Launton Lines Issue 231 January 2020 by Launton_Lines

Issue 231

January 2020

Sights around Launton over the last month

Above: delightful items from the Artisan Food Market in December Left, the Christmas Quiz in full flow in The Bull. Photo by Patrick McGrath

The Pothole Marker has been out in West End. Will repairs be done before the paint is washed away? Photo by Robert Cornford The ongoing saga of the new post box - continued As we go to print for January the new post box (see picture to the right we first printed 22 months ago of the promised box) has now changed: see the Parish Council report on page 6 of this issue. WATCH THIS SPACE. Front cover shows the Community Choir Carol Concert in St Maryâ€™s Church held on 7 December. See page 18 for a report, and page 23 for more pictures. Cover photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes ... We are now well into the New Year and a new decade, and can look forward to an interesting year ahead. The Parish Council on pages 5-7 reports that the saga of the Parish Hall looks to be coming to a conclusion as the lease is up for discussion later in the month. But of course, once this has been secured we will need to start serious major fundraising to be able to make out Hall fit for another hundred years of use. This issue is a combination of reports of events over the Christmas/New Year season like the Community Choir Carol Concert on pages 18 and 23 or the Playgroup reporting on their lead up to Christmas on page 27 with photos on pages 24-25, and news of events being planned for later in the year, like the LGA Barn Dance (see the back cover) and the 2020 Panto The Snow Queen (see page 47). And we know we can look forward to the Tythe Barn Quiz in March, the Fete on 13 June, and the setting up of a Friends of St. Mary's. For the future there is also a notice on page 16 asking people to put themselves (or others) forwards for the vacancy on the Parish Council, and on page 9 notice of the new Nursery Class in the school starting in September 2020. On page 15 there is the notice for the Friends of Island Pond Wood AGM on 30 January, and page 32 has updates on plans at the Sports and Social and LPFA to bring us activities in the coming year. It will be an interesting year. Unfortunately, we have lost our regular report from the Launton Plotters as Jackie Hackett has decided to hang up her trowel and pencil: does anyone else want to offer to provide advice for gardeners? Finally, this month sees the first online Launton Lines issued through the web publisher issuu.com: see page 33 for more details. It has taken a long time to get to this stage: I hope that it will make it easy for those who have moved from the village to stay in touch with Launton. Robert Cornford

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group ÂŠ 2020 Launton Lines

To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07903 610405 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 January for entry in the February 2020 issue of Launton Lines. January 1 | Sponsored by the Meacock family in loving memory of Bill January 4 | Remembering my Mum Joan Foster who died 28 years ago at only 52 years. I am now this age and am inspired by my Mum to live my life as best as I can. Her memory lives on, love always, Wendy Foster January 10 | In memory of my husband Jim Wright on his birthday - love Hils.

Further Road Closures There has been advanced warning that Howes Lane will be closed between the Middleton Stoney Road roundabout and the junction with Shakespeare Drive between 13 and 24 January 2020. The map and notice are available on the Launton Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 4

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5 December 2019 at 7.30pm in Launton Parish Hall Councillors present Mrs Lizzie Chisholm, Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chairman), Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) Apologies None In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds. There were no members of the public at the meeting

Reports from District and County Councillors

Councillor Ian Corkin sent his apologies together with a written report which is available on the Parish Council website.

Finance

The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website. Due to the General Election it had not been possible for Cherwell to give the Parishes the tax base figure for next year as they had not been given their settlement figure for next year. The budget and precept will be considered at January’s meeting.

Governance

The Council wished to thank Jeanne Walker for her contribution to the Parish over the last three years. The vacancy has been advertised on page 16 of this issue of Launton Lines and on the village notice boards - if you’re interested in contributing to the life and governance of the village please do get in touch or come along to the next Parish Council meeting on 9 January in the School Hall.

Planning

All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk - in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns. The Council had received notification of the plans for the Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 5

Blackthorn Road development but had not received the hard copies, so it was hoped that this would be considered at the January meeting. The Council also considered the impact of the proposed ‘Great Lakes’ water park at Chesterton which would be built on the amenity land of the golf course. There were also concerns about the impact of the traffic (both visitors and service vehicles) which would compound the already significant traffic issues around Bicester.

Village Matters

Parish Hall Lease The Parish Council had received the lease documents on the morning of the meeting so they couldn’t be discussed at the meeting. However, they will be discussed fully in January. The working group has now met with three architects and would also be considering their terms and proposals at the January meeting. East West Rail A request for information from property consultants had been received regarding the ownership of the allotments which had been completed. Post Box The scan details had been returned to the appropriate Post Office department and the Parish Council was pleased to hear that the installation for the Pillar Box could proceed. However, unfortunately the traditional-style pillar box, which was promised previously, has now disappeared and so it is more likely that a more modern one would be installed, but the current lamp style box will be going. 20mph Zone Outside The School All the equipment for the project has now been installed and the County Highways team hope to programme it all ready for the beginning of the new school term. One of the old VAS (flashing signs) has been removed and will be relocated in due course. Station Road Drainage Issues Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 6

The Clerk has been following up the flooding and drainage issues on Station Road with the OCC Highways team and been assured that they would look into it as a matter of urgency. The Glades Safety concerns had been raised by residents that the accesses in the walls from the grass area were being used as part of the play area. The Parish Council would be writing to the residents in the area to remind them that there could be moving vehicles and people on the drives on the other side of the walls. Agenda items for the next meetings The Clerk requested that she receive all items for the January agenda by 26 December 2019, and for the February meeting by 23 January 2020 Dates of next meetings

Thursday 9 January 2020 at 7:30pm in the School Hall (note change of date and venue) and 6 February at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall Councillors and the Parish Clerk are normally available before the start of the formal meeting, from 7pm, to meet the public. Public plans and correspondence are normally available for viewing and comments, including paper copies of planning applications, and to hear informal discussions on agenda items Full minutes are available on the Parish Council Notice Boards in the village (by The War Memorial and on the wall of the Parish Hall), and on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk

CHURCH NEWS January 2020

JAN 31st 2020 A little reminder about your tax return. Contact Stack & Jones for a FREE initial meeting. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU

Sunday 5 January 8am Holy Communion (BCP) | 11am Family Service, Epiphany (see page 13) Sunday 12 January 6pm Evensong Tuesday 14 January Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 19 January 11am Holy Communion Tuesday 21 January Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 26 January 11am Holy Communion Tuesday 28 January Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 2 February 8am Holy Communion (BCP) | 11am Family Service Tuesday 4 February Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am |

2.30pm-4.30pm

Chapel Services

Launton Congregational Chapel services in January 2020 will be held between 3pm and 4pm on these dates. All are welcome. to join us. There is no obligation to take Communion. Come and join us for quiet reflection before the start of another busy week. Sunday 12 January Communion Service Sunday 26 January Chapel Service Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 8

Launton Church of England Primary School

New nursery class

Places are available from September 2020 Excellent quality nursery provision in a caring and stimulating environment. Expertly planned curriculum focused on improving individualsâ€™ early learning and development. Education will be led and managed by highly qualified teachers. Well resourced and purpose-built setting. Extensive grounds in which to explore, play, and learn. For further information about nursery places for children from 3 years contact school by telephone: 01869 253692 by email: office.3085@launton.oxon.sch.uk Reception 2020 places are available in school for children who are 4 between 1.9.2019 and 31.8.2020

Apply by 15 January 2020 https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/schools/applyschool-place/infant-and-primary-school Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 9

January - A month of contrasts and contradictions

The days are definitely getting longer. The weather seems to be that bit brighter. You’re starting to get over your voluntary Christmas excesses. You’re wishing away the days until you get paid at the end of the month. You know that you’re stuck in January, with all of its contrasts and contradictions. Let’s take a look at how you’ve managed to start the New Year so badly. Before Christmas, you had the body of an athlete. Now you look more like the Michelin Man. How could you do that to yourself? It’s nobody else’s fault. It’s a complete own goal. You’re an absolute idiot. You don’t even like Pringles, so why did you eat so many tubes of them? As for Christmas trifle, laced with sherry, just don’t go there. At least there are no more turkey leftovers to turn into curries, pies, sandwiches or soups. But what’s the point of admitting all this to your self-pitying, miserable self, if you’re not willing to sort yourself out? And that’s why January is often seen by many of us as a month that’s laced with contrasts and contradictions. Before Christmas, you were prosperous. Now you’re broke. How did that happen? Back then, you thought that the prices were too high to buy stuff, but you had no option. Now, the sales are on and you’re penniless. The prices are so low, it’s an ideal time to snap up a bargain. Instead, as you stare longingly from your ageing TV at a new 50-inch TV that’s on a special offer, you’re consoling yourself with: “I wish I could afford that. It’s so cheap”. And there you were before Christmas, full of optimism, waiting for the holidays to reward you, to bring an end to those energy-sapping pre-Christmas preparations. To be fair, your punts on the Boxing Day races could have gone a tiny bit better. Wait till you see that stable lad. He could have told you that his horse, the racing certainty, would fall at the fourth fence after its goggles got steamed up. And that the jockey’s arthritis gave him a lot of trouble in damp weather. Now, in your temporary poverty, as you tighten your belt around a midriff that you built for yourself over that festival of excess, you wait in hope. You wait expectantly for the nights to get even lighter and for the weather to warm up. The Christmas period was party time - too much food, too much drink, not enough sleep, not enough exercise. It could have started better if, on Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 10

Christmas Eve, you hadn’t tried to act as referee between the two shoppers fighting over the last turkey in the supermarket. How were you to know that both of them would punch you in the mouth? Still, the bruising went down before the in-laws arrived for their New Year’s Eve visit, which saved you from looking like a victim of domestic abuse. In January, you’ve promised yourself that you’ll be a reformed character. You’ll definitely get around to odd jobs like clearing out the garage and cleaning the car more often. But when push comes to shove, you tell yourself that it’s too cold to go out and, anyway, there’s something unmissable on the TV. It’s about the life cycle of the lesser spotted something or other that lives in a dense jungle somewhere far away. It’s bound to be really gripping. Look at all those nice colours on the screen. And there’s always tomorrow. You also know that you should be supporting the ‘Dry January’ campaign to stay off the demon drink. Within a few days, you’ve ticked that one off as your first New Year resolution to crash and burn. What a cruel month January can be. You look back nostalgically to the harrowing time you had in November, where you bravely joined a campaign of not shaving for a whole month to support prostate cancer sufferers. Remember how you struggled to keep going for that titanic effort. Now that really was a tough one, a huge call. Your January sacrifices should have been so much easier, especially after you’d taken one hard, piercing look in the mirror at your bulging carcase. Now, you’re already back on the skids … again. You’ve outgrown your old trouser belt. You’ve had to go down to the Sheep Street market and buy a bigger belt to keep your jeans up, which is still cheaper than paying the fine at the magistrate’s court for exposing your Calvin Kleins to the good people of Launton. Maybe you should heed the financial advice of your grandma. Instead of buying all that Christmas tat at the garden centre for stupid money, you should do what she does – start next year’s Christmas shopping in the post-Christmas sales. She’s probably already been to the garden centre to get the same things that you bought, but at fire sale prices, so they can clear the space for their new barbecue displays. Or why didn’t you do this year’s Christmas shopping online at midnight on Christmas eve, when the sale prices started, and ask them for express delivery? It’s not as if anyone was going to notice the Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 11

difference of a couple of days? That same routine could work wonders for you when you’re buying Easter eggs, or celebrating Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. If you’re after the best price, don’t stick with those dates that other people seem to fuss over so much. There are no bargains there. Think it through. But here’s a word of warning - if other people started being as clever as you, you’ll miss these bargains. So, don’t tell anybody else about your brilliant money-saving idea, or they’ll all be doing it. Gloomily, you stare out of the window as the cold January rain falls. Maybe you should think about what to do about this year’s summer holidays. You can’t just casually ignore all those attractive TV adverts with happy people enjoying sunshine and sandy beaches, as the children frolic in the warm ocean waters. The gym can always wait until tomorrow. You’ve still got plenty of time to transform yourself and avoid looking like Mr Blobby on the costa del somewhere. Just send off for the brochure and wait for inspiration, or maybe a growing sense of shame will force you off your ever-expanding rear end. You gaze out to the garden, with hope in your heart, and spot some green shoots of spring starting to come out. Has the seasonal tide started turning in your favour? Is the worst really over? Is that actually a crocus you see out there? Spring could be almost around the corner. The next morning, you look out again with renewed expectation. Overnight, a blanket of snow has just buried the lot. Your heart sinks. Oh January, you do not treat me well. You are truly the bringer of hope and despair in equal measure. Happy New Year! Danny Cunningham

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NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH It’s been such a busy, excItIng tIme at st mary’s but we stIll need to complete the natIvIty story Following on from our interactive Family Christingle and Crib Services we hope you can join us to find out about Epiphany when the Three Wise Men went to meet The Baby Jesus

Do come along to The Family Epiphany Service on 5 January 2020 in the Church at 11am All Church Services are listed on page 8 of this issue

Reminder about the Community Café First sessions after the Christmas break are on 14 January 2020

Hope to see you there!

Launton Community Cafe

The Cafe is open during school terms and will reopen on 14 January after a Christmas/New Year break. In January the Cafe is open on Tuesdays 14th, 21st, and 28th There are two sessions: between 9am and 11am between 2.30pm and 4.30pm For information on future plans contact Rev’d Peter Wright revpeterwright@gmail.com or phone 01869 572272 Or come to a Tuesday meeting

Everyone is welcome Come to meet friends and neighbours

ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

“your feet are in safe hands” Sharon Ball S.A.C. DIP.FHPT S.A.C. DIP. FHPP Registered foot health practitioner // www.royalfootcare.co.uk

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 13

Launton WI Meeting Thursday 12 December

The WI Christmas meeting was held at Launton Sports and Social Hall on 12 December 2019. Our ladies were dressed up in their Christmas finest and looked absolutely gorgeous, with plenty of WI sparkles. Following our usual song - Jerusalem - we had a short meeting. Birthday greetings and posies were given to Elaine, Katharine and a ‘special birthday’ greeting to Win. The latest lunch outing was at the Blue Diamond which was enjoyed by all who attended. Cathy thanked us for the mince pies that were donated to the Church for the Community Carol Concert on 7 December. A letter from Bicester Food Bank was received and they were very grateful for our cash donation. WI campaign resolutions 2019/20 are due to be discussed in January: these are available on the WI web page, where there is lots of useful information to read. On a festive table setting, we were served a delicious meal of chicken and vegetables, followed by very enjoyable deserts: Chocolate mousse cheesecake, cream caramel with roasted pineapple and raspberries, again delicious. Santa then arrived with his ‘new this year outfit’ very smart red, embossed with gold embroidery. We all received a ‘secret santa’ gift to the value of £1…

Grange Mews News

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease The Government has set a carbon neutral target for 2050 in the Climate Change Act; Cherwell District Council has declared an “emergency”. What does that mean for us and Launton Lines readers? No new homes connected to the national gas grid: will that be the end of gas heating and cooking? It appears that there should be no new homes with fossil fuel heating from 2025. There is pressure to improve insulation and heating in all dwellings through the EPC regulations. Regulations for privately rented houses are tightening again from this April. Are industrial buildings being ignored? No! Industrial EPC is more onerous than the domestic with new consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The Government is looking for uprating to band B or C by 2030, questioning implementation dates, seven year payback, exemptions, and who benefits from the energy saving (landlord or tenant). We have replaced most asbestos roofs with insulated replacements. We have replaced two more industrial doors with electrified insulated ones. We happily continue to toil at improving conditions for all at Grange Mews. HAPPY 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 07711778230

wonderful what you can get for £1! The Rock Chorus joined us for festive tunes, which was a delight to hear and included favourite Christmas songs. The Christmas raffle was drawn and one lucky member went home with wonderful prizes. Launton WI wishes all readers a wonderful Christmas and a happy 2020. Our next meeting is on 9 January at 7.30, back in the Parish Hall, when Mike Lousada will talk about the work of Bicester Heritage. The competition is “Something beginning with J”, and there will be a Bring and Buy stall. The spirit of this season Is old, yet ever new; May it be yours on Christmas And last the new year through Ernest B. McClellan Gillian Kinselley December 2019 There is another account of the meeting from an elderly gentleman, on page 46, and a photo on page 26.

Thursday 30th January, 7:30pm Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 15

A Vacancy on The Parish Council Would you like to be involved in the decision-making in the village? The Parish Council currently has a vacancy for the co-option of a Councillor.

If you are interested and want to find out more, speak to any of the current Councillors, contact the Clerk, or come along to the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 9 January in the School Hall. No experience is necessary and training is available. The Parish Council will consider applications at the meeting on Thursday 9 January in the School Hall. Any person wishing to serve as a Councillor should complete the application form on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/becoming-a-councillor/ by Thursday 2 January and return it to the Clerk. To qualify, a person must be a British subject, Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of a member state of the EU; be over 18 years old and an elector; must reside within Launton or within three miles of it (for at least the past 12 months), or occupy as owner or tenant any land or premises therein, or have their principal or only place of work there, and must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor (further details are available from the Clerk). Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 16

Launton Artisan Food Market

We held the first Launton Artisan Food Market (adding a few gift stalls as a nod to the season) on 30 November and were delighted with the turn out many people coming to support and buy local. We had stalls selling Gin (made in Bicester) from Skywave Gin and Launton grown Microgreens from Magnificent Microgreens. There were also gifts etched by Sharon Keen, our resident ceramic artist. Feast! a new local venture in grazing boards and tables joined us to showcase their food fare. There was also 100% grass-fed meat reared on conservation land, eggs and products from Bloom Valley, beautiful handmade gifts from In Other Words - Occasions, Swedish savoury cakes and cakes and biscuits from Lauraâ€™s Little Cupcake Company, and Biltong made to the traditional South African recipe but from locally reared beef and venison. These were just a few of the artisan producers in the Parish Hall. The Second Launton Artisan Food Market will be held on 1 February from 9am to 12 noon in the Parish Hall. If you are a local producer and would like a table please do contact me. Jen - Magnificent Microgreens and Launton Artisan Food Email magnificentmicrogreens@gmail.com or phone 07702207387

The Blue Texel Farm Shop offers a fantastic selection of meats, sausages and much more, as well as a well-stocked deli counter of accompaniments for your winter meals, dinners and parties.

Enjoy the coziness of the winter days ahead..

1 Station Road, Launton, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 5DS | 01869 252619 | www.thebluetexel.co.uk

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 17

Community Choir Carol Concert

The Church was colourful with foliage decorations on all the pillars, and a choir of 23 adults children with bells and other hand instruments joining for selected carols, and an audience of over 60 There were carols for us all to join in, and some for the choir alone. There was a solo (Walking in the Air from The Snowman) sung by Nicky Roberts, and a Steve Webber piano solo, an improvisation based on The Coventry Carol. There were readings round the Christmas and New Year theme. The interval saw a superb spread of mince pies and (a high point) mince slices - all donated by villagers. There was mulled wine and soft drinks, and a low-level table for children’s refreshments. There were three big hampers as prizes for the raffle, offering drink, food and sweetmeat goodies to the lucky winners. The accompanist on piano and, for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, on the church organ was Nigel Timms, and the MC was Bob Roberts. The whole programme was orchestrated by Cathy Procopiou, who had also organised choir rehearsals. Thanks are due to all who made the Carol Concert happen. At the end of the event, £334 was handed to St Mary’s Church. Let’s hope that the Community Choir will be back for the 2020 Christmas.

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C B BATHROOMS Experienced Bathroom and Shower Installer and Tiler General Plumbing and Heating Maintenance Leadwork Specialist Chris Barrett 11 Spindleside, Southwold, Bicester, Oxon OX26 3XH Home | 01869 250861 Mobile | 07773 853 640 Email | barrett.c3@sky.com

150 Years Ago: from the School Log Book 1870

Mond 17 Jan Opened School with 88 children. Tuesd 18 Jan Let several Classes learn Spelling in School instead of transcription. Wednesd 19 Jan All Classes repeated the Catechism simultaneously Thursd 20 Jan Rev JC Blomfield did not take his lesson. Frid 21 Jan Av for week 88.9. Mond 24 Jan More than 90 children present this morning. Tuesd 25 Jan Rev JC Blomfield being unwell did not take his lesson this morning. Wednesd 26 Jan Ordinary progress. Thursd 27 Jan Took the 1st and 2nd Classes in Scripture in the absence of the Rev JC Blomfield. Frid 28 Jan Examined 1st class in Arithmetic with mod[est] results. Av for week 89.4. Mond 31 Jan The IV and V Standard require more attention to their Arith[metic] - they are rather backward.

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News from The Black Bull

Last month we had a piece in Launton Lines about The Black Bull in West End as it had been taken over as part of a local mini-chain by Aylesbury-based Kyle Michael with local managers John Woodiwiss and Dani (Danielle) Pollard in the pub. Just before Christmas we had an email from a neighbour and user in West End saying “You might have seen on Facebook that The Black Bull has been temporarily closed: it seems that bills had not been paid during the period it was under temporary management. This was a big shock to Kyle and John when various utilities (gas deliveries and water) were cut off. And without gas for heating and water for washing and cleaning, the pub had to close. No bills had been sent direct to the BB so they had no means of knowing. They have been to battle in the courts, and all is being sorted. Gas lorry arrived on 21 December. They have also found the switch for the Christmas lights outside, and have a nice tree inside.” So we contacted Kyle to ask him for a comment. He replied “We are back and open and issues are now sorted (to our knowledge). Of course we are sorry for the inconvenience caused, particularly at this time of the year. “It was an unfortunate situation beyond our control but, as the saying goes, ‘Things can only get better! :-)’” Look at the facebook page www.facebook.com/bblaunton where there are menus and details of special offers and forthcoming events. To make bookings, phone 01869 248846, or email theblackbulllaunton@gmail.com, or, as Kyle says, “Just come in and see

Recent deaths in Launton Isabel Murray who lived in Station Road before moving to Cherwood House some years ago, died on 18 December 2019 after many years of ill health Doreen Marshall formerly of Ancil Avenue died on 3 November 2019 age 78 Janet Cannon formerly of Blenheim Drive died on 28 October 2019 age 87 Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 20

We meet, usually on the last Monday of the month unless bank holidays interfere, at Grange Farm Mews. Our programme for 2020 is as follows:January 27th Hugh Grainger Ghost Stories February 24th Paula and Bob Hession History of Weston-on-the-Green March 30th Robert Harris Oxfordshire in World War 2 April 27th Liz Woolley Oxford's Suburbs 1850-1914 May 18th Martin Sirot Smith 5000 Years of Sulgrave History. June 29th Julie Godson High Society Scandals in Oxfordshire July 27th Tony Eaton Failed to return: Amy Johnson and Leslie Howard In August we have our annual social event, usually out of the village September 28th Michael Heaney Tom Carter of Marsh Baldon, the invisible collector. October 26th Peter Barrington George Dew. An early welfare officer November 30th Society AGM If you would like more information about the Society, please contact Pat Tucker on 253281 or Mary Brydon on 241110. Recently the Society was given a film of an event that took place in Launton in 1966 - a harvest festival held at The Black Bull on 18 September. The film includes a number of shots taken in the allotments as well as a tour of parts of the village to collect produce. We intend to put this film on the village website, but firstly we would like to add as many names as possible of the people who appear in the film. If you were living in Launton at that time and can identify any of the people, we would love to hear from you. Contact Pat Tucker (253281) or Mary Brydon (241110). Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 21

The School Reporters: Choir and Cake

his week (in December) a special event took place in Launton School. Some visitors were invited to come to our school. We greeted them at the office and we walked with them to the school hall. We showed the visitors to their seats. We like singing together but we felt nervous because there was an audience. Some of us decorated our hair with tinsel. We wanted to be really good singers. hen we finished singing, we introduced ourselves to our visitors and offered them tea and cakes. We chatted with the visitors and at the end we had the opportunity to eat some cakes too. The cakes were delicious. The mince pies were made by Year 3 and other cakes were made in the school kitchen. e hope that our guests enjoyed our singing as much as we liked performing. We helped to choose the songs which we sang. Here are their names. When I Grow Up (from Mathilda) Sing (written for the Commonwealth Games) Merry Christmas Everyone Rocking Around The Christmas Tree e hope that we can do this again because we enjoyed it so much. We are looking forward to singing Silent Night in German at the Christmas Service on the last day of term.

W W W

Eliza, Evie, Imogen and Winnie | Years 3 and 5 Reporters, Launton School

Friends of St Mary’s Launton

Thank you to all who came along to our Open Evening on 21 November about setting up a Friends of St Mary’s Launton. We are looking at the information we have from that meeting and, hoping to move things forward very soon, we expect to be in touch early in the New Year. We do hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and we would like to wish you all a very happy New Year.

Hilary Bradshaw and Celia Evans Friends of St Mary’s Working Group Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 22

From the Community Choir Carol Concert

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 23

Some of our work at the Playgroup in Launton

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from this term, having fun and learning together

Captions clockwise from main picture on the facing page Main picture: Our tree at the festival in St Edburgâ€™s Church. A moment of rest on one of the ride-on toys at our party. One of our Christmas decorations. It looks like a gingerbread house. We made poppies for Armistice Day Two of our dances - we like to move in our playgroup. Reading together with a visitor. Playing and learning, reading and drawing. We did it all last term.

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 25

Looking forward: the set for The Snow Queen is taking shape in the barn at Hare Leys Farm for the 34th Launton Pantomime. See page 47. Looking backward: Santa at the Womenâ€™s Institute Christmas dinner delivering Secret Santa gifts to members. See pages 14-15 and 46.

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 26

End of Term Report From The Playgroup

We’ve had a busy term at Playgroup, but we’ve all had a lot of festive fun! Our Christmas Festival with the school was very popular. Father Christmas even came to visit. We had created lots of Christmas crafts, including reindeer footprints and hand print baubles. Thank you to everyone who came to the Festival and supported us. All the money we raised will be used for new resources for Playgroup. We finished the term with our annual Christmas party. The group Ride on Time brought along lots of ride-on toys for us to try, which we really enjoyed. We also had another visit from Father Christmas, and this time he bought us books! We all made decorations for our Christmas tree in the Christmas Tree festival at St Edburg’s Church in Bicester. Our tree looked beautiful and was greatly admired. As well as all the festive fun we have been doing lots of other things. In November we learned about Remembrance Day and made poppies. We watched a video about it and took part in the two minute silence on 11 November. We have also been enjoying music and movement. There are some pictures on pages 24-25 which show our dance moves..., as well as our other work this term. Charlie D’s mummy came in to read to us, too. We love having visitors. We have been enjoying some new resources and things to play and learn with at Playgroup; particularly the airport tuff tray mat and our new colourful building blocks. Thank you to everyone in the village who supported us in getting our new shed for the garden and new resources for the children. Your generosity was much appreciated. This was with money given to us by the 2019 Village Fete - The Moon Fete - when we were the chosen partner. We have spaces for children who would like to start at Playgroup in September 2020. Please note we are now taking children from the age of two and a half years old. If you are interested please contact Playgroup and arrange a visit. Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 27

Launton Lines Noticeboard I’m lookIng for a cottage or bungalow In launton

“I lived in Launton for 16 years and loved it. Last year I moved to Langford Village, but have not settled and I’d really love to return to Launton – a really friendly village.” “Is anyone thinking of selling a 2-bedroom house, cottage or bungalow in Launton? Or would consider selling if they knew there was a ready buyer?” If you are, contact me by email at jrh511@live.co.uk and let’s talk!

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LGA Barn Dance wIth Jack’s maggott band and caller 25 January | Doors open 7.30 | Dances from 8.00 Tickets from Costcutter, The Bull Inn, StoneLily See you at Launton Sports and Social Hall

Launton Watercolour Group

We meet in the Parish Hall on Mondays at 2pm - 4pm After our Christmas break we are now back for 2020

This month, meetings will be on 6, 13, 20, and 27 January For more information phone 249725 or email johnandpatsystephens@gmail.com Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 28

100 Years Ago, from The Bicester Advertiser 1920 9 January

WHIST DRIVE A very successful whist drive was held in the school room at this village on New Year's Day, the proceeds being in aid of the Launton Nursing Association. About 65 people were present. The prizes were won as follows:- Ladies: 1 Mrs A Hawes, 2 Miss G Hurst, booby Mrs Walker. Gentlemen: 1 Mr T Phipps, 2 Mr G Carter, booby Mr Fred Hawes. MARRIAGE Boughton - Harper January 7th at Launton, by the Rev Appleton and Dr Burton, George Frederick, eldest son of the late Mr Richard Broughton, of Ashendon, and Dora, third daughter of Mr Richard Harper, of Launton. FOOTBALL The return Junior League match between Launton and Bicester Reserves, on the former's ground, has been fixed for March 13th. The match should have been played last Saturday, but had to be postponed owing to the Junior Shield tie.

16 January

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Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 29

goals to 0. The game was played in rough weather, and throughout the visitors showed their superiority, Fritwell rarely getting over the half way line. Tomorrow the winners expect to add further to their laurels at the expense of Middleton Stoney, whom they defeated a few weeks ago. The match will be played at Launton. It is almost certain now that Launton will be in the final for the cup, and, on their form, they will take a lot of beating, no matter what team qualifies with them. IN MEMORIAM In loving memory of Elizabeth (Lizzie) , the fourth daughter of Mrs A Austin, Launton, who entered into rest on January 13th 1917, aged 30 years. We often think of the days gone by when we were all together. A shadow oâ€™er our house is cast, our dear Lizzie gone for ever; Forget her, no, we never will, we loved her much, we love her still; Our grief for her is just as deep as when in Christ she fell asleep. From her sorrowing Mother, Brother and Sisters.

23 January

BICESTER RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL... Housing Committee... The total number of new houses now recommended as required was fortytwo, but the Committee wished it to be understood that it might still be found that this number might not be sufficient even now to fulfill the needs of the district. The Committee had a slight wind. Middlelton were the also before them and duly considered first to attack, but the ball was soon various sites for the erection of new transferred to the other end. A houses in the parishes of .... Launton Castle was early responsible for ... and had opened negociations with some excellent runs on the right, the owners of some of such sites, but and it was from one of his centres they were not in a position to make ... that C Jeacock opened the scoring recommendations in relation to any after ten minutes play, the ball going site.... into the net off G Hughes. Fine half FOOTBALL NOTES. In the Jersey back play by Launton completely non-plussed the Middleton attackers League, Launton were at home to and, with their forwards in good Middleton on Saturday, winning somewhat easily by 5 goals to 1, thus form, the home team were certainly having the best of the argument. qualifying for the final. A record From a pass by W Jeacock, C crowd watched the game. Launton won the toss and had the advantage of Jeacock received and broke through, Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 30

but G Hughes brought him down just outside the penalty area. A free kick was awarded, and from it Launton scored Number 2, with Jeacock being the successful marksman. Launton came again, and less than five minutes later a penalty was awarded against G Hughes for handling in the penalty area. C Jeacock made no mistake with the kick. Heaton, the Middleton centre half, was injured and thus the visitors found themselves seriously handicapped. Just before half time, C Jeacock added a fourth goal for Launton. Quite content with their lead, Launton slackened down considerably in the second half, and only obtained one more goal, through A Castle. This was about the best of the match, however. Middleton tried hard to reduce the lead against them and after Varney had hit the bar, Hughes scored their only goal. Launton were awarded another penalty kick just before the finish, G Hughes again being the aggressor, but Cox shot wide. Launton thus won as stated. Mr C Quartermain satisfactorily refereed the game.

30 January

PETTY SESSIONS School Cases Levi Massey, of Launton, was summoned for not sending his daughter Phyllis to school in accordance with an attendance order made on May 16th 1919. Defendant did not appear, but was represented by his wife. Mr Durrant, School Attendance Officer, said the girl had missed five attendances out of thirty six. Mrs Massey said the child had been suffering with bad knees and was unable to go. She had in their Jersey League match with 1½ miles to walk to school. Replying Ardley, at Ardley, defeating the home team by no less than 13 goals to the Chairman (Mr Hoare), she to 0. C Jeacock had the distinction admitted she had not got a doctor’s of scoring six of the goals. The certificate. match was too one-sided to The Chairman said in cases of illness describe, for, had the visitors felt a doctor’s certificate must be inclined, they could have gone on produced and he hoped that would scoring more, indeed the game be understood in future. In this case, resolved itself into one of shooting in view of the fact that the defaults for goal. Tomorrow Launton will were not numerous, the case would journey to North Aston for the last be adjourned for a month for better Jersey League match, and it is quite attendance. on the cards that they will maintain FOOTBALL Launton gained their glorious record at the expense another crushing victory on Saturday of the home team. Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 31

The Month Ahead at Launton Sports and Social After a hectic end to the year, January 2020 sees the Launton Sports and Social bar revert to its usual opening hours which are: Monday - Friday 4.30pm - close Saturday & Sunday 12.00pm - close Remember, the bar is open to everyone with no membership required. Sky Sports and BT Sport are shown in the bar so you can watch all domestic and European football plus other sporting events. After a successful trial throughout December we will continue to offer our regular Friday promotion from 4.30pm until close where all drinks will be priced at £2.50. This includes all draught and bottled beer, medium wine or prosecco, and single spirit and mixer. The popular Sunday night bingo sessions continue through 2020. These are open to all with free admission. We’re putting on a 1980’s Disco in the Hall on Saturday 1 February. Check our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LauntonPlayingFieldsAssociation for ticket details and come along for a fun night dancing to Ice Cold Beatz.

Dave Barrett

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 32

Launton Lines goes online from this issue 231 for January 2020

This issue is the first to be published online. The online version is available through the publishing website issuu.com. It is identical to the printed edition and is produced as a single file which you can page through, so keeping the feeling of the printed version. We will continue to produce the printed edition and distribute it free to all addresses in the village. We hope that by making Launton Lines available online we will be able to stay in touch with people who have lived in the village in the past, and with others interested in the village. To find the online edition type the following into your web browser. https://issuu.com/search?q=Launton%20Lines This should bring up a listing of the test issues for November and December 2019, and then links to all future editions from this one. Alternatively, you can sign up on issuu.com (www.issuu.com) and be alerted when each issue of Launton Lines is published in future.

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100 Years Ago from the school log book January 1920 Monday 5th Re-commenced school-work this morning. Number present 78. Friday 9th Average for the week 78.1. Friday 16th Ordinary progress this week. Average for the week 79.9. Thursday 22nd Ex[amine]d. Registers. FM Burton, Rector. Friday 23rd Average for the week 78.7. Revised all the Time Tables on Jan 16th. Friday 30th Average for the week 76. The Master absent from school through sickness on January 27th and resumed duties on February 12th (2 weeks 2 days). Miss Lilian M Harrison acted as “Supply” for the period from January 27th to February 11th inclusive, (2 weeks 2 days). All had gone on satisfactorily during the Master’s absence.

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Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 34

To All Gymmers And Would-Be Gymmers

That’s it now! Decision made! I’m walking through the door! Spent enough time thinking, I’m losing time no more! Time, you find, will not stand still, for you it will not wait! Doesn’t matter who you are - no time to contemplate. Think too long, get lost in time, your actions disappear. Make a firm decision now: positive action’s clear! Action done! Decision made! Another one to take! Do I go in early? Or better to be late? Have to think now long and hard, “What is a busy time?” Should that really bother me ’cause what I have is mine? No one there is counting whether I appear! No one knows who I am! There’s nothing there to fear Doesn’t matter how I dress: the clothes no difference make Others think I bought the best, but I know they’re a fake. The name is right, emblem to smile! Yeah, I look the part. Only decision left to make is where and when to start Got the gear! Look the part! Yeah, I will impress! Little do they know inside it’s turmoil: I’m a mess.

Do I walk up to the mirror, admiring what I see before? Strike a pose and look the part? Who could ask for more? You’ll think “a seasoned athlete” by the clothes and pose that’s struck. That is what I’m hoping for. Now all I need is luck. No one’s looking! Make a start! Brush hair back! Make some noise! Think that will impress the girls, but importantly the boys. It’s not about the image or what you can or cannot do It’s how you feel when through that door… That’s what is good for you.

Contributed to Launton Lines by Tread Mill [This poem was submitted in response to Danny Cunningham’s article in the November issue of Launton Lines.] Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 35

LAUNTON OVER 60s CLUB REPORT

We started our Christmas celebrations on 4 December with our party in the LPFA Hall. The bar was kindly opened for us at 12 noon so we could have a drink and a social hour before our lunch. Lunch consisted of sausage and chips followed by a mince pie and a chocolate mint with our tea or coffee. We all had a Christmas card with a £5 note inside. Our annual free raffle was held and every member received a gift of either a box of chocolates, wine, chocolate biscuits or a voucher from a Bicester pub. To add to the excitement, Rita won the Bingo jackpot of £54.50 - just right for Christmas! Many of our raffle prizes were donated by the following: Costcutters, The Bull Inn and The Tythe Barn, all in Launton; 4 Tesco stores, 3 Co-Op stores and Lakeland in Bicester Avenue; Andy Ng at the Sun Wah; 7 Bicester pubs, The White Horse, Bure Farm, The Nightingale, The Penny Black, The Saxon. Torino Lounge and The White Hart. We also again received a very generous donation from John at Sidalls. We are extremely grateful to them all and to the LPFA and Launton Sports and Social for their help and support. On 11 December we all dressed up for our Christmas lunch at the Littlebury Hotel. It was a most enjoyable occasion in every way, as usual. The food was delicious and the decorations were beautiful. Everyone is most welcome to join our Club next year - we have a lot of fun. The 2020 programme has already been arranged with 2 fish and chip lunches, 5 meat draws, 3 lunches in the Hall and a trip out to lunch, hopefully at Milletts Farm again. We will also have another cream tea provided by Launton WI and a long weekend in Scarborough. What more could we ask! Registration for 2020 is on Wednesday 8 or Wednesday 22 January at about 1.45pm in the Playing Fields Hall. Don’t be shy! We’d love to see you. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and we wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. Pat Court.

Tickets now on sale for the 2020 Launton Pantomime

The Bull Inn, Launton Coles Books, Bicester Six shows on 20th, 21st and 22nd February 2020. Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 36

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald January 1870 7th January Charge of Hay Stealing At the Magistratesâ€™ Chamber, Bicester, on Monday January 3rd, before CJ Masham Esq, Josiah Timms, carter, Launton, was brought up in custody, charged with stealing thirty pounds of hay, from a hay rick at Launton, the property of Messers S & J Baker, of the value of 1s 6d. Remanded till Friday. The Launton Church Choir, twenty-four in number, were, on Sunday last, attired in linen surplices, presented by Mr J Baker, of Bicester and Launton. Treat to the Launton choir. On Friday evening, December 31st , Mr J Baker very kindly and liberally entertained the members of the Launton Church Choir and some friends at his home at Launton. An excellent and substantial supper was provided for the guests. After supper, Mr J Baker proposed the health of Mr CR Killby, the chairman, which was drunk right heartily. Mr Killby responded, and proposed the health of the host, which was drunk with utmost enthusiasm and with musical honours. In responding Mr Baker made some very suitable and well-timed remarks upon the duties of members of choirs, which were received in a manner which shows they were well understood and appreciated. Upon the proposition of Mr Baker, the health of the Rev J Blomfield was drunk with musical honours. The health of of Mr J F Seabrook followed next. That gentleman, in responding, proposed in flattering terms the health of the Launton choir, which was acknowledged by Mr Newton. The remainder of the evening passed very pleasantly with music and conversation. After expressing their sense of Mr Bakerâ€™s great kindness, the choir separated, highly gratified with their entertainment. 14th January Hay Stealing at Launton Josiah Timms, coal dealer and carman. Launton, was brought up in custody, on a charge of stealing about thirty pounds of hay, value 1s 6d, from a rick at Launton, the property of Messers S and J Baker, drapers, &c, Bicester. Mr John Baker said, at different times they had lost hay from a rick on their farm at Launton, and, on the previous Monday morning, PC Stockford brought the prisoner to him and charged him with stealing thirty pounds of hay from the rick. The prisoner begged him to forgive him, but he said he could not as it was in the hands of the police. Amos Reeves, of Launton, stated that he was in the employ of Messrs S and J Baker, at Launton, and looked after the cattle and homestead there. There was a rick of cut hay standing in the field about 300 yards from the homestead. Witness had lately noticed that hay had been cut from it several times during Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 37

the night, and he gave information of that fact to PC Stockford. On Monday morning he went to the rick shortly before seven o’clock, and observed that hay had been cut from it. He told Stockford and about four o’clock in the afternoon that officer showed him a quantity of hay which they weighed and found to be thirty-one pounds. PC Stockford deposed that from information he received on Monday morning he went to the house of Josiah Timms at Launton. Witness asked him if he had bought any hay that morning. He said he had not, and witness then asked him of he had any in any way at his house that morning. He replied he had not. Witness then went with him to the stable, and in a corner found a quantity of loose hay. He examined it and found pieces of paper which he had marked and put in Messrs Baker’s rick on the previous Saturday night. He then charged the prisoner with stealing it and he said it was useless to deny it; it was a bad job; he was driven into difficulties and put to it. Witness went with him to Mr J Baker’s. The prisoner said he was sorry for what he had done and hoped he would forgive him. Mr Baker said it was in the hands of the police and he could not do it. The hay weighed thirty-one pounds and was worth about a shilling and sixpence. There were eight pieces of paper he had marked in the hay he found at the prisoner’s. The prisoner pleaded guilty and preferred to have the case summarily disposed of. Mr Baker did not wish a heavy punishment to be inflicted, and Timms was committed to Oxford gaol for fourteen days’ hard labour. MARRIAGE January 5th, at the Congregational Church, George Street, Oxford, by the Rev D Martin, pastor, Mr Alfred Fenemore, farmer, Launton, to Annie Stevens, eldest daughter of Mr John Holt, farmer, Piddington. 21st January [AGM Bicester Agic & Hort, Assn. Members include RK Foster, S Malings] DEATH January 7th, at Launton, aged 7 weeks, Elizabeth, daughter of Alfred Marriott, sawyer. GEORGE FREEMAN’S BANKRUPTCY At the Bankrupts’ Court, London, on Wednesday, January 12, before Mr Registrar Roche, there was a sitting for the proof of debts and contested choice of trade assignees under the bankruptcy of George Freeman, described as of Temple Cowley, farmer and dealer, formerly of Launton, who petitioned the court on the 29th ult., and obtained protection from arrest. Mr Crowther from Messrs Lawrance and Co, Old Jury Chambers, London, and Mr Jones from Messrs Lewis Morris and Co, 8 Old Jury, London, representing the creditors, and Mr Edwards, solicitor, of Bush-lane and Oxford, supported Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 38

the bankrupt, who attributed his failure to the following causes, viz “Losses in dealings, illness of my family, pressure of creditors, and being sued by the Bucks and Oxon Union Bank, Aylesbury, for a large sum after I had paid them within two months the sum of about £800” The total amount of the bankrupt’s debts is stated in his preliminary list to be £1926 0s 6d, and his principal creditors include the Bucks and Oxon Union Bank, Aylesbury, £703; Mr Thomas Bishop, farmer, Cuddington, £210; Mr C L Cox, auctioneer, Abingdon, £34 10s; Messrs Franklin and Gale, auctioneers, Wallingford, about £93; Mr Edwin Freeman, farmer, Chilton, and Mr Edward Malins, farmer, Waterperry, £200; Messrs J Paxton and G Castle, auctioneers, Bicester, £210; Mr Richard Badcock, auctioneer, Abingdon, £117; Mr Reynolds, surgeon, Thame, about £55; and several other residents of Banbury, Bicester, Chilton, High Wycombe, etc, for smaller amounts. After the admission of a number of proofs, John Edward Bartlett, Esq., of the Bucks and Oxon Union Bank, Aylesbury, was chosen creditors’ assignee, and a resolution was passed to remove the proceedings to the Oxford County Court. - Limited renewed protection from arrest was granted the bankrupt, and Messrs Morris and Co, having been appointed solicitors to the assignees, the sitting terminated. 28th January THREATENING TO SHOOT A COUNTY COURT ASSISTANT BAILIFF James Reed, brickmaker, Launton, was summoned for assaulting John Stone, a bailiff of the Bicester County Court, in the execution of his duty. - Mr Stone, the Registrar of the Biceser County Court, attended in support of the charge. - The defendant pleaded not guilty, and wished to have the case adjourned to the next session as his wife, who was his principal witness, was too ill to attend. - Mr Stone objected to an adjournment. He has received instructions from the treasurer to press the case, and he considered those instructions peremptory. - Mr Marsham doubted whether Mrs Reed could be called on the defendant’s behalf. Defendant then wished the case adjourned for his daughter to come as a witness, but Mr Stone opposed and the case was therefore proceeded with. Mr Stone opened the case, giving the outlines as recapitulated in the evidence below. - Mr Henry Clark deposed: He was the acting bailiff at the County Court, at Bicester, and had been so for upwards of sixteen years, and his father before him. He had a warrant delivered to him by Mr Stone as Registrar of the Court, of which that put in was a duplicate. The other paper was a portion of the warrant which Stone had left in his hands when the defemdant snatched a portion from him. In consequence of his instructions he went on the 13th of Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 39

January, in company with John Stone, to the defendant’s house at Launton. They acquainted Mrs Reed with their business and then went into the yard where they saw an in-calf cow, a heifer and six sheep, of which he took account and endorsed them on the warrant. He then went back to the house and handed the warrant with the notice to Stone, whom he left in possession. He the left on other business. In the evening Stone gave him information of what had occurred. - To the defendant: Did not see him at all. John Stone said he was employed by Mr Clark as bailiff, on the 13th of January, he accompanied Mr Clark to the defendant’s house, and Mr Clark left him in possession. - Mr Marsham raised the question whether the witness was a bailiff approved by the high bailiff. - Mr Stone submitted that, although not actually appointed by the high bailiff, yet having been paid money by him, and attended sales under him, he was prima facie approved by him. The witness continued: When the defendant came he gave him the notice, which Reed tore up and burnt, and told witness to leave the house. - Witness said he could not leave unless he had orders from Mr Clark or was paid the money.- Defendant went away for a short time. When Reed returned he asked witness for his warrant. Witness said he could not give it, but would read it to him. He was doing so and the defendant snatched it out of his hand saying he had got what he wanted and if he didn’t go he would kill him. Defendant walked away through the passage, and either into the parlour or out of the front door. Having lost the warrant and being afraid of his life witness left. When the defendant ordered him out of the house Reed said if he did not go he would “blow him to hell in two minutes,” and seized a gun standing by the dresser. Witness closed with him, and pushed the gun up and held it in the air. He afterwards allowed Reed to go away and Reed took the gun into the parlour. The gun had a cap on it and was seized under a second warrant on the following Tuesday, when it was found to be loaded. The defendant crossexamined this witness at some length answering his own questions as soon as they were asked and behaving altogether most extraordinarily. He denied that the gun was loaded at the time and said it was not the same as produced. He was convicted in fine £1, and costs 11s 6d, which he paid. [Historical note: Mr Killby ran Manor Farm; Mr Newton was the headmaster. John Baker lived at Langleys in West End, so the hay incident must have occurred quite close. Mr Masham was the magistrate. James Reed had a brickworks along the Stratton Audley road and was often in trouble, this was one of the worst incidents.] Launton Lines December 2019 | Page 40

50 Years Ago from The Bicester Advertiser January 1970

23 January LAUNTON PLAYING FIELD WILL MEAN HIGHER RATE. Launton may soon get a playing field, but the cost will be reflected in the new parish rate later this year. At a meeting of Launton Parish Council on Tuesday it was decided to precept for £800, which will mean a 5d rate, to enable a substantial contribution to be made by the Council towards the cost of the playing field. The present rate is 2d. The chairman, Mr Arthur Gold, said planning application for the field had been made but there were some difficulties over access. In the two years since it was formed, Launton Playing Field Association has raised £1,700 towards the cost of the Playing Field. Application for grant aid has been made. A letter was received from the Women’s Institute asking if litter bins could be provided in the village. It was agreed that the Council should provide them, and the Women’s Institute is to be asked to suggest suitable sites. 30 January THREE-CAR CRASH Two people were taken to hospital on Friday night last week, following a three-car crash at the Baynards Heating Plumbing Servicing Green roundabout. They were Mr Henry Hunt of 29 Forge Place, Domestic Oil and Gas Servicing Fritwell, and his passenger, who both received slight injuries. The Installation and Maintenance other vehicles involved were driven Gas Safe Registered by Sgt Lawrence Johnston of USAF Heyford and Mrs Marjorie Oftec Registered McFaddin of 1 West End, Launton. The death was recorded on January “A local Business 20th of Mrs Lottie May Bellman at from Launton” her home, Schoolhouse, Launton, aged 81 years. The funeral took Phone: 07483 864 571 place on January 24th at Launton Parish Church, when the service Email: simonnashserv@aol.com was conducted by Rev J Goddard.

Simon Nash

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 41

MEMORIES OF AN EX-LAUNTON BOY

This month the ex-Launton Boy recalls his slimmer days, and the Christmas Dinners of his youth when he was trying to put on some weight. Nowadays it’s all a little different, and he claims that his dinner suit is shrinking. Whew! That’s three Christmas dinners so far and we’ve still got a week to go before it is Christmas as I write this. And I have another one to go to this evening. How things have changed over these many decades that I have been sucking in oxygen. I had to go out and buy a new dinner suit for my Royal Engineers Association Christmas dinner, for sadly, the other two have shrunk (well that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it). And for the first time ever I wore a cummerbund. I usually wear a military-style waistcoat, but sadly that also seems to have shrunk. Come the New Year, I really will have to make a serious effort to lose some weight. For those of you who remember me as a young boy in the village back in the 1950’s and 60’s, you will recall I am sure that there was more fat on a greasy chip than was on my body. I was as skinny as a rake, so much so that when I started work as an apprentice carpenter and was earning some money, a pittance though it was, I actually purchased by way of mail a full Charles Atlas body-building course. I followed it diligently for about six months before the realisation that I had wasted my money eventually sank in. When I went into the army a couple of months before my eighteenth birthday, I weighed a massive eight and a half stones. My belly was as flat as a surfboard and my arms and legs were as sticks. That said, I was wiry and for my size, I had a tremendous amount of strength, most of which stemmed, I believe, from my state of mind. It was that which got me through my basic training in the army and held me in good stead throughout my military service. When I left some six years later, I weighed a more health ten and a half stones. We used to say in the army, “It’s a case of Mind-over-Matter! I don’t mind and you don’t matter”. There is no such word as ‘can’t’. (That said, I can’t believe the recent General Election result. I look forward to the next five years with extreme trepidation... but we won’t pursue that subject right now, ’tis the season to be jolly after all!) Anyway, getting back to those Christmas dinners flying at me from all directions, one remembers how Christmases used to be when they were rather more frugal. Back then, in the 50’s and 60’s, before the days when Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 42

we could afford a turkey, chicken was consumed by many families only at the Christmas Dinner table, for it was considered to be a luxury one could ill afford at any other time of the year. We eventually graduated to a cockerel which was a real treat, even though it may have been a bit sinewy from having spent so much time strutting around the farmyard as if it owned the whole darned place. Interestingly and by comparison to today, after the festivities, there were no meat scraps to throw out, for every single morsel had been consumed, and with relish. Today one finds that where many parents will indulge in a fat (often dry) turkey or a three-birds-in-one concoction the fussy little ones will only eat chicken nuggets or a pizza, and even then they’ll often leave some to be thrown out. So much food is unnecessarily wasted and at a time when there are so many people within this wealthy nation of ours that are below the poverty-line, relying on food banks. It really is quite scandalous. We had our Christmas Carol service at the Garrison Church on Sunday 15th which was very well attended including faces I have never seen before. The mulled wine and mince pies went down an absolute treat afterwards. It would be so nice if we could get at least half of them to attend church regularly on a Sunday morning. Launton church of St. Mary used to have a very healthy-sized congregation back in the 50’s and 60’s. I wonder if it was a case of shoving faith onto the back-burner or the invasion of Sunday Night at the London Palladium on the spreading acquisition of television that began the diminishing attendances at church. Then of course, there was the Sunday morning ‘lie-in’. And how many people will go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and probably fewer still on Christmas morning itself? How times change.....and not necessarily for the better! The way things are going it looks as if it will be yet another Christmas without the proverbial white-stuff. With all the rain we have been having, it might not be a bad idea to include a pair of Wellington boots in people’s Christmas stockings. I’m so glad I don’t live in Yorkshire right now. Anyway folks; here’s hoping your Christmas stockings are filled with joy and your table is full aplenty. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. The very best of Season’s greetings Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | January 2020 Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 43

Diary Dates: January 2020 - February 2020

JANUARY 2020

Wednesday 1 Thursday 2 Launton Pantomime tickets for The Snow Queen go on sale at The Bull and Coles Books today Friday 3 Saturday 4 Sunday 5 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Sunday Brunch Scramble, Bicester Heritage, 8.30am-2.30pm | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 6 School begins after Christmas holiday | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 7 Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm - The First Walk for 2020 Wednesday 8 Over 60s Club Meeting and Registration - Subs of £5 due. Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm closes about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thursday 9 Parish Council. Public Session 7pm, Council Meeting 7.30, Launton School Hall (Note change of date and venue) | WI Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 10 SCOTS Night at The Bull from 5.30pm Saturday 11 Sunday 12 Congregational Chapel Communion Service, 3pm | St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 13 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 14 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 Friday 17 Saturday 18 Sunday 19 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 20 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE FEBUARY 2020 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 21 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm Wednesday 22 Over 60s Club Meeting and Registration - Subs of £5 due. Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm closes about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thursday 23 Friday 24 Saturday 25 LGA Barn Dance at Sports and Social Hall, doors open 7.30: dancing starts at 8pm. See back cover for details.

Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 44

Sunday

26 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Congregational Chapel Communion Service, 3pm | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 27 Launton Historical Society, Speaker Hugh Grainger on Ghost Stories. Grange Mews Board Room, Station Road, 7.45pm Tuesday 28 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm Wednesday 29 Thursday 30 Friends of Island Pond Wood AGM, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 31

FEBRUARY 2020 Saturday

1 Launton Artisan Food Market, Parish Hall, 9am-12 noon | 1980s Disco with Ice Cold Beatz, Sports and Social Hall, see facebook for details and tickets www.facebook.com/LauntonPlayingFieldsAssociation/ Sunday 2 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 3 Tuesday 4 Wednesday 5 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm Thursday 6 Parish Council. Public Session 7pm, Council Meeting 7.30, Launton Parish Hall Friday 7

To list your own events, go to www.launton.org/calendar

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A report from Santa’s Grotto

After all the rushing around up to the night of 24 December, I’ve had a chance to sit back and relax a bit, and think about some highpoints of my year, and one of them has to be my visit to the Launton Sports and Social Hall on the evening of 12 December. The reindeer had a rocky ride up the approach road, with all of them (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen). having to avoid some of the worst potholes in Launton on the approach drive (West End runs it a close second, I have to say). After a couple of sprained ankles and some stressed reindeer fetlocks we made it and I parked the sleigh on the Playing Field and made it into the building, where I was offered a welcome pint of Betty Stoggs at the bar to set me up for the evening. As I came across the field I heard the final notes of Jerusalem from the Hall, and I was told that there had been a short business meeting before 31 people sat down to a Christmas meal. I was able to chat to the chef Neil McCarthy who had prepared a delicious-looking meal in the kitchen before I came into the Hall and took over the sack of gifts for everyone. It’s not an easy job trying to make sure that people don’t get their own package placed in front of them by me, but I think I managed to avoid this for everyone. And I hope that they provide a new sack next year if I am invited back, as I had to try and hold it together this year, to avoid all the gifts falling out. Then, after handing out the gifts I distributed mince pies to all who wanted them - home made by the elves and still warm. Then, as I made my Ho! Ho! Ho! and my goodbyes the Launton Rock Chorus came in and gave a lively show for all the guests. As I lined up the reindeer for our take off on the field I could hear the notes of their singing following us up into the sky. Launton Lines January 2020 | Page 46

Launton Lines January 2020 | 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 Facebook page www.facebook.com/launtonvillage Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson. Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on the Issuu.com publishing website. © MMXX Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion. Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.