Launton Lines Issue 242 December 2020

Issue 242

December 2020

Above, left: The Armistice Day service for 2020 at Launton War Memorial under Covid-19 restrictions. Technology sometimes challenges us as in this still taken from the Zoom video of the service. Photo from Lesley Thompson Above, right: The Armistice Day service at the barracks of the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent. Ex-Launton Boy Tony Jeacock is on the right. See his report on pages 42-45 of this issue. Photo from Tony Jeacock

David Clarke leading the Launton Cubs at a St. George’s Day parade in Bicester during the fifteen years he was Akela. There is an obituary on page 11.

Photo from Alfredia Clarke Front cover shows one of the many grotesque carved pumpkins seen around the village on Hallow’een night. See page 22 for more of Ella’s photos. Photo by staff photographer Ella Rayner.

The Editor writes …

As I write I am waiting to hear in which tier we will be placed from early December after the current lockdown, as from this there will be much impact on life in Launton.

We continue the series of articles about the impact the pandemic has had on village businesses - this time (pages 20-21) on changes that have had to be made at The Tythe Barn as their weddings business has almost entirely dried up. We wish Tythe Works a positive launch on 3 December.

Looking forward, there is information on services at St. Mary’s for December (page 18), and on page 8 news of expected road closures around EastWest Rail work, but we recognise that external events may mean changes to all arrangements.

Also looking forward, perhaps with disquiet, there is news on pages 12-13 of the appeal by Great Wolf Resorts against the refusal of planning permission for their resort park in Chesterton. Their proposal sounds truly scary - more so than the Hallow’een lanterns and other kit that decorated the village at the end of last month: see the cover of this issue, and photos on pages 22 and 47.

There are updates (pages 23-26, 35, 48) about Launton’s Window Wonderland – a project bringing together 55 displays based on carols or Christmas songs. Page 9 also reports on fundraising from the Scarecrow Trail in October which, as well as raising money for St Mary’s brought many people onto the streets of the village. We also have the sad news of the death of David Clarke, who had a huge impact on the village through 15 years as Akela at Launton Cubs (page 11, and a photo on page 2).

Danny Cunningham (pages 38-41) writes about his fantasy Christmas, and Tony Jeacock, The Ex-Launton Boy, tells about memories of Remembrance Days through the years (pages 42-45) with a photo on page 2 of his attending the 2020 ceremony in Kent. There are also regular reports from The Parish Council (pages 5-7), The WI (page 33), and The Vet’s Voice (pages 36-37).

Finally, please support our advertisers. They need you as much as we need them.

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 website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ 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 December for entry in the January 2021 issue of Launton Lines.

During this socially distanced Christmas, we can also remember those to whom we are close but from whom we are physically far away.

19 November | Sponsored by Colin Cockshaw with love to celebrate his wife Freddie’s 80th birthday 20 December | Sponsored by Wendy Foster.

Happy loving Launton memories always remembered of my Granny Hearn [Annie].

22 December | Missing James, Jen, Tom, Jasmine and Jessica at this special time, and looking forward to seeing them in 2021.

Happy Christmas to all our family, here or far away, with love from Celia and Martin [aka Grandma and Grandad] 24 December | Sponsored by Kath and Mick Ayris in memory of all our loved ones this Christmas.

25 December | Sponsored by Val Harris, Sue and Kevin.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our family and friends.

25 December | Sponsored by Rob Walker in loving memory of Jane Lindsey Walker 31 December | Sponsored by Kath and Mick Ayris.

Looking forward to a better 2021

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 4

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5 November 2020 at 7.30pm online via Zoom Councillors present Mr James Allpress, Mrs Lizzie Chisholm, Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chair), Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chair) Apologies None In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; Ms B Sa’id, East West Rail representative; six members of the public East West Rail Ms Sa’id reported that the new road cleaning regime had started. There are now two sweeper vehicles cleaning the road between the A1 and A2 compounds and a vehicle wheel wash has been installed at the A1 compound to try to remove as much of the mud as possible from the trucks before they drive on the road.

The A1 Compound opposite the Allotments was now fully functioning.

Due to the pandemic, additional cabins had been installed to accommodate the social distancing regime.

The Station Road vegetation clearance had been completed and the road was scheduled for closure from January.

Concerned villagers mentioned the intense light pollution from the floodlighting of the A1 compound and wanted reassurance that the same would not be in place for the A2 compound.

Reports from District and County Councillors No reports had been received.

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

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 The Parish Council Solicitor has clarified further points raised and the Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 5

clarifications taken back to the Working Group. It is hoped that a final draft will be available shortly.

It has been decided to spend a small grant from some S106 funds (which could only be spent on something for the Parish Hall) on new tables and chairs. The grant will be applied for and then the furniture ordered.

Trees at the Poplars The five poplar trees and the two cherry trees in The Poplars by the boundary with The Bull will receive a good tidy up in the coming months and the resulting chippings will be delivered to Island Pond Wood.

Village Support Group The support group was still active and ready to spring back into action.

Village Remembrance Commemoration We hope that some of you managed to tune into the outside Zoom broadcast of the Armistice commemoration on 11 November. It is now available to watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/dxEaFc_XyxQ Mulberry Homes Development The Clerk has made ongoing attempts to get discussions going between the developers, the Parish Council and other interested parties. We hope to have more news soon.

Blenheim Drive Dropped Kerb We were alerted to the fact that there is no dropped kerb at the entrance to Blenheim Drive and approached the County Highways team for advice. They have agreed to rectify this using their Accessibility fund so we hope it will be sorted soon.

Station Road Grit Bin It was noticed during the asset inspection earlier in the year that the grit bin lid was damaged. The OCC Winter team have now replaced the bin and even better - without charge to the village!

Finally a thank you!

Thank you to everyone who congratulated Jane on her award last month.

She has been so touched by all the good wishes!

Facebook and mailing lists The Parish Council has its own Facebook page. Please ‘like’ our page at Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 6

https://www.facebook.com/LauntonParishCouncilPage/ We try to post useful information on there as we receive it but we also use the Parish Council website to keep everyone as up to date as possible.

However, we are unable to monitor it 24 hours a day and so if you would like to contact us or have an opinion about something, email (or even a letter) is the best way to get in contact.

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 meeting Please let the Clerk have any items for the next agenda by 19 November, with any items for the January agenda by 17 December.

Dates of next meetings Thursday 3 December and Thursday 7 January 2021 currently both on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76 605157135 (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 Enrol now for Taster Classes with the Council, look at online or face to face in Bicester. planning applications or at other meeting papers, and will Daytime and evening courses then start the formal meeting at for Beginner to Advanced levels.

7.30pm.

For further information Full minutes, once agreed, are visit our website available on the Parish Council www.languageforfun.org Notice Boards in the village (by Email me: ann@languageforfun.uk The War Memorial, and on the or call Ann on 07768 241 174 front wall of the Parish Hall), and on the Parish Council website at www.launtonpc.gov.uk

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 7

Advanced Warning of Road Closures

This will be a regular feature of Launton Lines for months ahead. We will list the most up-to-date information as we go to print, but check on the Parish Council website www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ for any updates.

Road closures are also on roadworks.org (also known as one.network) which can be very helpful when planning local routes where both the EWRA and the HS2 projects are working, but note that listings may not included very far ahead, so check when you plan to make a journey.

From 30 November to 23 December, the road to Marsh Gibbon from the Poundon crossroads with Launton Station Road will be closed for EWRA to drill trial holes to determine the depth and location of the existing high pressure gas main. Note that this is the closure that EWRA referred to as “Bicester Road” and caused a lot of anguish for Launton residents.

Access on this closure will be maintained for emergency service vehicles and for those frontages within the closure area, subject to the progress of the works and liaison with the works supervisor. But note there will be no access from Launton to Marsh Gibbon along this road, under the railway bridge.

From 14 to 16 December, there will be two way traffic lights outside the EWRA A1 Compound on Bicester Road, Launton.

On 6 January Station Road will be closed north of Grange Mews; there is currently no date for reopening but we have been told that this is not the beginning of the 12-month closure already announced, now due to start in March 2021 for construction work on the bridge to replace the level crossing, which is expected to last for “about a year”.

Front Gate Sale

Thank you to everyone who left contributions for items I left at my front gate during the Autumn.

A total of £34.20 was put through my letterbox. As promised I will divide this sum between Island Pond Wood and the Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP).

Thank you, also, to the Sewing Group who gave £10 for a quantity of fabric. This money has also been donated to IPW. Pat Tucker Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 8

The wonderful sum of £ 1706.21 has been raised for St Mary’s Church by the Scarecrow Trail, which is an incredible amount.

A huge thank you to all who made scarecrows, all who did the trail and all who donated and, of course, to the businesses who so kindly gave prizes, Stonelily, Sun Wah Takeaway, Blue Texel and S & H Coffee Shop and Gifts.

This marvellous community support is amazing, and sharing the trail brought us together, (though socially distanced), in these challenging times.

Thank You Everyone Scarecrow Trail Organising Group (for St Mary’s)

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 9

Launton Village Support

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

We hope that the December issue of Launton Lines sees us out of the current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Whatever December brings, Launton’s village volunteers are still willing and able to help out with shopping, with collecting prescriptions, and with support in other ways.

For more information, if you need help or know someone who needs help with the above, or if you would like to volunteer, visit any of the following The Parish Council website www.launton-pc.gov.uk The Launton Village Support facebook page Email to village.help@launtonpc.gov.uk Phone between 9:30am and 5:00pm 07522231100 - Janice 01869 241755 - Lesley 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council)

Launton Congregational Chapel

There will be no Sunday services at Launton Chapel because of the Covid-19 for the foreseeable future.

We will advise readers when services start again.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 10

DAVID CLARKE: 1938 - 2020

David was born on 28 August 1938 in Dartford, Kent. He first came to the Bicester area as an evacuee with his twin sisters Sarah and Sue during the Second World War and stayed with his Aunt Kitty May in Buckingham Crescent, Bicester.

After the War, in 1946, when he was 8 years old, David’s parents moved to Launton and lived at “Old Timbers”, West End. David continued to live at “Old Timbers” until his marriage to Alfredia in 1964, when he moved “next door”.

Like many of the children in Launton at that time, he was in the Launton Church Choir for many years and attended Church and Sunday School at St Mary’s Church, and was a pupil at Launton school.

He was called up for National Service in 1959 and served in the Royal Green Jackets, based at Winchester. Following his National Service, he worked at Cowley and eventually worked as a general builder.

David and Alfredia had 3 children Jackie, Helen and James who all attended Launton C of E Primary School, and 5 grandchildren Nicola, David, Ben, Jake and Max. In 1981, Bob and Jean Aitkin announced their retirement from Cub Scouts and were looking for replacement Scout Leaders to take over Launton Cub Pack. David and Alfredia did so for 15 years - David was Akela throughout this time. During this time, they made many long-lasting friends, and had fun with both the boys and their parents. See page 2 for a photo of David leading the Cubs at a St George’s Day parade in Bicester.

David was a long-time member of the Oxford British Sub-Aqua Club, as well as an Advanced Diving Instructor. Pretty impressive for someone who didn’t learn to swim until just before joining the Club. He was lucky enough to dive in Malta, the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef during this time. Many family holidays were spent in Cornwall as part of a diving trip with the Club.

Throughout his life, David had a passion for motorcycles, old and new. In his later years, he was a member of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, was on the Committee and helped organise numerous rides around the local Oxfordshire countryside.

After a long illness, David passed away on 10 November 2020.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 11

The Wolf is Back in Chesterton

You may not have heard that Great Lakes UK are appealing against the refusal of their ‘Great Wolf’ proposal to build one of the largest hotels outside London on green space adjacent to Chesterton. The reference on the Planning Inspectorate website is APP/C3105/W/20/3259189, and key information can be found on the Cherwell District Council site - search for: 19/02550/F The Inquiry into the Appeal Inquiry is being held in Bristol. It will open on 9 February 2021 and last for eight days.

500,000 visitors a year, mostly Alongside Cherwell’s defence against the travelling by private car - meaning appeal is a group of parishes (PAW an 1,800 additional car trips a day Parishes Against Wolf) working together to on our local roads which are put forward a unified case. A robust case already stretched to capacity. put forward professionally by those living in This includes local country lanes, the accident hot-spot A34, plus the surrounding area can have a strong impact at the Inquiry. the A41, A4095, and A4030.

How will t It will be a huge, unsightly complex dominating the landscape. his enormous resort affect your village?

It will be 60 per cent larger than Traffic will increase enormously and as Bicester Village in terms of floor motorways become congested, many will space, or the equivalent of two use GPS to get off the main roads and Tesco Extra stores in impact. drive on our rural roads to have a quick look at our countryside before entering the resort for two or three days. The main way to stay at the resort will be through package deals that will include everything from entertainment to food to relaxation. Local shops, pubs and hotels will not benefit from these tourists. We will simply be the route to the ‘main event’. Think about the traffic around Launton and add hundreds of cars per day.

It will be a self-contained private PAW has appointed legal counsel and resort with very little ‘trickle down’ specialist consultants for planning, traffic trade for local businesses - in the and landscape to prepare and present the U.S. 98% of guests remain on site to eat and drink during their stay. case against the appeal. The principal objections to the Great Wolf proposal are: the impact of the traffic; the profound negative changes to our landscape; and the fact that the plan is completely unsustainable as well as being contrary to the District Council’s own Local Plan.

Several fund-raising activities are underway. We hope for contributions from Parish Councils and other bodies - and the crowdfunding site with Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 12

gofundme.com is off to a good start; the link is https://gf.me./u/y7fsr7 Posters have been widely distributed; some are already up in Launton.

Please display one in your window from now until the hearing - in order to show a united front when the inspector pays a The hotel will be fourstoreys high and have 500 site visit which will involve driving around the wider area. As we do not know when this will family rooms (for four be, the more posters we can display from now people), so a capacity of on, the better. around 2,000 visitors To display a poster please contact stopthewolfuk@gmail.com and someone will deliver to you. Download and print your own from our Facebook page, Stop the Wolf UK. We have an online petition with change.org - please sign this and encourage all your friends and family to do so too. The link is on Stop the Wolf UK Facebook page.

PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OUR CAMPAIGN BY SIGNING UP TO STOP THE WOLF UK ON FACEBOOK. As well as being the most up-to-date source of campaign news, this page is another way we can demonstrate to the appeals inspector the numbers of people who are opposing this devastating plan.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 13

100 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser

24 December 1920 HELP FOR THE RACLIFFE INFIRMARY Launton has recently made a splendid effort to raise funds for the RI, and, as the result of a whist drive and dance arranged by the football club and the opening of a sportsmen’s fund, the sum of £60 has been forwarded to the institution through Mr GW Gordon, hon secretary of the Oxfordshire Football Association. Mr Gordon, in acknowledging a cheque for the amount, writes as follows to the football club secretary (Mr G Carter):-“ I am duly in receipt of your cheque for £60, which will be sent on to the Radcliffe tomorrow, and I am sure they will be grateful for such a handsome amount, which is very creditable to your club and village and to yourself and fellow workers for the interest and work which, of necessity, is entailed in the collection of so large an amount.”

Upwards of 100 people attended the whist drive, which took place on Friday 3 Dec. Prizes were awarded as follows: Ladies 1 Mrs Moreton, 2 Mrs CA King, booby Miss Foster; Gentlemen 1 Mr N Penn, 2 Mr L Penn, booby Mr G Reeves. Miss Phipps of Blackthorrn was the winner of a handsome cigarette case, the result of a draw, and this lady kindly gave it to be put up for auction. Mr G Holiday, of Bicester, was present and ... consented to sell it, and after it had been put up and sold, several times the amount ... [unclear] ... the announcement was made that it had realised the truly remarkable sum of £14. Mrs Moreton and Mrs L Penn gave their whist drive prizes to be sold in a similar manner, and these realised £1 10s. After whist, dancing commenced and a fine programme was carried through. Altogether £28 was raised as a result of the evening, ... and this amount has been added to £32 subscribed to the sportsmen’s fund, making £60 for the Infirmary. Many thanks are due to all concerned on the raising of such a magnificent sum, particularly to Mr AJ Hawes, whose efforts had much to do with the raising of so large an amount. The refreshments at the whist drive were all given, and the piano for dancing was kindly lent by Mr Harrison. Miss B Penn added further enjoyment to the evening by singing two songs which were well received.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 14

From The Fairy Doors Trail in the Woodland I hope you all enjoyed the Halloween trail - we need a big thank you to Zara and Theresa for helping with the decorations which luckily survived the weather conditions and are now stored away for next year. It was lovely to see so many families around enjoying our woodland. And thanks to the S&H (Stansfield & Hoole) pop-up van for the hot drinks and treats! (See pages 22 and 47 for some photos.)

Their van will be returning to the same location on Saturday 19 December for the afternoon where you can grab a drink and take a walk along the trail to hopefully see lots of new festive fairy doors .... and then continue on to see the village window wonderland display.

So the appeal through Launton Lines is for anyone to make a festive fairy door and hang it up along the trail prior to the weekend of 1920 December.

Thank you in advance for those who wish to get creative.

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

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Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 15

100 Years Ago: the School Log Book for December 1920 Friday Decr 3rd Playground too muddy for Phys Exercises two days past this week. Musical Drill has been taken in school. Average for the week 83.6.

Friday Decr 10th Usual routine of work and progress. Preparation for the 1st Term's Examination. Average for the past week 84.4 Number on Registers 86.

Thursday Decr 16th Mr Forder, Physical Exercises Instructor, paid his visit, and took the elder children in both games and physical exercises.

Friday Decr 17th Miss Pheasant again visited the school, and inspected the health condition of the children. Average for the week 83.8.

Friday Decr 24th Closed for the Christmas Holidays this noon.

December 24th, 1920 to January 4th, 1921. Average for the week 83.6.

Grange Mews News November 2020 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

This is the last of the year, so we must wish all of ourselves a better year to come! And I have had the first wish for “a great festive season” today too.

May I pass this on to you also, Happy Christmas.

Energy cost savings are environmentally friendly and as usual are being looked at in Grange Mews, so we have just replaced existing lamps with LEDs in the ceiling of the mezzanine floor in 7C. Hummingbird are setting up a creative writing competition.

Contact them on 01869 244244 and thehbcentre@gmail.com for details (this email only for the competition).

The final date for presenting your narrative is 20 December.

There are three Kindles offered for prize winners.

The Kindles are sponsored by Nicholson’s (suppliers of landscaping), Norbar (suppliers of Torque tools), and Bicester Chamber of Commerce who represent local businesses.

BCC are also sponsoring Cherwell Business Awards with their virtual “Gala Dinner” on December 11 on Zoom. Look out for local prize winners there too.

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 Lines December 2020 | Page 17

DECEMBER SERVICES FOR ST MARY’S CHURCH In these very uncertain times it’s proving so challenging to plan ahead!

However, during the Advent period leading up to the all-important time in the Church calendar, we have formulated a plan which covers all the Christmas favourites, and have identified the following dates Sunday 6 December 2020 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) Via Zoom 10.00am Christingle Family Service Sunday 13 December 2020 9.30am Morning Prayer Sunday 20 December 2020 9.30am Holy Communion at Bucknell Available on YouTube 6.00pm Carol Service Bicester Team, via Zoom Monday 21 December 2020 6.00pm Christmas Reflections and Music Wednesday 23 December 2020 15.00pm Crib Service Thursday 24 December 2020 11.30pm Midnight Communion Friday 25 December 2020 (Christmas Day) 11.00am Christmas Holy Communion Sunday 27 December 2020 9.30am Holy Communion At the time of writing we do not know what restrictions might be in place.

In light of this we would suggest that you refer to our Launton Church Facebook page or contact office@stedburgschurch.org for the most up-to-date information.

If we are able to return to church it is likely to be with limited numbers and we will need to operate a system to request places.

This will be operated using the same email address.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 18

Island Pond Wood AGM

will be held via Zoom on Thursday 28th January 2021 at 19.30 hrs

More information and Zoom access will be available in the January edition of Launton Lines and on the IPW and Launton Community Group Facebook pages Bob and Maureen Roberts, who have managed our beautiful village woodland for many years, will be stepping down after the January AGM. Judy Taylor, who has ably assisted them as Treasurer of the Association over the same period, will also be stepping down.

Please join us and show your support and appreciation and hear about the plans for the future of Island Pond Wood and how you can get involved. For more information email fipwlimited@gmail.com

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 19

THE TYTHE BARN BECOMES TYTHE WORKS: a business report from the world of Covid-19 Emma and Will Deeley have worked hard building up the business at The Tythe Barn - weddings, parties, business events, and the annual Tythe Barn Quiz - since 1998. Then it all stopped as the first lockdown came in on 23 March 2020, although one of the first casualties was the 2020 Tythe Barn Quiz for St Mary’s church and PHIP, which was cancelled on Friday 13 March. Since then they have only been able to run four small weddings with restricted numbers - two for 30, then two for 15 - and have had to postpone over 70 bookings on to an already busy 2021.

The challenges and uncertainty of the last eight months has meant they needed to adapt and re-consider how they could use the buildings - the result brings you Tythe Works a new co-working destination in the heart of Oxfordshire From the team behind The Tythe Barn, Tythe Works is a unique coworking concept set amongst the family farm created, simply, to provide members with a gorgeous place to work where they can reap all of the benefits of the surrounding landscape and immerse themselves in an environment that’s rich in style, design and personality.

Emma Deeley described what they are trying to do: “Designed and equipped to inspire creative thinking, our goal is to bring like-minded individuals and businesses together in a safe way at a time where we feel building connections is more important than ever.

Escape the humdrum of the home office and explore a fresh setting that will keep you feeling inspired and energised.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 20

“Bringing together three dedicated, bright and airy refurbished barns set against the backdrop of our sprawling gardens and family farm, our flexible memberships grant access to the full sweep of the Barn’s facilities and we encourage you to explore all we have to offer. Bring your trainers for a morning run across one of our ‘Tythe Trails’ or grab a pair of wellies and take your dog for a lunchtime walk through the fields. When the sun goes down over the farmyard, join us for fresh wood-baked pizza under the festoon lights with a glass of wine in hand and forget all about the stresses of the day.

“Offering everything you’d expect (plus plenty you wouldn’t!), we’re all set to open our doors on Thursday 3 December and we’d love to invite you over for a cuppa to show you around, so please do get in touch,” says Emma.

Call on: 01869321442 Email at: work@thetythebarn.co.uk Read more at: www.thetythebarn.co.uk/work

Osteopath reopened Hannah, the local Osteopath, has now reopened.

Hannah treats all ages, and all types of pain, including low back pain, neck pain, hip pain, as well as stress and injuries, and pain prevention

Call on 01869 640315 email at osteotherapies@gmail.com www.hannahosteopath.business.site Hannah Clinging Osteopath Grange Mews, Launton OX26 5EG

Birchwood Therapy --------

Kirsty has reopened, adhering to all current coronavirus regulations, offering a wide range of treatments and therapies tailored to your needs.

Call me at your convenience to arrange an appointment.

Tel: 07812 942 787 email: kirstyanders@yahoo.co.uk Grange Mews, Launton, OX26 5EG

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Kirsty Anders Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 21

Launton's Hallow’een part 1 Photos from round the village in the week of Hallow’een taken by our staff photographer Ella Rayner, who also took the front cover picture.

Clockwise from right: full moon from Station Road; fairy doors and spiders’ webs in the woodland; carved pumpkins standing guard at a house entrance; ghosts out and about in the evening; pumpkin lanterns and a guy at the crossroads.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 22

10am Saturday 12th to 8pm Saturday 26th December 2020 (windows lit from 4pm – 8pm daily) If you enjoy walking in our “Window Wonderland”, please make a donation to St Mary's Church. Many thanks for your support.

 Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/windows

 Drop off or post cash or a cheque (made payable to “Launton Churchwardens”) to Mayflower,

Hare Leys Farm, Launton, Bicester, OX26 5AB  BACS payment: Sort Code: 20-06-75, Account No: 30566756, Account Name: Launton Churchwardens.

Please reference payments as “Windows”.

Please view the windows from the pavements and respect people’s properties.

Please follow the current Covid-19 government guidance – maintain social distancing and respect rules on households meeting or mingling.

Ref 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Address Hummingbird Centre, Station Rd Clock Court, Station Road 12 Blenheim Drive 24 Blenheim Drive 32 Blenheim Drive 12 Yew Tree Close 17 Yew Tree Close 21 Yew Tree Close 22 Yew Tree Close 22 Sycamore Road 27 Sycamore Road 39 Sycamore Road 44 Sycamore Road 47 Sycamore Road The Stone House, Station Road 6 Sharpes Cottages, Station Road 3 Sharpes Cottages, Station Road Langdale House, Station Road Caversham Cottage, Station Road Ascot Cottage, Station Road Kenrae, Station Road Home Farm, Station Road The Cottage, Station Road The Cottage, Blackthorn Road Linden Lea, Blackthorn Road 14 Blackthorn Road 45 West End 9 Chestnut Close

Ref 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Address 15 Chestnut Close 18 Chestnut Close 49 West End 51 West End Hoof House, 72 West End The Old Cottage, 48 West End Launton Parish Council (by the War Memorial) * 4 The Poplars 7 Bicester Road 1 Skinner Road 23 Ancil Avenue Tenaya, Bicester Road StoneLily Hairdressing, Sherwood Close 26 Sherwood Close 25 Sherwood Close 23 Sherwood Close 11 Sherwood Close Magnolia House, Bicester Road 5 The Glades 7 The Glades 33 The Glades Launton CE Primary School, Bicester Road Launton Village Players (outside Parish Hall) Wyndham Hall (outside Parish Hall) 5 The Spinney The Old Rectory, Bicester Road St Mary's Church

* No 35 will be in the Parish Council Noticeboard

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 24

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 25

Match the windows to the Christmas Carol or Song!

Write the map reference next to each carol or song title (multiple boxes indicate multiple entries for that song).

Answers are on www.launton.org/windows and in January’s Launton Lines.

Christmas Carol or Song Away in a Manger Carol of the Bells Dreaming of a White Christmas (2 entries) Driving Home For Christmas (3 entries) Fairy Tale of New York Frosty The Snowman (2 entries) Good King Wenceslas (2 entries) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing I Saw Three Ships I Wish it could be Christmas Everyday In the Bleak Midwinter It was on a Starry Night (2 entries) It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (2 entries) It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Jingle Bells (3 entries) Let it Snow Little Donkey Mistletoe and Wine (2 entries) O Christmas Tree (3 entries) O Little Town of Bethlehem (3 entries) Once in Royal David's City Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (2 entries) Santa Claus is Coming to Town See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw Silent Night (2 entries) Snow is Falling The Christmas Song - Merry Christmas To You The Holly and The Ivy (2 entries) The Twelve Days of Christmas Walking in a Wyndham Wonderland Walking in the Air, from The Snowman We Three Kings (2 entries) When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney (3 entries) When the Red Red Robin Goes Bob Bob Bobbing While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Map Ref

Working on the Island Pond Wood in November

 Left, members of The Bicester Green Gym tackle the brambles in the side wood  Below, Cliff Carter and Mike Murphy with the FIPW Working Party at the fence by the wild orchard at the top end of the Wood.

See report on page 28.

Photos by Maureen Roberts

Before and after up Station Road The Clover Field at Folly Cottage, before the EWRA work, and then (left) after some groundwork.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 27

News from the Woodland

The wood is muddy again. I look back fondly to 2018 when it stayed dry till January (and also we didn’t have Covid 19). But the pond has not yet flooded, so we are not at peak wateriness. Stoke Wood is also muddy and on a sunny day the cars are parked all along the approach road as people take their lockdown exercise.

The churned up mud there will come over the top of short wellies. Langford is passable for a walk. So is Bure Park, where the river is flowing fast and deep. A daytrip to the Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted (for a quiet walk) found a scene similar to south coast beaches in July.

In our wood, the shreddings on the pathways have had a tough time. Last year they survived amazingly well but they are giving up now. We have some more shreddings in the pipeline we think, but we could do with a good supply. If you are planning tree work, do contact Friends of Island Pond Wood in advance - we would like the contractor to deliver shreddings direct to the wood so we can spread them before they get soggy and heavy. Then we can all enjoy the pathways again next year.

Normally in October we have two work sessions with Bicester Green Gym. This year the first session went ahead on 13 October but the later session had to be cancelled because of heavy rain. Sterling work was carried out in the one session, with strict social distancing. No shared refreshments, but always a bit of banter. BGG worked in the side wood to tackle brambles growing near the Woodland Close fence and FIPW members worked at the Wild Orchard site at the far end of the wood, by the bench which is a lovely place to sit. They were clearing the grass in front of the fence and cutting back brambles from around the new hedge. We are now in lockdown again so work sessions are on hold till the beginning of December at the earliest but we do hope BGG will be able to join us in December.

Though some members of FIPW enjoy the work sessions, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s OK just to be a member. There are many ways to enjoy the wood - fairy houses, Halloween cobwebs, butterflies, wild flowers, picnic table, quiet space, and of course the pond. If you would like to join, contact islandpondwood.launton@gmail.com Gwen Skinner Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 28

Christmas Risk Assessment from The Parish Council

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: Please be advised that all employees planning to dash through the snow in a onehorse open sleigh, going oe’r the fields and laughing all the way are required to undergo a Risk Assessment addressing the safety of open sleighs and must, of course, abide by social distancing regulations of one individual or household per sleigh. This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where the social bubble is more than two people. Note that permission must be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night and must be placed at least two metres apart from each other, as per the regulations.

While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by Zoom from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut (meeting code can be supplied), all facility users are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. The Angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that prior to shining his/her glory all around she/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

Following last year’s well-publicised case, all are advised that legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr. R Reindeer from games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.

While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is commonly practised in various parts of the world, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered and quarantined for at least 72 hours before presentation. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded under provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Further, caution is advised regarding other common gifts, such as aromatic resins that may initiate allergic reactions.

Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.

Compliance of these guidelines is advised in order for you to fully participate with the festive spirit.

Thanks.

Risk Management Team - ELF & Safety Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 29

Bicester Green Reports: Staying Positive and Feeling Festive Undoubtedly these are difficult times for every business and organisation of all sizes. Can we stay open? Can we continue to support our volunteers and staff?

Can we remain financially viable? These are all questions we are having to address at every new announcement or set of restrictions. It’s hard, tiring and stressful for the manager of every business and organisation to continually address these questions. So, as we march towards the festive season it is worth thinking about the people behind the organisation and what your custom means to them, in particular this year.

There is one message to share: Buy Local and Support Local Businesses.

There is a lovely Meme that always makes me smile: “When you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance.”

And you know what, I think we could all do with a little more boogie in our lives right now! But there’s more to supporting local than a happy dance: Your money is staying in the local economy You are celebrating the uniqueness of your community You are supporting local jobs You are helping the environment You are encouraging community ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS

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You are investing in entrepreneurship You are benefitting from local expertise You are making your community a destination.

Launton Lines is packed with local businesses and organisations who between them will have Christmas pretty much sorted this year!

From our perspective at Bicester Green our workshop elves are keen to get to the wood workshop to make all the wonderful Christmas pallet trees (photo right), decorations and festive goods that they are so brilliant at (I’ll let you into a secret, many of our volunteers took projects home with them to work on over lockdown, so we will have plenty ready for opening on 3 December). Keep a look out on our social media and website for stock. The pallet trees are my absolute favourites and I know one of our volunteers has made some amazing improvements to the design this year.

At the time of writing Bicester Green is planning a Christmas Market (subject to COVID restrictions etc…), where you’ll be able to browse all that we do as well as other fabulous, local businesses and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine. Keep an eye out for details on our social media and website. Or get in touch if you’d like to be part of it!

Celia Cornforth | www.bicestergreen.org.uk | facebook.com/BicesterGreen

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

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 31

50 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser

11 December 1970: LAUNTON HANDBELL RECITAL A large congregation assembled in the picturesque and historic church... As explained by the Rector, the Rev John Goddard when he welcomed the visitors, the object of the recital was to provide Radio Oxford with carol music for broadcasting on several occasions during the Christmas season... The recital was a strenuous one for the handbell ringers as thirty carols each played twice was recorded by the BBC Engineers... Seventy eight bells were used in the recital. They are part of the conductor’s unique collection...

During the past week the Launton Handbell Ringers have had a much wider audience. On December 3rd they participated in a programme arranged by the Central Office of Information, under the direction of Mr Jacob de Vries, which will be broadcast by the BBC to be relayed by 37 radio stations covering all parts of the world, except China and the USSR. The broadcast took the form of an interview between Mr de Vries and the conductor, and concluded with music by classic composers, played on handbells.

[The report included a photo showing members of the group: Donald Wheeler, Janice Gibbons, Elizabeth Sharpe, Margaret Winning, Joan Harris, Mary Lee, Richard Lee, Patricia Steeples, Peter C Allen, and Frederick Sharpe.]

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 32

Launton WI report for November 2020

Who would have imagined that we would still not be able to meet up in person by now? With no prospects of an early resumption of our Monthly Meetings in sight, the Committee, striving to keep things running after a fashion, are exploring possible new measures to support the Membership during these strange times.

Naturally many of us have found technology a boon and some members joined the Shelswell WI via Zoom for a craft evening at the beginning of November. Indeed, the Zoom opportunities are legion for not only is the Oxfordshire team providing many presentations, but the ill-wind that closed our residential training college at Denman (sadly a financial casualty of the pandemic) has given rise to a number of wide-ranging course opportunities and lectures, all at very modest prices.

Since when the College was established some 72 years ago its aims were to educate and inform, the National Federation is committed to continuing in this rĂ´le. Hence the introduction of these new opportunities which are open to both members and non-members, and news of which are digitally cascaded down to our group.

However, it cannot be ignored that a major attraction of our WI is the general friendliness between our Members - we long to be back together and eagerly await the day when we are free to socialize again, whenever this time comes about.

Celia Manderson | December 2020

PODIATRY/CHIROPODY ALDRED CASEY MEDICAL LTD Nail Care | Chiropody | Diabetic Foot Check | Nail Surgery Biomechanics/Musculoskeletal Assessments | Orthotics Podiatry/Chiropody is provided by Miss Joanne Casey M.Ch.S, BSc (Hons) and Associates at our clinics in Stratton Audley and Banbury.

We have over 20 years experience in both NHS and Private Practice.

Patients can be sure to receive the best care and advice possible for their feet.

Our podiatrists are HCPC registered and are members of The College of Podiatry.

We also offer home visits on request.

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150 Years Ago: from The Bicester Herald, 1870

2 December At Launton on Tuesday evening last the Rev Oliver Brand of Oxford gave his lecture on “Happy Homes of Old England” to a crowded assemblage, under the presidency of Mr F Shouler. Mrs Dickenson of Bicester, presided at the harmonium and with some Bicester helpers, assisted by Launton friends, added melodies to the proceedings. The thanks of the meeting were awarded to the lecturer, the musicians and the choir, and the meeting ended with a doxology and benediction. [This would have taken place either in the chapel or in the schoolroom next door - now a private house] 9 December Mr Newman, the ventriloquist, gave his entertainment entitled “The Funniest of Funny Folks” in the National Schoolroom, Launton, on Wednesday evening last, December 7th, to a rather limited audience.

BICESTER COUNTY COURT James Wells, coal merchant, Northampton, v James Read, brickmaker, Launton. Claim £7 13s 11d. Mr Alexander McCrindell, Northampton, appeared on behalf of the plaintiff and stated that the amount had been paid into court and he only wanted expenses for attendance. The defendant had driven the payment till the last moment, or he would not have had to attend to prove the case. Expenses allowed 10s 6d, to be paid in a month. [James Read was in the local courts many times for debt.]

Charles Samuel Moore, tea dealer etc, Bicester, v William Cartwright senior, labourer, Launton. Claim 6s 3d. Order for 2s a month.

Charles Samuel Moore, tea dealer etc, Bicester, v William Cartwright junior, labourer, Launton. Claim 4s 6d for tea supplied. 2s monthly instalments.

Wm Henry French, ironmonger, Buckingham, v Thomas Shouler, wheelwright, Launton. Instalments due £2 10s. This was a similar case as Golder v Lee. A letter was read from the defendant promising to pay instalments shortly and accounting for his neglect by saying he had got his ancle [sic] sprained. His Honour said he would adjourn the case till next Court, and by that time, if his intentions were good, defendant would have time to pay up his instalments; and if he did not make an effort to pay, then they could put on the screw and make him.

30 December Marriage: December 22nd at Launton Church by Rev J C Blomfield, William Heritage to Mary Sansome, both of Launton.

Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 34

This Christmas many of us will be unable to join together with our families and friends to celebrate this special time of year and we hope that we can share our Window Wonderland walk and feel somehow together as a community, even though we need to be socially distanced.

The Window Wonderland walk will be open from 10am on Saturday 12 December until 8pm on Saturday 26 December. Many thanks to all the people, families, and businesses joining in and creating some wonderful Christmas carols and songs for us all to identify as we go about our daily walk!

The walk can be done in the daylight but if you choose to do it when it is darker please take care, use a torch and keep in family groups to ensure children’s safety. Please view from the pavement and respect people’s property. The aim is to match all of the carols and songs in our list to the windows/displays that have a number by them. The answers will be in the January Launton Lines but if you would like to know sooner, they will be a click away on the website from 12 December. All windows will be on view all of the time from 12 December through until 26 December.

As you will see the walk map is the centre page spread in this edition of Launton Lines and can be pulled out and used on your walk to match the window display to the carol/song. The information you need and how to donate is also on the centre page pull out. So do join in and see how well you know all of the Christmas carols and songs.

St Mary’s Church of course has its own beautiful stained glass windows showing scenes from the bible, including the nativity. Although restrictions mean the building cannot be open for general access, the church can be visited on Sundays between 10.30am and 4.30pm for private prayer.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us and is helping by making a display and window decoration, and by donating.

Please check the website www.launton.org/windows for any late changes and further information, including the route map and details on how to donate.

We all need to be Covid aware so please take care on your walks, maintain social distance, follow government guidance on households meeting and mingling, don’t touch the displays, wash your hands, and of course,

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

St Mary’s Window Wonderland Organising Group Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 35

A Vet’s Voice: Pedro’s Achilles Heel

An 8 ½ year old, 47kg Dobermann with a major orthopaedic problem can be quite a daunting prospect. Pedro is a gentle giant but sadly his Achilles tendon was degenerating to the point where he couldn’t support himself on his left hind leg. Like humans, dogs have an Achilles tendon which attaches the calf muscles to the point of the hock (the bone point that sticks out backwards up from the foot). This is the equivalent of our heel but in dogs the hock is raised up and they walk just on their toes.

The tendon was torn, painful, inflamed and swollen. In theory you can repair these surgically, but the risk of failure is quite high. After discussion with Pedro’s owner and advice from some specialists we opted to permanently fuse Pedro’s hock joint so it would support his weight whilst walking. This surgery is called a pan-tarsal arthrodesis and involves opening up the main hock joint, removing the smooth joint (articular) cartilage, inserting some bone graft tissue from another bone site, then screwing a carefully contoured, heavy duty, stainless steel bone plate across the joint to fix it into a comfortable position.

Over time the bone graft will produce new bone which will help the bones of

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Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 36

the joint fuse together and become like one bone. If successful, this will provide a strong, permanent fusion which will support his weight whilst running; the damaged Achilles tendon will be obsolete. Because the hock will be fused, it won’t be able to bend when he sits but instead, he’ll have to hold it out to the side. This is a big improvement on his current situation where he can’t take any weight on the leg at all.

Kyra and I embarked on the surgery and methodically went through the stages of the operation. After about 6 hours the plate with its 10 screws was in place along with a 70mm long calcaneotibial screw to provide extra support for the repair. The x-ray images show the bone plate and screws in position (right). In the side-on view (left) you can also see the swollen Achilles tendon which has calcified areas from the degeneration.

Pedro has subsequently been back for his first check up 3 days post op. His wound looks great and he is taking weight well on his fused hock. There are still potential risks for Pedro including implant failure or infection but so far so good, and we hope that he will continue to heal well and remain comfortable. If all goes well, in 3-4 months’ time the joint should be permanently fused, and Pedro will be fine to run around as he used to.

Enjoy your pets Jason Williams | Bicester Vets

Launton Health Walks - Update

As lockdown has hit us again, we have had to suspend the Health Walks too.

We intend to resume the walks on Tuesday 8 December provided that the lockdown is not extended. The start place and time has not changed Tuesdays at 2pm from The Bull.

As none of this year’s significant dates for Christmas and New Year fall on any Tuesday, we will be able to continue the walks throughout the festive season. The only caveat to that is that if there are icy conditions or snowfall then those walks will not take place on safety grounds.

Dave Gilbert 07973 343794 | dsds.gilbert@googlemail.com Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 37

A Fantasy Christmas

Christmas will be special this year - a fantasy Christmas. With the government wrestling Covid-19 to the ground, we’ll raise a glass - a SandyMan’s glass. The government took the courageous step of asking this drinks company, run by risk-taking entrepreneurs Messrs Sandy and Man, to find a solution to Covid19. Using crystal ball technology, they’ve created a miracle cure, as you’ll discover later, to your complete amazement.

Our new heroes, Shaw Sandy and ManFred Man, should become Lords. They could join worthies like Baroness Katey Hoe, another Brexit warrior and passionate naturalist, and Lord Juan Bottom of Backward-Square-Leg in our all-inclusive House of Lords. They deserve every penny of their £323 daily allowance, plus travel expenses, plus subsidised meals.

Thanks to this generous government, the long journey out of child poverty has started. Troublemaking footballers like Marcus Rashford can stop bellyaching about hungry children. Money from the magic money tree will feed some of these urchins over Christmas. But this is only a short-term solution - a state handout to the underserving poor. The underlying problems remain. Feckless single mothers on state benefits must stop spending their school meals money on drugs, fags, alcohol, 65-inch OLED TVs, new iPhones, Caribbean holidays, Botox, Ferraris and Netflix subscriptions. These women just don’t offer their children a role model. They can’t manage money and can’t encourage their children’s entrepreneurship. But that’s changing.

No child should be left behind. Using special powers in the Pandemic and Plague Act 2020, (PAPA 2020), there’ll be a training programme for their feral children, designed to improve their spirit of enterprise and self-reliance.

Instead of getting fed, these brats will become, through special mentorship programmes, highly skilled and qualified British entrepreneurs. This is a winwin government U-turn.

Actors and make-up artists have been unemployed due to their misjudgement in being arty during a pandemic. Under PAPA 2020, they’ll get food vouchers to train financially challenged children. Their programme will include rehearsing and taking part in socially distanced stage versions of Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol and Hunger Games. At the end of their specialist training, Tier 1 children will get a PAPA 2020 Diploma in Begging. The high fliers will reach Tier 2 after finishing their NVQ in Advanced Begging. Tier 3 is reserved for the Gifted and Talented, who’ll be encouraged to start their own beggars training centres. A government-funded campaign called ‘Children Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 38

Rising Against Poverty’ will launch. They’ll be spreading this CRAP across all the Red Wall constituencies. The government will release CRAP on posters and extend it over social media.

Freed from the shackles of the nanny state, these also-rans will become winners. Their mothers will be proud of them. These newly qualified oiks will be earning big money, and they’ll have transferable skills. They’re tomorrow’s business leaders and thespians. Tomorrow’s Judy Bench, Idris Elbow, and Oliver Coalman. Tomorrow’s Rishi Branston, Vivian Westworld and Albert Sugar. They’ll attend a special awards ceremony, headed by Education Secretary Garbage Williamsville and Home Secretary Pretty Pastry. They’ve just got to find their fares to the planned venue – Ascension Island.

Let us celebrate other unbelievable government triumphs. Under PAPA 2020, it allocated contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE), each worth over £100 million to amazing British firms - Pestfix(*), a tiny Sussex pest control company; Clandeboye Agencies(*), a Northern Ireland confectioner; Ayanda(*), an opaque private fund, reportedly based in Mauritius. Sceptics might question giving uncontested contracts to firms knowing next to nothing about PPE, but who allegedly had friends in government. Despite the rage of well-established, excluded, UK PPE suppliers, the government operates the highest standards of procurement transparency. It is regrettable that the ‘Good Law Project’(*) promotes unfounded allegations of corruption and cronyism.

Luckily, some of these masks worked - and didn’t have to be recalled. For national solidarity, these selfless entrepreneurs shouldn’t be condemned as chancers. In such unprecedented times why can’t associates of ex-Prime Minister Domino Cummins and wannabe-Prime Minister Mick Glove, his slippery Scottish sidekick (S3), earn an honest crust? We’re all in this together, as far as the Barnard Castle branch of SpectacleSavers. Who cares if frontline doctors had to wear visors made by teenagers on 3D printers during CDT lessons?

Let’s also celebrate ‘Operation Moonshine’ - the Government’s latest worldbeating plan to improve national coronavirus testing. Britain clearly needs a quicker, slicker testing programme. And Moonshine delivers that - the whole country can be tested when it wants, with results coming 15 minutes later!

It’s disappointing that leaked documents question a key aspect of Operation Moonshine - that it’s based on technology that’s so advanced, it hasn’t yet Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 39

been invented. To overcome that, Moonshine development is being ramped up, at pace - it will cost over £100 billion, and it will be money well spent.

It’s unimportant that we know nothing about who decided to spend the staggering sum. Just like the £12 billion wisely invested on the wildly successful Test and Trace system: why worry about safeguards to ensure value for money? Some nit-pickers might expect penalty clauses for a company failing to supply the service it’s been contracted to deliver. But these are challenging and unprecedented times. You can’t win them all, even with the galloping Dame Bilbo Hardup leading the field. Experts from SAGE, the Royal Statistical Society, the National Screening Committee, and the World Health Organisation might have grave concerns about whether Moonshine’s any good. But what do they know?

All the targeted investment is designed to prepare Britain for Christmas Day, or as Deputy PM Porridge JohnStone calls it, Liberation Day. What’s the highlight of that day? Turkey and stuffing? Sprouts? Trifle? Not at all. It’s the Queen’s Speech at 3pm, which in 2020 will be unique. All thanks to Operation Moonshine.

The government has commissioned a leading logistics firm, Herpes.org.ghd, to make a very special delivery to every door, using the latest technology, avoiding the need to fling your package over your fence or into your hedge.

On Christmas morning, open it carefully to reveal your gift - a governmentfunded magical bottle, the like of which the world has never seen. Uniquely, it can’t be opened until 2.55pm. Magically, it will open automatically using Moonshine’s cutting-edge technology. Have your glasses ready. Pour each family member a portion of the magical liquid. As the Queen greets you on screen, and controversially announces the abolition of the House of Lords, the relocation of the House of Commons to Skelmersdale, and the transfer of Domino Cummins and S3 to the Tower, please toast the monarch and drink to your clear bright future - enjoy every last drop of your SandyMan’s Special Reserve Vaccine Port. From that moment on, you will be free to enjoy life-long Covid-19 immunity. Celebrate your liberation.

Boxing Day will become Vaccine Day. Punters will gather in immune herds to celebrate Vaccine Day racing at Kempton. Special guest Matty HardRock, from the fabulously successful Health Department, will ride in the King George. Rugby crowds will fill Twickenham, as Porridge JohnStone, fit as a butcher’s dog, leads the front row as guest hooker. The Premier League will teem with local derbies, as euphoric opposing fans march together to support their respective teams. Age-old tribal loyalties will melt away like the Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 40

Covid-19 virus itself. VAR will be banned under the PAPA 2020. On New Year’s Eve, the banks of the Thames will throng with patriotic unmasked revellers to burn effigies of Macron and Merkel. A spectacular fireworks display will lighten the night sky. A new British dawn will beckon and, as each day ends, there’ll be Moonshine. Doesn’t that sound fantastic?

By Darcus Curryfan Notes: 1. (*) These are real organisations.

2. For allergy sufferers, some alternative facts may be nuts, so please wash your hands.

3. For those whose religion or lifestyle forbids them from drinking alcohol, an alcohol-free alternative will be despatched in early 2021, once the government has swept aside the few remaining consequences of Brexit.

4. For visitors to Kent after 1 January 2021, please take your prepaid entry visa and a portable toilet for use in the new motorway car park, previously known as the M20.

Danny Cunningham

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Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 41

MEMORIES OF AN EX-LAUNTON BOY

This month the Ex-Launton Boy shares his thoughts on the Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in London, at the Armistice Day parade at his barracks in Kent, and the Remembrance Sunday Parades in Bicester in his youth. Then he shares a summary of the last 100 years that he was sent by a fellow veteran - food for thought for us all.

So the year has almost spun and we’ve just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first commemoration of Armistice Day, which was initiated in 1920 in the aftermath of the Great War, supposedly the war to end all wars.

So sad that on such an auspicious occasion there should be such a skeleton showing of personnel on parade at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, all due to Covid 19 and social distancing coupled to virtual lockdown.

I have no doubt that Launton did its bit to commemorate the occasion. I can safely say that throughout my childhood, teens and young adulthood in the village Remembrance Sunday in particular was always well-attended at church before the village War Memorial was commissioned and installed.

Only twenty five veterans Heating Plumbing Servicing permitted in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday as Domestic Oil and Gas Servicing compared to the thousands who traditionally gather and march on Installation and Maintenance parade. That said, I was quite Gas Safe Registered fortunate in that case in that upon attending Remembrance Sunday Oftec Registered parade in the barracks of the Royal School of Military Engineering “A local Business here in Chatham, I was one of ten from Launton” permitted veterans attending along with the serving lads, senior Phone: 07483 864 571 NCO’s and commissioned Officers of the three Training Squadrons Email: simonnashserv@aol.com established here. And very moving

Simon Nash

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the occasion was too. Only one young serving soldier passed out on parade (body still aligned in the position of attention), for which the RSM tells me he received extra duties, and only one of us veterans passed out, and that was because he was wearing an overcoat and a trilby hat on what turned out to be a very sunny and warm morning.

And I was one of only three veterans invited to attend the scaled-down parade in barracks on Wednesday the 11 November, the actual anniversary of Armistice Day (photo on page 2), alongside my Branch Chairman and our immaculate Standard Bearer.

Of course, back in the 1950’s and 60’s Bicester was the place to be locally for Remembrance Sunday for the parade, what with the army garrison at one end of town and the RAF at the other. A military band with serving soldiers and serving airmen along with veterans from both the army and the RAF, and though there was not a ship to be seen, plenty of veterans from the Royal Navy also on parade. For a young child to witness, the whole thing was quite awe inspiring, especially where so many veterans displayed chests full of jangling medals glinting in the sun. So very many of them served in WWII and Korea and even Suez, not to mention Kenya, Malaya, and yes, even older veterans still who had survived the Great War. That having been said, I remember Joe Ancil from the village (Blackthorn Road) who I believe lost a son in WWII, but he himself actually served in the Boer War of South Africa in Queen Victoria’s reign. What a lovely man he was.

The only ‘ex-P.o.W.’ I knew in the village from WWII was Mr. Plum who lived with his wife down West End. A large-framed man but frail at the same time, for he was captured and held prisoner by the Japanese, and we all know how devastatingly cruel they were during the war, being non-signatories to the Geneva Convention.

It’s worth remembering the hardships our parents and grandparents went through. Somebody (another veteran friend) sent me something a couple of days ago and I would like to share it with you, especially during these difficult Covid-imposed times. I quote: “It’s a mess out there now. It’s hard to discern between what is a real threat and what is just simple panic and hysteria. For a small amount Launton Lines December 2020 | Page 43

of perspective at this time, just imagine for a moment that you were born in 1900.

On your 14th birthday, World War One started and ended on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perished in that war.

Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. Yes! 50 million!

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%; the world GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.

When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet.

And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is pulled fully into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthdays, 75 million people perish in the war.

Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40’s as it killed 300 million people during your lifetime.

At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. From your birth until you are 55, you dealt with the fear of a Polio epidemic each summer. You experience friends and family contracting polio and being paralysed and/or they die.

At 55 the Vietnam war begins and doesn’t end for twenty years. 4 million people perish in that conflict.

During the Cold War, you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation.

On your 62nd birthday, you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, almost ended. And when you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

Think of everyone born on the planet in 1900. How did they endure all of that? When you were a kid in 1985 and didn’t think your 85 year old grandparent understood how hard school was, and how mean that kid in your class was, yet they survived through everything listed above!

Perspective is an amazing art. Refined and enlightening as time goes on.

Let’s try and keep things in perspective.

Your parents and/or grandparents were called upon to endure all of the above.

You are called upon to stay home and sit on your couch!!!”

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An interesting thought don’t you think?

Covid is our current enemy against which we must wage war. It won’t take all that much to defeat it, as long as we all toe the line, for our own good and for the good of our families and friends, for the good of the country and indeed, for the good of the world at large.

Let’s have more of that spirit that we had in the 1950’s when we all looked out for each other. No more “I’m alright Jack and to hell with the rest of you” and no more “It won’t happen to me” syndrome. It can happen to any one of us potentially due to the negligence of others.

Don’t be a victim and don’t be an ‘other’.

Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | December 2020

150 Years Ago: from the School Log Book for December 1870

Thurs 1 Dec Rev JC Blomfield from 9.30 to 10.30.

Fri 2 Dec Av for week 92.1.

Mon 5 Dec Upper room was engaged until 11 in the morning with the Coal Club people.

Tues 6 Dec Rev JC Blomfield took 1st and 2nd Classes from 9.30 to 10.20.

Wed 7 Dec Ordinary progress.

Thurs 8 Dec Rev JC Blomfield from 9.30 to 10.10.

Fri 9 Dec Snowing all day without intermission. Several absentees.

Mon 12 Dec Ordinary progress.

Tues 13 Dec Rev JC Blomfield from 9.30 to 10.30.

Wed 14 Dec Taught Ye Mariners of England (Caulcott).

Thurs 15 Dec Rev JC Blomfield from 9.30 to 10.20.

Fri 16 Dec III Std do Simple Division very accurately now. Av for week 85.6.

Mon 19 Dec Ordinary progress.

Tues 20 Dec Rev JC Blomfield was unable to hold his Class this morning.

Wed 21 Dec Snowstorms during the day kept a few children away.

Thurs 22 Dec Rev JC Blomfield from 9.30 to 10.30.

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Diary Dates: December 2020 - January 2021

With the slow revival of many community activities and events before the most recent Covid-19 restrictions, we decided to hold off including full Diary Dates until we come out the other side of ongoing, and changing, restrictions. The main information to carry forward are online Parish Council meetings via Zoom (see page 6). The next meetings will be on Thursday 3 December 2020 and Thursday 7 January 2021. There are some services at St Mary’s now. All for the Christmas season are listed on page 18.

The first lighting of windows for Launton’s Window Wonderland will be at 10am on Saturday 12 December (see pages 23-26 and page 35 for details).

The Health Walks are suspended until at least early December (see page 37) and when they start will run every Tuesday, starting at The Bull at 2pm.

The other date is the copy deadline for the January 2021 issue of Launton Lines. This will be Sunday 27 December - a little later than normal because of the holidays: send words and photos to launtonlines@launton.org.

A letter from Santa to families in Bicester and surrounding villages

Dear All, First and foremost, I hope you are all well and staying safe in these difficult times.

In previous years I have visited the Bicester area in the lead up to Christmas Day. I have been lucky enough to have the assistance of both Bicester Lions Club and the Round Table in helping me visit families and individuals of all ages.

Unfortunately, because of this nasty virus I will not be doing my pre-Christmas visits this year. However, I want to reassure you that I will be visiting as normal on Christmas Eve to deliver all your presents.

Everything is on track at the North Pole, my workshops are very busy getting ready all manner of presents for delivery. So, make sure you let me know what you would like.

Merry Christmas One and All – Ho! Ho! Ho!

Santa Claus

Bicester Lions are still answering requests for assistance to help local families and individuals who have fallen on hard times, whether through illness or injury. If you are able to help, we have set up a JustGiving page to collect any donations you feel able to give. Please search for “Bicester Lions” on www.justgiving.com.

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Launton's Hallow’een part 2 A selection of scenes from around the village over the last week of October.

On the right, Karen at The Bull thinks this is Sticky the Tricky in the garden at the crossroads - a reformatted scarecrow for Hallow’een. Photo from Karen Blainey The other three pictures are of the Fairy Doors walk in the Woodland over Hallow’een after a team worked hard to convert the display to a spooky vision - see page 15 for a report from Annie Sparks and news of another display for Christmas. Photos by Annie Sparks

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Christmas activities in Launton Snowflake time on the Launton Christmas Tree

See the pull-out centre four pages for the map of the 55 windows on display in Launton (pages 24-25), a listing of the windows (page 23), and a sheet to record the locations of the 35 carols and songs featured in Launton’s Window Wonderland.

Then walk round the displays between 12 and 26 December and make a donation to support St Mary's Church (see page 23 for details).

It is snowflake time on the Christmas Tree in aid of Cancer Research UK. If you would like to dedicate a snowflake to a loved one, the children of Launton School will hang it on the Christmas Tree for you.

Make your donation online on the just giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/launton-school and email office.3085@launton.oxon.sch.uk with the name of the person to be remembered and we will write it on the snowflake.

Donations and names can also be posted in the school post box between 9am and 3pm (Monday-Friday)

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 (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © 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.