Issue 238
August 2020
Judy Dyble or Jude de la Bedoyère 13 February 1949 - 12 July 2020
Above: Jude’s garden on West End Right: Jude as many remember her See the obituary and more photos on pages 10-11.
Photos with stories in this issue Left: Chris, from Bicester Foodbank, collecting the donated Easter Eggs from the school Hunt, as he tries to dodge the rain and the puddles. See page 25. Right top: the new facebook image for the newly renamed Launton Village Support. See page 14. Right bottom: a selection of the hand-made masks on offer to the people of Launton. See page 4. Front cover shows the Cake Sale held on 11 July outside the Parish Hall - probably the first public social event in Launton since lockdown in March. The main picture shows the setup, before people started arriving to buy: two hours later there was nothing left. The insert shows happy customers who had bought mixed cupcakes and a chocolate cake. See the report on page 13. Photos by Robert Cornford
The Editor writes …
We seem to be slowly getting back to some sot of ‘normal’ and this issue begins to cover this. The Cake Sale outside the Parish Hall (front cover and a report on page 13) was probably the first public social event in months. The Health Walks are starting again (page 17), and the pubs have opened again (see pages 28-29 for an account of how The Bull has survived the lockdown): as long as the weather holds both pub gardens seem to be doing good business. I plan to do more pieces on how local businesses have negotiated the past months. Next issue will be Bicester Glass. The main talking point for the past month (and for some years ahead) has been the way in which the East West Rail project seems to be able to ride roughshod over communities through which they pass. Their thoughtless and inconsiderate treatment of us all was both incompetent and lazy. It can’t have been difficult to plan for boards alerting of the road closure to be up a week ahead, and for diversion signs to be in place before the road is closed. Make sure that in the future EWR are held to their promises on better engagement, better communication and better behaviour (see pages 41-42 for what they have committed to). On pages 22-23 and page 44 are photos from the traffic chaos, and page 12 has the regular EWRA update from Thaina Said with photos on page 24 including the fragment of Roman road. A shame that the Grumpy Old Men are not able to meet at the moment, so we will not know what they make of EWRA’s antics. This month has the regular report from MP Victoria Prentis (page 31), and sadly obituaries for three villagers, Jude de la Bedoyère / Judy Dyble (pages 10-11), Basil Rivett (page 30) and Norman McCallum (page 27). Robert Cornford
Launton Lines
A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2020 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org The Launton Lines Committee 2019-2020 Jon Spinage, Chair Jenni Walker, Advertising Manager Robert Cornford, Editor | 241883 Michael Stack, Treasurer | 242600 Kathy Gilbert, Associate Editor Shirley Johnson, Distribution | 369269
Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 01869 247171
To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07903 610405 Parish Hall Committee: Christine Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner, Robert Cornford
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Would you like to sponsor an evening’s floodlighting at St. Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, birthday or wedding? A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 August for entry in the September 2020 issue of Launton Lines. August 7 | Sponsored by Clare Farmer. Birthday greetings Louise - lovingly remembered, from Mum and family August 8 | Sponsored by Sandra Horton on what would have been her Golden Wedding with Bob August 24 | Sponsored by Sandra Horton in loving memory of her late husband Bob who died 32 years ago today August 29 | Sponsored by Mary Brydon remembering my dear husband Tom
Masks for Launton Residents
A very generous lady in the village has been very busy during lockdown, making masks for family and friends - more than 200 so far. She has also been making them for villagers, and has offered to make more for anyone who needs them. She has asked for a donation to a charity and we have chosen The Bicester Good Neighbour Scheme. If you would like one, please contact Lesley Thompson on 01869 241755 for more details. See photo of some of the masks on page XX. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 4
Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 2 July 2020 at 7.30pm online through Zoom Councillors present Mr James Allpress, Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chair), Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chair) Apologies Mrs Lizzie Chisholm, In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; three members of the public; two East West Rail representatives (left 8.07pm); and Cllr Ian Corkin (from 7.50pm to 8.25pm) Reports from District and County Councillors Cllr Corkin (OCC) reported that the County Council was working on their ‘Restart, Recover, Renew’ programme. Most of the workforce were still working from home and, in line with many big organisations, it was likely that there would be a reorganisation of the local authorities which would include property and service delivery. While the ‘track and trace’ system was being dealt with nationally, the County Council and the Public Health team will be involved if there were further local outbreaks and with that in mind, a four-stage plan has been created. However, Cllr Corkin was pleased to say that infection levels within the County were stable at present. Cllr Corkin also wished to record his thanks to all the volunteers who had helped over the last few months. Finance The Finance Report was available on the Parish Council website. Bin Liner The metal bin liner for the bin outside Costcutter had been damaged and was no longer usable so a new one has been bought and installed. Grant Requests The Parish Council was pleased to be able to give a grant of £200 to the Hummingbird Centre to go towards the PPE which had been bought to support the volunteers and guests. Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk - in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns. Village Matters Parish Hall Councillor Turner had tidied up the documents and had sent them to the Parish Council Solicitor, but unfortunately, they had not been finalised. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 5
The Council discussed the options surrounding taking out a Public Works and Loans Board loan as a possibility to fund the renovation work. Much more work would need to be done on this including full public consultation, but the survey which PHIP did in April 2016 would also be useful. The Clerk was still trying to arrange meetings with the OCC Highways Team to discuss the car park and Cllr Corkin agreed to help chase it up. COVID-19 Village Support As you will have seen from July’s Launton Lines the support group has decided that a name change is in order. So far, the favourite name is ‘The Launton Village Support Network’. East/West Rail Two representatives of the East West Rail project attended the meeting. Mr Steve Golla gave the meeting a summary of the progress of the works. There has been good progress on constructing the ‘A1 to A2’ Haul Road and the A1 site compound. The archaeological strip map and sampling (the big trenches you might have seen) has taken 3 weeks longer than anticipated because of weather conditions and not much has been found apart from indications of field boundaries. Once the archaeological works have been completed, the area will be fully stone capped. The cabins for the compound are going in at the end of the month. The traffic management outside the compound was scheduled to remain for another three weeks. Following reconsideration by EWR and the Highways team, it has been agreed that the traffic lights proposed originally would not be required beyond the usual ones on the bridge. Instead a high friction surface will be laid outside the compound. The team was currently deciding the best time to carry out the work but it was likely to be week beginning 20 July, so by the time you read this, it should be completed. However, we do apologise that notice for this work didn’t get into last month’s Launton Lines we were told about it after the July edition went to print. Further strip map and sample work is taking place off Charbridge Lane before the new access is constructed. Interestingly, in Mill Meadow opposite Langford Brook, some evidence of post-Roman habitation was found. The trees in the allotment which had not been removed in March/April will probably be taken down in October. Unfortunately, the June Station Road closure did not run as smoothly as hoped as there were some trees which it was thought could have bats in so these couldn’t be removed; these will be taken down later in the year. An electronic ‘fly through’ of the road over the railway to the north of Station Road, was also given. A static picture of this is on the Parish Council website. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 6
Public Rights of Way were also presented, also available on the website. The location of footpaths is still a matter for discussion and the OCC team will be liaising with the EWR team and others shortly. Great Crested Newt fencing has been erected on the Folly Cottage side of Station Road. The pond will be back-filled in November once the newts have been removed. The ecologists will be doing a newt search during July around Grange Farm, then from 27 July there will be more strip map and sampling. The heavy equipment to dig sampling trenches will be brought in by the haul road, and a minibus will be used to reduce staff movements: this may use the main road. Towards the end of August, the excavation work for the footprint for the bridge embankment near the old level crossing will start. In some areas this will be up to three metres deep. The piling will start in early 2021. The vegetation which wasn’t removed on Station Road in June will be removed in September and a water course will be realigned. The haul road will cross Station Road at the level crossing. At first there will be ‘stop/go’ boards and then from 3 August, traffic lights will be installed to control the crossing. However, the highway will have priority with the traffic from the haul road having to wait for the lights to change. Advanced warning was given that Station Road will close from April 2021 for at least 12 months. However, following the previous Station Road closure EWR will be looking at refining the look and placement of the signage. FAQs and the maps and images mentioned are on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/east-west-rail-information/. Parish Path Warden As you’ll have seen from last month’s edition, we’re looking for a temporary Path Warden to help John Boulton. Anyone interested can contact the Clerk for more details or look on the website at https://www.launtonpc.gov.uk/parish-path-warden-needed/ No cycling signs in Yew Tree Field The Parish Council asked Cherwell District Council (who manage the area) for their opinion and they concluded that, as the footpath wasn’t especially narrow or enclosed on the sides, they wouldn’t consider it to be a significant issue. But, if you’re cycling along the path and see a pedestrian coming the other way, please give each other room. Yew Tree Play Area The play area is also managed by Cherwell and they were pleased to be able Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 7
to re-open it on 4 July. Signs have been erected giving the usual guidance about washing hands and social distancing. The equipment will be cleaned once a week by the CDC team with an anti-microbial product which has a seven-day residual effect. Facebook and mailing lists You may have seen the Parish Council’s own Facebook page. Please ‘like’ our page at https://www.facebook.com/LauntonParishCouncilPage/ We will be posting useful information on there as we receive it but will also use the Parish Council website to keep everyone as up to date as possible. You may also like to sign up to our mailing list which is at the bottom of the left hand menu of the website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk. This will only be used for Parish Council and essential village news – please sign up! Agenda items for the next meetings Please let the Clerk have any items for the next agenda by 23 July with any items for the September agenda by 20 August Dates of next meetings Thursday 6 August and Thursday 3 September currently both on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76605157135 (meeting ID: 766 0515 7135). Both start at 7.30pm. As with in-person meetings we will start at 7pm for anyone who wishes to raise anything with the Council, look at planning applications or at other meeting papers, and will then start the formal meeting at 7.30pm. Full minutes are available on the Parish Council Notice Boards in the village (by The War Memorial and on the wall of the Parish Hall), and on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk ADVANCE NOTICES Bicester Heritage/Bicester Motion Representatives from Bicester Motion have been invited to the September Parish Council meeting (on 3 September). Do book the time in your diary and join the meeting online to hear about their plans at the old airfield. Road closure in September 2020 The road to Stratton Audley from Station Road/Marsh Gibbon/Poundon crossroads will be closed for one day on 21 September for patching works. This is nothing to do with East West Rail. Road closure from April 2021 - advance warning On current advice, Station Road will be closed for construction work on the bridge to replace the level crossing, from April 2021 for “about a year”. This is part of East West Rail work. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 8
CHURCH NEWS August 2020
Suspension of Community Café and Church Services One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right accountant.
Contact us today for a FREE initial meeting. 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
In line with Government advice, the Community Café has been suspended until further notice. Places of worship may reopen from 4 July, with some restrictions. St Mary’s will be open until further notice for private prayer on Sundays between 2pm and 5pm Worship and ministry will continue in other forms (with some online streaming of services) and you are invited to contact Revd. Peter for more information, or just to talk: Phone 01869 573177 Mobile 07966 531921 email revpeterwright@gmail.com
The following websites can also offer help and support. www.stedburgschurch.org/ www.oxford.anglican.org/coronav irus-covid-19/livestream/
Launton Congregational Chapel
There will be no Sunday services at Launton Chapel because of the Coronavirus, for the foreseeable future. We will advise readers when services start again Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 9
Judy Dyble - a few words
Just after the first corner of West End, you can find a house with a garden full of flowers, oddities and a crystal tree. Some of you were dear friends of the lady who lived there by herself for over a decade. Some of you know her as the greyhound lady. She was a kind, unassuming lady who loved her garden, friends and family. Jude de La Bedoyère moved to Launton with her husband, Simon, over 40 years ago. Together they ran a tape duplication business and raised two children. Simon passed away in 1994, and Jude sold the business, becoming an assistant at Bicester library. In her youth she was highly involved in folk rock music. She was Judy Dyble, one of the original singers of Fairport Convention. She was in Trader Horne, King Crimson and several other folk rock bands. She was the girl sitting at the back of the stage, knitting while her band jammed with Jimi Hendrix! Convention at the Saville Theatre, London in October 1967. Some time after Fairport Left to right: Judy Dyble, Simon Nicol, Martin Lamble, Ashley "Tyger" her children left Hutchings and Richard Thompson Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 10
home, Judy was asked in 1997 to take part in a reunion at the Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival. To her surprise, she agreed, and from there she spent the best part of the rest of her life singing at gigs, writing words to soundscapes, working with many musicians on many new songs. Each song told their own little story, of grief, heartache, of joy. She loved to laugh, tend her garden and spend time with her friends, neighbours, her children and finally her grandchildren. When she found out that she had lung cancer back in November 2019, she was determined to do everything necessary to battle the condition. Even as she struggled to catch her breath after walking from one room to another, she treated this as just another challenge. But in late June this year, she found out that the cancer was spreading throughout her body. She was getting weaker every day, and after she was admitted to hospital, we found out that she was not going to come home. She passed away on 12 July 2020. These words do not do her life justice. I cannot begin to tell you all of the things she accomplished as a musician, as a mother, as herself. She was a wonderfully caring woman, who loved nature, friends, family. She had an enormous sense of the ridiculous, and just had to get one more sparkly thing for her home. We will all miss her. Steph Hellsten and Dan de la Bedoyère Readers looking for a newspaper obituary can find ones in the websites of The New York Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times. The first two are open access www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/arts/music/ www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/16/judy-dyble-obituary The second two are behind paywalls. Also look at www.loudersound.com/news/former-fairport-conventionsinger-judy-dyble-remembered for a more personal musical memory. There are some more photos on page 2, inside front cover. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 11
The second regular report from The EastWest Rail Alliance (EWRA)
We regret the inconvenience caused by the Bicester Road closure on 22 July. In future, all signs surrounding the sites will be regularly monitored to ensure that they are not removed. I want to thank Jane Olds (the Launton Parish Council Clerk) and Oxfordshire County Councillor Ian Corkin for their help with regards to answering queries and providing insight on improvements. We were able to take the feedback on board and quickly sent a team out to revise the location of some of the road signs. Whilst work was being undertaken in Mill Meadow our team came across signs of post Roman habitation. It was covered in brown soil brought in by flood water. There are various ditches that must have been created to drain the flood water. Upon further investigation, it was evident that this was a Roman road which either led to a bridge or building that travellers could access (see photos 1 and 2 on page 24). The lead archaeologist on site, Les Capon, said that his team of seven had so far found several horseshoes and a small item that is believed to be a piece from a carriage. They think that this road most likely fell from use around 700 or 800 years ago under King John. The team of archaeologists have a plan to remove more mud from the area to see if the road goes even further. They also hope to find either coins or pieces of pottery to identify a more specific date. Buckingham provided the earthworks via EWR, 360 tracked excavators were used to remove the excess mud and the team followed up with a thorough dig. (see picture 3 on page 24) The project looks to complete the archaeological works in order to commence the backfill of the temporary road area soon. During August, the A1 compound will be backfilled in order to complete the stoning. We are also preparing for the arrival of our new cabins which are due on site on 10 August. These will be used for office and welfare purposes and should be operational towards the end of August. There will be further strip map and sampling undertaken at the A2 compound on Station Road (see photo 4 on page 24); this will commence on 27 July for a period of 9 weeks. The project team also has to complete the de-vegetation from the coal yard in Poundon all the way to the bridge in Marsh Gibbon. Thaina Sa’id | EWR Community Liaison Officer There are some photos of these parts of the project on page 24. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 12
The July Cake Stall Outside The Parish Hall
Following a casual suggestion over a socially distanced cup of tea, a cake stall was held in front of the Parish Hall on 11 July. The idea was advertised in the hope that some people would feel able to venture out. Offers soon came from cake bakers, helpers and two gazebos - a particular thanks to Bob and Rob who inevitably saved the sale goods from extra decoration! All we needed was fine weather and customers - both were in abundance, and a successful morning ensued. A grand total of £415.45 was raised to be divided equally between St. Mary’s church and the Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP). A very big thank you to all who were involved in any way. How about another stall in September which could be Harvest themed? Joan Packer The front cover pictures in this issue show the set up for the event, and some happy customers. Unfortunately the cakes sold so fast that our photographer wasn’t able to get a decent picture of the groaning tables.
Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 13
Launton Village Support
We have harnessed a great community here in Launton and it would be great to hang onto this good will in case any of us need help in the future. It could be another wave of a virus, but it could be another unspecified village emergency, such as flooding, bad weather or power outage. It could also be someone needing some help or advice on an individual basis. Launton Parish Council has an Emergency Plan which is updated annually, this has public and confidential information to access help from volunteers and professional bodies in case of emergency. The public section is available to view on LPC website https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/emergency-planning/) This group could work in tandem with this Emergency Plan. Would you like to be involved? Can we call on you in case of need in the future? Do you have a specific skill, profession or interest that we could call on for help or advice if we need it? The Launton Village Support Facebook group will continue, but we also want to engage volunteers who are not on Facebook who would like to be involved in the future. The Parish Council and this group admin will have access to this information. You can help by completing the official volunteer sign-up form available on the Launton Parish Council web page: this is confidential information held by Launton Parish Council and this group admin only. You can find the form here: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/launton-village-supportnetwork/volunteer-signup-form/ We hope you will stay with us and look forward to working together in the future. For more info contact any of the following: Janice 07522 231100 | Jane 01869 247171 | Lesley 01869 241755 And see page 2 for a photo of our new facebook page ident.
Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 14
NEWS FROM ST MARY’S - AN UPDATE
You may have heard that the Church is now open for private prayer on Sunday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm. We have observed all the precautions outlined by the Diocese and the Government and you are very welcome to visit during these times. This situation will remain until it is possible to open up for longer periods, but there are inevitably many issues to be addressed before this can happen.
In the meantIme we contInue to enjoy our ServIceS vIa Zoom whIch now offer both holy communIon and famIly ServIceS.
Our latest Family Service, exploring the poem Footprints in the Sand, will be on 2 August, as usual shared with our friends at Bucknell and Caversfield. We are happy that these Services are being well received which is so exciting and we are finding that they are particularly suited to delivery via Zoom. Revd Peter had now completed his house move so if you would like to join any of our services, please contact him by email at revpeterwright@gmail.com or on 01869 573177 for a chat On a personal note - I should like to thank everyone who was involved in wishing me well on my birthday last month. It was so kind! Celia M
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Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 15
Launton Women’s Institute July 2020
Resumption of life as we once knew it seems a distant goal and who can conceive of when we will be able to meet again? Still we are coping with the present and trying to keep in touch with telephone calls and rather protracted emails! We delivered Liz’s birthday cards to the July celebrants: Pat C, Cathy P, Chris, Jane L, Lynne, Maretta and me - thank you. There is some movement towards re-opening village halls but it is most unlikely that we will be resuming meetings before October, if then. The National Federation has issued copious instructions on the measures that we will need to consider before the safe return to our normal activities Prior to our receiving this correspondence, we were advised that it had been unilaterally decided that in view of the current situation, all members would have a three month payment “holiday” for their subscriptions so this is another issue that we need to get our heads around and embrace. It’s fortunate that we are generally pragmatic - a characteristic that we hope will stand us in good stead as we go forward! Celia Manderson
Grange Mews News August 2020 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease
There is so much activity here at Grange Mews, it is almost exhilarating (and I rarely get excited). There are early signs of buses being readied for the return to school, making sure that all is in order mechanically and that the drivers’ licenses are all in order as well. Launton Transport will be doing tyres with balancing from 1 August too, so it may be worth talking to them on 01869248591. The Brow Barn is back at work, as is Osteopath Hannah Clinging, and Kirsty with her therapy and nails service. I see more customer cars parked at Bicester Car and Van Hire and fewer vans in the yard. ShortLets are now members of Bicester Vision as are Metcalf Security Group. Don’t forget Justin Bucknall’s electrical enterprise and Codo Security. Mark at Planet Kitchens is very pleased with business as are Joe with his office arrangements, and Adrian at Bicester Glass, now that manufacturers are supplying again. Great to visit a pub last night too. My first trip since March: while I hasten W not to show any undue favouritism the beer and Pizza at The Launton Arms e was excellent. But then I did enjoy the Black Bull in the day, too.
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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 Health Walks restart in August The Health Walks, which have been suspended since March will recommence in August. The first regular weekly walk is planned for Tuesday 4 August at 2 pm, starting from outside The Bull. The arrangements will be slightly different to previously due to Covid-19 requirements. We can only accept a maximum of 10 walkers who will need to be in two groups, one with Barbara French leading and the other with me. Booking is Essential. Booking can be by phone (voicemail is available), text message or e-mail. For phone/text the number to call is 07973 343794 and e-mail is dsds.gilbert@googlemail.com. I shall confirm that a place is available: please do not come if there is no place, or turn up without booking. Face coverings are advised please. When meeting at The Bull, please adhere to social distancing. Teas and Coffees are available after the walk in The Bull where measures are in place to enable social distancing, etc.
Dave Gilbert | Walk Leader THE BLUE TEXEL FARMSHOP BUTCHERS & DELICATESSEN From our Farm to your Fork Fresh, local & seasonal produce
STATION ROAD, LAUNTON OX26 5DS www.thebluetexel.co.uk 01869 252619
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY - FRIDAY 8AM-5PM | SATURDAY 8AM-3PM SUNDAY 9AM-1PM | CLOSED MONDAYS Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 17
Launton Lines Accounts LCCG Annual Meeting 8 July 2020 2019 2020, held online. Chair’s Report Income I am pleased to report that once Advertisements 3,379.00 3,264.00 again Launton Community 24.00 Communications Group (LCCG) has Publication Sales Grant from LPC 1,320.00 1,320.00 had a good year. Our financial Interest 0.12 0.16 position is under review and, if Total Income 4,699.12 4,608.16 needed, we will seek extra funding from the Parish Council, as we have Expenditure in previous years. Our plan for the Printing 5,485.00 5,329.00 coming years is to aim for annual New Logo design 275.00 break-even, recognising that we are Postage 92.00 98.10 not a profit-making group. Bad debts 468.00 We aim to maintain the percentage Other Expenses 68.76 256.27 of commercial advertising space Total Expenses 5,645.76 6,426.37 (under 20% of total pages), which is Deficit for year -946.64 -1,818.21 relatively low for a publication of this type. Even in these unusual Opening Balances times our advertising revenue has Debtors 12.00 468.00 held up well, although we have lost a Treasurer’s account 3,253.65 2,730.92 couple of key advertisers due to Business account 211.06 938.90 recent events. Accruals -1,691.10 -534.00 The continuing success of LCCG is Cash In Hand 0.99 0.99 largely due to the dedication of 1,786.60 3,604.81 everyone involved, including: Less Deficit -946.64 -1,818.21 the regular team (Robert 839.96 1,786.60 Cornford, Michael Stack, Kathy Closing Balances Gilbert, Jen Walker, and Shirley Debtors 12.00 Johnson) who have made the Treasurer’s Account 627.79 3,253.65 production and distribution of Business Account 211.18 211.06 each issue go smoothly; Accruals -1,691.10 the distributors, coordinated by Cash In Hand 0.99 0.99 Shirley, who regularly deliver 839.96 1,786.60 Launton Lines to their neighbours; our advertisers, some of whom have supported us for many years; our printers, OxUniPrint, who have managed some really fast turnarounds this year; Launton Parish Council, without whose grant we would struggle to continue; Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 18
all contributors to Launton Lines, both regular and occasional; Steve Webber and others who maintain our online channels. Highlights for the 2019-2020 year included: Publishing Launton Lines online from November 2019 Now available for anyone to read on the Issuu website Reduced need for processing out-of-catchment copies Implementation of new technology will allow any editor to create the pdf copy from any browser by using a cloud-based virtual machine. This will help hand-over from one editor to another and increase resilience in our processes. It also means we are not reliant on individual’s own equipment - the virtual desktop will be owned by the Launton Lines committee For the year ahead: Research options for archiving. We remain on the lookout for anyone who can help electronically archive the rich history we have built up in more than two decades of Launton Lines. As always, we would welcome help from anyone who would like to be either regularly or occasionally involved with Launton Lines (see page 3 for contacts)
Jon Spinage, Chair
Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 19
News from the Woodland
July 7th 2020 was a red letter day in the annals of the Friends of Island Pond Wood as it marked a return to some sort of normality with the first general work session for nine months. Bad weather, soggy ground and then lockdown had prevented any serious sessions, although some planting and maintenance had been undertaken by small groups at various times. Joining FIPW in this session were the stalwarts of Bicester Green Gym who were themselves just emerging from the restrictions of lockdown. The order of the day was to repair some of the ravages of winter, to cut back the extensive growth around the pond and make a start on the brambles in the side wood. Some 24 people worked together on the day while maintaining social distancing. This number included some new FIPW members who had joined following the recent recruitment campaign in Launton Lines and on Facebook. If you missed these and would like to join then e-mail islandpondwood.launton@gmail.com for more information. There are some photos opposite on page 19. Maureen Roberts
Launton Village Players We have used the time given to us by lockdown to complete our application to become a formal charity. This happened more quickly than we thought it would, as our application was accepted within days rather than weeks. So Launton Village Players is now a registered charity and is listed on the Charity Commission website. We also have a wonderful new version of our logo and many thanks to Sandra Clayton for designing this. Above is the black and white version: the glorious colour version of the logo with our charity number in on page 43. We are in the process of thinking about the next year and will have more details in the September issue of Launton Lines. Keep safe and we look forward to seeing you in our audiences sometime in the future. Celia Evans, Martin Evans, Lesley Watson-Burn and Julia West (Trustees of Launton Village Players) Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 20
Working in the Island Pond Wood
Top: working around the pond Middle right: clearing the entrance way Middle left: Bicester Green Gym (BGG) working on brambles in the side wood Bottom left: BGG, having cleared a tree of brambles, admiring their work. All photos by Maureen Roberts Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 21
Three days that gave Launton lots to talk about, In the morning of Wednesday 22 July, out of the blue, the bridge on Bicester Road was closed. Of course, we knew it was going to happen, we had heard about it, but were waiting for the notices and signs to go up, and for the diversion to be in place. There were signs, in some places, but they were misleading ... If you came out of West End you would be forgiven for thinking that Station Road (the “Road Ahead”) was closed. This sign put up on 22 July ...
If you came down Station Road to the crossroads you would be forgiven for thinking that West End was the “Road Ahead” that was closed. Given that it is a dead end road, you’d be quite right to be confused as it is permanently closed. This sign also put up on 22 July ....
This sign finally appeared on the afternoon of 23 July, over 24 hours after the road was closed. There had been plenty of delays, with many drivers ignoring the confusing signs and driving right up to the barrier at the bridge, then turning round in The Spinney, and driving back through the village, often with steam coming out of their ears. Maybe the sign would have been useful if put up ten days earlier ... Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 22
and sometimes lots to laugh about and weep about Meanwhile, on the A41 Blackthorn crossroads there was a glimmer of good sense - some temporary traffic lights at the junction so you could get safely onto or across the main road. Let’s hope these remain a permanent feature ... But no signs to say the road was closed in Launton. We had been told there would be a shuttle bus to take people round the diversion. Turned out this was the good old S5 ploughing its way along the weight restricted Blackthorn Road . After three days of fun and games and confusion and apologies and a meeting involving people from the Highways Department, EWRA, our County Councillor, a representative from our MP’s office, and the Parish Clerk, there was an agreement from EWRA that they could have done better and they will really try in future to be a good neighbour in Launton (see page XX for an account). As Ian Corkin (County Councillor) said on Facebook, “EWR are behaving in a chaotic and completely unacceptable way”. We do hope they have learned to behave a little better. And on 24 July we ended up with a red enhanced-traction anti-slip road, and still some pot holes on the old road surface ...
And while all the EWR-traffic chaos was playing out, Dipesh at the Costcutter shop quietly got on and completed the cleaning up and tarmacing of the area in front of the shop. He saved us from another traffic interruption, though maybe some more traffic calming would not come amiss. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 23
Some of the EWRA work in Launton
1 2
See the EWRA report on page 10
3
1 and 2: The remains of a Roman road come to view on Mill Meadow 3: Tracked excavators clearing the mud from the site on Mill Meadow, below the topsoil level 4: Preparing the site for Compound 2, off Station Road All photos from EWRA
4 Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 24
What happened to the Easter Eggs from the postponed 2020 Easter Egg Hunt?
As you will remember, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt was postponed due to the pandemic. The decision was not taken lightly, especially when the village had been so generous in their donations. So, for several weeks we had plenty of eggs and no means of using them and, as it became clear that social gatherings would not be allowed for some time to come, a decision had to be made regarding what to do with the eggs. Bicester Foodbank was contacted and they said how pleased they would be to take them. Friends of Launton School would like to pass its thanks to you, the people of Launton, for your generosity, support and understanding, and we plan to be back with the Hunt next year, bigger and better than ever! We would love to see you there. Kate Greig | Friends of Launton School There is a photo on page 2 (inside front cover) of the eggs on their way to the Bicester Foodbank, dodging the rain during the very wet spring. ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS
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The August update from Bicester Green Interested in Bikes? Volunteers needed. The interest in bikes has been incredible since 23 March when the UK went into lockdown, and even though measures are easing we are seeing no let-up in the interest in cycling. Bike sales and bike servicing/repairs are in great demand. Which is great for Bicester Green as we have plenty of bikes ready to be reconditioned, but not so great as we just don’t have enough volunteers in the bike team at the moment. So, if you have an interest in bikes, how things work or just learning how to fix things then come on over to Bicester Green. Our senior bike mechanic, Jim, is incredibly knowledgeable about all things bikes (and classic cars too!) and is a truly wonderful teacher. Even if you aren’t confident, or don’t know where to start, Jim will have you changing tubes and tyres, gear and brake cables and even fixing a chain before you know it. The satisfaction gained from reconditioning a bike for someone to buy and use is something else, knowing that you’ll be helping people get to work, exercise or just visit friends is a great feeling. You don’t have to be mechanically minded at all, and it’s great fun to learn a new skill. Don’t forget if you need your bike checked over that Bicester Green can do this as part of our day-to-day offering, and of course there is our Dr Bike sessions on the last Saturday of the month where the team can fix your bike for FREE (not all parts are included in FREE but the work certainly is!). You have to book your place at Dr Bike, see the Bicester Green Facebook page for details on how to do this. These events are only possible with the assistance of Healthy Bicester and Cherwell District Council. The great thing about bikes is how long a well maintained bike can last, and how far it can get you. People are still cycling around on frames 60-70 years old. They can be rejuvenated so many times and when eventually they have had their day, you can still use the parts from one to put on another. That’s what we do at Bicester Green, making bikes part of the wider sustainability conversation that has been lost of late - but has not gone away. Supporting local, small businesses will help get us back on track, and Bicester Green can help you get back in the saddle! Celia Cornforth Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 26
Norman McCallum It is with sadness that we lost Mr Norman McCallum on 27 June 2020. He sadly passed away in the John Radcliffe after suffering a stroke. Norman has lived down Station Road with myself (Donna) and Paul along with our family for 12 years, but he has lived with us for a lot longer: in fact he has been a part of our family for 25 years. Norman was a very likeable character and would do anything for anyone. He was a member of the Launton Over 60s and enjoyed his monthly visits to the social club where he had many many friends. Norman suffered many years with his health - especially his heart - but that didn’t stop him from his fishing which he was keen to do. He also liked a little bet in the bookies and his love for Watford FC and Manchester United FC was always a talking point for him. His funeral was held on 13 July 2020 and he will be very much missed by many. Norman passed away without any family as he didn’t have any, but he always looked upon myself, Paul and our children as his own. It has been an honour to have had Norman in our lives, and his circle of friends is amazing. God bless. Donna, Paul and family
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After the lockdown:
Launton Businesses Report Part 1 We contacted a number of local businesses to ask how they had managed since lockdown, and have already had some interesting answers. Here is the response from Karen and Brandon at The Bull. We’ll run more responses in later issues. How did you get through lockdown? The only way we could keep going from late March was by offering takeaway food and some drinks. How has business been since you reopened? Been amazing seeing our lovely customers again. It’s been really positive and everyone is keeping their social distance. We have tried to make everyone’s experience as normal as possible, with the new “normal”. Now we have reopened we are serving the full menu and as much as possible the full drinks selection. Our menu is on our website and follow us on Facebook for any updates. We are still doing takeaways and will continue to do so. How did the online Quiz go during lockdown? We never stopped the quiz!
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I was doing it on Facebook for quite some time, but it was one way and I am never going to be a radio presenter, so we moved to Zoom. That was brilliant fun, being able to interact with everyone again. Seeing people back in the pub now being brain teased is fantastic. What changes have you had to make at The Bull? We have removed some tables and chairs to enable social distancing between tables. We have 4 hand sanitiser stations and are taking contact details and temperature of everyone. This has been quite entertaining! Have you had any problems with getting supplies for your business? Some products have been out of stock but all suppliers are starting to catch up now. What’s next for The Bull? Gazebo and patio heaters, as this fantastic weather we have had, might not last that long! We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through this crazy time. From having takeaways, purchasing Bud vouchers to coming back in to see us. Thank you Launton!
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Basil Rivett: 1927-2020
Basil was a latecomer to the village and moved to Sycamore Road for about eight years after the death of his beloved wife Brenda, before moving on to Centurion House in Bicester and then to Lake House in Adderbury, where he died peacefully aged 93 at the end of May. Basil is survived by his twin sister Margaret: they were both born at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. Growing up in the idyllic village of Britwell Salome it was natural that Basil would work on the area’s farms. He had exempted status from being called up during the war: he fought his war on the home front. He had an enduring love of the countryside and all things related, especially tractors where his knowledge was encyclopaedic. He loved living in Launton enjoying the many events that take place here and made many friends. Despite some considerable physical limitations he was always cheerful. People of his generation are getting fewer, we gradually lose our history and collective memories, but we were lucky to have Basil with us for so long and he will be missed by us. Basil was very proud of this photo, below, taken in February during the early part of the war. He was the poster boy, with his trademark cheeky grin, for the Roadless Tractor Co Ltd (who hold the photo copyright). This tracked tractor was one of the first of its type in the UK. And, as Basil rightly used to point out, you would never, ever, plough in snow! Angela Stack Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 30
Victoria Prentis, MP for North Oxfordshire, reports
In recent weeks we have seen a further easing of lockdown restrictions across North Oxfordshire which has allowed many businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. I was really pleased to see a bustling Sheep Street when I popped along at the end of June, as shops opened their doors once again. I was struck by how well local shop-keepers had managed to adapt to the new “normal� by implementing measures to ensure customer safety. Till screens, queuing systems outside the shop to control customer numbers, and strict cleaning routines helped put me at ease as soon as I stepped through the door. Our shops are the lifeblood of our local economy. The past few months have not been easy for them. I hope that residents feel able to come out and support them as we come out of our homes again. The Government continues to negotiate a wide set of considerations in every decision they make. The reopening of hairdressers, pubs and restaurants at the beginning of July was a further step in the right direction, and we will see close contact services get the green light in August. At the same time, the shielding programme will be paused. People wearing face masks in shops will, I hope, help give the clinically extremely vulnerable the confidence and reassurance to go out and meet friends and family again. The relaxation of measures does not mean that those who are shielding are obliged to leave their homes to socialise or visit shops if they do not feel comfortable to do so. If anyone would still like help with their shopping, NHS Volunteer Responders (who can be contacted on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm) will continue to offer support after 31 July. As we all begin to adjust to a new normal, work has restarted in our area on key projects including East-West Rail (EWR). I know that many Launton residents have been affected by road closures and have experienced poor communication from EWR. Towards the end of July, one of my team attended a meeting on my behalf which was chaired by Cllr Ian Corkin and brought together representatives from the Parish Council, Oxfordshire County Council and EWR. I was reassured to hear that staff at both OCC and EWR are taking steps to ensure there is no further confusion. Going forward, most road closures will involve single lanes, rather than the whole road. EWR have also committed to review the way that they communicate with residents so they get advance notice of disruptive work, and information will be communicated in a more accessible manner. If any residents do have concerns, please contact me at victoria.prentis.mp@parliament.uk. Victoria Prentis MP Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 31
A Vet’s Voice: Elbow fracture for Harvey
Harvey is a pretty typical, “crazy” young Springer Spaniel. Unfortunately, he developed a condition which occurs almost solely in Springers, right in the middle of lockdown. Harvey started limping on his right front leg and when I manipulated his elbow, he reacted dramatically. Diagnosis can be a complicated and sometimes inexact process, but Harvey clearly had pain in his elbow and with his age & breed I suspected a distal humeral, intercondylar fracture. X-rays showed a likely lesion and we decided to send him for a CT scan for two reasons. Firstly, to absolutely confirm our diagnosis as he would need a major operation to repair any fracture. Secondly, the scan would allow a 3D model of Harvey’s elbow to be produced. The model was used to create a set of drill guides which would enable us to drill a very precise hole across the fractured bone for a large screw to be placed. This particular type of fracture surgery has a higher than usual complication rate. Due to the forces which act on the elbow bones, there is a risk of the screw fatiguing over time and breaking. For this reason, we choose the largest screw that will reasonably fit within the bone, to ensure maximum strength. The screw also has a solid shaft
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for most of its length giving maximum strength at the fracture line. When drilling the hole through the bone, precision is essential. A slight change of angle could mean the drill coming out of the bone at the wrong place and potentially affecting the joint longer term. The 3D model and drill guides are designed to make the screw placement as accurate as possible, thus reducing the risk of complications. Harvey’s surgery went very well and he recovered uneventfully. He no longer limps and is a much happier, more content dog which shows how painful he must have been with his fracture. I trust that his right elbow will remain comfortable and that he doesn’t experience any complications. There is risk that his other elbow may develop the same issue so Harvey is on modified exercise for the rest of his life to reduce the stress on his elbows longer term. Despite this slight restriction, Harvey should be able to lead a happy and active life and we hope that’ll be the end of his elbow troubles. Enjoy your pets Jason Williams | Bicester Vets PS many thanks to Harvey’s owners for allowing us to tell his story. There are some other photos on page 43.
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Life under lockdown as a “Shielded” Person
At the start of the lockdown I received a letter from the NHS that said: “The NHS has identified you as someone at risk of severe illness if you catch Coronavirus. This is because you have an underlying disease or health condition that means if you catch the virus, you are more likely to be admitted to hospital than others.” My ‘health condition’ placed me at the top of their list of ‘very high risk’ patients, as one of many “solid organ transplant recipients”. My solid organ was a kidney transplant that was done at the Churchill in 2016. The four-page letter told me not to leave home, not to go out for shopping, leisure or travel, and not to attend gatherings. As well as what not to do, it also told me what to do, including - use a separate towel and bathroom, take my meals back to my room to eat, encourage other members of my household to sleep in a different bed. To reinforce the seriousness of the Coronavirus, the government widely publicised its core message - “Stay Home, Support the NHS, Save Lives.” As amateur clairvoyants, my wife and I could see that later in the pandemic someone called Dominic Cummings would follow our example and interpret the rules to suit themselves. Our interpretation saw us using the same bathroom, eating our meals together in our kitchen and sleeping in the same bed. Looking ahead, we knew that our interpretation would get support from Mr Cummings, as he sped north to Durham in late April with his own unique interpretation of the rules. A week before Mr Cummings fled, on Sunday 19 April, I decided that I’d go for a ride on my bike to test my eyesight. After spending so much time indoors, my eyes felt a bit weird. Maybe a ride up Station Road and beyond would save me from a visit to Specsavers. That worked perfectly. I stayed at least two metres away from any other cyclist or pedestrian and my eyesight held up really well. I could see that nearly all those cyclists exceeded government expectations, by wearing some kind of face covering. At this point in the pandemic, the only public figure calling for face masks was the Mayor of London, who’d already seen 15 London bus drivers die from the virus, along with six other transport workers. The government took scant notice of his concerns for Londoners to be better protected from the virus. I felt so much better for a bit of exercise that next time I rode my bike I travelled all the way to Barnard Castle, or was it Baynards Green? You might accuse me of taking risks with my health. I’d reply that by staying at home I Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 34
was piling on the pounds and so getting more unwell. By riding my bike, I was using up calories, improving my mental wellbeing, and, in the absence of Bicester Leisure Centre, trying to maintain a reasonable level of fitness to support me with my transplant. It’s also quite hard, as a cyclist, to resist the chance to go out on the roads with so little traffic around you. On top of that, you may recall, the weather was marvellous for that time of year. Let us remind ourselves about the fatality figures at the start of April and at the end. On 1 April, the death toll for that day was 563, making an overall UK total of 2,352. This compared with 13,155 in Italy; 9,053 in Spain; 1,096 in New York City; and 4,076 in the whole of the USA. By 30 April, UK fatalities for that day were 674, giving an overall total of 26,711. Spain reported a total of 24,543; Italy reported 27,967. In both France and Spain, the daily increase was less than 300. The USA figure had risen alarmingly to 63,763. In just one month, the UK had reported 24,359 deaths from Covid19. It’s sobering to recall that on 23 March, when the lockdown started - and the UK had no system for mass testing - the death total was 335. It’s equally sobering that by 5 May the UK topped the number of Covid-19 deaths anywhere in Europe. On that day, it overtook Italy (29,315 deaths) and recorded a total of 29, 427 Covid-19 deaths. Just over one week later, despite such dreadful death figures, the government decided to relax the rules. The new slogan would be “Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives.” This got a mixed reaction from the general population, while among the “shielded” population, “Stay Alert” was greeted with bemusement. The author JK Rowling tweeted: “Is Coronavirus sneaking around in a fake moustache and glasses? If we drop our guard, will it slip us a Micky Finn? What the hell is ‘stay alert’ supposed to mean?” In practical terms, the new slogan changed nothing for “shielded” people. For everyone else, they were expected to return to work if they couldn’t work from home. But how, when they were told not to use public transport? They were told to walk, cycle or drive. Did that mean if they couldn’t do any of those, they shouldn’t return to work? On Monday 11 May, nobody knew, including the government minister sent out to clean up the mess created by this change of policy. Little wonder that the other three parts of the UK Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland - stuck with “Stay Home”. To add to the confusion, with reported deaths at just over 32,000, the government announced a quarantine on travellers from other countries, starting from early June. “Shielded”? people like me, who’d seen the horse leave the stable Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 35
back in March, wondered why they were closing the stable door in June. Why would people from other countries, most with lower Covid deaths than Britain, want to travel to a Covid hotspot like Britain? We knew that gimmick wouldn’t last. If you think Britain’s approach to Covid 19 was less than perfect, let’s remind ourselves that the prize for utter incompetence lies across the Atlantic. At this time in America, Trump said this about testing for Covid 19, “And don’t forget, we have more cases than anybody in the world. But why? Because we do more testing.” To clarify this statement, he added, “When you test, you have a case. When you test, you find something is wrong with people. If we didn’t do any testing, we would have very few cases.”? Therefore, less testing gives you fewer cases? That’s simple enough. It’s simply insane. Imagine being a “shielded” person in America. We could be candidates for another of Trump’s brainwave ideas - “I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?” Yep. Injecting people with bleach was being advocated publicly by the President of the USA. I’ll leave my tale of life under lockdown at this interesting point in the pandemic. Next time, I’ll recall how I dealt with coming out of lockdown, which was harder than I imagined! Danny Cunningham All the figures in this piece are from the following website that monitors Covid-19 data. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Blackcurrant Titania Bush
Last year we took several cutting off our blackcurrant bushes: they have a large fruit and are quite sweet too. Well if anyone wants one or two I am very willing to give them away to a good home. At the moment they are about 8-12 inches (20-30cm) tall, so they should produce fruit the year after next. For more information you can find plenty on the internet. They usually sell for about £9, but mine are for free, but buyer to collect. Pat Mitchell 24 West End, Launton Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 36
A 99th Birthday in July
We recently received an email to launtonlines@launton.org which said “Please see scanned letter from a neighbour in Sycamore Road, Muriel Beck. She was 99 the other day and wants to thank everyone in the village via Launton Lines for their kindness.” We are happy to follow this request. Muriel’s 99th birthday was on 4 July 2020. She obviously had a good time. 8:7:2020 Mrs Muriel Beck My sincerest thanks to her friends, neighbours and relatives for the many floral tributes, birthday cards and phone calls on her 99th birthday. My sincerest thanks to everyone. I wish you all Good Health and Happiness. Muriel Beck
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MEMORIES OF AN EX-LAUNTON BOY
This month the Ex-Launton Boy mulls over lifelong learning, tells how he learned his domestic skills, and considers the students whose exams he has invigilated. I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago to discover that although as a schools exam invigilator I have been effectively locked out under the current ‘lockdown’ regime, I was still paid as if I had attended the exams that would ordinarily have taken place leading up to the summer break. As it is deemed to be a ‘zero-hours’ contract, I had not expected to receive a single penny. Okay, for me personally that was a great result, but I have to say that I feel a great deal of sympathy for all those children who have worked extremely hard in preparation for their exams, only to be denied the opportunity of sitting them, the result of which could have a major impact on their respective futures. Hitherto, I have received no information as to what opportunities they may have or when, to sit those exams that are so important to them. There are significant logistical problems in that the ruling is to have at least one invigilator per thirty pupils/students and we often have between one hundred and fifty and two hundred Heating Plumbing Servicing students all crammed into the sports hall at regulation (pre-covid) Domestic Oil and Gas distance between them. It is going Servicing to be a logistical nightmare. Installation and Maintenance To some extent, this absence from school has taken me back to my Gas Safe Registered childhood when, apart from my very first morning at school, I loved it Oftec Registered and couldn’t get enough of it. Any absences I had were for genuine “A local Business reasons, the first of which, I recall, from Launton” was when one winter, our mum was going out of our front gate in Phone: 07483 864 571 Station Road when slipped on some
Simon Nash
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black ice and fell, breaking her arm in the process. Naturally enough, with dad being the only bread-winner at the time, he couldn’t stay at home to help her out, and so it fell to me to provide the supporting role. I was still in short-trousers at Launton School at the time. So, temporarily with mum having only one functional arm and thus only one fully-functional hand, I very quickly learned how to carry out a number of household tasks that ordinarily would not be expected of one at my then age. It so happens, it stood me in very good stead when I joined the army. I can’t remember how much time I had off school during that episode, but without meaning to appear conceited, I was sufficiently bright to be able to very quickly catch up in all subjects. My next phase of school absenteeism was when I was at Highfield Secondary Modern School, which really did brass me off. I had reached an age when I began to suffer quite badly with tonsillitis, and when I say badly, I mean badly. I couldn’t eat because I couldn’t swallow and I couldn’t speak. I simply could not function. As I have mentioned before in these columns, I had (and still have) a thirst for learning. To keep me off school was like cutting both my feet off. And it wasn’t just once, for this happened on several occasions which became more and more frequent, culminating in me going into the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford to have my tonsils removed at age fourteen. Coincidentally, a young lad (slightly older than me) by the name of Lawrence Skelding from Blackthorn was in the same ward and in the same batch of tonsillectomy patients at the time. I cannot remember how many days I was in hospital, possibly three or four, but I do remember most vividly that for breakfast the following morning after the operation, we had cornflakes with a drop of cold milk, the idea being for the cornflakes to scratch the throat on the way down. Let me assure you, they did exactly that. So, having been consistently in the top three in the top stream throughout my Secondary education, and being such an avid student seeking knowledge, why did I leave upon the attainment of age fifteen instead of going on for further education as I could have, and possibly should have? Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 39
Well, like so many lads back then, especially among first-borns after the war, there was a natural pull to start earning and making a financial contribution to the family income budget. After all, our parents had in many instances struggled to raise us through the post war years of austerity. Many of us went into the construction industry as during the 1960’s there was a massive house building programme and jobs aplenty. Having chosen an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner, I used to attend ‘day-release-college’ at the North Oxfordshire Technical College and School of Art in Banbury, plus one extra evening a week where there was a degree of further education (Current Affairs) thrown into the pot. I don’t think I ever missed one of those attendances, but that said, after three years and having attained my Intermediate London City & Guilds Certificate (back then it was a five year apprenticeship), I decided to call it a day and joined the army. Thanks to not having wasted my education, my army entrance exam results were so good that I was automatically enlisted into the Corps of Royal Engineers (the best Corps in the entire British Army), wherein further education in addition to my military and combat engineering training was undertaken and well maintained throughout. We all know that basic education is so very important and that it potentially makes all the difference to achieving our future successes. That said, so much more is then learned throughout the rest of life through the University of Life. As they say, “Every day is a school day”, and I say, “A day spent without learning something new is a day wasted”. But the essential ingredient throughout is, ‘attitude’. During my periods of invigilating, I see those who are really grafting and I see those who are simply not interested and are just filling a space. No doubt they will grow up believing that the world owes them something as they too swamp the beaches of Bournemouth and elsewhere when they should be considering their fellow human beings by observing social distancing. And have you seen the debris day-trippers are leaving behind? When I was a lad the only debris left around (until someone came along with a bucket and spade) was horse and cow manure. Anyone for rhubarb? Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | August 2020 Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 40
Lessons from the EWR traffic problems in July
On the second day of the traffic disruption in the village, on Thursday 23 July, County Councillor Ian Corkin convened a meeting of representatives from East West Rail Alliance (EWR), Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), the Clerk of Launton Parish Council (PC), and a representative from the office of our MP, Victoria Prentis. This meeting happened after Councillor Corkin, following some heavy criticism of the way in which ERW had failed to follow the rules for announcing road closures, and failed to set up advisory notices and adequate signage for the closure and subsequent diversions, said that “EWR are behaving in a chaotic and completely unacceptable way”. There was also fury expressed on different Launton facebook pages: you can go and read it all if you have an hour or so to spend - mainly on the Launton Community Group at www.facebook.com/groups/1698647367052927 The outcome of the meeting was in a post from Councillor Corkin: “As is often the case with getting everyone around the (virtual) table, the problems were openly discussed and both EWR and OCC recognised that there had been shortcomings on both sides and that the community had suffered as a result. The meeting then focused on resolving them and we reached agreement on the following: How disruption to the community can be minimised and the need to ensure residents have a clear overview of the plan and who to go to if they have questions or complaints. Details of how residents can do this directly will be circulated soon. The importance of the Parish Council being given sufficient notice of roadworks etc. so it can be communicated to all residents in a timely manner. Capturing all problems with the current signage so that they are not repeated in future. All agreed it could have been done much better this time and will be much improved if/when needed again. Improving communications with the community generally, including a newsletter, information boards, a (virtual) public engagement event and social media engagement. Building confidence with the community and identifying ways of improving that relationship (more on that later). Continued on page 42
Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 41
Diary Dates: August - September 2020
With the closing down of almost all community activity and events, we have decided to hold off including Diary Dates in issues until we come out the other side of restrictions. The only information to carry forward are online Parish Council meetings via Zoom (see page 8). The next meetings will be on Thursday 6 August and Thursday 3 September. The Health Walks are starting up again on 4 August and they hope to run them weekly on Tuesdays, starting at The Bull at 2pm. See page 17 for more details and how to book. The other date to list is the copy deadline for the September issue of Launton Lines. This will be Thursday 20 August: send words and photos to launtonlines@launton.org. Lessons from EWR traffic continued from page 41
Along with the PC, I will update with specific details in the coming days. The current roadworks come to an end tomorrow and I believe that as a result of today, we will be able to move forward in a more positive way, with EWR much more conscious of the need to work considerately with the local community.� Later there was a listing of contact details to use for reporting any problems or asking questions about EWR activity: These included EWR Helpline phone: 0345 711 4141 Email: publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk Oxfordshire County Council has also updated their EWR page and it contains some very helpful information, as well as useful links. It can be found at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-andtransport/roadworks/future-transport-projects/east-west-rail Launton Parish Council webpage also has a section on EWR issues relating more closely to the impact on the village at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/eastwest-rail-information/ The email for Thaina Said, the Community Liaison Officer for EWR, is bsaid@ewralliance.co.uk We all hope that future work on this major project will learn from the chaotic and entirely unacceptable way in which Launton was treated by both EWR and OCC. Report prepared by Robert Cornford, 28 July 2019 Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 42
The Vet’s Voice: Elbow Fracture for Harvey see pages 32-33 Two pictures supplied by Jason Williams Left: the image from the CT scan showing the break in the centre of the main bone. Right: drilling through the elbow before inserting the holding screw (see the xray on page 32 for the screw in place).
A small area of the margin of one of the EWR ponds contains St John’s Wort, both White and Yellow Bedstraw, a final showing of Ox Eye Daisy and an abundance of Yarrow shows how the pond margins are maturing. Photo by Peter Cox
Among the fairy doors in the Island Pond Wood there is this delicate Fairy Window.. They are all on the first cross path, just over the walkway/bridge.. Photo by Robert Cornford
The new Launton Village Players logo, designed by Sandra Clayton for the charity status application. See article on page 20. Launton Lines August 2020 | Page 43
The End of the Diversion. And (inset) the new road after the work. What will we have to talk about in August? See pages 22-23 for more pictures, and pages 41-42 for an update Photos by Robert Cornford 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 its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson. Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on the Issuu.com publishing website. © MMXX Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion. Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.