memories of life during the Second World War in the area around Quainton. She talks about bombers over Quainton, and wartime in the neighbouring villages. It was sent in to Launton Lines in response to John Stephens’ piece in the July issue about growing up in wartime in south London. Do others of our readers have personal memories they would like to share?

John talks of the doodlebugs. As a youngster I found them one of the most frightening events of the war. To think a “Plane” flying above without a man guiding it, and then it just stops and explodes I found it very scary. Those of you who know Quainton, will know that if you walk in Upper Street you have a good view of Waddesdon Manor (well maybe not now, I am talking all those years ago!). When she was walking home one night a resident, Lil Corbett, actually saw one of these machines, then silence, then the explosion. It landed in fields, did no harm, but was most certainly a talking point.

Another time a bomb was dropped, not far from the church.

Quainton church had some lovely stained-glass windows. The halo from the Lord’s head was blown to the floor, but was unbroken.

We also had many terrifying nights when the German planes, came over Quainton on their way to bomb Coventry. One night grandad who was in the home guard was called out as it was thought the enemy were going to invade, and his job was to destroy the petrol pumps.

We of course had many evacuees in the village. It was like another world, especially when you remember that before the war, if a stranger came to the village, everyone wanted to know who they were and why they were in the village.

There were seven pubs in Quainton during the war. You could see they were well used by all the servicemen!

Westcott was just 2 miles from Quainton and the RAF chaps were Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 28

based there. It was a rest aerodrome for Wellington bombers. Bicester had Blenheims.

During the war, several Quainton servicemen were taking prisoner and I remember, at the end of the war, we were told that they were coming into Westcott, so we got on our bicycles and went there and stood by the fence longing to see these chaps, but of course they were out of sight.

My dad’s youngest brother was stationed there. At the end of the First World War he had gone to live in New Zealand with his sister who had married a New Zealand soldier, and settled there. When the Second World War broke out, he joined the New Zealand Air Force.

He trained in Canada as a navigator (in those days they were called an observer). There were three of them in the plane with the pilot and the gunner. When he eventually came to England he was posted to Bicester on Blenheims. His parents lived at Charndon and his siblings were all around the area. I spent hours with him and wrote to him regularly when he went abroad.

Later his unit was posted to Egypt where they were bombing Rommel’s army.

In Waddesdon there was the Army. Late in the war, every day there were dozens of lorries loaded with petrol cans going to the coast: later I learned that this was a major part of keeping the vehicles active in Europe after D-Day. You mention in August Launton Lines about Muriel Beck’s Birthday.

Muriel Lived in Quainton, and I knew her very well, During the war she was in the ATS. On a final note I do like John Stephen’s Grandma’s name - Mercy. What a lovely name and one I have not come across before.

I will end now, although I could write many more stories.

Greta Walker Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 29

Finagle’s Law

After teaching science (mainly chemistry) for about thirty years I have learned to appreciate various scientific laws. These are not about punishing misbehaviour but are statements of observed facts. Through bitter experience I’ve learned that the law which is most important is Finagle’s Law. It can be expressed in many ways but the simplest is “If anything can go wrong with an experiment, it will”.

In various other forms this law applies to other fields, such as accountancy.

For example, “In any collection of data, the one item which is so obviously correct, beyond all need of checking, is the mistake”. This has two corollaries.

No 1: Anyone you ask for help won’t see it, either, No 2: The first person who offers unsought advice will see it immediately.

Finagle’s Laws can be expressed as equations which I hesitate to print as they can put many people off. So I shall describe them as best I can in words.

There are three factors, the Finagle factor and Fudge and Diddle factors.

The Finagle Factor is characterised by changing the universe to fit the equation. For example, the planet Neptune was included in the universe when Newtonian laws couldn’t be made to match known planetary motions.

The Fudge Factor changes the equation to fit the universe and was brought in when Einstein’s work leading to relativity was influenced by the observed facts about the orbit of Mercury.

The Diddle Factor changes things so that both equation and universe appear to fit, without making any real change in either. An example, the photographer’s use of a soft focus lens when taking portraits of ladies over 35. By blurring the results, the photos are made to match the facts in a more satisfactory way.

Some more versions of Finagle’s Laws; No 1. Deliveries that normally take one day will take five when you are waiting.

No 2. After adding three weeks to the schedule for the unexpected delays, then add three more weeks for the unexpected unexpected delays. (For HS2 put years instead of weeks)

Finally, two important definitions from the Finagle Universe FINAGLE’S CREED: SCIENCE IS TRUTH; DON’T BE MISLED BY FACTS FINAGLE’S MOTTO: SMILE; TOMORROW IT WILL BE WORSE.

John Stephens Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 30

Peace of mind for pet owners...

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

Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 275 | Page 31

Bicester Hygiene Bank: our Christmas appeal

With Christmas just around the corner Bicester Hygiene Bank are thinking of those folk who are in need.

People living in poverty have to make difficult choices about spending their money on everyday items that many of us take for granted. People who are hygiene poor, regularly go without the products they need to allow them to look presentable, wear clean clothes and keep their home environment clean and hygienic.

If you use it, the chances are someone living in hygiene poverty needs it too. So please, if you can, buy one extra and donate it to The Hygiene Bank at the drop-off points at the end of this appeal..

The Hygiene Bank collects unopened donated hygiene products and distributes them to our Community Partners who are organisations who work with those facing financial hardship.

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 December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 32

We are collecting items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and paste, soap, nappies, laundry products, toilet rolls and cleaning products.

Donation drop-off points are at Boots (both branches, in Sheep Street and Bicester Shopping Park), Bicester Pharmacy on Buckingham Road, Perch Eco Business Centre in Elmsbrook, and Tesco Superstore on Lakeview Drive.

Or you can drop any items with Lesley Thompson at Clock Court, Station Road (house behind the pond) in Launton.

For more information, please visit https://thehygienebank.com/ Email us at bicester@thehygienebank.com Or to donate please use the following website https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-hygiene-bank-bicester Thank you very much.

Anna and Lesley

Village Defibrillator Did you know that Launton has a defibrillator on the side wall of The Bull in the centre of the village?

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

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

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

We are hoping to book one of the South Central Ambulance trainers to run a Saturday morning Defibrillator Awareness Training for the village - please keep an eye out for the date.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 33

Launton Village Players: The 2024 Pantomime Rapunzel

Rehearsals for Rapunzel are well underway, and we have been busy planning lighting, making costumes, building the set, and putting the programme together.

If any local businesses would like to advertise in our programme, do get in touch with us on advertising@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk for more information. Our prices for advertising have remained the same for many years, and it’s a great way to reach out to local families.

Tickets are on sale now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp. You can also call on 07864 715708 for cash or cheque purchases, or for help buying online. As tickets are available to buy before Christmas they would make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family!

Performances will be in Cooper School Performance Hall.

Date Weds 14th Feb Thurs 15th Feb Fri 16th Feb Sat 17th Feb

Performance Times 7:30pm 10:30am*

2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm

7:30pm 7:30pm

Adult (18+) £12 £12 £14 £14

Child (1-17) £6 £6 £7 £7

Babes in arms Free Free Free Free

To help families with the cost of living crisis, this year we are offering a variety of Family tickets, listed on TicketSource and available for all shows.

In a change to previous years, we are also offering a “Relaxed Performance” on Thursday morning. The show will be exactly the same but we hope to make the following adaptations which might help those who require a more relaxed environment: House lighting will be kept on at low levels throughout (apart from one  scene which you will be warned about).  Music will be turned down and there won’t be any very loud bangs.

Auditorium doors will be open so you can come and go as you please.  The foyer will be available to use as a chill out space.  A visual story will be made available before the show.   The main characters will be introduced before the show begins.  The cast and crew will have an open attitude towards audience noise and movement.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 34

In addition, we are also offering an Early Bird discount - book your tickets before 1 January 2024 and get a further 10% off your ticket using the code EARLYBIRD when you checkout your tickets.

Rapunzel is a well-known story and includes all the usual pantomime elements with lots of comedy, magic and audience participation. It is a family show and suitable for all ages. We have a magic Phoenix called Felix, who helps our heroes Bobby and Rapunzel as well as many other traditional pantomime characters such as the Dame, a comedy duo plus birds, butterflies and some other spectacular surprises!

Come and enjoy Bicester’s biggest and most magical panto, as well as helping to raise funds for our chosen charity Bicester Autism, who provide much needed support and opportunities to the families and carers of autistic children, those with ADHD or those awaiting a diagnosis of autism or ADHD. See page 2 of this issue for some photos of preparations for Rapunzel, and page 41 for more about The Village Players activities this month.

FoLPH Events calendar and news

Saturday 25 November | Boogie Woogie Bellas Over 80 people made a great audience for this fund-raising concert featuring the local quartet. A mix of songs from Registered Charity the 1930s to the 1990s had something for everyone. The Number 1199171 treasurer is still counting the money.

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 Spring Fair at the Hall.

We are waiting to confirm a date in the Spring for The Sixth Tythe Barn Quiz. This is always a great event in the Fourteenth Century Tythe Barn.

More info on FoLPH Events will be in Launton Lines and Facebook.

The next FoLPH Open Meetings will be on Thursday 18 January and then on Wednesday 27 March, both at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Do come to catch up with this exciting stage in the plans for the Parish Hall.

News update | We have seen the final lease signed by all parties. So now on to serious fundraising and project management for the work.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 35

Launton Historical Society reports

It turns out there’s quite a lot to know about apples, so many thanks to Tim Healey who came to speak to us in October.

The first wild apples were cultivated in Kazakhstan, around Almaty, in about 8000 BC. Almaty means ‘father of apples’. In 50 BC the Romans were cultivating them. By the 13th century there were different apple varieties in Britain - such as Costard and Pearmain, and there was evidence of cider making. A recipe book from 1390 has a recipe for apple pie.

In 1575, boar’s head stuffed with apple was served at the winter solstice. In 1533 Henry VIII asked that new orchards, with new cultivars, be created in Kent. In the 17th Century, Isaac Newton used an apple to demonstrate gravity.

Happily, apple trees are really long lived, and Newton’s apple tree is still around, allegedly. The Cox’s Orange Pippin was first cultivated in the 1800s, in Buckinghamshire, and the Granny Smith came into being in 1868, named after Maria Ann Smith, who was English but emigrated to Australia and created a small orchard there.

In Victorian times, apple cultivation was a bit of a mania. There was a great apple congress at Chiswick, where 1,500 varieties were displayed. In 1904 ‘an

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apple a day keeps the doctor away’ made an appearance at the St Louis World Fair. In 1908, toffee apples appeared, for Christmas trade.

Leaping forward, 1990 was a significant year as 21 October was nominated Apple Day. In 1992, community orchards were founded, led by the voluntary organisation Common Ground, and we have one near us, in Langford.

There are 2000 varieties of apple in the UK now, with lots of Oxfordshire varieties. The most famous Oxfordshire apple is the Blenheim Orange. The orchards of the national fruit collection are at Brogdale Farm, just outside Faversham in east Kent. For himself, Tim Healey likes the Cox’s Orange Pippin best, and he spent some of his boyhood sitting in a Cox’s tree at the bottom of the garden at the family home in London.

By the time you read this we will have heard Marie-Louise Kerr talk about Romans of Oxfordshire. We meet again in January, on 25 January, the last Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, to hear Alan Lavender’s experiences as the Chef to four Prime Ministers at Chequers. You can just turn up, there’s a small fee of £5 if you’re not a member, and you would be most welcome.

Gwen Skinner

Grange Mews News October 2023

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease Winter is definitely here: the redwings are scattering through the trees and hedgerows, the murmurations of starlings are flocking at night, and today, with the frost, a cloud of cock blackbirds arrived from the continent taking an opportune moment on the northerly wind.

We are pleased that we finally had delivery last week and the fitting of the partition for the new toilet facility for Sarah in the dance hall.

Our thanks to the office fitting team of Joe Fathers, longstanding tenants who incidentally started with one container here.

All the electrics are by tenant, Justin Bucknall’s team.

Thank you James and Gemma for co-ordinating the progress of this “interesting” operation.

May all readers have a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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

Volunteers working in the Woodland

The November midweek working party continued removing the overgrown vegetation around the pond, towards the side wood, in our effort to create a wildflower meadow in the next few years. There is a photo of the area after their work on 10 November on page 40.

There is still a lot to do so if you are interested in spending a few hours in the open air helping to improve our local environment please come along.

Our regular midweek volunteer session is on the second Tuesday of each month with the next one on Tuesday 12 December. We meet by the pond at 10am and normally finish by 1pm. There is also cake and tea or coffee at half-time.

In a separate programme of work, Vale Countryside Volunteers paid their second visit to the wood this winter on 13 November. One group built a dead hedge by the picnic table using the vegetation cut back in October.

The other cleared around the reflection area at the top of the woodland.

Mick Jennion

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Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 38

Vale Conservation Volunteers in the Woodland  The dead hedge at the picnic table and Old Oak

 After the working party at the east end of the Wood by the Reflection Area Photos from Mick Jennion

Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 39

Seen around the village in November

Three striking pictures from around Launton in November. Clockwise from top left: Landlady Karen storms to the line to collect her winnings at the Race Night at The Bull on 10 November - her mount is Steven Payne; The beginnings of a wildflower meadow in the Island Pond Wood following a working party on 14 November - see page 38 for more information; An amazing sunrise sky at 7.22am on 23 November, taken from Hare Leys.

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 40

Launton Village Players Update on Events

Christmas Carols 2023 ... ... at the Hummingbird We are thrilled to be invited back to provide some free family Christmas entertainment at the Hummingbird Centre’s “Light the Light” event on Sunday 9 December at 3pm. Come along and see the LVP elves, with a special guest or two! ... at the School We have also been asked to sing carols at the Launton School Christmas Café and fair on Saturday 16 December between 2pm and 4pm. ... round the village On Friday 15 December we will be singing carols around Launton village, raising money for Alzheimer’s UK. We will aim to be at the following locations (see the map on page 47): 6.45pm West End Close   7.15pm Sherwood Close  7.45pm Yew Tree Close  8.15pm Mulberry Homes/ Launton Mews 8.45pm The Bull Inn  Please do pop out and listen - or join in - and give to this good cause.

The Race Night at The Bull A huge thank you to Karen and Brandon at The Bull for hosting us, and to all who organised and came to this event. It was a great evening and helped LVP raise £665 towards our new stage blocks. Thank you to all who supported us. And see photo of Karen collecting her winnings on page 40, opposite.

You can find out more about LVP by getting in touch via email on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk, on Facebook, or at our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Merry Christmas everyone!

The LVP team Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 41

Memories of an ex-Launton Boy This month the ex-Launton Boy is musing on Remembrance Day. Every year he remembers three personal friends who lost their lives when he was serving in the Royal Engineers, but this year he had to spend Remembrance Sunday away from his veteran pals in the Garrison Church as he was struck down by a “really nasty sickness bug”. This experience took him back to his Launton childhood: when he was just two he had whooping cough that stripped him of most of his body mass, followed by all the regular childhood illnesses as well as annual checking for TB – but the real bugbear of his youth was tonsillitis. Every time he had a bout he had to miss school, and so had to play catch up once he was back. In his early teens he was caught up in the Wales smallpox “epidemic” of 1962, had the vaccination and joined a bell-ringing trip to the principality.

For the very first time in forty years, I did not attend the Remembrance Sunday service at church. My attendances have been carried out solemnly throughout those years, including those when I had turned my back on the church, to pay my respects to those who

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 42

gave their lives in two World Wars and the many conflicts since.

It should be remembered that not all lost military lives during the last century, or indeed this, were as a consequence of war or combat engagement. People often forget that when not on combat missions, the armed forces are continually training, on military exercises, NATO manoeuvres, being deployed as peace-keeping forces under the banner of the UN, and of course, during what was known as the Cold War, a great many of us served much our time in what was then known as Western Germany as part of BAOR (British Army Of the Rhine). I served four and a half years in Germany, during which time, from my own Engineers Regiment, we lost eighteen of our boys.

Other units would have had their fair share of losses also, whether from RTA’s or during training exercises or victims of acts of terrorism.

Over that time I lost three personal friends with whom I served, and I remember them particularly on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, and indeed, every single time I hear Last Post being sounded at a veteran’s funeral. I did so again on this last Remembrance Sunday occasion, but sadly not where I wanted to, at the Garrison Church along with my veteran pals. And all because of some really nasty sickness bug that suddenly took hold of me and hit me for six. I won’t go into detail but suffice it to say that I lost five pounds in weight over just three days.

This sickness / ailment, call it what you like, took me back to my childhood when growing up in Launton. I wasn’t exactly a sickly child, but like most of the kids in the village back then, I think we went through most of the childhood ailments one by one. Mine began with whooping cough at just about two years of age. Until then I had been the usual slightly tubby but healthy bouncy baby, but when hit with whooping cough, the weight just fell away from me, and though as I grew, I used to eat more and more like a horse, yet I seemed not able to put weight back on. There was a greater amount Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 43

of fat to be found on a greasy chip than on me. When I joined the army just three months short of my eighteenth birthday, I had a twenty-four-inch waist and weighed just eight and a half stone.

Nonetheless, for my weight I was remarkably strong physically, due partly I am sure to my mental determination not to ‘fail’. (a typical Capricorn!)

Following on from the whooping cough, I suffered as did most kids in the village with the likes of mumps; chicken pox (and again as an adult); measles, had to be checked annually for TB as dad had suffered with it and was very poorly, having to spend considerable time as a patient at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. But the real bugbear for me was tonsillitis.

I know I have written of this before as some of you may remember; the fact that I loved school, with a constant thirst for learning. The only times I missed school was when I had severe bouts of tonsillitis, which meant I was often having to play ‘catch-up’, which fortunately never fazed me, but was nonetheless a bit of an inconvenience. I have always hated missing things of what I consider to be of importance to me because of illness.

Again, going back to my very early teens, there was almost a case of me missing a particularly important annual event, during the time of the outbreak of smallpox. Many of you may remember this, when there were pockets of higher instances of smallpox in various parts of the nation whilst at the same time a massive shortage of smallpox vaccine. The decision was taken to vaccinate only those who were likely to be at greater risk of catching it by virtue of their location.

Wales was a particular hot-spot, and it just so happened that this was at a time when I was a member of the Launton Handbell Ringers.

Back then we used to undertake an annual trip to South Wales to give handbell recitals at St. David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, often staying at what was the Cobourg Hotel in Tenby or at Frederick Sharpe’s sister-in-law’s (Auntie Gwen’s) place in Cardigan. I therefore Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 44

considered it prudent to visit my GP, Dr Forbes, and ask if under the circumstances I might be vaccinated. He very kindly obliged and instructed me to return to him in a couple of days to check that it had taken, which I did, and it hadn’t. So he gave me a further vaccination (scratching rather than injecting) and instructed me further to return in a couple of days for the same purpose. Again, it had not taken, upon which he advised me that I could carry the smallpox virus and spread it whilst at the same time being immune to its effects myself.

And so a missed-out trip avoided, and I travelled to South Wales with confidence.

Strangely however, when some four years later at the end of my army basic training, prior to being posted overseas, I had to have a smallpox vaccination, carried out in exactly the same way as four years earlier, but this time, my arm came up like a balloon. Work that one out if you will!

I only wish I could have had something to prevent this awful bout of severe sickness I experienced over the Armistice weekend. I trust the good people of Launton did the village proud in paying collective thanks and respect for the village fallen. We didn’t have the village War Memorial when I was growing up in the village, although as I recall, we had plaques in St. Mary’s church. I also remember the late Taffy Bates and Alec Austin among others whom I believe belonged to the Ancient Order of Buffalos (or something similar) performing a collective act of remembrance in front of the rood screen on Remembrance Sundays. Very solemn indeed and greatly respected.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | December 2023 Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 45

Diary Dates: December 2023

In the current situation, it can still be 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.

December 2023 Saturday 2 BCOS Concert Choral Jazz, St Edburg's Church, Bicester, 7.30pm Sunday 3 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Christingle Family Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 4 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | St Mary's Church Fellowship Group Meeting in the Church, 2.30pm Tuesday 5 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 6 Over 60s Club Christmas Lunch, Sports and Social Hall, doors open at 12.30 and bar opens, ends about 3.30pm Thursday 7 Parish Council Meeting, Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm. Parish Hall Friday 8 SCOTS Meeting, The Bull, from 5.30pm Saturday 9 Hummingbird Centre Light the Light event; Grange Courtyard, Station Road, 12 noon4.30pm | Launton Community Choir Christmas Concert Jingle all the Way, St Mary's Church, 5pm. Tickets at Costcutter and The Bull Sunday 10 St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 11 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 12 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm4.30pm | Island Pond Wood Working Party, 10am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 14 WI Christmas Meeting with meal and a visit from a gentleman from the North Pole, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 15 Village Players Carol Singing round the village from 6.45pm - see page 47 (opposite) for times and locations Saturday 16 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE JANUARY 2024 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Launton School Christmas Café and Fair in the School, 2.00pm-4.00pm Sunday 17 St Mary's Church, Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 18 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 19 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Last day of school for children for Christmas Holiday. Back to school on Monday 8 January 2024 | No Community Café, reopens on 9 January 2024 | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sunday 24 Christmas Eve | St Mary's Church, Interactive Crib Service, 3.00pm; Midnight Communion, 11.30pm | Christmas Raffle Draw (9.00pm) at The Bull, for The Hummingbird Centre, featuring Santa Claus and his brother, and many prizes.

Monday 25 Christmas Day | St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11.00am Tuesday 26 Boxing Day | Rubbish Collection: Garbage bin rescheduled to next day | No Community Café, reopens on 9 January 2024 Wednesday 27 Rubbish Collection: Garbage bin rescheduled to today Sunday 31 St Mary's Church, Team Evening Service at St Edburg's Bicester, 6.00pm Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 46

Launton Lines December 2023 Issue 277 | Page 47

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 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 © MMXXIII Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion.

Neither the Committee nor the Editors are responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.