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.  Photo left by Richard Peverell  Photo right by Ian Jones 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 St Mary’s Coronation Exhibition on pages 22-23. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo from Matt Hill

The Editor writes …

“May you live in interesting times!” is a saying known - incorrectly - as “the Chinese curse”. There is no evidence of any link to China, and it seems that it didn't appear in any records or in use until early last century. And we certainly are ... living in interesting times. Four Prime Ministers in five years; three extensive public holidays in the past year (a jubilee, a funeral, and a coronation); a global pandemic; and now the Conservatives loose control in Cherwell (but are now back after some London-inspired skulduggery).

This issue covers two of these “interesting” events: the cover, and pages 22, 23, 24, and 43 all cover the Coronation of Charles III, while pages 17 and 35 cover the local elections. MP Victoria Prentis’ report on page 25 also covers the Coronation.

We also have news of a near triumph for the village’s Under 12s Athletic Boys football team in losing their Cup Final against Witney Vikings by a single goal of three (pages 30-31) - but we’re sure they’ll be back next year.

There are four entries in the Years Ago: 150, 100, 50, and 22.5 (pages 12-13, 14-15, 26-27, and page 38), and the beginning of an answer to the coloured bar poster outside the school (page 8). The Historical Society reports (pages 34-35) on a meeting on the history of the Historical Society.

Robert Cornford

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

07522 231 100 - Janice | 07305 303 889 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 01869 241755 - Lesley | 07921 392 201 - Abi Dowman 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry Pharmacy Runner

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2023 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2023-24 Chair: Jon Spinage | Secretary: Toby Aspel | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill | Treasurer: Carina Collins Associate Editor: Kathy Gilbert | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker

Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 07305 303 889

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

LIGHT UP A LIFE

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

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

Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 June 2023 for entry in the July 2023 issue of Launton Lines.

May 23 and 24 | In loving memory of Daphne Bellman, from all her friends at Saxon Court, with love.

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 7:30pm in Launton School Hall

Councillors present Mr Andrew Briant, Mrs Abigail Dowman, Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman), Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) (until 7:39), Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies Mrs Lesley Thompson In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; 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.uk or call the 24 hour helpline at 03457 11 41 41.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 4

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 Auditor Moore - 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.uk in the Agenda and Minutes section).

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

Guidance 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.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 5

Speedwatch Our Speedwatch Co-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.uk for 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’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

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

Suggestions for agenda items for the 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.launtonYour local, regular and reliable pc.gov.uk/ Please Note The Parish Council has a new contact number.

You can now call or text the Council on

07305 303 889

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Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 6

Recent deaths in the village

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

Barbara Joyce Walman died on 22 April, aged 82 years. She was John Walman’s mother and worked in the butcher’s shop when it was J M Walman. She was always a bright and cheerful presence behind the counter.

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. David Meeks is the tutor.

Here is a painting from last week’s class.

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

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 7

“The ANSWER” - Saturday, 1 July ...

6.375!? ...

“The SOLUTION” - Monday, 3 July ...

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 8

Launton Village Players

Summer variety show: Come Rain or Shine 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 Leys Farm, 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, homemade cake and ice creams.

If you are unable to buy online, call us on 07864 715708 for cash and cheque purchases.

Painting & Decorating Any questions? Contact us at

R J WAKELIN

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 continued on page 10 

Specialist

INTERIOR - EXTERIOR PRIVATE - COMMERCIAL

Contact Mobile: 07947 822794 email: rjwakelin@outlook.com

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 9

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 Pantomime Hickory Dickory Dock 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 Nigel Gravette Award for Best Performance in a Pantomime - for Chris Cook as the Pixie of the Clock The It’s Behind 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!

The LVP Team

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We will proactively listen to your business needs and create personalised solutions. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 10

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 11

100 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser June 1923 1 June 1923

THE FOOTBALL CUP Junior League Medals Awarded Launton’s protest against Witney Mills playing ineligible men in the replayed final of the Junior League was heard at Oxford on Saturday. The Oxfordshire Football Association awarded the match to Launton, and ordered Witney Mills to deliver up the medals to Launton within 28 days.

15 June 1923

ST DUNSTAN’S WHIST DRIVE The final drive for the championship is taking place in London today. Mr H 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 Mr Parsons, schoolmaster, Launton, was one of the fortunate ones to be drawn.

22 June 1923

WHIST DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP The two Oxfordshire competitors at St Dunstan’s whist drive championship at Olympia on Friday - Mr H Sansome, of Launton, and Miss Annie Blundell, 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 Mr William Foster, 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 Mr William Foster. 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.

Mr Foster 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.

Mr Foster was a son of Mr Edward Foster, of Launton. He started work when he was nine years of age on the Grange Farm, which was then occupied by Mr Ormond Fisher, and later by Mr Thomas Barford.

At 21 years of age he commenced work as a gardener at the Rectory for Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 12

the Rev J C Blomfield, and there he continued with the late Rev W M Miller and Dr Burton up 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.

Mr Foster 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’s Day 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 Mr Seabrook, the Bicester schoolmaster, once gave a concert in Bicester Corn Exchange.

Mr Foster was a member of the old Bicester Choral Society when it was under the conductorship of Mr Seabrook. He helped to sing in many of the leading oratorios………

Mr Grimsdale was schoolmaster at Launton when Mr Foster first went to school, and he has been succeeded by Mr Martin, Mr Taylor, Mr Hadley, Mr Bridge, Mr Newton, Mr W H Piggott, Mr Goodison, Mr Hodgson, Mr Harrison and Mr Parsons.

Mr Foster succeeded Mr Thomas Bloxham as 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, Mr Brown, the squire, gave an extra bell, making a peal of six.

Our worthy remembers when Rev Mr Allies was rector of Launton.

Since then there has been Canon Blomfield, the Rev W M Miller and Dr Burton. Canon Blomfield’s pair of ponies was well known in the area.

Mr Foster married in 1865 a Miss Carthew, of Bicester, and the couple had 56 years of married life, Mrs Foster dying a few weeks ago.

The only change in Launton is that there is no squire, all Mr Brown’s land having been sold. Squire Brown lived at Brashfield, and Mr Foster worked at Brashfield some time before Brashfield House was built.

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

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 13

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald, June 1873 13 June 1873

Frederick Massey, of Launton, whose jaw was dislocated by a ball from the bat of Mr Buswell junr on 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 Messrs C R Killby, J Baker, C J Lawson and 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 Mr W Cross, was in attendance.

The day’s proceedings 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’?s banner, 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 J C 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 healths to 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 ...

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 14

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) etc etc.

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 Mr and Mrs Blomfield. Mr Blomfield 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 Mr J Baker ...

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 Mr Killby. 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 Mr Killby. Had there not been so large a company for the officer to look after he would have taken Bottley into 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 email at shirley.johnson060708@gmail.com Terry Johnson Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 15

Launton WI Meeting May 2023

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’s traditionally when we discuss the Resolution being put forward to the WI Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. This year the Resolution is Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife. Sherie tested 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 Heating & Plumbing Services support the Hygiene Bank by donating much needed items.

Installation - Maintenance - Servicing Next month the focus will be on the topical subject of Sustainable Domestic Oil Energy. Looking forward to July, plans are being made for a Natural Gas Croquet Day with a Bring and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Share lunch.

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

07483 864 571

Simon Nash

Lynne Harper Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 16

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 Nedelcu was elected to be Councillor for Launton and Otmoor in 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 emails are gemma.coton@cherwelldc.gov.uk and julian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.uk, or phone us on 01869 717712.

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

Gemma and Julian Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 17

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 18

News from st mary’s ChurCh serviCes aNd eveNts iN JuNe 2023 You are most welcome to join the June Services and Events listed here.

All are in St Mary’s

Services 4 June

8.00am 11.00am 5 June 1.30pm 11 June 6.00pm 18 June 11.00am 25 June 11.00am

BCP Holy Communion All welcome Family Service Launch of Fellowship Group in Church Evensong Morning Prayer Holy Communion

Please check on the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton to see the latest information or contact one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer Celia Manderson

j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735

  

After the half-term holiday The Community Café re-opens on 6 June and will then be open every Tuesday in June.

There are two sessions: 9am - 11am for 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 given a wheelchair to be available for short-term use by residents of the village.

If you think you could use it, contact the following:

Editor@Launton.org or phone 01869 241883 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 19

WI Field Trip: Gongoozlers and Leggers from Launton to Stoke Bruerne

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 Blisworth stone, Stoke Bruerne is the perfect canalscape with 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 3,057yards or 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 locksides watching 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 Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 20

A Day Out for Launton WI - on the canal at Stoke Bruerne

Launton events from the global village This picture shows a ceremony that took place in Sutherland Shire, New South Wales where Charlie Stack, who grew up in Launton and was married in St Mary’s, and his family were granted Australian citizenship. Photo shows Charlie and Melody with their children: Rosie in the front, Annie, and a sleepy Laurie.

On the right is the Mayor of Sutherland Shire, Carmelo Pesce.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 21

From the Coronation Celebration Exhibition in

1

2 3

12

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

11

10 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 22

St Mary’s Church Launton, 7 and 8 May 2023

4

6 5

7

9 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 23

8

St Mary’s Church, Launton Coronation Celebration Event 7 and 8 May 2023

We had an amazing weekend of events and I hope everyone had a wonderful Coronation weekend. It was rewarding to mark this historic occasion with an event in the Church.

Thank you to all of our entrants who really made the Exhibition marvellous with such a variety of exhibits. We had a mini coach and horses with a nature scene, a bird box with a very happy king and queen, trees with lights and animals, a rugby scene and a wonderful framed item and board telling us all about Swan Upping. These are just a few examples, but we need to say thank you to everyone who entered. We also had about 160 trees from the children of Launton Primary School, and it was lovely to see the children come into Church and hunt for “their tree.” Enjoy the pictures on pages 20-21.

Our Coronation Celebration Service was attended by about seventy adults and children, and we sang several hymns including Jerusalem and All Things Bright and Beautiful as well as a Ugandan song. The children made flags and processed around the church wearing crowns. Several prayers for King Charles III and the Royal Family were read and we ended the service singing the National Anthem.

Thank you too if you visited the Church over the weekend to see the Exhibition. We made a lot of cups of tea and most of the cakes went!

It was lovely to see you all and it proved a wonderful community event.

Lastly, and very importantly, thank you to all who helped organise the celebrations and made the event happen, it was a real team effort.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 24

The quarterly report from our MP, Victoria Prentis 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’s Coronation 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 William IV in 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 Edgar in 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’s Party 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’s beacon, followed by a red, white and blue themed firework 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’s rich 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’s own vow, echoing the words of his late mother: “I come not to be served, but to serve.”

Victoria Prentis Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 25

22.5 Years Ago: from the December 2000 issue of Launton Lines

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

“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 Craig Simmons a 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. ln doing 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’s the 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 Simon Pratt. 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’s Route 51, and it goes between Milton Keynes and 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’ve been asking myself some hard questions. Questions like: Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 26

“Am I using the car too much? Why don’t I take the bike instead?”

“Why don’t I 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.

Ed Hamill, Chairman LEG

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Launton Lines May 2023 | Page 27

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.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 28

Island Pond Wood report: May events

Dawn Chorus Walk, Saturday 13 May A group of 13 keen IPW members (plus Hetty the dog!) made the special effort to wake early for the 5am dawn chorus walk. The walk was led by local bird enthusiast Bill who pointed out each song as we walked and gave tips on how to remember them. After an enjoyable stroll we ended the walk with hot drinks and pastries, not a bad start to the day! Species highlights included black cap, chaffinch, wren, and blue tit.

Bat Walk, Friday 19 May A more sociable hour for many, our bat walk started at 8pm with tea and cake (special bat cakes made by Amy and cupcakes by Maretta were a hit!). We welcomed Veritie to lead the walk, Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trusts Wild Bicester project officer. As our group of 20 did a loop of the wood we stopped in different spots with our detectors, listening for different species that can be heard at different frequencies. Veritie also treated us to some interesting bat facts and trivia. As the walk was drawing to and end by the main pond with not a single bat yet seen, we were treated to two species flying above us. The detectors picked these up as common pipistrelle (4045khz) and soprano pipistrelle (50-55khz).

We’d like to thank everyone who turned up to support the walks, and for your generous donations which will allow us to run more of these memberexclusive events.

If you are not a member of the Island Pond Wood and would like to join, not only to support our ongoing conservation work but to access these events plus a regular newsletter, please email us for details at fipwlimited@gmail.com A single membership is £10 a year and a family membership £20.

Volunteer work session, Saturday 20 May A group of 8 volunteers assembled at 10am ready for a few hours of work.

Many folks in attendance also joined the previous evenings bat walk, leading to many a remark that it would have been easier to camp in the wood over night! The group set out with a number of tasks including cutting back around the benches and paths, litter picking and putting up some bat boxes donated last year by East West Rail. The path around the main pond had been cut earlier in the week by Tony who was unable to attend the session. We stopped at 11 to refuel with tea and cake leftover from the previous evening’s walk plus a delicious sponge from Isobel! Finishing up at 12, the wood was looking much more accessible with just the main paths left to be mown once the ground conditions are dry enough!

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 29

Launton Athletic Under 12s suffer narrow cup final loss Launton Athletic Under 12s 1 vs Witney Vikings Youth Under 12s Yellows 2 After the dramatic semi-final win on penalties over Summertown, Athletic went into the cup final with spirits high. We had played Witney in 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 3G pitch and there was a little controversy before the match as the pitch setup was both far narrower and shorter than any pitch we’d played 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 wingers to 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. Witney looked to break quickly when they got the ball but some very solid and compact defending from our regular back three of Cody Alexander, Oliver Herman and Reuben Cooper meant that Witney struggled to get any clear chances. Captain Finley Moss and George Lodge were controlling the midfield and were looking to play through to our wingers and 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 Danny Robeson-Perez attempted to come Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 30

out and clear the danger, but the Witney striker 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 winger Harry Allpress was spilt by the Witney goalkeeper and as striker Tomo Carter 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 Witney midway into the Launton half was speculatively hit 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 Harvey Oliver, 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 Finley Moss, 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 Witney coach 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 Witney team 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 Chris New as coaches are super proud of the team and all they have achieved. We transition now into an 11-aside team for next season and look forward to the new challenges, and hopefully go one better in the cup as well.

Paddi Cooper Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 31

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 Speedwatch Group was formed primarily to educate drivers that the speed limit through the village is 30mph and to report excessive speeding vehicles to Thames Valley Police through the Community Speedwatch program. 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 Speedwatch team or need more information, please drop a line to the Speedwatch Coordinator at this email: Speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 32

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 St Mary’s facebook page for more information Grange Mews News June 2023

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease I have noticed the many complaints on social media about potholes, some of which have recently been filled. I now hope that more work will be done with the government reallocating £200m from new cycleways to pothole works. At least the cyclists on cycleway 51 through Launton (and others) can benefit from a smooth surface.

Even this morning government funds have been halted for LTNs, and I hope our County coffers will not suffer from continuing development of them.

We welcome Safeguard Security to Grange Mews, now operating on a single level, instead of carting parcels up and down stairs.

They are a long-established local company, having been based in Bicester for a number of years.

We wish Lyndsey and her team good fortune and a happy stay here.

Many will recall the grant of permission for house building at Grange Farm.

We expect further information soon in Launton Lines.

We let offices and industrial space and can be found at pacox@grangemews.co.uk and our website www.grangemews.co.uk Phone 01869 252846 or 07711 778 230

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’s history - its people, its buildings and its land. Our speakers were Pat Tucker and Mary Brydon, 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 Gwendoline Dannatt, the Bicester Historian, and Dr Molly Barrett from 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 Daphne Bellman, 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’s life, 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 LHS the names of their fields, a marvellous map of the fields and their names was created, based on the 1607 map.

Mary started 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’s retirement. It was then found that there was a huge story to uncover, so publication was delayed until the school’s 150th 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 William Ferguson, 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.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 34

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’s house. More recently, meetings were held at the Grange Farm boardroom, and, post pandemic, we meet in the Parish Hall. The book Let’s Look at Launton was written in Pat’s kitchen. 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 Sean Callery speak on Cotswold Cornucopia. On Thursday 29 June, at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, we will hear about the Ascott martyrs. In July, on Wednesday 26, we have an outing to Upper Heyford Heritage (the former RAF/USAF airbase) and in August we have a social in Pat’s garden. September’s meeting will be Stephen Barker talking about the Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry on the Somme.

Election Result District Council Election 4 May 2023 Launton and Otmoor Ward of Cherwell District Council David Leonard Hughes Conservative Party 1052 Naomi Celia Karslake Labour Party 315 Julian Nedelcu Liberal Democrats 1120 Elected Electorate 6,490 Turnout (per cent for the ward) 38.66% Rejected Ballot Papers: 22 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 35

Housing: a letter from John Stephens There are two questions about housing that I have wanted to ask politicians of all parties. The main parties make claims about the number of houses that they have had built, or intend to build, including so called ‘affordable’ homes.

My first question is: “What are these homes built of?” If the answer is ‘brick’, do you have the slightest idea of the size of the carbon footprint involved?

My cottage is built of Cotswold stone but there are other ways of building a house.

Just after WW2 many ‘prefabs’ were built with an expected life of 10 years; many lasted 50 years or more. I am not suggesting that we build these prefabs again, but with modern materials now available it must be possible to build prefab structures of some kind. I believe that on Graven Hill one of the houses was assembled from prefabricated parts created in a factory and was assembled on site in one day!

My second question is: “How many new houses have been built complete with solar panels and/or heat pumps?” I suspect that the answer is ‘None’ but such added features, although increasing the cost of a house, would greatly reduce future running costs and could make it an attractive buy. Surely it must be more expensive to add these features after building is complete.

I have put these questions to one of the parties but have not received a reply.

John Stephens

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Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 36

From the School PTA: Rags 2 Riches

Thank you very much to everyone who supported our Rags 2 Riches 4 Schools summer term clothing donation initiative. We were able to recycle 172kg of reusable clothing.

The Friends of Launton School PTA have been collecting donated clothing through the ‘Rags 2 Riches 4 Schools’ scheme since 2018. In the last 5 years, we have recycled more than 2,000kg of clothes and accessories.

Rags 2 Riches 4 Schools specialises in collecting quality second-hand clothes that are shipped to developing nations, and sold by locally based market traders. This has the effect of boosting micro businesses, recycling, providing affordable clothing and vastly reducing waste and fuel consumption.

This initiative is very important to us as it also teaches the children about practical ways in which they can get involved in recycling, promoting sustainability, reducing pollution, water and energy consumption as well as helping others - even when they live many miles away from our village. The Friends of Launton School charity also receives 40p for every kilo of clothing donated.

Clothing Recycling Fun Facts**  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 1kg of used clothing, one can reduce:  3.6kg of Co2 emissions  6,000ltrs of water consumption  0.3kg of the use of fertilisers  0.2kg of the use of pesticides (**source: https://rags2riches4schools.co.uk/) Thank you from the Friends of Launton School PTA Trustees friendsoflaunton-pta@googlegroups.com Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 37

50 Years Ago from The Bicester Advertiser, 22 June 1973 PIPERS STIR THE LAUNTON CROWD There was an excellent attendance at St Mary’s Church fete, held in the Rectory grounds at Launton on Saturday, which raised nearly £270. The money will be used to help repay loans borrowed for re-roofing the chancel and recent major improvements to the village hall.

The many stalls included one organised by the Launton Brownies for the sale of soft toys that they had made, Entries were down for the children’s fancy dress competition, but were up for the flower show organised by Mrs E Gold. The cup for best exhibit was won by Mrs Joan Pankhurst, with her arrangement of flowers and foliage for a coffee table.

There were over 100 entries for the ten classes, which included two for children.

Some of the entries were of a high standard and were outstanding for the choice of flowers, the arrangement and type of container used for display. Every child’s entry was a winner, with a simple prize of sweets for each entrant.

Other attractions at the fete included a display by pupils of the Paulson School of Dancing, and a stirring performance by the Oxford Caledonian Pipe Band.

Launton School children also entertained with a performance of their recorder group which was augmented by percussion and string instruments.

The flower show results were:- Summer Bounty, 1 Mrs W Newell [sic], 2 Mrs H Ancil, 3 Mrs J Hackling; Arrangement of foliage, 1 Mrs K Cattle, 2 Mrs J Pankhurst, 3 Mrs Newell; Flowers in a Wine Glass, 1 Mrs J Hackling, 2 Mrs J Pankhurst, 3 Mrs Newell; Victorian Posy, 1 Mrs Mewell, 2 Mrs I Plumb, 3 House maintenance  Mrs A Shewe; Flowers in an unusual  Repointing container, 1 Mrs M Hawes, 2 Mrs M  Internal and external decorations Sheldrick, 3 Mrs J Hackling; Flowers in a Patios  shallow container, 1 Mrs G Allen, 2 A Decking  Weighell, 3 Mrs R Ancil; Coffee Table Fencing  arrangement, 1 Mrs J Pankhurst, 2 Mrs R Ancil, 3 Mrs Hawes; Petite For a personal service, arrangement, 1 Mrs P Mitchell, 2 Mrs W call Peter N Southam Newell, 3 Mrs R Ancil. Children’s class.

01869 278333 Basket arrangement, 1 Kim Nolan, 2 07721 633 220 Sheila Jones, 3 Jane Murray; Arrangepeteroofer@aol.com ment in cup and saucer, 1 Susan Jones, 2 Ann Murray, 3 Kim Nolan.

Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 38

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’s issue 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’s issue.

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 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 39

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 Kayla family left the station master’s cottage, which was immediately beneath the station ticket office on the Marsh Gibbon / Stratton Audley side 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 plumpest and juiciest blackberries. And in the days before laws were introduced to stop the practice, we used to pick bunches of wildflowers on 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’s farm, where he subsequently took his first job when he left school, whereas I did odd jobs about the builder’s yard 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’s working 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 Didcot in one direction and Princes Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 40

Risborough in 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 Jules for 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’s as 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! Tony Jeacock MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | June 2023 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 41

Diary Dates: June 2023

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

Thursday 1 Parish Council Meeting, Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm. Launton Parish Hall Sunday 4 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 5 Back to School after half term holiday | Launch of Fellowship Group at St Mary's, 1.30pm | Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 6 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 7 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.30pm, ends about 3.30pm Thursday 8 WI Meeting: Sustainable Energy, Robin Stafford Allen, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 9 SCOTS Meeting, The Bull, from 5.30pm Sunday 11 St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 12 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 13 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sunday 18 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 19 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE JULY 2023 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 20 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 21 Over 60s Club Lunch Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, Bar open from 12:30pm, ends about 3.30pm Sunday 25 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 26 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 27 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 29 Launton Historical Society, Carol Anderson on The Ascott Martyrs, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 42

The Coronation Street Party in Sycamore Road

One of the street parties in Launton for the Coronation. Picture above shows, from left, Mary Brydon (who made the cake), Rosie, Nora, and Janet Ray - the founder of Bicester Food Bank in 2006 who received the British Empire Medal and attended King Charles’ first garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Janet used 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 Launton Lines June 2023 Issue 272 | Page 43

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

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

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