Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272

6.375!? ...

Canada Geese and their goslings on the Island Pond

This spring a pair of Canada Geese have set up home on the island. There were six goslings when the brood hatched (see left) but as this is being written there are only two left.

The front cover shows the celebration cake at the Coronation Party held in Sycamore Road. There are more photos from Sycamore Road on page 43 and photos from StMary’s Coronation Exhibition on pages 22-23. Cover designed by Matt Hill.

Photo from Matt Hill

 Photo left by RichardPeverell

 Photo right by IanJones

TheEditorwrites…

“Mayyouliveininterestingtimes!”isasayingknown-incorrectly-as“the Chinesecurse”.ThereisnoevidenceofanylinktoChina,anditseemsthatit didn'tappearinanyrecordsorinuseuntilearlylastcentury.Andwecertainly are...livingininterestingtimes.FourPrimeMinistersinfiveyears;three extensivepublicholidaysinthepastyear(ajubilee,afuneral,anda coronation);aglobalpandemic;andnowtheConservativesloosecontrolin Cherwell(butarenowbackaftersomeLondon-inspiredskulduggery).

Thisissuecoverstwoofthese“interesting”events:thecover,andpages22, 23,24,and43allcovertheCoronationofCharlesIII,whilepages17and 35coverthelocalelections.MPVictoriaPrentis’reportonpage25also coverstheCoronation.

Wealsohavenewsofaneartriumphforthevillage’sUnder12sAthletic BoysfootballteaminlosingtheirCupFinalagainstWitneyVikingsbya singlegoalofthree(pages30-31)-butwe’resurethey’llbebacknextyear. TherearefourentriesintheYearsAgo:150,100,50,and22.5(pages12-13, 14-15,26-27,andpage38),andthebeginningofananswertothecoloured barposteroutsidetheschool(page8).TheHistoricalSocietyreports (pages34-35)onameetingonthehistoryoftheHistoricalSociety.

RobertCornford

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

PHONENumbers:9:30amto5:00pm

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

Contact:JoanPacker

Phone:07922042133

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

LIGHTUPALIFE

Would you like to sponsor an evening’sfloodlighting at StMary’sChurch in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, birthday, or wedding?

A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact JoanPacker on 01869 241694 by 20 June 2023 for entry in the July 2023 issue of Launton Lines.

May 23 and 24 | In loving memory of DaphneBellman, from all her friends at SaxonCourt, with love.

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 7:30pmin Launton

School Hall

Councillors present MrAndrewBriant, MrsAbigailDowman, Mr EdSanders (Vice Chairman), MrSimonTurner (Chairman) (until 7:39), MrsJaquelineWebber

Apologies MrsLesleyThompson

In attendance The Clerk, MrsJaneOlds; 1 member of the public

Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

Councillor Turner was elected as Chairman and Councillor Sanders was elected as Vice Chairman.

East West Rail

No representative was able to attend.

It is understood that the public right of way through the Grange Farm area is almost complete, with just a few snagging issues.

If anyone has any queries, please contact East West Rail directly at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.ukor call the 24 hour helplineat 03457 11 41 41.

Reports from District and County Councillors

No report had been received from either the District or County Councillors.

Finance

The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website together with the financial year end Annual Governance and Accountability Return (or AGAR for short). The Council is obliged to complete the AGAR and ensure that it is sent to the External Auditor by 30 June. All the information about 2022/23 finance is available on the Council website at www.launtonpc.gov.uk/financial-information/accounts-2022-23/ Anyone wishing to see the draft accounts (unaudited until the External AuditorMoore- has completed their inspection) should contact the Clerk to make an appointment. Official ‘Electors’ Rights’ dates will be from 5 June to 14 July.

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.ukin the Agenda and Minutes section).

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

Guidance on how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planningapplications

Parish Hall

The tenders have been received and will be considered by the Working Group before the Parish Council considers them at the June meeting.

Road Matters

We understand that the Blackthorn Road will be repaired following the Launton Mews development in early July.

Speedwatch

Our SpeedwatchCo-ordinator would love to hear from you if you are able to help join the team - with the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to get out and help out.

Contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.ukfor more information.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings

The next meeting will be on Thursday 1 June in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm.If you’dlike to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

We are trying to reduce our printing and paper use, so if you would like hard copies of the agenda or any of the meeting papers, please let the Clerk know well before the meeting. The agenda and papers will be available to view via the data projector during the meeting.

Suggestions for agenda items for the 6 July meeting need to be with the Clerk by 22 June, and items for the 3 August meeting by 20 July.

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

Recent deaths in the village

Launton Lines tries to record significant events in the village. We try to list births, marriages, civil partnerships, and deaths as we get information. To have a listing included, contact launtonlines@launton.orgor drop a note in at 36 West End. There is no charge for such reporting.

BarbaraJoyceWalmandiedon22April,aged82years.ShewasJohn Walman’smotherandworkedinthebutcher’sshopwhenitwasJM Walman.Shewasalwaysabrightandcheerfulpresencebehindthecounter.

Launton Watercolour Group

The Watercolour Classes will run on all Mondays in June (5, 12, 19, and 26), in the Parish Hall from 2pm. There is still space for new members. The cost is £8 per session. DavidMeeksis the tutor. Here is a painting from last week’sclass.

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

LauntonVillagePlayers

Summer variety show: ComeRainorShine

The sun is shining as I write, and we hope that the British weather is co-operative for our outdoor summer show Come Rain or Shine.

The show is suitable for all ages, including families, and will include an umbrella dance, solos and group singing of some well-known weather-related songs, and even a performance of a Flanders and Swan monologue.

There will be two performances on Saturday 15 July and Sunday 16 July at 2.30 pm in the open-air garden of Hare LeysFarm, Launton. Tickets are available now from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp, with Adults costing £10 and Children £5. Refreshments are available to purchase when you buy tickets, and on the day, including Pimms, prosecco, fruit juice, teas and coffees, homemadecake and ice creams. If you are unable to buy online, call us on 07864 715708 for cash and cheque purchases. Any questions? Contact us at tickets@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk or phone the number above.

There is plenty of parking space and we have disabled access to the garden. If you are unable to carry a chair do let us know as we can help out with a few requests for chairs.

We do hope you will be able to come and enjoy an afternoon’s entertainment in a beautiful garden, and help us raise money

Painting & Decorating Specialist

for two fantastic causes, Bicester Food bank and UNICEF which continues to help children around the world.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

Update on the LVP 2023 PantomimeHickoryDickoryDock

As well as the wonderful awards from Oxfordshire Drama Network reported last month, we are also proud to win two District awards from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA)

The NigelGravetteAward for Best Performance in a Pantomime - for ChrisCook as the Pixie of the Clock

The It’sBehind You Award for Best Pantomime

These will both be going forward as nominations for the NODA Regional awards – well done and thank you again to everyone who helped and supported us!

Oneofthemostimportant decisionsyouwillmake ischoosingtherightaccountant.

Contact us today foraFREEinitialmeeting.

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The LVP Team

June 1923

1 June 1923

THEFOOTBALLCUPJuniorLeagueMedalsAwardedLaunton’s protestagainstWitneyMillsplayingineligiblemeninthereplayedfinalof theJuniorLeaguewasheardatOxfordonSaturday.TheOxfordshire FootballAssociationawardedthematchtoLaunton,andorderedWitney MillstodeliverupthemedalstoLauntonwithin28days.

15 June 1923

STDUNSTAN’S WHIST DRIVE The final drive for the championship is taking place in London today. MrH Sansome, of Launton, is one of the contestants. A ballot was conducted in order to give a limited number of organisers an opportunity of attending the drive, dinner and concert, and MrParsons, schoolmaster, Launton, was one of the fortunate ones to be drawn.

22 June 1923

WHIST DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP The two Oxfordshire competitors at StDunstan’swhist drive championship at Olympia on Friday - MrH Sansome, of Launton, and Miss AnnieBlundell, of Banbury- were unsuccessful as regards the large prizes, but everyone of the 112 competitors received a rainproof coat to the value of £3 3s...

INTERVIEWS WITH OLD INHABITANTS

MrWilliamFoster, of Launton I wonder if in the next generation one would find such a record of fidelity, as I ascertained when, on visiting Launton this week, I interviewed MrWilliamFoster. One can gather what I mean when I give a few striking instances: 70 years in Launton Parish Church choir; 50 years a bellringer; 50 years a verger; 57 years employed as gardener at the Rectory, Launton; 55 years residence in the same house; 56 years of wedded bliss.

MrFoster was born at Launton in 1844 and is aged 79 years. To see him work at the present time one might think he was twenty years younger. MrFoster was a son of MrEdwardFoster, of Launton. He started work when he was nine years of age on the Grange Farm, which was then occupied by MrOrmondFisher, and later by MrThomasBarford. At 21 years of age he commenced work as a gardener at the Rectory for

the

Rev JC Blomfield, and there he continued with the late Rev W M Miller and DrBurtonup to the present time. In fact, he was fetched from the Rectory garden, where he was working, in order that I might have a chat with him.

MrFoster has always been a lover of music. He joined the choir when he was nine years of age. When his voice broke he sang bass for a time, and then was transferred to the tenors. Launton choir was first robed in cassocks and surplices on New Year’sDay 1870, thus giving a lead to Bicester, who…were robed in 1873. Launton has always held a high standard for singing. The choir, with the assistance of MrSeabrook, the Bicester schoolmaster, once gave a concert in Bicester Corn Exchange. MrFoster was a member of the old Bicester Choral Society when it was under the conductorship of MrSeabrook.He helped to sing in many of the leading oratorios………

MrGrimsdalewas schoolmaster at Launton when MrFoster first went to school, and he has been succeeded by MrMartin, MrTaylor, Mr Hadley, MrBridge, MrNewton, MrW H Piggott, MrGoodison, Mr Hodgson, MrHarrisonand MrParsons.

MrFoster succeeded MrThomasBloxhamas verger about fifty years ago. At that time he also took up bellringing, and was a county method ringer with the tenor bell. “Ringing” he said, “is one of the finest exercises a man can have, with the possible exception of digging”. There were originally five bells, but when the re-hanging took place about 20 years ago, MrBrown, the squire, gave an extra bell, making a peal of six.

Our worthy remembers when Rev MrAllies was rector of Launton. Since then there has been Canon Blomfield, the Rev W M Miller and Dr Burton.Canon Blomfield’spair of ponies was well known in the area. MrFoster married in 1865 a Miss Carthew, of Bicester, and the couple had 56 years of married life, MrsFoster dying a few weeks ago.

The only change in Launton is that there is no squire, all MrBrown’s land having been sold. Squire Brown lived at Brashfield, and MrFoster worked at Brashfieldsome time before BrashfieldHouse was built.

Twelve months ago MrFoster retired from church work and the inhabitants of Launton and district gave him an illuminated address and a cheque for £10.

13 June 1873

FrederickMassey, of Launton, whose jaw was dislocated by a ball from the bat of MrBuswelljunron the Bicester Cricket Club ground on June 3, is, we are pleased to hear, progressing favourably in the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford ..........

LAUNTON PROVIDENT SOCIETY'S FESTIVAL AND RURAL SPORTS

The third annual festival of the Launton Provident Society was held on Tuesday, June 10. The weather was somewhat unpropitious.Had it been fine there would probably have been a great many more persons present. The sports were under the energetic management of MessrsC R Killby, JBaker, C JLawsonand W H Piggott. The sports were good. The steeplechase attracted much attention. The feats were witnessed by several hundreds of persons.

The Society has been very prosperous this year...... One rule of the society is “that any member visiting a public house during the day is to be fined 5 shillings.” The Marsh Gibbon Band, under the leadership of MrW Cross, was in attendance.

The day’sproceedings commenced soon after ten o’clock, when the band paraded the village, after which they went to the National School room, where a luncheon was provided for them. The club members headed by the bands and the society’?sbanner, then marched to church, where divine service was held...

After the service the members marched in the same order as they went to church, to the school-room, where an excellent dinner was prepared for them, under the presidency of the Rev JC Blomfield......

After the removal of the cloth, the Chairman rose and said that he dare say they were anxious to be in the field for the sports. He would not detain them long, but there was one or two healthsto be drunk, which they ought not to forget. First of all, as an Englishman, he would propose the health of their noble Queen. After a few remarks on the good way in which England is governed, the health of the Queen was drunk enthusiastically.

The Chairman then said that their society had had a very successful year. There were now upwards of sixty members, and he was glad to say that only one member had fallen on the club for help within the past year ...

After the sports, the company assembled on the rectory lawn, kindly lent by the rector, to enjoy themselves for the rest of the day. A tea was also provided on the lawn, given by the rector, when upwards of 200 sat down. After tea many more persons assembled and enjoyed themselves in dancing (to the strains of the band) etcetc. In the course of the proceedings the prizes were distributed to the successful competitors by Miss Blomfield.Cheers were given for the young lady for distributing the prizes. At about nine o’clock the proceedings closed with cheers for Mrand MrsBlomfield.MrBlomfield thanked the company and said he hoped all had enjoyed themselves and that he was very pleased to receive them. The club members then adjourned to the school-room, to partake of supper, under the presidency of MrJBaker ...

27 June

PETTY SESSIONS Drunk and Abusive at Launton Richard Bottley, blacksmith, Launton, who did not appear to his summons, was charged by the police with being drunk and abusive at Launton on June 10, club day in the village. From the evidence of PC Stockford, it appeared that among other festivities of the day there were rural sports in a field belonging to MrKillby.About 4 o’clock in the afternoon the accused went into the field very drunk. For his insolent language he was expelled. He challenged to fight both the policeman and MrKillby.Had there not been so large a company for the officer to look after he would have taken Bottleyinto custody. It was stated that there were 12 previous convictions “ledgered” against the accused., who was now fined 5s, with costs 10s.In default of payment to be committed for 14 days.

An open letter to the residents of Bicester and Blackthorn Roads and the rest of the village

Is anyone else fed up with the quantity, speed and noise of the traffic coming through the village? We can see up to 1,200 vehicles an hour particularly at peak times: even during the rest of the day the numbers are 500 vehicles an hour.

If you feel that you would like to discuss this major problem, come and see me, or contact by emailat shirley.johnson060708@gmail.com

Terry Johnson

Helen, deputising for our president Gaye, opened the meeting and, following reports from the secretary and treasurer, offered congratulations to Gaye, Gill and Pat who celebrate birthdays this month.

May has come to be regarded as the date for one of our more serious meetings as it’straditionally when we discuss the Resolution being put forward to the WIAnnual General Meeting of the National Federation of Women’sInstitutes. This year the Resolution is Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife. Sherietested our knowledge on the current state of rivers and beaches in the UK with a short quiz (for most of us, scores were not good!) She then gave us background information, facts and figures on the complexities of the campaign. An interesting discussion followed with some members feeling that the resolution was rather narrow as it concentrated too much on improvements for swimmers and not enough on water quality in general and the environment. Afterwards the vote showed that opinion on the resolution was divided.

For the latter part of the evening we enjoyed a variety of cheeses and wine provided by the committee.

This month we have started to support the Hygiene Bank by donating much needed items. Next month the focus will be on the topical subject of Sustainable Energy. Looking forward to July, plans are being made for a Croquet Day with a Bring and Share lunch.

We are a friendly group, always welcome new members and meet on the second Thursday of the month.

The report from our Councillors for Cherwell

District Council

Summer is certainly on its way and it is so nice to have some warmer weather after the past few weeks. As many of you may be aware Angus decided to step down from being one of your District Councillors, but we are delighted that Julian Nedelcuwas elected to be Councillor for Launton and Otmoorin his place (see page 35 for the full results). Julian looks forward to meeting as many of you as possible soon.

Cherwell Elections

Elections for Cherwell District Council took place on Thursday 4 May which resulted in no party having overall control of the council. The final councillor numbers are: Conservative 20, Labour 12, Liberal Democrats 10, The Green Party 3, Independents 3. Talks took place between Progressive Oxfordshire (made up of the Liberal Democrats, Greens and one Independent) and the Labour Party to try and form a progressive administration and an agreement was almost ready. However unfortunately the Labour Party pulled out of talks at the last minute. We are saddened by this development as many residents made it clear to us that they wished for change at Cherwell. At the Annual Council meeting on 17 May, the Conservative Leader of the Council was removed as leader to reflect this want for change. At the time of writing, we hope that talks can resume between Progressive Oxfordshire and the Labour Party to deliver a strong majority administration for Cherwell.

Community Food Organisations Fund

Cherwell District Council currently has funds for community organisations who provide food to support communities in the District. They are offering grants of up to £750 for capital or revenue. If you know of a group that might be eligible, you can apply on the Cherwell website by searching for ‘Community Food Organisation Grant’.

Stay in Touch

As always, please get in touch! Our emailsare gemma.coton@cherwelldc.gov.ukand julian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.uk, or phone us on 01869 717712.

All the best - and we hope to meet you soon.

Gemmaand Julian

25 June 11.00amHoly Communion

Please check on the Facebookpage for StMary’sChurch Launton to see the latest information or contact one of the

After the half-term holiday The Community Cafére-opens on 6 June and will then be open every Tuesday in June. There are two sessions: 9am- 11amfor young children and their parents/carers

2.30pm- 4.30pm, which is livelier.

Do come and join us at the Café!

Wheelchair

available for loan in Launton

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

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

WIFieldTrip:GongoozlersandLeggersfrom LauntontoStokeBruerne

Twelve intrepid members set off by minibus on Thursday 27 April for a day out thanks to a generous donation from a former member of Launton WI.

The destination? Perhaps the best example of a canal village in this country. Built mostly of local Blisworthstone, Stoke Bruerneis the perfect canalscapewith locks, a wharf, warehouses and cottages, two pubs, a coffee shop, a small waterways museum, and also the longest canal tunnel in the country. At 3,057yardsor 1¾ miles, the Blisworth tunnel is the longest canal tunnel in the country still open to navigation.

Our members were treated to a short canal cruise on trip boat Charlie to the southern portal of the tunnel and a brief incursion into the darkness. We were all pleased that Charlie was short enough to turn around in the tunnel without having to travel all the way through to the other end. Charlie also had an engine, unlike the earlier boats that were horse drawn and would have needed ‘leggers’ to work the boat through the tunnel by laying a plank across the roof of the boat and ‘walking or legging’ the boat through the tunnel.

Lunch was at a choice of two aptly named pubs, The Boat Inn or the Navigation Inn. The weather was kind to us and but not quite warm enough to use the picnic tables outside the museum. Some walked part of the woodland trail and some along the towpath to view further locks along the flight of seven, watching a few boats make the passage through to the moorings by the tunnel. Little did they know they had become ‘gongoolzers’ the nickname given to people standing around locksideswatching the crews work the boats through.

There was just time for a visit to the Canal Museum before we left. The Museum displays a range of artefacts from the two-hundred-year-old story of the navigation, the boats, men and women who form part of this story, and a half size replica of a cabin interior.

Plenty to see and do and a very enjoyable day out - a photo is opposite.

A fellow gongoolzer

Launton events from the global village

This picture shows a ceremony that took place in Sutherland Shire, New South Wales where CharlieStack, who grew up in Launton and was married in St Mary’s, and his family were granted Australian citizenship. Photo shows Charlieand Melody with their children: Rosiein the front, Annie, and a sleepy Laurie. On the right is the Mayor of Sutherland Shire, CarmeloPesce.

Photos 4, 6, 11, and 12 from Ben Smith. All others by Matt Hill

StMary’sChurch, Launton Coronation Celebration Event

7 and 8 May 2023

WehadanamazingweekendofeventsandIhopeeveryonehada wonderfulCoronationweekend.Itwasrewardingtomarkthishistoric occasionwithaneventintheChurch.

ThankyoutoallofourentrantswhoreallymadetheExhibitionmarvellouswithsuchavarietyofexhibits.Wehadaminicoachandhorseswith anaturescene,abirdboxwithaveryhappykingandqueen,treeswith lightsandanimals,arugbysceneandawonderfulframeditemandboard tellingusallaboutSwanUpping.Thesearejustafewexamples,butwe needtosaythankyoutoeveryonewhoentered.Wealsohadabout160 treesfromthechildrenofLauntonPrimarySchool,anditwaslovelyto seethechildrencomeintoChurchandhuntfor“theirtree.”Enjoythe picturesonpages20-21.

OurCoronationCelebrationServicewasattendedbyaboutseventyadults andchildren,andwesangseveralhymnsincludingJerusalemandAll ThingsBrightandBeautifulaswellasaUgandansong.Thechildrenmade flagsandprocessedaroundthechurchwearingcrowns.Severalprayers forKingCharlesIIIandtheRoyalFamilywerereadandweendedthe servicesingingtheNationalAnthem.

ThankyoutooifyouvisitedtheChurchovertheweekendtoseethe Exhibition.Wemadealotofcupsofteaandmostofthecakeswent! Itwaslovelytoseeyouallanditprovedawonderfulcommunityevent. Lastly,andveryimportantly,thankyoutoallwhohelpedorganisethe celebrationsandmadetheeventhappen,itwasarealteameffort.

On May 6 we witnessed history as His Majesty King Charles III followed in the footsteps of 39 monarchs before him in being crowned at Westminster Abbey.

The atmosphere in London is one I will never forget. Tens of thousands of people braved the wet weather - as they did on the day of his mother’sCoronation in 1953 - to watch the immaculately rehearsed procession. I think we were all in awe of the resplendent Gold State Coach which has been used at the Coronation of every monarch since WilliamIVin 1831.

It was a real honour to attend the ceremony inside the Abbey. I was wearing a long wig and gown in my role as Attorney General, and this seemed appropriate on this occasion. It felt at times that little had changed since the first English Coronation of King Edgarin 973. So many of the rituals have endured, from the oath and anointing to the crowning and enthronement.

At the centre of it all was The King, who managed to look both magnificent and very human at the same time. He clearly found the service very moving. It was a modern Coronation for a modern King. The ceremony was just the beginning of a long bank holiday weekend of festivities. From colourful parades and street parties to village fêtes and family fun days, we made sure we enjoyed our communities across North Oxfordshire.

A highlight was Banbury’sParty in the Park. Over 15,000 people of all ages came throughout the afternoon to enjoy the sunshine with live music, great food and drink, and fun for all the family. To round off the day, Ivy Rose lit Banbury’sbeacon, followed by a red, white and blue themedfirework display. It was brilliant to see so many people enjoying themselves and sending a resounding three cheers to His Majesty.

As we celebrated the start of a new chapter in our nation’srich royal history, we were reminded just how important our monarchy is in bringing us together. In it is a great strength that uniquely provides us with a sense of continuity and stability. This is perhaps best captured by The King’sown vow, echoing the words of his late mother: “I come not to be served, but to serve.”

Victoria Prentis

22.5 Years Ago: from the December 2000 issue of LauntonLines

The article below comes from the December 2000 issue of Launton Lines. We reprint it at the request of the author, EdHamill.

“Sustain (v. tr.): Maintain or keep going continuously …” The Concise Oxford Dictionary

Admittedly this is not a word that is part of my everyday vocabulary. Though it has cropped up twice recently. The first was at the Oxfordshire Agenda 21 meeting, which the LEG Committee attended in early October. We had a fascinating talk by CraigSimmonsa director of “Best Foot Forward”. He and his team have developed a concept to help visualize how we as a species are using our natural resources. The concept is called “Ecological Footprinting”. They took the surface area of the entire globe, calculated the productive surface area and divided that by the world's population. lndoing that they found that there would be 1.9 hectares (a hectare in everyday language is about 2.5 acres) available in natural resources for each and every one of us. Here’sthe problem. Using even more involved and quite clever maths they found that, on average, we humans are each using 2.2 hectares of natural resources. We are not doing too well. We as a species are overspending. It gets worse. In the UK each of us require 4.6 hectares, while in Oxfordshire we need 7.46 hectares to support our lifestyle.

Something has got to give! We cannot sustain this indefinitely. The second time that the word sustain made an appearance was at our recent LEG meeting. The guest speaker was SimonPratt.He is the regional coordinator for SUSTRANS(it stands for Sustainable Transport), a voluntary Organisation set up to help with the construction of the National Cycle Network. They have been instrumental in opening 5,000 miles of cycle paths throughout the UK. Another 5,000 miles are planned. We, in LEG, feel quite honoured and excited that one of these routes goes through our village. It’sRoute 51, and it goes between MiltonKeynesand Oxford. Have you cycled any of it yet? Cycling could reduce your “footprint”.

I always knew that I had big feet. I was born with them. However, I didn't know about the size of “my footprint”'. Ever since finding out I’vebeen asking myself some hard questions. Questions like:

“Am I using the car too much? Why don’tI take the bike instead?”

“Why don’tI try the Bus next time?”

“Can I combine this car journey with something else?”

“Can l do without jumping in the car in the first place?”

“Do I recycle as much as I should?”

“If possible, do I re-use things before I recycle them?”

“Do I buy a product because of the product or is it because of the packaging?”

“Is my wheelie bin full every week? Why?”

“Do I have the heating on higher than I really need it?”

“Do I ever give any thought to that poor devil in the third world who is surviving on 1.0 hectare?”

“What else can I do to promote ‘sustainability’?”

The LEG Christmas celebration will be held on 12 December. There is no meeting in January.

EdHamill, Chairman LEG

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Walks and Work in the Woodland

Clockwise from top left: Clearing benches by the stones; The Bat Walk by the Pond; The Dawn Chorus Walk on a muddy path; Installing a Bat Box; A Bat Box in place.

Island Pond Wood report: May events

DawnChorusWalk,Saturday13May

Agroupof13keenIPWmembers(plusHettythedog!)madethespecial efforttowakeearlyforthe5amdawnchoruswalk.Thewalkwasledbylocal birdenthusiastBillwhopointedouteachsongaswewalkedandgavetipson howtorememberthem.Afteranenjoyablestrollweendedthewalkwithhot drinksandpastries,notabadstarttotheday!Specieshighlightsincluded blackcap,chaffinch,wren,andbluetit.

BatWalk,Friday19May

Amoresociablehourformany,ourbatwalkstartedat8pmwithteaandcake (specialbatcakesmadebyAmyandcupcakesbyMarettawereahit!).We welcomedVeritietoleadthewalk,BerksBucksandOxonWildlifeTrusts WildBicesterprojectofficer.Asourgroupof20didaloopofthewoodwe stoppedindifferentspotswithourdetectors,listeningfordifferentspecies thatcanbeheardatdifferentfrequencies.Veritiealsotreatedustosome interestingbatfactsandtrivia.Asthewalkwasdrawingtoandendbythe mainpondwithnotasinglebatyetseen,weweretreatedtotwospecies flyingaboveus.Thedetectorspickedtheseupascommonpipistrelle(4045khz)andsopranopipistrelle(50-55khz).

We’dliketothankeveryonewhoturneduptosupportthewalks,andfor yourgenerousdonationswhichwillallowustorunmoreofthesememberexclusiveevents.

IfyouarenotamemberoftheIslandPondWoodandwouldliketojoin,not onlytosupportourongoingconservationworkbuttoaccesstheseevents plusaregularnewsletter,pleaseemailusfordetailsatfipwlimited@gmail.com

Asinglemembershipis£10ayearandafamilymembership£20.

Volunteerworksession,Saturday20May

Agroupof8volunteersassembledat10amreadyforafewhoursofwork. Manyfolksinattendancealsojoinedthepreviouseveningsbatwalk,leading tomanyaremarkthatitwouldhavebeeneasiertocampinthewoodover night!Thegroupsetoutwithanumberoftasksincludingcuttingback aroundthebenchesandpaths,litterpickingandputtingupsomebatboxes donatedlastyearbyEastWestRail.Thepatharoundthemainpondhadbeen cutearlierintheweekbyTonywhowasunabletoattendthesession.We stoppedat11torefuelwithteaandcakeleftoverfromthepreviousevening’s walkplusadeliciousspongefromIsobel!Finishingupat12,thewoodwas lookingmuchmoreaccessiblewithjustthemainpathslefttobemownonce thegroundconditionsaredryenough!

Launton Athletic Under 12ssuffer narrow cup

final loss

Launton Athletic Under 12s1 vs WitneyVikings Youth Under 12sYellows 2

After the dramatic semi-final win on penalties over Summertown, Athletic went into the cup final with spirits high. We had played Witneyin the league back in October and were the only team to beat them before they were promoted at Christmas. For Witney, it was to be their last game as a team as they were disbanding after the final due to a number of players moving to a new team. The final had been a long time coming for Witney, as they played their semi-final back at the start of February and so had waited 3 months for the game due to a fixture backlog for Launton caused by both frozen and flooded pitches.

The game took place at Oxford City on the 3Gpitch and there was a little controversy before the match as the pitch setup was both far narrower and shorter than any pitch we’dplayed on this season. This impacted our style of play a little as Athletic like to play a spread-out style of football, utilising our strong and fast wingersto get behind teams. However, it was the same for both teams and made it a super competitive and absorbing match.

The game was tight from the start, with little room on the pitch meaning the ball had to be moved quickly and Launton had the better of the early exchanges with a couple of shots wide and two very dangerous corners flashing right across the goal. Witneylooked to break quickly when they got the ball but some very solid and compact defending from our regular back three of CodyAlexander, Oliver Hermanand ReubenCooper meant that Witneystruggled to get any clear chances. Captain FinleyMoss and GeorgeLodge were controlling the midfieldand were looking to play through to our wingersand forwards at every opportunity.

The opening goal came against the run of play just past the midway mark of the first half. A corner to Launton was gathered by the Witney goalkeeper and his quick, long kick got behind the Launton defence. The Launton goalkeeper DannyRobeson-Perezattempted to come

out and clear the danger, but the Witneystriker showed great composure to go around the keeper and score into the open goal. The goal spurred the Launton team into action and within five minutes, they had their deserved equaliser. A dangerous cross from the left from wingerHarry Allpresswas spilt by the Witneygoalkeeper and as striker TomoCarter was ready to pounce on the ball, the goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his own net. 1-1 at half time and all to play for. The second half was just as competitive, but Launton again struggled to turn possession into clear cut chances and the game remained even into the final ten minutes. The decisive moment came with just five minutes left where a throw-in to Witneymidway into the Launton half was speculativelyhit high into the Launton box and the Launton goalkeeper unfortunately misjudged the flight and the ball bounced over his head and despite the best efforts of HarveyOliver, the ball ended up in the Launton net. With just minutes left, it was all out attack for Launton to try to force extra time. They won a free kick about twenty yards from goal as the clock ticked over into injury time and despite a strong shot on target from FinleyMoss, the Witney goalkeeper was able to save the ball and send it out for a corner. The final whistle came and Launton had narrowly lost a game they fully deserved to win, allowing just two shots on target in the whole game. The Witneycoach came over to commiserate with the Launton boys and told them the best team had lost on the day. It was no consolation to the team and there were understandable tears shed as the team collected their runners up medals, but they showed strong sportsmanship to congratulate the Witneyteam on their victory. Ultimately, it will be a learning experience for the team but they should all be proud of how they have grown considerably as a group this season, being competitive throughout the league and especially the cup campaigns and myself and ChrisNew as coaches are super proud of the team and all they have achieved. We transition now into an 11-asideteam for next season and look forward to the new challenges, and hopefully go one better in the cup as well.

PaddiCooper

Launton Community Speedwatch

Launton residents often complain about the speed of vehicles travelling through the village, with the school and shop on Bicester Road posing specific risk sites. An additional hazard has been the state of the road surface which has caused some vehicles to swerve into the path of oncoming faster traffic.

The Launton Community SpeedwatchGroup was formed primarily to educate drivers that the speed limit through the village is 30mphand to report excessive speeding vehicles to Thames Valley Police through the Community Speedwatchprogram. The teams operate at various locations in the village and it has been observed that their presence and visibility does have an impact on traffic speeds.

We are now looking for more volunteers to join the team. Can you spare an hour a week or once a month to monitor vehicles travelling through the village?

If you would like to join the Speedwatchteam or need more information, please drop a line to the SpeedwatchCoordinator at this email: Speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk

ChurChyard CLearuP

saturday

10 JuNe from 9.30am meet at the ChurChyard

BRING SECATEURS, RAKES, FORKS, SAWS, LOPPERS, BARROWS, GLOVES, AND ANY OTHER TOOLS

Please see posters and the StMary’sfacebookpage for more information

GrangeMewsNewsJune2023

CommercialOffices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

Ihavenoticedthemanycomplaintsonsocialmediaaboutpotholes, someofwhichhaverecentlybeenfilled.Inowhopethatmorework willbedonewiththegovernmentreallocating£200m fromnewcyclewaystopotholeworks.Atleastthecyclists oncycleway51throughLaunton(andothers)canbenefit fromasmoothsurface.

EventhismorninggovernmentfundshavebeenhaltedforLTNs, andIhopeourCountycofferswillnotsuffer fromcontinuingdevelopment ofthem.

WewelcomeSafeguardSecuritytoGrangeMews,nowoperatingona singlelevel,insteadofcartingparcelsupanddownstairs. Theyarealong-establishedlocalcompany, havingbeenbasedinBicesterforanumberofyears. WewishLyndseyandherteamgoodfortuneandahappystayhere. Manywillrecallthegrantofpermission forhousebuildingatGrangeFarm. WeexpectfurtherinformationsooninLauntonLines.

Launton Historical Society - May 2023

Launton Historical Society has speakers on a wide range of issues, national, regional and local, and at our April meeting we were very much local. We heard about the beginnings of the Society over 45 years ago and the amazing work done by early members to find and record Launton’shistory - its people, its buildings and its land. Our speakers were Pat Tucker and MaryBrydon, who carried out a vast amount of that work, and brought a wealth of artifacts with them - scrapbooks, maps, photos, a delicate christening gown and a very old newspaper.

Forty five years ago, the then rector, Rev John Blyth, called a meeting with 12 invitees.These included Miss GwendolineDannatt, the Bicester Historian, and DrMollyBarrettfrom the Bodleian.Planning went ahead and in February 1978 an open meeting was held. 37 people attended, including well known local figures such as Miss DaphneBellman, the school headmistress, who died recently. A hat was passed round and money donated. At a meeting shortly afterwards, the speaker was the keeper of the Oxfordshire Museum at Woodstock.

Early in the Historical Society’slife, a 1607 map of Launton was found which was a great help. Projects were started - a survey of the Churchyard memorials was carried out and that proved valuable for preserving the record. The monuments and inscriptions at the Launton Chapel were also surveyed. Census returns for Launton were analysed and deeds of houses borrowed and transcribed for data collection.

Following approaches to local farmers, who told LHSthe names of their fields, a marvellous map of the fields and their names was created, based on the 1607 map.

Marystarted a collection of newspaper articles in a series of scrapbooks which can be scrutinised today. A history of Launton School was researched, initially to mark Miss Bellman’sretirement. It was then found that there was a huge story to uncover, so publication was delayed until the school’s150th anniversary. In 1986 the building inspector arrived and prepared the information for the listings - many local buildings received listed status in 1987.

The Society came across the work of WilliamFerguson, a Minister at Launton Chapel. He was a great campaigner at national level in the 1800s, on the neglect of the rural poor. But we heard that his manner did not help his cause.

Meeting venues varied according to membership - the school hall was used when the number of members was healthy, and when numbers fell, the meetings were at Pat’shouse. More recently, meetings were held at the Grange Farm boardroom, and, post pandemic, we meet in the Parish Hall. The book Let’sLook at Launton was written in Pat’skitchen. Family histories were untangled, using an index system made from (the backs of) cut up Christmas cards laid out on the carpet to make family trees. Lots of enquiries were received from abroad - Australia and New Zealand - as well as other parts of the UK. There has been more research done than I can mention here. The most recent project was the Roll of Honour remembering the Launton men who returned from the Great War - looking at the lives they led in the years afterwards. This was done to mark the 2018 centenary of the end of that War. We have a wealth of information about Launton and its people and we are looking carefully at ways of preserving it for the future, both the maintenance of paper records and in digital storage. If you are a digital expert, do get in touch.

By the time you read this we will have heard SeanCalleryspeak on Cotswold Cornucopia. On Thursday 29 June, at 7.30pmin the Parish Hall, we will hear about the Ascottmartyrs. In July, on Wednesday 26, we have an outing to Upper HeyfordHeritage (the former RAF/USAF airbase) and in August we have a social in Pat’sgarden. September’s meeting will be StephenBarker talking about the Oxonand Bucks Light Infantry on the Somme.

4 May 2023

Housing:aletterfromJohnStephens

TherearetwoquestionsabouthousingthatIhavewantedtoaskpoliticiansofall parties.Themainpartiesmakeclaimsaboutthenumberofhousesthattheyhavehad built,orintendtobuild,includingsocalled‘affordable’homes.

Myfirstquestionis:“Whatarethesehomesbuiltof?”Iftheansweris‘brick’,doyou havetheslightestideaofthesizeofthecarbonfootprintinvolved?

MycottageisbuiltofCotswoldstonebutthereareotherwaysofbuildingahouse. JustafterWW2many‘prefabs’werebuiltwithanexpectedlifeof10years;many lasted50yearsormore.Iamnotsuggestingthatwebuildtheseprefabsagain,but withmodernmaterialsnowavailableitmustbepossibletobuildprefabstructuresof somekind.IbelievethatonGravenHilloneofthehouseswasassembledfrom prefabricatedpartscreatedinafactoryandwasassembledonsiteinoneday!

Mysecondquestionis:“Howmanynewhouseshavebeenbuiltcompletewithsolar panelsand/orheatpumps?”Isuspectthattheansweris‘None’butsuchadded features,althoughincreasingthecostofahouse,wouldgreatlyreducefuturerunning costsandcouldmakeitanattractivebuy.Surelyitmustbemoreexpensivetoadd thesefeaturesafterbuildingiscomplete.

Ihaveputthesequestionstooneofthepartiesbuthavenotreceivedareply.

JohnStephens

WEARENOWBICESTER’SLONGEST-ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENTFAMILY-OWNED&RUNFUNERALDIRECTORS

BICESTER’SONLYINDEPENDENTFAMILYFUNERALDIRECTOR

Acaringtraditional24hourservice ProvidedbyMrHancockandhisteampersonally

FromtheSchoolPTA:Rags2Riches

ThankyouverymuchtoeveryonewhosupportedourRags2Riches4Schools summertermclothingdonationinitiative.Wewereabletorecycle172kgof reusableclothing.

TheFriendsofLauntonSchoolPTAhavebeencollectingdonatedclothing throughthe‘Rags2Riches4Schools’schemesince2018.Inthelast5years,we haverecycledmorethan2,000kgofclothesandaccessories.

Rags2Riches4Schoolsspecialisesincollectingqualitysecond-handclothes thatareshippedtodevelopingnations,andsoldbylocallybasedmarket traders.Thishastheeffectofboostingmicrobusinesses,recycling,providing affordableclothingandvastly reducingwasteandfuel consumption.

Thisinitiativeisveryimportant tousasitalsoteachesthe childrenaboutpracticalwaysin whichtheycangetinvolvedin recycling,promoting sustainability,reducing pollution,waterandenergy consumptionaswellashelping others-evenwhentheylive manymilesawayfromourvillage.TheFriendsofLauntonSchoolcharityalso receives40pforeverykiloofclothingdonated.

ClothingRecyclingFunFacts**

 If everyone in the UK bought just one reclaimed woollen garment each year, it would save an average of 1,686 million litres of water and 480 tonnes of chemical dye stuff**.

By collecting 1kgof used clothing, one can reduce:

3.6kgof Co2emissions

6,000ltrsof water consumption

0.3kgof the use of fertilisers

0.2kgof the use of pesticides

(**source: https://rags2riches4schools.co.uk/)

Thank you from the Friends of Launton School PTA Trustees

friendsoflaunton-pta@googlegroups.com

PIPERSSTIRTHELAUNTONCROWDTherewasanexcellentattendance

atStMary’sChurchfete,heldintheRectorygroundsatLauntononSaturday, whichraisednearly£270.Themoneywillbeusedtohelprepayloansborrowed forre-roofingthechancelandrecentmajorimprovementstothevillagehall.

ThemanystallsincludedoneorganisedbytheLauntonBrowniesforthesaleof softtoysthattheyhadmade,

Entriesweredownforthechildren’sfancydresscompetition,butwereupforthe flowershoworganisedbyMrsEGold.ThecupforbestexhibitwaswonbyMrs JoanPankhurst,withherarrangementofflowersandfoliageforacoffeetable. Therewereover100entriesforthetenclasses,whichincludedtwoforchildren. Someoftheentrieswereofahighstandardandwereoutstandingforthechoice offlowers,thearrangementandtypeofcontainerusedfordisplay.Everychild’s entrywasawinner,withasimpleprizeofsweetsforeachentrant.

OtherattractionsatthefeteincludedadisplaybypupilsofthePaulsonSchoolof Dancing,andastirringperformancebytheOxfordCaledonianPipeBand.

LauntonSchoolchildrenalsoentertainedwithaperformanceoftheirrecorder groupwhichwasaugmentedbypercussionandstringinstruments.

Theflowershowresultswere:-SummerBounty,1MrsWNewell[sic],2MrsH Ancil,3MrsJHackling;Arrangementof foliage,1MrsKCattle,2MrsJ Pankhurst,3MrsNewell;Flowersina WineGlass,1MrsJHackling,2MrsJ Pankhurst,3MrsNewell;Victorian Posy,1MrsMewell,2MrsIPlumb,3 MrsAShewe;Flowersinanunusual container,1MrsMHawes,2MrsM Sheldrick,3MrsJHackling;Flowersina shallowcontainer,1MrsGAllen,2A Weighell,3MrsRAncil;CoffeeTable arrangement,1MrsJPankhurst,2Mrs RAncil,3MrsHawes;Petite arrangement,1MrsPMitchell,2MrsW Newell,3MrsRAncil.Children’sclass. Basketarrangement,1KimNolan,2 SheilaJones,3JaneMurray;Arrangementincupandsaucer,1SusanJones,2 AnnMurray,3KimNolan.

Memories of an ex-Launton Boy

This month the ex-Launton Boy is in a sad and reflective mood. Sad because of the report in last month’sissue about the rubbish (and especially the nitrous oxide capsules) found in the revised road layout around the bridge that replaced the level crossing on the way to Poundon.And reflective because he recalls the times he spent, with village friends, playing in the area around the crossing, which leads him to think about the “Saturday Jobs” that young people did back then to earn money for entertainment. And he admits to being a fairly serious train spotter when young. He wonders why it is so hard for young people nowadays to create their own constructive entertainment. He asks “Where will it all end?”

I was saddened to read pages 34 and 35 of May’sissue.

In the first instance, my not having visited the village for some time, other than to place flowers on the grave of my parents, I am trying to imagine the layout of Station Road by what was once Launton Station level crossing, now that it has been altered as part of the new East/West Rail under construction. It is an area which brings back many happy memories for me, some of which I have already alluded to in earlier editions of Launton Lines.

For example, at the back end of what was once a small buffered sidings there was among the dense undergrowth a steep mound which was probably the spoil from some excavation in the past, but which, to we young Launton boys and girls, was a fortified castle where we would play either ancient knights in shining armour, or cowboys and Indians, or even soldiers at 20th century war. Then there were the occasions when we would help with opening and closing the level crossing gates each time a passenger train

stopped by or a freight train went trundling through belching smoke and hissing steam. And depending on which relief station master was on duty (after the Kaylafamily left the station master’scottage, which was immediately beneath the station ticket office on the Marsh Gibbon / StrattonAudleyside of the track) we would get permission to help pull the signal levers. The furthest signals away from the station were by far the hardest and toughest levers to pull.

Come September time, we would be armed with baskets and large cake tins, rummaging in the hedgerows at the sides of the railway embankments, which was the place to find the plumpestand juiciest blackberries. And in the days before laws were introduced to stop the practice, we used to pick bunches of wildflowerson Sundays to take home to mum.

Then there were the anoraks among us, me being one of them, who were keen trainspotters.A queer bunch, some might think, whereas in fact we were far more knowledgeable and sophisticated about the steam locomotive numbers we collected than those who chose to collect motor car numbers instead.

Then as we grew into our early teens, quite apart from making sure we did our school homework before anything else (at least some of us did) then at weekends and during half-terms, we would get ourselves a paid job of sorts.

My brother Cliff worked on Deeley’sfarm, where he subsequently took his first job when he left school, whereas I did odd jobs about the builder’syard and on site, where I eventually took up an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner. The girls would find themselves doing shop work during such periods, many of them at Woolworth’s, all of which was for limited hours in keeping with the law as far as aged undersixteen’sworking hours were concerned.

That gave us a bit of pocket money to facilitate going to the Regal Cinema in Bicester to be entertained until we were old enough to frequent pubs and go to dances up at Graven Hill.

All this would be interspersed with such simple things as bike rides; my brother and I having cycled to Didcotin one direction and Princes

Risboroughin the other to do a spot of train spotting. Quite apart from the train spotting, it was good exercise and loads of fresh air (less traffic on the roads back then), all good healthy stuff.

So when I read about Nitrous Oxide canisters being used in the first place and then being dumped on the edge of the village I loved and grew up in, I ask myself, “What the hell has gone wrong with society that this kind of thing is now happening, not just in Launton but throughout our nation?”

Hats off to Julesfor taking the time and trouble to clear up after these reprobates and life-wasters, for wasting their lives is exactly what they are doing by snorting chemicals of one sort or another and leaving others to clear up their debris, whether that be spent canisters or damaged lives.

It’sas if many of the youngsters of today are unable to create their own constructive entertainment; they have instead to rely on artificially and chemically produced ‘highs’. Then of course, they continue such habits into their adulthood have children of their own and present to them such poor role models in themselves, begging the question, “Where will it all end?”

Maybe I have been looking at life through rose-tinted spectacles (although I did put a few years in serving in the armed forces), but it’s the sort of behaviour I once thought belonged in ghettos and the poorer parts of towns and cities, and that villages and villagers were more sedate and mature. But then, so many villages are no longer the villages that I once knew, but more like displaced suburbia with massively changed attitudes to those I grew up with.

I do so much hope that Launton especially is able to clear up this substance misuse problem, and sooner rather than later. Quite apart from officers of the law being involved, it needs the whole village to come together on this and conduct a real clean-up campaign.

I wish you the very best of luck!

Keep healthy and stay SAFE!

TonyJeacockMInstRE| The ex-Launton Boy | June 2023

Diary Dates: June 2023

Inthecurrentsituation,itcanstillbedifficulttobespecificaboutvillageevents.Listedare thoseweknowareplanned-butcheckwithorganisersnearerthedateifyouplantoattend.

Thursday1ParishCouncilMeeting,PublicSession7.15pm,CouncilMeeting 7.30pm.LauntonParishHall

Sunday4StMary'sChurch,HolyCommunion(BCP),8am;FamilyService,11am |WeeklyQuizatTheBull,8pm

Monday5BacktoSchoolafterhalftermholiday|LaunchofFellowshipGroupat StMary's,1.30pm|WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm

Tuesday6RubbishCollection:recyclingandgardenbins|CommunityCafé, ParishHall:9am-11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall, 7.30pm

Wednesday7Over60sClubMeeting,SportsandSocialHall,startsat1.30pm,ends about3.30pm

Thursday8WIMeeting:SustainableEnergy,RobinStaffordAllen,ParishHall, 7.30pm

Friday9SCOTSMeeting,TheBull,from5.30pm

Sunday11StMary'sChurch,Evensong,6pm|WeeklyQuizatTheBull,8pm

Monday12WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm

Tuesday13RubbishCollection:garbagebin|CommunityCafé,ParishHall:9am11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Sunday18StMary'sChurch,MorningPrayer,11am|WeeklyQuizatTheBull, 8pm

Monday19FINALDATEFORCOPYFORTHEJULY2023ISSUEOFLAUNTON LINES:SUBMITTOlauntonlines@launton.org|WatercolourArt Class,ParishHall,2pm-4pm

Tuesday20RubbishCollection:recyclingandgardenbins|CommunityCafé, ParishHall:9am-11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall, 7.30pm

Wednesday21Over60sClubLunchMeeting,SportsandSocialHall,Baropenfrom 12:30pm,endsabout3.30pm

Sunday25StMary'sChurch,HolyCommunion,11am|WeeklyQuizatThe Bull,8pm

Monday26WatercolourArtClass,ParishHall,2pm-4pm

Tuesday27RubbishCollection:garbagebin|CommunityCafé,ParishHall:9am11am;2.30pm-4.30pm|RockChorus,ParishHall,7.30pm

Thursday29LauntonHistoricalSociety,CarolAndersononTheAscottMartyrs, Parish Hall, 7.30pm

One

street parties

Launton

shows, from

made

- the founder of Bicester Food Bank in 2006 who received the British Empire Medal and attended King Charles’ first garden party at Buckingham Palace. Janetused to live in Launton and maintains her links with the village. Below left and right are two general views of people gathered under cover in Sycamore Road. The front cover of this issue features the Coronation Cake that is being cut in the top photo.

Photos from Matt Hill and family

of the

in

for the Coronation. Picture above

left, MaryBrydon(who

the cake), Rosie, Nora, and JanetRay