Launton Lines Issue 245 March 2021

March 2021

Issue 245

The Defibrillator at The Bull The public defibrillator in the village is on the side wall in the car park at The Bull (see photo top left).

There is an article in this issue on page 21 with information on use.

There are clear instructions on the box (see below).

And inside the box the equipment is easily detached and portable.

The defibrillator is serviced and supported by the Parish Council.

Photos by Lesley Thompson The front cover is a drone photo from East West Rail showing the start of work on the Charbridge Lane overbridge looking south. See page 24 for more photos. Photo from EWRA

The Editor writes …

I’m sorry this issue is a few days late. I had it completed and ready to send when my computer had a system malfunction (to quote what it said on the screen), and it all went blue. Two days later I’ve managed to recreate the missing bits, but apologies in advance for any typos or incorrect page references. As I was completing it the first time I was trying to work out whether the new Covid-19 plans would need any changes to the Diary Dates - but it is quite clear that it’s far too early to know. Let’s hope that by the summer we’ll know if we can see family and friends, visit the pub for a pint and a Scotch Egg (remember how long ago they were arguing whether that was “a meal”), or even plan a holiday. I hope things will be clearer by the April issue.

In this issue there is news of a new village event in late April - The St George’s Launton Quest, with a poster on the back cover, an article on page 9, and the entry form on page 26. Time to get planning and making figures for the display.

The closing date for entries is 15 March.

As we are enjoying the relative traffic calm from the bridge closure, there is info about EWRA plans on page 26, and photos on the front cover and page 24.

And, of course, news of many road closures on pages 30-31. As we say farewell to the involvement of Maureen and Bob Roberts with The Island Pond Wood, there is Pat Tucker’s account of the woodland on pages 34-37, and Tony Meacock outlines the future structure for the Woodland on pages 14-15.

We also start a series on village businesses with Hannah Clinging, Osteopath on pages 32-33. These were suggested by and carried out by Danny Cunningham: welcome to the team, Danny. Page 47 has another Launton Dog of the Month.

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 © 2021 Launton Lines

email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2020-2021 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 March for entry in the April 2021 issue of Launton Lines.

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

March 5 | Sponsored by the Lapper family in loving memory of Gordon (Bill) on what would have been his 93rd Birthday.

March 9 | Sponsored by Cathy Procopiou.

To Lucas Procopiou, a very Happy 1st Birthday, with lots of love from Gran.

March 13 | Sponsored by Kath and Mick Ayris in memory of our lovely Molly on her birthday – so missed but still in our hearts.

March 28 | Sponsored by Anne Bennett and family in loving memory of Anne’s husband Ken. March 29 | Sponsored by Maureen Roberts in loving memory of her mother, Iris Baker.

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Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 4 February 2021 at 7.30pm online via Zoom Councillors present Mr James Allpress (from 20:19), 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; four members of the public East West Rail No representatives attended the meeting. However, the winter report is now available on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/ east-west-rail-information/east-west-rail-updates/. The traffic lights have been installed at the A41/Blackthorn Road junction while the Bicester Road is closed for the bridge works. 1 April is still the finishing date for these works.

Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Corkin (OCC) sent his apologies. No reports had been received.

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

Census The Census is all set to go ahead on 21 March. The Office for National Statistics intends that this will be the first primarily digital data collection.

However, don’t worry if you don’t have access to a computer or don’t want to complete it online, you will still be able to complete a paper copy. You should receive a letter shortly (if you haven’t already) with details about how to receive help with completion and how to order a paper version.

Meeting Dates for 2021/2022 The meeting dates for the forthcoming year were agreed and have been published on the website and noticeboards.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday 22 April - see below for more information.

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 5

(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 final amended lease had been completed Parish Council’s solicitor and the PCC has sent it to the Church’s solicitor for consideration. The new tables and chairs have now been received ready for whenever the hall can re-open.

Noticeboards for the bus shelters New cork noticeboards will be installed in the bus shelters on Station Road and Bicester Road by Sherwood Close. These will be available to all, but we request that they are kept up-to-date with relevant information.

Speed and traffic monitoring The Council acknowledged that speed and traffic monitoring would be difficult in the forthcoming months with the road closures. However, the Council has agreed to form a working group to discuss the options available. The membership of the group will be open to villagers as well as Councillors so if you would like to make a contribution, please do get in touch.

Weed Spraying The Council agreed to maintain the contract with Tim Jenkins to spray and clear Station Road, the alleyways between Sycamore Road, Yew Tree Close and Ancil Avenue. The work will be done in the spring.

Village Tidy-up Day It will come as no surprise to know that this has had to be postponed for the spring – we hope that we’ll be able to arrange an autumn litter pick instead.

Village Support Group The third leaflet has been produced and has been well received by the village. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to distribute it Elections CDC is still planning on the elections taking place on 6 May following the latest Government guidance.

The elections in Launton will be for: the Police and Crime Commissioner; Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 6

one District Councillor seat (currently Simon Holland); the County Councillor seat (currently Ian Corkin); the Parish Council.

CDC are still looking for Polling Clerks to work in polling stations - if you are interested in this paid position contact the Elections Team at Cherwell or see their web page for more information and details: www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/11/elections/665/working-on-elections If you have moved recently, make sure you don’t lose your right to vote - there’s still time to update the Electoral Register.

We will receive the Notice of Election on 29 March and nominations for the Parish Council must be submitted to the Elections Team at CDC, by hand, between Tuesday 30 March and Thursday 8 April between 10am and 4pm.

We have published the latest briefing note with all dates and times on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/elections-2020/ The qualifications to become a Parish Councillor are also on the Parish Council website and were outlined in the February issue of Launton Lines.

It’s great to have a broad range of ages and experience on the Council (the minimum age is 18) so if you would be interested in putting yourself forward, do contact one of the Councillors or ask Jane Olds for details.

Facebook and mailing lists The Parish Council has its own Facebook page. Please ‘like’ our page at https://www.facebook.com/LauntonParishCouncilPage/ We try to post useful information as we receive it but we also use the Parish Council website to keep everyone informed. We are unable to monitor it 24 hours a day, 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 meetings Please let the Clerk have any items for the April agenda by 18 March, with any items for the May agenda by 29 April.

Dates of next meetings Thursday 4 March and Thursday 1 April, currently both via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76605157135 (meeting ID: 766 0515 7135).

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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, once agreed, are available on the Parish Council Notice Boards by The War Memorial, and on the front wall of the Parish Hall, and on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk

Advance Notice The Village Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday 22 April at 7.30pm online via Zoom. All organisations involved in the village will be invited to make a short report and all villagers are welcome to attend.

If there is anything specific you would like to add to the agenda, please let Jane Olds know by Monday 5 April.

This is a great opportunity to hear about what has happened in the village over the past year and to get involved with new projects and organisations.

For more information please contact Jane Olds at clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk

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St Mary’s Church are excited to announce a new event in Launton!

We know that many people are looking for interesting local events and we are pleased to invite you to compete in Launton’s very own St George’s quest. We’d love as many people as possible to join in by making a display featuring a dragon and / or a knight and displaying it outside their home between Friday 23 April (that’s St. George’s Day) and Monday 3 May. To enter, simply complete the entry form on page 26 of this edition of Launton Lines with your details. You might want to use your scarecrowmaking skills to make a knight or dragon to stand outside your house, or to use your window decoration skills to create a window display. Please feel free to be creative and imaginative. The dates of this event are 10am Friday 23 April to 8pm Monday 3 May 2021. We ask that your display be visible from the pavement.

The quest map will be in April Launton Lines and will also be on the website. As you undertake the quest you will find clues to help you answer a question. This question will be available on the website and the just giving page. If you enjoy the quest, then please consider making a donation to be split between St Mary’s Church and Bicester Refugee Support Group. Further details of how to do this will be in April Launton Lines and on www.launton.org/quest If you would love to join in and enter a display featuring a knight or a dragon (or both!) then please complete the entry form which can be found (page 26) in Launton Lines, with your details. Further guidance, the entry form and useful information can be found here as well: www.launton.org/quest.

We look forward to enjoying another Launton Village community event.

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One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right accountant.

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We will proactively listen to your business needs and create personalised solutions. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU

Launton Village Support With the advent of the third lockdown, the Launton Village Support Group was ready to help all villagers wherever necessary. As lockdown is relaxed , the Group is still here.

By the time you read this we will know more about government plans for the future.

If you haven’t received your copy of the Support leaflet or have filed it away, or you need help, please contact us: contact details are below.

Thank you to the many villagers who delivered the leaflet.

We have added one more level of support: Alchester Running Club Pharmacy Collection - call 01869 242685 (Nick Cherry) Lesley Thompson, Jane Olds and Janice Hawes

Contacts

The Parish Council website www.launton-pc.gov.uk Facebook Launton Village Support page Email village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone between 9:30am and 5:00pm 07522231100 - Janice 01869 241755 - Lesley 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council)

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Grants paid from CDC Priority Fund

Two village organisations have reported receiving funds from the CDC Councillor Priority Fund.

The Launton Plotters have been given £654 towards the cost of installing a composting toilet on site. Plotter’s Chair Jackie Hackett said, “During the pandemic the allotments have been a lifeline for many, giving us somewhere to get outside, away from TVs or computers, enabling us to spend productive time out in the fresh air or just relaxing. This award from Councillor David Hughes of a grant towards a compost toilet is greatly appreciated and immensely helpful. When installed it will allow plotters to stay longer at the allotments, just getting on with their day without the interruption of having to go home or attempting the dubious, possibly embarrassing, and difficult for women, fresh air option! Thank you Councillor Hughes.”

Launton Lines has received £335 to help with costs as they have lost advertising from village businesses that have had to close during lockdowns.

“The grant will help us keep Launton Lines going without our having to reduce either content or frequency. We are of course really grateful to the advertisers who have managed to stay with us and in business,” said the Editor. “Please support them in the village.”

Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm | Saturday 8am to 3pm | Sunday 9am to 1pm | Closed Monday Tel 01869 252619 | 1 Station Road, Launton, OX26 5DS | info@thebluetexerl.co.uk | www.thebluetexel.co.uk

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News from St Mary’s FROM LENT THROUGH TO EASTER

In these continuing uncertain times we have been busy formulating tentative plans for our services covering the next few weeks.

March sees us starting our worship via Zoom but with the hope that we will be able to build up to moving into Church during Holy Week, leading to our celebrating Easter Sunday in St Mary’s, if at all possible.

We will, as already outlined previously, pay meticulous attention to all the Government Regulations and guidance, taking account of the prevailing situation.

Therefore, currently our schedule is as follows: 7 March 8.00am Holy Communion Via Zoom 10.00am Family Service on “Caring” Via Zoom 14 March 9.00am Holy Communion Via Zoom 21 March 9.00am Holy Communion Via Zoom Palm Sunday 28 March 11.00am Holy Communion Provisionally in St Mary’s Maundy Thursday 1 April 7.30pm Service at Bucknell Good Friday 2 April 2.00-3.00pm Meditation Provisionally in St Mary’s Easter Sunday 4 April 11.00am Holy Communion Provisionally in St Mary’s 3.00pm Outdoor Family Service Provisionally in the Churchyard at St Mary’s So please watch this space!

Our Lent course continues through March and you are welcome to join this: sessions, delivered by Zoom, are on Monday afternoon or Tuesday evening.

In light of current uncertainties, please refer to the Launton Church Facebook page for up-to-date information, or contact Revd Peter revpeterwright@gmail.com 01869 573177 or 07710 531921 Or one of the Churchwardens: Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735 Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 12

Bus services update: March 2021 The Launton-Bicester bus service, Route 28, only had five weeks before it had to change as the railway bridge was closed. Until 1 April it has been combined with the Langford Village service, and runs from Station Road in Launton through the Blackthorn Road and A41 diversion to Langford, and then to Bicester via Glory Farm. For more info visit the Stagecoach website and put the service number (28) into the search window. www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables 28 Bicester - Langford - Launton MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS Except public holidays Effective from 07 February 2021 Bicester Pioneer Square 0830 0930 1030 1130 1255 1330 1430 1530 1640 1740 1840 Glory Farm Bicester Road 0835 0935 1035 1135 1300 1335 1435 1535 1645 1745 1845 Langford Village Ravencroft 0840 0940 1040 1140 - 1340 1440 1540 1650 1750 1850 Launton Station Road 0850 0950 1050 1150 1310 1350 1450 1550 1700 1800 1900 28 Launton - Langford - Bicester MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS Except public holidays Effective from 07 February 2021 Launton Station Road 0715 0800 0850 0950 1050 1150 1310 1350 1450 1550 1700 Langford Village Ravencroft 0725 0810 0900 1000 1100 1200 - 1400 1500 1600 1710 Glory Farm Bicester Road 0730 0815 0905 1005 1105 1205 1320 1405 1505 1605 1715 Bicester Pioneer Square 0735 0820 0910 1010 1110 1210 1325 1410 1510 1610 1720

The Launton Costcutter Stores and Post Office We have been open for Launton through the Covid-19 lockdown.

We have special offers every five weeks, featured on our front promotion bays.

This month our theme is Easter and the holidays.

Visit us to see our offers.  | 

36 Bicester Road, Launton Phone 01869 571345

Shop Hours Mon - Fri: 7am - 8pm Sat: 7.30am - 8pm Sun: 8am - 2pm Post Office Hours Mon-Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 1pm Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 13

Friends of Island Pond Wood Association: The 2021 AGM

A good crowd assembled for the Zoom AGM – Maureen’s last as the Chair of FIPW and Judy’s last as the Treasurer. This was an occasion to celebrate all their achievements in the woodland and to thank them and Bob for all the time, energy, and commitment they have given to the task for many years.

Now we hope to see Maureen and Bob walking in the woodland in a relaxed way instead of planning the war on brambles.

In the early part of the meeting, Maureen thanked those who had helped in the woodland over the years – many on a regular basis. Some newly planted trees had been dedicated to the memory of Bryan Court and a plaque had just been placed on the seat at the side of the pond. Tracey Johnson had provided invaluable help with admin work since the beginning of FIPW. Thanks were also given to Bicester Green Gym, who had played a key part in bramble management and had worked alongside the FIPW volunteers. The pond itself has been a valuable asset in lockdown and the report from the Fishing Bailiff advised that fishing had been observed regularly.

A champagne reception in the Parish Hall would have been good - but these being Covid times we gathered via computers and phones to say thank you.

Pat Tucker spoke about Maureen and Bob’s involv ement from the early days, 30 years ago, when ideas were sought on how life in this community could be improved. Much happened in the following years - threatened development of the Island Pond Field, local fundraising to buy it, involvement of the Woodland Trust - and much of the background work was done by Maureen and Bob. Maureen was elected Chair of the Friends of Island Pond Wood 12 years ago at a meeting in The Bull, and Pat recalled that she was always keen to involve everyone in the woodland and to make it accessible to people (see Pat Tucker’s report on the history of the wood on pages 34-37).

Rob Cornford recalled the derelict field where motorbikes used to race. The woodland is a big improvement! His memories of working in the woodland involved dampness, cold and downright wetness - transporting the then vicar on a Scout-made boat across to the island in the pouring rain and cutting bullrushes in boat-based working parties - all organised by Maureen and Bob. Many people have contributed to thank you gifts. At the AGM, flowers were presented to Maureen and Judy (their husbands were given that role - thank Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 14

you Bob and Richard). Also, when the weather improves and the wood is less soggy there will be a new bench in the wood - the Maureen and Bob ‘Thank You Bench’. We hope they will enjoy it in the sunshine. They are now honorary members of FIPW (Ltd).

At the AGM, those present voted to wind up FIPW in its current form and transfer the assets to the company that manages the lease, insurance, etc FIPW Limited. Future village membership will also be of FIPW Ltd. The future work of the Association will be led by a new committee, also part of FIPW Ltd. Linda Murray will be the new membership secretary. Gwen Skinner, Liz Turvey and Tony Meacock will launch the new committee and six additional members have already shown an interest in taking part in the new structure.

The intention is that things will continue seamlessly for FIPW members and the woodland users. If you are interested in becoming a member (remaining at £10 per adult annually) or part of the new organisation, please contact us (email: fipwlimited@gmail.com).

Tony Meacock

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Another Year, Another Planet? A report from Bicester Green OK, our planet isn’t going to magically heal and become a better, healthier more sustainable place easily, quickly or in one year. But the bottom line is that, if significant action isn’t taken soon, then the planet will easily become beyond saving. I’m not being overdramatic or overstating the issue, many climate experts (including Sir David Attenborough) have said this, and science does back up the claim.

There is something called the R’s of Sustainability which are often referred to, sometimes as 5, or 6 or 7 of them, but fundamentally what we as consumers need to know is: 1. Refuse (simply don’t buy extra stuff - do we really need it?)

2. Repair (fix what we’ve got before replacing) 3. Reuse (buy ‘Preloved’ or keep using your jars, containers and items around the house) ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

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Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 16

4. Refill (look for options to refill your cleaning products, foods, cooking oils, shampoos and beauty products) 5. Repurpose (find a new purpose for an old items, turn it into something new or use it to fix up another item) 6. Recycle (kerbside, HWRCs, clothes, shoes and bottle banks, TerraCycle schemes) 7. Rot It is worth mentioning that Recycle and Rot really are the last resorts in this hierarchy.

However, we know that unless numbers 1-6 are accessible and highly visible then the take up and interaction with such activities is considerably less. Bicester Green recently launched a survey regarding bringing our activities and those of other likeminded organisations within Bicester to the High Street under the umbrella of an Ecohub.

We’ve had an amazing response and are hopeful that the responses

Grange Mews News March 2021

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease Main news for March is that Miss Sarah Tree is moving Bicester Dance Academy to Grange Mews, and is building an immaculate new floor.

Adam and Jon who normally do construction at events and are obviously very skilled, are making an exemplary job of this. Meanwhile Zoom-based dance tuition is ongoing. Sarah welcomes new beginners and those who have already had tuition and wish to resume training.

Contact her by email at sarah@bicesterdanceacademy.co.uk A whole month and snowdrops are still flowering. Spring is biding its time as daffodils are still very much in bud. February fill-dyke was true to its name.

We notice that the Parish Council has a sum of money to assist recovery from Covid. If you are an organisation or individual who has a good idea of the best way to invest this money for future health and wellbeing or other thought, within the village, please contact the Council soon with your suggestions, for young and old and all in between?

Hummingbird had a great boost with the announcement of winners in their literary competition. The Bicester Advertiser had some great pictures for a charity which is, in a very trying situation, continuing to be proactive.

Well done.

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

can really help us in finding and securing the right space. If you did the survey, then thank you for taking the time, it’s really appreciated.

In the meantime, our collective small efforts can start to make a big difference. In the last 12 months, including two lockdowns, Bicester Green has saved over 10 tonnes of waste destined for disposal (landfill or incineration), refilled a combined 1640kg and litres of products in customers own containers, collected 534kg of TerraCycle items for repurposing, and repaired a mammoth 229 bikes and got a further 145 bikes to new owners.

That has only been possible with the wonderful people of Bicester and the surrounding areas such as Launton, embracing what we do and wanting to make a few changes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Thank you and please keep supporting us and keep making those small changes. Together we can make a big difference!

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

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Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 18

200 Years Ago: from Jackson’s Oxford Journal 3 March 1821 [The Assizes]...and on Wednesday their Lordships will open the Commission for this county, at the Town Hall, when the following prisoners will take their trials:-... William Larner and Henry Harvey, charged with stealing a quantity of horse gear and a shovel, the property of William Jones, of Launton...

10 March 1821 Oxford Assizes The following prisoners had taken their trials when our Paper went to press: ....William Larner and Henry Harvey, charged with stealing a quantity of horse gear and a shovel, the property of William Jones, of Launton. Larner imprisoned three months and well whipped. Harvey acquitted. [ Historical Note: William Jones farmed at Field Farm, along the Stratton Audley Road. We do not know where Larner and Harvey came from, and we have no further knowledge about them.]

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Gordon William (Bill) Lapper 5 March 1928 - 31 December 2020

Bill (as he was known) was born and brought up in Launton as the eldest of five children. Apart from a period during his childhood when the family relocated to the south of France while his parents were working in service, he spent his whole life in the village of Launton.

He went to the village school along with his future wife Ray, who was also born and brought up in Launton. On leaving school he was apprenticed to Lewis Penn as a bricklayer, a job he enjoyed very much even though the work was hard, and he often came home cold and wet. Bill and Ray went on to have two daughters, Jenny and Jane.

Together Bill and Ray had a passion for ballroom dancing, and through this they made many friends across the county. They were also keen gardeners and would spend hours outside - Bill weeding and mowing and Ray setting out the plants.

Bill also had a love of books and spent many hours reading to the point that one of his grandsons recently described him as being one of the most knowledgeable men he ever met.

Last November he and Ray celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary and once again received a card from the Queen. Bill was always proud of the fact that they married in the same week as the Queen and were lucky enough for the 50th Anniversary to get an invitation to the palace garden party to celebrate with the Queen and Prince Philip.

Bill’s greatest love was his wife Ray and their family. He was very lucky in the fact that his daughters, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren all stayed within the area and because of this he was able to see them all regularly: he and Ray were never happier than when they had a garden full of grandchildren. As he grew frailer he and Ray went to stay with their daughter Jenny. He never quite made 2021, passing away on New Year’s Eve at home at Jenny’s with both Ray and Jane there too.

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He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and although we were only allowed to have 20 people at his funeral it was lovely to see neighbours come out to their gates to see him off - something the family would like to thank them for. They would also like to thank the Rev Peter Wright for his kindness shown to the family both while making the funeral arrangements and during the service.

Bill may no longer be with us, but he will not be forgotten.

Launton’s Defibrillator

Do you know that Launton has a life-saving defibrillator on the side wall of The Bull? This is maintained and supported by Launton Parish Council.

There are photos on page 2 of this issue of the location at The Bull and of the inside of the storage box.

If you ever need to use it, on dialling 999 you will be given the access code and further support by the Ambulance call handler. Once you have opened the defibrillator cabinet and removed the device, return to the patient and open the case. After turning on the defibrillator, the device will talk you through the process of using it and giving life-saving help until the paramedics arrive.

The South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust also has a ‘Save a Life’ app for both iPhone and Android which locates your nearest defibrillator and also gives basic information on use of the device including videos on CPR, including current Covid-19 guidelines. Go to the app store to download, and then read more about it: www.scas.nhs.uk/news/campaigns/savealife/ The Resuscitation Council UK website also gives advice and a short video showing steps you can take to save a life while reducing the risk of Covid19 transmission, including not putting your ear or cheek close to the person’s face to check for breathing and placing a cloth or towel over the person’s mouth or nose before starting chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth.

The Parish Council have organised instruction sessions in the past with SCAS and hope to repeat this when SCAS are happy to run the sessions.

There are defibrillators in other premises in the village, but they are not open to all. The one by The Bull is the only one that is public, and listed on the Save a Life app.

Launton Parish Council Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 21

Launton Women’s Institute Report for February 2021 Yet another month has passed in lockdown and we celebrated three birthdays, for Gwynne, Monica and Pauline, with handmade cards being delivered to them.

We set our minds to thinking how to proceed since we are not hopeful that we will resume our Monthly Meetings any time soon. So, in light of the prolonged hiatus in normal service, we decided to approach our previously booked speaker, Robin Stafford Allen, to ask if he might be prepared to deliver his planned talk via Zoom. This he was delighted to do so that on our usual meeting date, the second Thursday in February, some 17 of us tuned in to an incredibly interesting talk entitled: Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air “We are facing a growing problem with energy for the world population, which is growing at an astounding rate and as the standard of living is also rising, the demand for energy is rising faster than the population growth rate. The vast majority of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuel. This cannot continue indefinitely as oil reserves are finite and Global Warming means we may face a serious food shortage it the climate changes radically.

“I will attempt to answer several questions including ‘Can we conceivably live on renewable energy?’ I will hopefully dispel some misconceptions about what we should do toward the energy crisis and I will try not to be too depressing!”

Robin certainly delivered on his brief, dispelling the many commonly held misapprehensions. It was an extremely thought-provoking, sobering evening but Robin has this wonderful gift of making the science accessible.

Our next challenge, in order to comply with WI instructions, is to hold our Annual Meeting in March, but more of that next month!

Celia Manderson Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 22

Launton, the Village of Lve

Valentine’s Day this year was on a Sunday, and over the weekend the village suddenly grew hearts on telephone poles and on the traffic lights, and on painted rocks and in windows.

There was also a lot of love-themed baking.

Thanks to all who took part.

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 23

East West Rail works in February Some more photos of East West Rail work around Launton over the past month.

Right: pile driver and supporting crane on the site of the new road overbridge being built over the track at Charbridge Lane, taken from the top of the old railway bridge into the village. See also the front cover photo for another view.  Below and bottom: construction of the new bridge on Station Road - top an aerial drone view supplied by ERWA, bottom from ground level taken from the roadway. 

Below: a sign we will get very used to seeing over the next couple of years.

Then it will all be over! 

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 24

Around the village in February

Some photos to remind us how wet February was February Fill-Dyke by name and nature. The Boardwalk in Island Pond Wood, the “footpath” under the Marylebone railway line on the way to Langford, and some West End pot holes that have since been filled after listing on Fix My Street.

Then (left) seen passing through the village, a bendy bus probably not on replacement for the S5.

Bottom right, an archive photo from January 2009 showing the bent Poundon finger on the signpost at the crossroads: The cover of the January issue featured the repaired landmark.

Bottom left, lambs in Manor Farm barn at the end of February.

Photos by Ella Rayner, Peter Cox, Patrick McGrath, Robert Cornford Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 25

FREE TO ENTER

Entry closing date: Monday 15 March The display can have a dragon and/or St George and can be in a window, on your drive or by your gate, and the aim is to celebrate St George’s Day and Spring time.

Displays on show from 10am Friday 23 April until 8pm Monday 3 May Please make sure your display is visible from the pavement.

Please return this form to either of the following By email: quest@launton.org or By post: St George’s Launton Quest, Mayflower, Hare Leys Farm, Launton OX26 5AB | Tel No: 01869 277625 Further guidance and useful information can be found here www.launton.org/quest ...................................................................................................................

Contact name: ......................................................................

Contact address: .....................................................................

Postcode: ............................

Contact email: ......................................

Please have your display on show at the contact address above and ensure it is visible from the pavement so people don’t have to enter your garden. If this isn’t possible, please contact us using the details above and we can find a site for you!

By submitting this entry form you are agreeing to the following: •Your details being held for the duration of this event •Your address details to be on the official trail map •Official photos to be taken of your display Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 26

A report from EastWest Rail (EWRA) We asked some questions about current work. Here are the answers What is the work being done in March at the bridge into Launton?

The road closure is needed to allow the brick built bridge to be refurbished and enhanced. Works include re-casing works (where the brick courses within the arch span are removed and replaced); re-pointing (where the existing mortar between the bricks is removed and replaced); the replacement of one of the parapet walls (the wall of the bridge on the road is dismantled using handtools and rebuilt); extension of the remaining parapet walls and the installation of new parapet coping stones.

Early next year, a new Vehicle Restraint System (the barrier leading up to the bridge similar to those on the Bicester side) will be installed. This could well be disruptive again as the foundations to the barrier are usually extensive.

When do you expect the bridge to be reopened to traffic?

We hope to have the bridge opened for the Easter Weekend, so 1 April. To achieve this we’re increasing the resources and working Saturdays too.

Will the bridge be open for pedestrians through all the closure?

Yes, there may be very short periods of time when fencing is realigned that may disrupt access for around 5 minutes.

Is there an end date for completing the work on the overbridge on Charbridge Lane? Will it be complete by this December?

Yes and no! The bridge structure and northern approach will be fully complete and brought into use, however due to the limited land available to build the bridge we have had to build a temporary approach to the south.

Once we have opened the bridge using the southern temporary embankment, we can remove the current temporary road, build a new retaining wall adjacent to Fresh Direct and complete the final embankment to fully open

by Summer 2022.

When will the new entrance to the allotments be finished?

We are starting works next week and it should take 6 weeks to complete. The problem in this area is with a critical Thames Water main feeding Launton and this side of Bicester that is deemed fragile by TW which prevents us building around it. Our recent trial holes have also revealed it is leaking heavily so Thames Water need to replace a section - typically exactly where we need to build over it. Hopefully the repair will take place this weekend (end February) so we can continue this work.

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 27

100 Years Ago from the School Log Book March 1921

Thursday 3 March Mrs Pearse (Lady Health Inspectress) visited the school to-day.

Friday 4 March School medically examined, Hendriks. Miss Pheasant did not come to the Doctor's inspection this morning. Average for the week 81.1.

Tuesday 8 March Stratton Audley Steeplechases to-day. Seven children absent in consequence this afternoon.

Friday 11 March Average for the week 82.5.

Friday 18 March 2nd Term’s Examination was held this week. (See Record & Progress Book for Report). Annie Cecilia and James Penn left the village to-day, and so their names are struck off the Register. Average for the week 83.4. Percentage of Attendances = 99.2. No on Registers 84.

Thursday 24 March Closed school this noon for Easter Holidays, March 24th to April 4th. Average for the week 81.7. Number on Registers 82.

Thursday 31 March End of School Year.

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100 Years Ago from The Bicester Advertiser March 1921 11 March FOOTBALL Ardley scratched to Launton in their Junior League fixture on Saturday.

WEST END COTTAGE Launton London and NW Railway and 2 miles from Bicester. Useful household furniture. Including Bed Steads, Dressing Tables, Chairs, Birch Bedroom Suite, Old Oak Gate Leg Table, Linen, Tables, Sofa, Pictures, Plate, Dairy Utensils, 25 head of Poultry and Miscellaneous Effects. Will be sold by Auction by Messrs Paxton and Holiday on the Premises on Thursday March 24th 1921 at 12.30 punctually, by direction of Mrs Arthur [sic] Penn.

18 March.

DEATH March 14th at St Edburg’s Villa, Bicester, Mary, wife of Mr Francis T M Shouler, aged 81 years.

[Historical Note: Mary and her husband had lived for many years at Laurels Farm, Station Road, where her husband ran an engineering business. They were both very active in all activities at the Congregational Church. They moved to Bicester when Francis retired.]

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Road Closures Report for Launton correct as of 22 February 2021  December until 12 March Marsh Gibbon Bicester Road is CLOSED for bridge demolition works.

 16 January to 24 December 2021 Charbridge Lane road diversion a temporary road has been constructed to enable the building of the road bridge over the railway (EWR).

 8 February to 1 April Launton Bicester Road over the railway bridge is CLOSED to vehicles, but pedestrians will still be able to use the footpath (EWR).

 25 February to 12 March Marsh Gibbon, Station Road is CLOSED for the demolition of the underbridge (EWR).

 5 - 8 March: the A4421 will be CLOSED at Finmere Bridge

(Newton Purcell) from 8pm on the 5th to 6am on the 8th to ensure the safe demolition of the bridge. A contingency of 12 - 15 March is in place if the demolition can’t take place earlier (HS2).

 5 April to 9 April Blackthorn Road will be CLOSED for the installation of a new foul connection to the Mulberry housing development. Access 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 (Mulberry).

 5 April to 30 April Marsh Gibbon, Station Road will be CLOSED for demolition works at the railway bridge (EWR).

 19 April up to and including 23 April B4100 from Bicester to Baynard’s Green will be CLOSED between 5:00am–7:30am, 9:30am3:30pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm.

The road will be open from 7.30am to 9.30am for the morning rush hour and from 3.30pm to 6pm for the evening rush hour.

 3 May 2021 to 22 April 2022 Station Road, Launton will be CLOSED from beyond Grange Farm for the construction of the new overbridge and road alignment (EWR).

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 30

 26 July to 27 August Marsh Gibbon, Bicester Road will be CLOSED for bridge repair works (EWR).

 31 August to 15 October Marsh Gibbon, Station Road will be CLOSED for bridge reconstruction works (EWR).

Any additional road closures for connections to the Mulberry Homes development will be in agreement with OCC Highways. We have been assured that only one road out of the village can be closed at any time.

This information is correct as we go to print but is subject to changes.

Please don’t shoot the messenger!

Crimewatch for March 2021

 We have seen an increase in burglaries to outbuildings including sheds and garages throughout Cherwell this year. There is advice on this website: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/ secure-shed-garage/  We had reports of 5 outbuilding/shed breaks in January in Launton whereby power tools, gardening equipment and bikes were stolen.  We also had a report of Christmas decorations being damaged that were in the front garden of a property during the “Winter Wonderland Display”.  There have been lots of reports of work vans being broken into and tools stolen during daylight hours throughout Bicester and surrounding villages. This link gives some practical advice regarding vehicle security www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/motor-vehicleinterference  The Rural Team have also been involved in partnership work with Cherwell District Council dealing with unlicensed scrap metal collectors.

An unlicensed vehicle involved in scrap collection was seized and taken off the road and the occupants have been reported for the offence. It’s important to remember to check the collector has a Cherwell district waste carriers license before allowing them to remove your waste!!

Louise Beaumont | PCSO C6333 Bicester Police Station louise.beaumont@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk Thames Valley Police 101 07977 138476 Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 31

Meeting the Challenge: Launton businesses and the Covid-19 pandemic

In the coming months we’d like to introduce some of the village businesses, and ask what they have had to do to manage getting through the Covid-19 pandemic. The articles have been researched by Danny Cunningham.

The first is the osteopath Hannah Clinging, based at Grange Farm.

What is your business called? What exactly do you do?

My business is called ‘Osteotherapie’ and it is an Osteopathy clinic! I practise as an Osteopath in Grange Mews, Launton. Osteopathy is a form of physical therapy that centres around hands on treatment often with exercise prescription. It is a gentle, safe and effective therapy, and we train for 4-5 years full time in order to qualify.

When, how and where did you start the business?

I originally come from Northern Ireland. After doing my master’s degree at Oxford Brookes, I set up as a self-employed Osteopath in Bicester in 2016. I moved to Grange Mews in Launton in 2019: I love the village.

How has it changed since you started?

The healthcare industry has changed significantly since I started studying ten years ago, and my business has changed in how I approach my patients. I spend a lot of time helping dispel myths (e.g. there’s no such thing as bad posture! It’s the lack of movement that causes the most problems!). I have always been very patient-centred, holistic, and I focus more on home rehab exercises now, alongside hands on treatment. I hope the future of healthcare looks towards prevention of illness, more than just curing illness, and for companies and employers to support and prioritise health and wellness more in their employees.

Who is your typical customer?

This is a hard one to answer! Perhaps the most common age group would be people in their forties - which is a transitional age both physically and emotionally, but I do treat babies right through to my oldest patient, who is 96 years young!

What makes you special/different from similar businesses in the area?

I spend more time with each patient, and my approach is more holistic, with an emphasis on the patient’s emotions towards pain, and what restrictions or limitations they have surrounding their goals. Sometimes these limitations go Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 32

back to our childhoods, and helping people to free these limiting beliefs is highly rewarding. Often this means getting someone back to the gym, to a sport, a hobby or pursuing a career goal. My mantra is, “It is never too late!”.

How have you been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? What changes have you had to make since March 2020?

I have been affected in quite a lot of ways. Firstly, the wearing of PPE has been one of these ways! I have been required to keep on top of the frequently changing guidance issued by my professional body - the General Osteopathic Council. I certainly miss being able to see my patients’ lovely faces! However, I have found the impact of Covid has been mostly felt through my patients (stress, anxiety, pain, separation), and the impact Covid has had on their lives, both emotionally and physically, has in turn affected mine, as I assist and support their health throughout the pandemic.

What plans have you got for the future? What changes might you have to make in the future?

My plan is to continue to expand what I can offer. I have to undertake CPD (continuing professional development) every year, and completing further courses will be something to look forward to. I completed an acupuncture qualification in 2016 which I found very rewarding. Strengthening my relationships with other local practitioners is also something I would like to continue with in 2021.

Can you tell us a joke or something to cheer up our readers?

I can give you a funny physiology task to do! Lift your right foot, and make circles clockwise? Now lift your right hand, and try and draw the number 6 at the same time! It is very hard, if not impossible to do. However, can you do it with your left foot? This is due to the crossover of pathways in the cerebellum (part of the brain!) which makes performing two tasks on the same side of the body a little harder than doing them on opposite sides. Give it a go - I promise you’ll laugh!

Thank you for inviting me in. Stay safe, and be kind to the amazing body and mind that you have.

Hannah Clinging, Osteopath Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 33

Twenty Five Years and Counting: the first quarter century of the Island Pond Wood

The following is the appreciation by Pat Tucker that opened the final meeting of FIPW (see page 14-15) in which she talks about the roles of Maureen and Bob Roberts in establishing and sustaining The Island Pond Wood over twenty five years Thirty years ago an appraisal was organised in this village to assess, firstly, things as they were at that time, and, secondly, to invite ideas of how life in this community could be improved. Among the ideas The Village suggested were a village newsletter and a group to look Appraisal and into environmental issues. The latter began as the founding of Environmental Watch and quickly became the Launton LEG Environmental Group: LEG. Maureen Roberts enthusiastically joined this group and became one of the first committee members. Initially, concern was for the state of public footpaths in the village, but energy efficiency in the home was another project the group promoted.

As a result of taking part in - and winning - county-wide competitions in 1995 and 1996, the group had £6,000 to spend. The overwhelming feeling was that this money should go towards providing a woodland area, open to all.

As it happened, about this time there was concern about the field known as Island Pond Field. Twenty years previously it had been purchased by a firm of house builders, who wanted to build over 100 dwellings there. There had been public enquiries in 1980 and 1987: each time the builders were refused planning permission. Nevertheless, the people of Launton were concerned that further applications would be made in the future.

From Laings Field to Island Now, in 1996, everyone began to wonder if this very field might be saved from development if only it could Pond Wood be purchased and turned into the woodland that we all wanted. However, £6,000 would be a drop in the ocean compared with the value of the field for housing. The LEG committee made huge efforts to keep everyone aware of the situation - and now, by making good use of the upand-running Launton Lines, the whole community was easily kept up to date.

This project was rapidly becoming so large that it became necessary to look outside for expertise to move it rapidly forward and also to raise the large amount of money needed.

To cut a long story short, this is where the Woodland Trust stepped in, helping with legal matters, fund raising and advice on where and what to plant Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 34

with an appropriate choice of trees and shrubs. Maureen’s enthusiasm for the garden that she and Bob had meant that she was soon deeply involved with planning how the woodland could be realised.

Planning and Planting and The LEG committee set aside a day for planting in Clearing December 1999, and Mauren and Bob did much of the background work to make the day run smoothly for all the many volunteers who turned up to help from far and wide.

Little more could be done in the year 2000 because of the outbreak of footand-mouth disease, which forced closure of access to much of the countryside. In the meantime, however, Maureen kept looking for other activities that we could undertake when the restrictions were lifted. One was the planting of a yew tree to mark the millennium. (Sadly this is one of the very few things that has NOT flourished in the years since).

Plans went ahead for a formal opening to be held in The formal 2001, preceeded by a clear-up day in the Spring. This was opening in mainly to pick up litter (which was quite a problem at 2001 that time) and also to remove the plastic guards and support sticks which were no longer needed by the thriving plants. Maureen was soon able to get together enough LEG members who were willing and interesting variety of recentlyplanted species. able to spend a couple of hours One of the first activities she set up working in the wood. This has since become a twice-yearly event, owing to was a training day for volunteers on Maureen’s enthusiam, and encouraged how best to care for our trees. It by hot drinks and biscuits at half time! was becoming clear by now that the Maureen became LEG liaison officer wood was overwhelming all other LEG projects, so it was appropriate with the local representative of the Woodland Trust in 2005: they planned that the many volunteers should what simple tasks could be undertaken form a separate group.

Early in 2008, a

by LEG volunteers. (We all wanted a Setting up natural woodland, but, realistically, we The Friends large number of people (not all are all aware that A Helping Hand the Environment LEG members) met in The Bull to Nature and agreed to set up the Friends of needs a helping Island Pond Wood, having its own hand in this part of the country, committee and constitution. otherwise brambles and blackthorn would quickly overwhelm the more Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 35

Maureen was unanimously elected chairman of the Friends, ably assisted by Liz, Tracy, Nancy and Judy, and the rest of the membership, especially Bob. Maureen has always been very determined to involve the whole community Involving the whether Friends Community of the Wood or not; therefore regular reports of our activities have continuously appeared in Launton Lines. In addition she has strongly supported the wood being used as the place for some of the village celebrations of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees, as well as - more recently - our own anniversaries of the woodland.

She has encouraged the village school to make use of the wood for educational purposes, as well as for leisure activities. She also urged us all to take part in regular Flowers surveys of the wild Butterflies flowers that grew in Birds and the wood, also the Moths birds and the moths and butterflies, providing us with help sheets which included photos of the most likely species.

From the very outset, it was clear that we wanted as natural a woodland as possible. However, Maureen realised that in order to enable wheelchair users and parents with small children to visit the wood,

some firm footpaths would be needed as well as a bridge over the gully behind the Footpaths Blackthorn Road Walkways and Bridges properties. Also a few benches and a picnic table to encourage visitors to stay a while and relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Maureen did much of the research into what fruit trees it would be best to plant in the area in the far southern corner set aside for a community orchard, narrowing down the choice to the most appropriate for this part of the country. She has arranged for a number of nest boxes to be installed; also for regular mowing of the open areas and the grass paths; I am sure you will all be able to name yet more projects that Maureen and Bob have encouraged in the wood.

However, Maureen has always called in Calling in the Experts experts whenever necessary; for example: a biologist who surveyed what was living in and around the pond and who suggested for ideas for its management; also a tree specialist who can fell any tree too large for us to deal with.

Maureen and Bob have spent many hours each planning the programme of work that the Friends have undertaken each year, supported by such unglamourous activities as

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 36

dealing with health and safety precautions, insurance, etc. She has also kept a comprehensive archive of photos of events and the development of the wood. Members have always been willing to turn out at short notice to deal with mown hay and to spread wood chippings over the muddiest footpaths.

Maureen has also looked to other similar volunteer groups who might enjoy working with us - notably Bicester Green Gym, who regularly join us at the half-yearly work sessions; also the Oxford Conservation Working Volunteers, who have spent some very long and hard winter days with tackling the ever-advancing blackthorn hedges. others In 2012, the Woodland Trust proposed that a company be set up in Launton to lease the woodland, thereby devolving virtually all management of the project to a local group. Negotiations were started with Bob, Linda and Tony (representing the company known as FIPW Ltd) and the Woodland Trust and a 25-year long lease was finally signed in 2015). This management company has therefore taken over from the Trust many of the legal reponsibilities for this land and at various times, Maureen - as well as other Friends of the wood - have served on the Board.

I have spoken of some of the many trials and tribulations we have had with the Island Pond Wood project, over the past twenty years.

Thank You, It has been mainly due to the the enthusiasm of Maureen to Maureen and Bob and their infectious encouragement for all of us to and Bob! join in with looking after this precious asset, which has ensured that the Island Pond Wood will A FIPW Working continue to be a valuable part of life in Party completes Launton. Maureen and Bob - I am sure work on the Hay that I speak for all the Friends of the Meadow: Wood, as well as the rest of our September 2020 community, when I say how much we all wish to thank you both most sincerely for all you have done.

PS: Sadly we were unable to take photos of the Zoom presentations to Maureen and Bob, Judy and Tracy. However, if current restrictions are sufficiently relaxed by Summer, we will no doubt hold a suitable celebration in the wood.

Pat Tucker Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 37

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald 1871 3 March F J Staples-Browne Esq, has arranged for the building of a mansion on that portion of his estate situate between Skimming-Dish Gate [sic] and Fringford House.

10 March LOST Between Launton and Marsh Gibbon, an umbrella. If brought to Mr Thomas, grocer, Bicester, the Finder will receive a half-a-crown reward.

17 March FOUND On March 12, a Black and Tan Terrier Dog with tulip ears, which the owner may have, on payment of expenses, on application to Frederick Massey, toddler, Launton.

CHARGE OF HAY STEALING AT LAUNTON Thomas Butler, labourer, Launton, in the employ of Mr Phipps and residing at his cottage on his farm, and Mary Ann Butler, his wife, were charged with stealing a

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 38

quantity of hay from the farm-stead occupied by Mr Henry Phipps, at Launton, on February 23.

Mr Henry Phipps, farmer, Marsh Gibbon, deposed - I have a farm at Launton. I received an anonymous letter giving me notice that depredations were being committed on my farm. On February 23, the policeman came to me and asked me if I had lost any hay. I had two ricks of hay in my yard. I afterwards went with him to the rickyard, and examined the hay ricks. I could see that there had been hay pulled out of the new rick. It had been pulled out all round in different parts. I don't know the quantity which I missed. The policeman had previously shown me the hay he had found. I believe it to be the same as that in my rick. The value is about 1s 6d. I never gave the female prisoner permission to take hay from the cow cribs, and there never was any hay scattered around the cribs, because the beasts are foddered with straw.

By Thomas Butler - I never said I saw you take the hay.

PC Stockford deposed - I was on duty on February 23, when I met Mary Ann Butler between Mr Phipps farm-yard and Launton village and carrying something under her arm. I asked her what she had got there. She said she had nothing belonging to me. I then said “Have you got anything belonging to anybody else?” She said: “No.” I then saw she had this hay in this bag (produced) under her arm, and asked her where she had got it from. She said she picked it up round the cow cribs, as Mr Phipps had said she might. I asked her what she was going to do with it. She said she was going to sell it to buy bread. I went home with her, and I saw some hay littered on the floor and on the stairs. I went upstairs and found some more hay. I afterwards accompanied Mr Phipps, and found that the hay had been pulled out of his rick.

Thomas Butler said that he had picked up in a sack on the high-way near the Marsh turn, the hay found upstairs by the policeman. He did not know what his wife had picked up. He had been ill and laid up for some time, and had not been able to work.

Mary Ann Butler said she never went near the ricks; never took anything from Mr Phipps in her life.

The Bench considered the case proved, and sent the prisoners to the house of correction at Oxford, for fourteen days each.

Continued on pages 40-41  Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 39

BIRTH March 4 at Launton, Bicester, the wife of Mr Robert C Kilby, farmer, of a son.

COUNTY COURT William Lee, corn merchant, Springhill, Birmingham, v James Read, brickmaker, Launton Claim £2 10s for a quantity of Beech’s Farinaceous Food, supplied 1868. Plaintiff said the goods were ordered verbally in Bicester market, and directed to be deposited at the London and Western Railway Station at Bicester, from which plaintiff had obtained a notice that the food had been delivered. Ordered to be paid in two monthly instalments. Expenses 30s allowed.

William Marriott, brickmaker, Launton, v James Read, brick and tile maker, Launton. Amount due 16s 9d, on an order issued at the January court.

Defendant said he had not been paid the money because he had a set-off against the plaintiff. - Plaintiff said he had raked that up as an excuse. - His Honour told defendant that if he had a set-off he must summon the bailiff for it at next court. It had nothing to do with the present case. He must make immediate payment, or suffer the consequences. - Order to commit, without suspense.

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 March 2021 | Page 40

24 March Bicester and Launton Congregational Arrangements for next week On Sunday March 26 the Rev WH Dickenson will preach....Launton 2-15 “The Inheritance.”

[Advert] Station Hill Farm, Launton 39 Acres of First-Rate Grass Keeping till the 29th of September next, the property of Mr George. To be sold by auction by Messrs Jonas Paxton and George Castle at the Kings Head Inn, Bicester, on Friday April 14th, 1871, at 3 o’clock. Catalogues may be had at the place of sale, Inns in the locality, or of the Auctioneers, Bicester.

Launton Lines records births, marriages, civil partnerships, and deaths in the village and of people from the village.

Just let the editor or one of the team (see page 3) have your information and any wording you would like us to use.

There is no charge for any such notices.

Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 41

Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy

This month, the Ex-Launton Boy reports on the first signs of spring in his neck of the woods, remembers pancakes and Easter Eggs from the 1950s, shares some photos of Launton’s Handbell Master, Frederick Sharpe, and lets us know that his stepson has survived Covid-19.

Sadly I have to report that I doubt I will have any sticky buds in my garden this spring as I have discovered my Ash tree has been afflicted with Ash-dieback disease. As I understand it, there is no cure for this particular nasty. I am still hoping to see some catkins very shortly though, unless my Hazel has been contaminated with something similar.

We are entering that time of year that many of us who were kids in Launton during the 1950’s in particular used to look forward to. We were very much tuned into nature and the seasons of the year. We were acutely aware of the approach of spring by noticing and gathering in the absence of pickable flowers, twigs from various trees containing the likes of sticky buds, catkins and lamb’s tails. That would be swiftly followed by picking little leaf shoots from the Hawthorn, which we referred to as ‘bread and cheese’, and we kids would eat them. I still have a nibble at my age out of respect for traditions of the past, as does my sister, Elaine.

My beautiful little snowdrops are already in flower as indeed are my crocii. Fresh new life springing forth in the face of all the deaths that Covid has inflicted upon us worldwide. However, one problem of living in a town such as the Medway Towns here in Kent during lockdown is the fact that, unlike when I was a child in Launton, I can see no thevillageclinic.co.uk gambolling lambs which become Acupuncture plentiful at this time of year.

Unfortunately, due to having my Chinese Medicine twenty three years old step-grandson Blackthorn 01869 253552 living with us, we have had to isolate ourselves because he has been info@thevillageclinic.co.uk diagnosed as being Covid positive.

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We believe he contracted it whilst working on security at the Manston airfield, near Ramsgate, where great big articulated lorries have had to park up for the drivers to be Covid-tested before being allowed to proceed to mainland Europe. This meant that Julie and I were unable to attend the Ash Wednesday service at the Garrison Church. That said, I was able to have my pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.

Julie hates pancakes but I love them, with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkled with sugar. My mum used to make some fantastic pancakes when I was a child and they were such a treat. The fact is, going right back to the early 1950’s, with austerity such as it was, including food rationing, there wasn’t all that much to look forward to as being extra special at the dinner table other than Christmas dinner, possibly a birthday cake or those gorgeous pancakes. Don’t get me wrong, my mum was able to produce damned good meals, sometimes out of virtually nothing and once dad was back at work after having suffered a long illness with tuberculosis, Sunday roasts were magnificent.

Did you notice that just a few days after Christmas, the Easter eggs were appearing on the shelves in the supermarkets already? And the thing that gets me is that long after Easter is over and done with, there are tons and tons of Easter eggs left over on the shelves at discounted prices? It really makes no sense whatsoever to me. Not to go on too much about it but, back in the 1950’s we were lucky to get just one Easter egg and you only saw them on the shelves of the likes of Woolworths a week or two before Easter and there certainly was not a massive surplus once Easter was over.

On another note altogether, I came across some photographs of the late, great Frederick Sharpe who was like a second father to me, as I wrote of a few years back now. I attach a couple of them here. This one, which you may have seen before through other sources, shows him sitting at his desk in his ‘den’, the extension to which I helped him to build when I was still a school boy. A second photograph over the page shows him tuning one of his many handbells on his lathe. It was a real fascination watching him at work with his bells and I Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 43

used to participate in creating the leather straps/handles to his handbells.

Somewhere about I have a picture, in which I appear as a fourteen years old member of the Launton Handbell Ringers team, but I am unable to lay my hands to it at the moment.

It is wonderful to see the Launton Handbell Ringers still going, albeit with only one of the original team still being there, i.e. Peter Allen, who is the conductor and the ‘main-man’. That said, the one thing that saddens me is to see that the leather work has been coloured, presumably to denote the different octaves and the gaudy colours to my mind detract from the beautiful leather work that Fred Sharpe originally created, punching the appropriate note into the respective leather handles, colouring just the lettering in either gold or silver Humbrol modelling paint. On the leather work that formed the circular crown to the bells was stamped the ‘founder’ of the bell and the year, as near as damn it, in which the bell was founded, some going back to the reign of King Charles II. Had I remained in Launton or near to, I imagine I would still have been a member of the team as well as a ringer of the church bells in Launton, all of which Fred Sharpe taught me.

Finally, I am delighted to report that my step-grandson has now recovered from the worst effects he suffered with Covid, (although not severe enough for him to be hospitalised), and that due to his conscientious consideration, neither Julie nor I have been contaminated.

Here’s hoping you are all keeping well and staying SAFE! Tony Jeacock | Ex-Launton Boy Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 44

150 Years Ago: from School Log Book for March 1871

Thurs 2 March Parish Meeting in lower room from 10.30 to 12.

Fri 3 March Av for week 65.4.

Mon 6 March Several more absent with bad coughs.

Thurs 9 March Very tempestuous this afternoon - dismissed children a little before 4 o’clock.

Fri 10 March The Classes are mere skeletons in point of numbers; I have scarcely had heart to teach those present - sickness, at ... the most important time of School year, is so very unfortunate, when every day is so valuable. Av for week 67.6.

Mon 13 March IV Std seem to have mastered Comp[oun]d Long Division. I have found it answer admirably for the past two years to leave long division until the end of the year with the 4th Std at which time the children learn it in less than a quarter of the time occupied when it is attempted at the end of the 3rd Std, the children are a year older, have had a year’s more teaching and consequently are better able to understand the reasons for the different processes.

Tue 14 March Only 3 present at Evening School and these told me they had difficulty in getting from work in time, so we have broken up for the season.

Wed 15 March The Spelling keeps steadily improving throughout the School.

Thur 16 March The writing in the Copy Books has improved wonderfully in the last 3 months.

Fri 17 March Examined VI Std in Arith[metic]: all except one child had all three sums right. Av for week 76.7.

Mon 20 March Re-admitted Anne Parrott (withdrawn when fees were raised).

Tue 21 March The weather is so mild now that fires are not required.

Thur 23 March Promoted Eliz Botteril and Edw Holiday to the 4th Class.

Fri 24 March Av for week 83.1.

Mon 27 March Admitted Louisa Parrott (who was taken away when the pence were raised) and Frank Castle.

Wed 29 March Rev J De Salis, Dio Inspector [the Diocese Inspector], examined the school this morning and gave an excellent report, being most pleased with the clear and expressive reading throughout the school. In the Arithmetic part of the Exam nearly every example was correct. Spelling was also an improvement on last year. In Scripture (for the Bishop’s Prize) Hy Parrott was 1st, but as he took it last year, it was between Em Shears and Mary Cartwright, whose papers were equal upon being tested orally it was finally given to Emma Shears. The papers of these children the Inspector asked permission to keep and take away. A half holiday was asked for in consideration of good progress and given in the afternoon.

Fri 31 March Av for wk 87.1.

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Diary Dates: February - March 2021

It looks as though we will be in an extended period of uncertain release from the lockdown at least to early summer so there will be a slow revival of village activities and events. We have decided to only list those public events that we know will be going ahead online as we go to print, so we list the online Parish Council meetings via Zoom (see page 7) on Thursday 4 March and Thursday 1 April. Some services from St Mary’s will continue and the church will be open on Sundays, see page 12 for details. And there will be the online Annual Parish Meeting on Zoom on Thursday 22 April at 7.30pm (see page 8). And of course the Allotments are open for Launton Plotters to start work on the coming summer’s crops.

The other date is the copy deadline for the April issue of Launton Lines. It will be Saturday 20 March: send contributions (words and photos) to launtonlines@launton.org.

LVE in Launton

Valentine’s Day in Launton was a little chilly and dank, but not as cold as the previous week, when our bridge had been closed at the beginning of a couple of months.

Supported by posts on the village facebook groups, there were 25 love heart posters put up around the village and a surprise 25 painted stones to find when people were out walking and getting exercise. One resident wrote on our Launton Community facebook page, “There is lots of love around the village this morning. Just came back from our walk, we spotted lots of hearts. I did bring a painted stone home as it was left outside our house, left the rest for others to find and see the love in the wonderful village we live in”. Another resident wrote “Enjoyed seeing the hearts around the village today.”

There was a lot of baking (see photos on page 23). Free heart templates were put in the village shop and parents were loving taking them for their children to decorate as a different home-schooling activity.

Wendy Foster, who started the idea of LOVE - Valentine’s Day in Launton, said, “I’m really quite enjoying life in the village at the moment as it reminds of how it used to be in the good old days walking around the streets with people acknowledging each other and taking note of the lovely nature we have in our picturesque village.”

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Launton Dog of the Month

As we’ve been outside and walking a lot more we’ve got to see and know many of the dogs of the village.

Launton Lines wants to feature our canine stars in the months ahead.

Here is the second report.

Dog’s Name: Fern Age: 3½ Gender: Female Breed: Whippet How long in Launton: 3 years and 4 months.

One interesting fact: Fern loves to cuddle with humans in her family.

I came from: Surrey Habits: Always after food Favourite food: Chicken Favourite game or toy: Squeaker Favourite Launton walk: Fields at the back of West End If you would like your dog to feature in this column please email Kathy Gilbert, kathleengilbert533@googlemail.com or phone The Dog Of the Month on 07812 604 032 Drifts of snowdrops in a West End garden.

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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 © MMXI 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.