Issuu

April 2021

Issue 246

Mulching the circular path in The Woodland A small working party, joined by two passing walkers from Southwold, spent two hours spreading over a tonne of chippings.

Photos by Robert Cornford

Launton WI’s Annual Meeting held on 11 March - Covid style. Probably the most pithy comments were made by the chair!

Photo from the WI Committee

Members of Launton WI and supporters gathered to stand in vigil at the crossroads carrying flyers “No More Inaction” and “No More Silence” in memory of Sarah Everard. Photo from Steve Webber The front cover shows cranes lifting the main beams onto the new bridge on Station Road, taken on 17 March. See EWRA report on page 25. Photo by Jennifer Hurley, Grange Farm Mews

The Editor writes …

The clocks have sprung forward, and there are some sunny days forecast - though not much sign this morning. And we can look forward to a bit more social contact. I’m waiting to hear from both pubs what their plans are for reopening. Let's hope that it’s not too long. In this issue there is information about St George’s Launton Quest (see pages 8-9, and then the centre four pages that can be removed and used as you follow the trail of the Quest). Have fun when the trail opens on 23 April. There is the AGM (on Zoom) of the Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP) on 15 April (see Zoom details on page 42), and there is an update on progress with the Hall Project on pages 18-20. Then on 22 April also on Zoom is the Annual Parish Meeting (page 11). St Mary’s services are now held in the church (page 12), and Boys and Girls Football starts at the end of March, so there will be action on the Playing Field. The Launton Fete will not take place on 12 June (see page 16), but the good news is that it keeps the Field clear for the footballers. Page 29 tells of the relaunch of Speedwatch in time for the reopening of the Bridge on 1 April. Finally, please support our advertisers. They need you as much as we need them.

Robert Cornford Launton Village Support: Contact details A Support Group for Launton. See page 10 for a report.

Group email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE Numbers: 9:30am to 5:00pm 07522 231 100 - Janice 01869 241755 – Lesley 01869 247171 - Jane Olds (Launton 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry, Medical Parish Council) Runner

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 To book the Parish Hall Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Contact: Joan Packer Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, Phone: 07903 610405 OX26 3XD Parish Hall Committee: Christine email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner, Robert Cornford Phone | 01869 247171

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 April for entry in the May 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.

April 1 | Sponsored by Rose Sonan in loving memory of her husband Jude, on his birthday. April 15 | Sponsored by Mary Brydon. Happy Third Birthday, Hamish, with love from Nana

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 4 March 2021 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, Mr Simon Turner (Chair) Apologies Mrs Lesley Thompson, In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; Thaina Sa'id (East West Rail); six members of the public East West Rail Thaina Sa’id attended the meeting and gave a presentation which is now available on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/eastwest-rail-information/east-west-rail-updates/march-2021-update/ The Launton Lines March 2021 | Page 4

current project focus is on the preparation for the structures and earthworks. The temporary Charbridge Lane diversion (which is in place until 24 December) has been built in order that the road bridge over the railway can be constructed - they are currently working on the piling. The Tythe Barn access works were dependent on the archaeology team, but work on the road was continuing. On Station Road, preparation work is being undertaken for the sill beams and the bigger beams while the road is still open, but this will be closed to all traffic from 3 May (until April 2022) for the construction of the new road. The Bicester Road bridge has been given an extensive refurbishment which has included replacement of the parapet and the installation of a vehicle restraint system. It is due to re-open on 1 April. The Jarvis Lane footbridge is due to be delivered to site in the middle of March ready for construction. The Grange Farm progress is still to be confirmed. The level crossing at London Road, by Bicester Village Station was scheduled for a temporary closure between 28 August and 2 September for alterations to the signalling system. Reports from District and County Councillors No reports had been received. Finance The Finance Report was available on the Parish Council website. The CDC Containing Outbreak Management Fund grant applications would be assessed on 18 March ready for application to CDC by the 26 March deadline. Census If you didn’t manage to complete your form on 21 March, there is still time to do so. If you need help completing it or obtaining a paper copy do get in contact with Jane Olds and she will hope to be able to help. 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. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 5

Village Matters Parish Hall The Lease is currently with the Church’s solicitor for consideration. Yew Tree Field The OCC Countryside Access Officer has been working with the CDC Landscape Officer on the issues in Yew Tree Field. The public right of way is OCC’s responsibility and the Yew Tree Field is now the responsibility of CDC. They will focus on the link between Yew Tree Close and the Playing Fields - the footpath to the north will be looked at in due course once it is fully open again. The CDC Officer has secured some funding to clear the vegetation around the ditch and once the ground has dried out the OCC team will bring in a digger to clear the ditch and investigate whether there is a culvert under the footpath and unblock it if possible. Further investigations will be made with the CDC Planning team about the issues with the ditch between Sycamore Road and Yew Tree Close. Elections The elections will take place on 6 May. The elections in Launton will be for:  The Police and Crime Commissioner; One of three District Councillor seats (currently Simon Holland);  The County Councillor seat (currently Ian Corkin);  The Parish Council.  CDC was 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 below 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. The Notice of Election will be published on 29 March and any 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. The latest briefing note with all the dates and times is on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/elections-2021/ together with information about how to obtain nomination papers. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 6

The qualifications to become a Parish Councillor are also on the Parish Council website. 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 more details. Facebook and mailing lists The Parish Council has its own Facebook page. Please ‘like’ our page at 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 want 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 May Agenda by 29 April, with any items for the June agenda by 20 May. Dates of next meetings Thursday 1 April and Thursday 13 May currently both via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/76605157135 (meeting ID: 766 0515 7135). Both start at 7.30pm. As with in-person meetings we will start at 7pm for anyone who wishes to raise anything with the Council, look at planning applications or at other meeting papers, and will then start the formal meeting at 7.30pm. Full minutes, 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 See Page 11 for more details Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 7

In this edition of Launton Lines you will find the quest map (pages 24-25) to help you find the knights and dragons placed around the village. You will find instructions of how to complete your quest on page 26. These instructions will help you know what to do with the letters and suns on the number sheet near each display. We hope you will enjoy walking around the village to collect the letters and then unscrambling them to make a 15 letter word. If you go to www.launton.org/quest you will find that this word is the password to unlocking your very own certificate of knighthood. We think you have earned this, for living through a pandemic at the very least. We ask people undertaking the quest to consider making a donation. Further details of how to do this are on www.launton.org/quest or by using the QR code on the display numbers which will take you to the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/quest. Donations will be split between St Mary’s Church and Bicester Refugee Support Group.

St Mary’s Church has been at the centre of village life for over 800 years. Our services and activities are open to all and we engage with the wider

Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 8

community in many ways, from involvement with the school to running the Community Café in the Parish Hall, and support for programmes such as the Food Bank. The beautiful church building is the oldest in the village and is Grade 1 listed and has seen many generations of Launton people baptised, married and buried here. The church family is responsible for the upkeep of the church and churchyard on behalf of the community, and is responsible for raising funds for this, as well as keeping the church running day-to-day. We are looking forward to developing and growing our services which offer both traditional worship (such as Holy Communion, Morning Prayer and Evensong) and family-oriented services with craft activities for children. You can find out more about St Mary’s on our Facebook page and details of services and events are in Launton Lines every month. We are looking forward to being back together and offering support to all in our community. Thank you in turn for your support in helping us do that. Fewer of you will be aware of the Bicester Refugee Support Group. This was founded in 2015 at a time when many people were fleeing from war-torn countries and conflict to find a better life. One of the abiding images of the crisis was the small lifeless body of three-year old Alan Kurdi, wearing a red T-shirt and blue shorts, washed up on a Turkish beach. The group began from a desire to support families who had already suffered so much. The group works with Cherwell District Council to help find appropriate housing for Syrian families and provide friendship and language support to these families. Funds they are given help them provide important items for families including household furniture and equipment such as computers for children and adults so they can access education during lockdown. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 9

Launton Village Support

It’s hard to believe that the Launton Village Support group was started up a year ago to help and support villagers through what we assumed was a few weeks or months of a new isolated life due to Covid-19. Here we are, a year later, still going strong as a group of volunteers and fellow villagers ready to support each other for as long as it takes. The Facebook group has 241 members; these are not only volunteers but also residents of the village and their relatives and friends who live elsewhere but have a point of contact if they need help. Volunteers continue to help with shopping, cooking meals, collecting newspapers, prescriptions and veg boxes, as well as other odd jobs. Nick Cherry who belongs to Alchester Running Club is a registered medical runner, so he has been collecting and delivering medications. If you need help, please contact the group on the numbers on page 3 of this issue of Launton Lines. Lesley Thompson, Jane Olds and Janice Hawes

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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

Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 11

News from St Mary’s

CHURCH SERVICES FOR APRIL 2021

In these continuing uncertain times we have been busy formulating tentative plans for our services covering the next few weeks. The end of March saw us starting to return to Church during Holy Week and we hope to continue our worship in St Mary’s during April. Additionally we will be holding a Zoom Family Service, as indicated. We will, as already outlined previously, pay meticulous attention to all the Government Regulations and guidance, taking account of the prevailing situation. Our planned Services are as follows: Maundy Thursday 1 April 7.30pm Service at Bucknell Good Friday 2 April 2.00-3.00pm Meditation in St Mary’s Easter Sunday 4 April 11.00am Holy Communion in St Mary’s 3.00pm Easter Family Service via Zoom With news of our Easter Garden 11 April 9.30am Morning Prayer in St Mary’s 25 April 9.30am Holy Communion in St Mary’s 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 531 921 Or one of the Churchwardens: Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735 Those who would like to attend the Zoom Family Service should contact Revd Peter, please, as above. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 12

Friends of Island Pond Wood: Report for April 2021

If you are already a member of The Friends of Island Pond Wood, you will be aware that many changes were agreed at the January 2021 AGM for the ongoing management of the woodland, including merging the association and the company that manages the lease, insurance, etc. Thankfully, six new people have now volunteered to join the newly formed Friends and Family Committee, with one also joining the board. The committee members are (area of responsibility): Roger and Kate Neal (working party events) Ian Jones (photography/nature, support working parties) Gwen Skinner Annie Sparks (events, pop up cafes, family/children/young people involvement) Theresa Carlyle (events, pop up cafes, family/children/young people involvement) Zara Sankey (also joining the board) Liz Turvey (secretary and treasurer and on the board) Tony Meacock (chair and on the board) The committee is meeting again on 7 April to get some initial dates pencilled in for the rest of the year. Hopefully, when the end of the current lockdown is confirmed and the waterlogged woodland has dried out, we will be able to start doing volunteer maintenance days and events again eg summer family fun day in July, etc. If you’re not already a member and would like to get involved or volunteer in the woodland, please contact me regarding membership (£10 per person, per year). Tony Meacock (Mobile: 07802 626381) and see photos on page 2 Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 13

100 Years Ago: From The Bicester Advertiser

22 April 1921 FOOTBALL. Launton v King’s Sutton. Considerable interest was evinced in the meeting on the Bicester ground on Saturday, between two teams, who met to decide who should play in the final for the championship of the Oxfordshire Junior League. Launton, who head the Bicester section of the League, had a long series of successes to their credit, whilst their opponents had also the same reputation of having done great things this season. It was not surprising, therefore, to find a fair-sized crowd on the Banbury-road ground to witness the game, despite the cold stormy weather. With the sun at their backs, King’s Sutton were quickly on the war path, T King being early conspicuous, and the Launton supporters were by no means encouraged by the unsteadinessof their team's defence. W Jeacock alone was responsible for the breaking up of several attacks, and so far he was the only player to show any method in his game. Although King’s Sutton did the lion's share of attacking during the first fifteen minutes, the first real chance of scoring came to C Jeacock, but he failed at the critical moment. At the other end the Launton custodian was extremely lucky to push a shot from J Ring over the bar, his arm striking the ball quite by accident and thus preventing it from entering the net. By this time it was obvious that the Launton defence was in for a warm time, for there was no doubt whatsoever that King’s Sutton were the more finished team. The men from the Bicester district remained hopeful, however, and once C Jeacock gave the opposing goalie a rare handful to deal with from a difficult angle, but he succeeded in getting the ball away. Directly afterwards T Ring rushed right through the Launton defence on his own, and how he failed to open his side’s account is a mystery. As it was, the ball rolled harmlessly past the post. However, success attended the efforts of the men from Banbury district at length, the Launton custodian allowing a bouncing shot from J Ring to enter the net when he should have cleared it with ease. The close presence of an opposing forward, however, diverted his attention, and so King’s Sutton found themselves one up. Launton endeavoured to respond with a rush through from the re-start, but Humphries and Dunn were a smart paid of backs, the kicking of the former being remarkably clean. The halves, too, worked hard and afforded the forwards numerous opportunities. On the other hand, the Launton men could not seem to settle down to their game at all, the forwards being especially weak. Following a further period of attack, further misfortune befell the Bicester section leaders, one of their defenders handling in the penalty area. T Ring was entrusted with Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 14

the kick, and although he made a sad hash of it, the ball crossed the line safely. Here again, the Launton custodian should have saved, for it was not in the least a difficult or powerful shot. This was the extent of scoring at half time. In the second half, Launton had a little more of the play, and C Jeacock had hard luck on one occasion in not opening their account, his shot following a free kick taken by W Jeacock striking the foot of the upright. At the other end the custodian was now covered by a pair of backs who were showing considerable improvement, Ancil in particular doing useful work. They were not, however, up to their usual form, and the result was that the King’s Sutton forwards were constantly threatening danger. Following a nice pass by W Jeacock, Hughes tried a shot from fully twenty yards, but he had the disappointment of seeing the ball flash past on the wrong side of the post. In the closing stages of the game, Launton made a real effort to make amends for their early failure, and whatever can be said against the team, it cannot be said that fortune smiled on them at any time. Two corners and a free kick in the last ten minutes brought no reward and once C Jeacock failed when right through the opposing defence. Thus at the end King’s Sutton qualified for the final by two goals to nil.

Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 15

The Launton Village Fete 2021, or maybe 2022

The Fete Group has spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks trying to decide on what to do for this year, and with a lot of regret have decided that it is all too uncertain to try and organise anything on 12 June (the normal fete day) as we would have had restricted numbers and would have had to hold it entirely outside - and with the English weather that was just too much of a risk! Unfortunately, the earliest date set for “opening up” (21 June) is after Fete Day, so we’ll wait until mid June, when a way forward should be a little clearer - and then we’ll have another think. At that point the choices will be to have a whole-village event on the Playing Field and in the Social Club building, later in the summer, or to start planning for a fully-fledged Village Fete on 11 June 2022. Or maybe go for both. Watch this space! And if you’re reading this and thinking that you’d like to get involved in whatever we wind up doing, do contact Rob on 241883. Robert Cornford: Launton Fete Coordinator ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

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Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 16

THE LAUNTON LINES NOTICEBOARD For Sale Light oak kitchen with granite work top. Immaculate condition. Offers? Tel 01869 369269

Grange Mews News April 2021

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

We will still be operating during the next year of EWR Station Road closure. Access will be as normal from the Launton crossroads. Notification has been given for closure on 12 April 2021. Road reopens on 25 March 2022. The first part of the road will be built from the Poundon crossroads direction as this will allow traffic onto their site without coming through Launton. In the Mews, the Target gun shop has now closed, and we expect a complete refurbishment of the building, and a new tenant to be announced once the solicitors have finally drawn up the papers. The other good news is that April 12 opens the youngsters’ dancing classes at Grange Mews, and we look forward to some lively dancing with sarah@bicesterdancingacademy.co.uk. Personally, I look forward to the reopening of the barber’s shop as much as I suspect they do - scissors at the ready. I always wondered why the sheep seemed to appreciate shearing so much.

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

The Parish Hall Project: an update

All through the various lockdowns since March 2020 the Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP) has been making slow - but steady - progress, much behind the scenes. So we could take forward the project in an organised way, a steering group was set up with representatives of all interested parties: The Parochial Church Council (PCC) who are legally responsible for the Parish Hall; The Parish Hall Committee which handles the day-to-day management of the Hall; The Parish Council as the future tenant of the Hall; and PHIP, the community group set up “to do something about the Hall”. Members of the Working Group are: PCC: Celia Evans; Joan Packer Parish Hall Committee: Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Robert Cornford Parish Council: Simon Turner; Ed Sanders; the Parish Clerk Jane Olds PHIP: Martin Evans (Chair of the Working Group); Cathy Procopiou; Jackie Webber

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Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 18

This Hall Working Group has met regularly via Zoom for the past 12 months. The main topics covered have been: ongoing negotiations about the legal documents - an Agreement to  Lease, and then the Lease itself - for the Parish Council to take over running the Hall;  establishing the minimum work needed to bring the Hall up to an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) Level E or above (currently a Level G) - without this it is not possible to enter into a lease; coming up with detailed outlines for work to be done to the Hall then  arranging for consultation on the plans with the village; researching sources of funding and how to apply for funding so we can  carry out planned improvements to the Hall; work to identify responsibilities for the driveway and car park, and the  Parish Clerk negotiated with EastWest Rail to fill in the worst potholes in the Hall car park (many thanks to EWR for doing this);  ongoing work on the drainage; Continued on page 20 

Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 19

 The Parish Hall Project: Continued from pages 18-19

 establishing the Hall as a Covid-secure venue in preparation for renewing hire arrangements, and securing funding for this work; replacing some of the Hall equipment - tables and chairs - with Section  106 funding;  research into the Public Rights of Way around the Hall. We are nearly at the end of the legal journey over the two documents that will let the Parish Council secure a long-term lease on the Hall - and hope to have a signing very shortly. Once the documents are signed the Parish Council will be able to start work on upgrading the EPC, after which it will be able to take on the full lease, and establish a new Hall Management Group (though we hope that many of the current Hall Committee members will stay on). At the same time, the Hall Working Group will work out a plan and options for improvements, and put proposals to the village for people’s thoughts. We plan to do this over the next few months so that, when the lease is finally signed, we can get to work with agreed plans for work, and to seek the funding to carry it out. The Parish Council has purchased new tables (18) and chairs (60) and some storage kit with Section 106 money (£2,462) from local planning decisions. As a result we need to clear out older tables and chairs: Does anyone want any of the old blue tables: we have 12 that need homes. They are 121cm (48 inches) long and 68cm (27 inches) wide. Useful for potting tables. Make a donation and one could be yours. Contact Robert Cornford on 01869 241883 or rcornford47@gmail.com. We will also have some of the old plastic chairs (blue, grey and brown) if anyone can suggest good homes. The PHIP AGM will be on Zoom on 15 April, starting at 7:30pm. The agenda and Zoom contact will be available soon (see page 15 for details). We hope that PHIP will be working on an event outside the Hall after implementation of Step 4 of the Roadmap out of Lockdown - currently 21 June - after which all meeting restrictions should be lifted. It’ll be a chance to use the new tables, and to open the Hall for use again - if only the toilet! Robert Cornford: PHIP Information Officer Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 20

10am Friday 23 April 2021 to 8pm Monday 3 May 2021

Quest Map Welcome brave knights! St George needs your help to solve the Launton Quest!

How to take part  Use the map to find the 32 displays of dragons and knights around the village.  15 of the displays have a letter hidden on them. Collect all the letters and unscamble them to find the answer to the Quest.  Then go to www.launton.org/quest and enter your answer to download your own Certificate of Knighthood!  There are also pictures of suns hidden on some of the displays. Just for fun, see how many you can find. Use the table on page 24 to write down the letters and count the suns! 

Be aware of uneven surfaces as you walk around the village. Please respect people’s properties and do not enter gardens or touch displays. Please supervise your children and follow current Covid-19 guidance. If you have enjoyed taking part in St George’s Quest, please make a donation. Donations will be split equally between St Mary’s Church and the Bicester Refugee Support Group.

How to donate  Just Giving: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/quest  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 "Quest". Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 21

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Use this table to note the 15 letters when you find them, and the number of suns at each display. Map No 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 29 30 31 32

Address The Hummingbird Centre, Grange Mews, Station Road Clock Court, Station Road 2 Yew Tree Close 12 Yew Tree Close 17 Yew Tree Close 21 Yew Tree Close 22 Sycamore Road 47 Sycamore Road The Stone House, Station Road Langdale House, Station Road Bramble Cottage, Lanes End, Station Road Ascot Cottage, Station Road Home Farm, Station Road Linden Lea, Blackthorn Road Island Pond Wood, West End 9 Chestnut Close 10 Woodland Close 51 West End 57 West End Bottom end of West End Footpath through the Peace Wood Langleys, 36 West End 23 Ancil Avenue 11 Sherwood Close 25 Sherwood Close 31 Sherwood Close 22 The Glades Launton Church of England School Launton Village Players (outside Parish Hall) Wyndham Hall (outside Parish Hall) The Old Rectory, Bicester Road St Mary’s Church, Bicester Road

Letter? No of suns?

Answer to St George’s Quest

The answer to the quest and the number of suns can be found on the Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/quest) or scan this QR code using your phone’s camera. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 24

A report from EastWest Rail (EWRA): April 2021

We have heard that the old Crossing Keeper’s Cottage on Station Road will be kept, and when the whole project is finished it will be sold. Although people call it the Station Master’s House it isn’t: he lived on the other side of the track and the first floor window of the house was the ticket office at platform level. It was demolished many years ago. We asked more questions about current work. Here are the answers: Will the bridge into Launton from Bicester reopen on 1 April? Yes it will re-open on 1 April. Will there be a ribbon cutting ceremony? Who will be the celebrity who will open it? We won’t be doing an opening ceremony as it’s not one of our most notable and successful achievements on the project. We still need to do the Vehicle Restraint System (the steel barrier leading up to the parapet walls) next year, so meeting celebs will have to wait till then. When will the Allotment entrance be complete? Where will parking be? The new access is currently being built and we plan completion within the current road closure. The final works should be complete by the end of April. Parking will be in the same location as the existing area. Where have the pile driver and crane gone from the Charbridge Lane Crossing? The piling at Charbridge Lane is complete as planned and on time, so the associated equipment de-mobilised. We are now excavating for the pile caps for which the bridge abutments will be constructed. Are they no longer needed for future work on the bridge crossing? No longer needed as all large diameter piling at this end of the project is complete. Any news on dates for the Grange Farm Pedestrian Bridge to connect up the footpath network? We know how important this is to the community and plan to install the bridge in June with an aspiration to have it opened, along with the associated PROW’s by late summer. The bridge work on Station Road looks to be wide enough to take a 6-lane motorway. How wide is it? It’s only wide enough for two way traffic; however as the road passes over it on a skew, the abutments have had to be built wider than the road. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 25

A Vet’s Voice: The Strain of Old Age Sophie is my 15 year old female tabby cat. She is a very dear old cat who is showing signs of her age. We feed the two cats up high to avoid harassment from the dog. In the last year the cats must be lifted up to their meals as they can’t make the jump any longer. Recently Sophie was asking to go out frequently, then she produced some little puddles of urine with blood clots. This is a sure sign of an inflamed bladder - cystitis. When the bladder is inflamed it can bleed and the irritation causes a frequent desire to urinate. It is surprisingly common in cats and often, they will urinate in odd places as a result - the shower tray or bath is a common location. In young cats, cystitis is commonly purely an inflammatory condition. It is often mild and can be self-resolving; and it may be brought on by stressful situations e.g. changes in the household like a new baby or a new sofa.

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In older cats, there is an increased chance of cystitis being due to an underlying infection. There is also the risk that bladder tumours or bladder stones may be present also, which creates a worrying scenario. Sophie has thankfully responded well to antibiotics, so we hope this will be a straightforward case. However, if the problem recurs, then some investigation will be required. Investigation of urinary disease is usually straightforward and would include a urine test with a bacterial culture to check for infection. Sedation or general anaesthesia is required to do a thorough ultrasound scan of the bladder and kidneys and this may detect things like bladder stones and bladder tumours. Sometimes xrays are also done though the improvements in ultrasound mean that this is less common than it was 20 years ago. On occasion, older cats can develop a “deep seated” bladder infection which ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS can take a month or even more HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING of antibiotics to resolve. INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATING So, at this stage it is fingers crossed that dear old Sophie PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING responds well to the tablets and we can clear her problem first FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL time. We know there’s no guarantee of this, so we will see PETER N. SOUTHAM what happens over the next few 01869 278333 weeks and hope that we won’t OR see a recurrence of her urinary 07721 633 220 discomfort. Enjoy your pets. peteroofer@aol.com Jason Williams | Bicester Vets

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Road Closures Report correct at 20 March 2021

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). 28 March to 17 June: Marsh Gibbon, Bicester Road will be CLOSED for rebuilding the bridge (EWR). 5 April to 9 April: Blackthorn Road, Launton 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). 12 April 2021 to 25 March 2022: Station Road, Launton will be CLOSED from beyond Grange Farm for the construction of the new overbridge and road alignment (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. 10 May 2021 to 6 August: Steeple Claydon Road, Twyford will be CLOSED for bridge repair works (EWR). 28 August to 2 September: London Road Crossing, Bicester will be CLOSED for alterations to the signalling system and level crossing. 31 August to 15 October: Marsh Gibbon, Station Road will be CLOSED for bridge reconstruction works (EWR). These closures are correct as at 20 March. See the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ for any updates. 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! Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 28

Speedwatch activity to restart in April 2021

Speeding traffic is a regular and emotive concern for people everywhere and a pilot scheme announced in March is set to help tackle the problem in the Thames Valley. As the Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, local community groups will be able to resume their speedwatch activities as soon as possible but this is only the first step in a revolution in roads safety across Thames Valley. When restrictions are lifted, schemes will be able to restart their former activity to keep communities safe by checking for speeding vehicles. At the same time, a pilot scheme will be launched to trial a new system, offering support and training for volunteers and also capturing data for community speedwatch in order to better inform potential police activity. Matthew Barber, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I’m really excited about this new scheme and the additional support that we can provide to volunteers. Cutting speeding across Thames Valley can save lives and a strong community-led speedwatch scheme can make a real difference. “Not only will the new scheme provide better backing for volunteers, comprehensive training, and new equipment, but it will also feed information directly into the police, and persistent offenders and hotspot locations can then be followed up for police enforcement. Together we can make our streets safer.” PC Lee Turnham, Thames Valley Police Community Speedwatch Coordinator, said: “Speedwatch has proven in the past to be a deterrent. People drive slower through areas as a result of community speedwatch action. The new platform will provide a community-led approach to reducing excess speed, allowing activity to be community driven. “This exciting collaboration with Community Speedwatch Online will aim to reduce speed and make our roads safer within Thames Valley.” Read more here - https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news-andevents/thamesvalley-pcc-news/2021/03/restart-and-relaunch-forcommunity-speedwatch-in-2021/ Further information on the Community Speedwatch scheme can be found at: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/speedwatch/ Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 29

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

In the coming months we’ll 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. This month’s local business is The Cattleshed Candle Company. Jen Walker tells us what she’s been doing during the Covid-19 pandemic. 1. What is your business called? What exactly do you do? It is called The Cattleshed Candle Company. We hand pour eco soy wax candles on the original site of our family farm’s old Cattle shed, hence the company name, producing delightfully scented soy candles inspired by things we love. We love the alchemy of blending different fragrances and essential oils to find the perfect mix! 2. When and how did you start the business? We started this business during lockdown. We own two other businesses in Launton, The Hat Hire Company and Magnificent Microgreens. They were severely affected as both the events sector, races, weddings and the leisure food industry ground to a halt. Many of the restaurants and cafes we supplied had to close and the food markets we attended were put on hold. The Launton Artisan Food Market that we started in November 2019 in the Parish Hall also had to come to an abrupt pause. This also gave us the time to follow a long-held desire to make candles and serve as an outlet to our creativity. 3. How has it changed since you started? It’s grown, rapidly and we are receiving daily orders from far flung corners of the UK, as well as locally of course. It has exceeded our expectations in such a short time. 4. Who is your typical customer? That’s difficult to answer as we have a broad range of customers, looking to treat themselves or buying gifts to give to others. 5. What makes you special/different from similar businesses in the area? We are unique in that our candle ‘vessels’ are three different sized miniature Milk Churns. We have also added a limited-edition Copper Milk churn. We Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 30

are committed to producing sustainable products with minimal impact on the environment. Our candles are produced from natural soy wax, which is biodegradable, and vegan friendly, and all of our packaging is recyclable and sustainably sourced. Our Milk Churn Candle can be reused for a variety of items, such as a pen pot, for make-up brushes or planting a small house plant, for example. They can also be returned for a refill with us. Our candles are made with an all-natural eco soy blend wax, we use Eco Cotton wicks and all are hand-poured in small batches, keeping them as environmentally friendly as we possibly can. 6. How have you been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? What changes have you had to make since the March 2020 lockdown? It is so important to us to support as many local and UK based businesses as we can whilst making our candles. We therefore take great care to select suppliers from within the UK for every aspect of our process, so as yet we have not been affected. 7. What plans have you got for the future? What changes might you to have to make in the future? Expanding the scent range – we already have 12 different scents from the 2 we started with in October 2020, but we have lots of ideas and our lovely customers often feedback on what scents they would like to see. We have plans for a Launton Craft Centre in the village and hope we can support other local small artisan makers and crafters through this venture. Hopefully we can open up in April, every Sunday. 8. Can you tell us a joke or something to cheer up our readers? What’s the difference between a candle and a skinny horseman? One is a night light, and the other is a light knight. Jen Walker, Cattleshed Candle Company Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 31

An Equine Therapy Experience If you were invited to have an equine therapy session, what would you expect? Talking therapy - I know where I am with that. But horses can’t talk. “Maybe that’s the point,” I think, as I make my way nervously across the garden. I don’t have far to go to meet Loes, who keeps her horses Elsie and Buddy in my parents’ field on West End. Loes started Equilore in 2017, and has recently been granted charitable status. As someone who has worked in charity PR, I am aware this is no mean feat. Loes is rightly excited about the opportunities this could open up. She is already overrun with referrals from The Hummingbird Centre, supporting anyone affected by cancer, Nai’s House, a suicide prevention charity, and Autism Champions. Originally from Holland, Loes is a chartered psychologist with a PhD in clinical neuroscience. “I never thought I’d end up running my own business,” she tells me. It was only when she studied for a diploma in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy that she combined two of her passions. “My sister was the horsey one,” I say as we walk to Equilore’s home - the farm on Station Road. “I looked after her horse a bit, but that was 20 years ago!” Loes reassures any fears I have, and I relax. At the farm I meet Gerry and Winston. Gerry catches my attention. He is the largest of the four and is bright white. Horses are hierarchical creatures, and Gerry is in charge. Yet I find him playful and even gentle. “Horses respond to our temperament,” Loes explains. “Humans are affected by their thoughts and emotions. All horses have is the moment they are in. If you are animated, they will be too. If you are calm, they follow suit.” Staying in the moment is a battle I know well - I have recently taken up meditation to help get me through lockdown. Perhaps this is why I feel at ease when we close our eyes, and Loes talks me through a calming mantra. I keep with it even as Gerry inspects my face with his muzzle. Without any instruction the horses then line up to meet me, and I spend a little time getting to know each of them. “Stand quietly with them, try not to touch them unless they touch you,” explains Loes, “just see what happens.” I’m surprised how connected to them I feel already. Winston Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 32

seems sad, while Elsie, a gypsy horse, looks like she’s smiling. “Do you have any sadness in your life?” asks Loes. I realise the feelings might say more about me than they do about the horses. At this point, Gerry and Elsie are following me wherever I go. Choosing just one of them for the next activity is impossible, the three of us are inseparable now. “I am the student, you are the teacher, show me your lesson.” I repeat before stepping towards them. I have my reservations, but I wait patiently. With them on either side of me I feel protected. Loes tells me they have formed the shape of a T. This letter has two meanings to me - it’s the first letter of my sister’s name, and also of my sister’s old pony, Tico. Loes doesn’t know this, but it seems Gerry and Elsie might. ADVERTISE WITH US The winter sun fades so we end there, but I feel like I’m just getting Do you run a business in Launton started. On the way home Loes or the surrounding areas? talks excitedly about future plans, of course all dependent on funding. This space could be yours! I think any funds will be spent on Place an advert in Launton Lines more horses, but I learn the sad and it will be delivered reality that Equilore is inundated to every home in Launton with requests from people to take every month. their pets. I can see why they would choose Loes - being her equine Your advert will also be included therapy horse would be a lovely life. in our online edition. W: www.equilore.co.uk Costs as little as £15.00 a month. FB: @equilore Insta: @equilore_herd Contact us at launtonlines@launton.org Hannah Cornford Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 33

The mental health of children and young people during Covid-19: a local survey With the possible relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions coming soon, it’s interesting to see the report from Launton’s complementary therapist Anoushka Lucas-Howells on a survey she carried out among local families earlier in the year. Hello fellow Villagers! My name is Anoushka Lucas-Howells and I am a Launton resident of 13 years as of this year! I am a Mum to 3 sons aged 12,14 and 16 and am only too aware of the struggles that our children and young people are facing socially, educationally, emotionally and physically - during this unsettled time, in a world controlled by Covid-19. Lack of social contact is having a profound effect on many, and among parents and carers there is rising concern about how this is currently affecting or may affect our children and young people in the future. As a Complementary Therapist for more than 20 years, I have worked with many children and young people, including some here in Launton. I feel that

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now is the right time to share my knowledge and experience with a wider audience and to reach out at a time when we find ourselves unable to benefit from safe physical contact, which as human beings we need to enrich our lives. I provide a safe space for families to support their children and young people during this time of uncertainty and challenge which is vital as we enter a new phase of reintegration into a shared society with schools returning and being able to socially interact with others once again. For some this will be an easy integration while for others it may not. At the beginning of the current lockdown, I conducted a local micro survey to assess whether our children and young people had been or were being affected by the restrictions and restraints that the Covid-19 pandemic had placed on them. A request on social media for anyone who was interested in taking part was responded to by 43 families to whom I was extremely grateful. The survey was for children and young people ranging from 4 to 16 years with 10 questions to answer. The results were extremely interesting although for me not so surprising. I’d like to share the findings with you. In summary I found that: Parents/carers indicated that 35% of the children or young people surveyed were experiencing issues around mental health at the time, and that 69% had experienced some mental health issues at various times during the previous 10 months as a result of the pandemic. A wide variety of symptoms were identified with anxiety the most common with 65% of children/young people having experience of this, followed by 62% experiencing changes in their behaviour. 44% with sleep related issues, 34% expressing anger and 32% changes to their emotions, 32% experiencing worry, 16% mood swings and 13% physical symptoms. Other responses included depression, low self-esteem and continued loss in confidence. Parents/carers reported a variety of external influences and felt these were contributing to the identified symptoms. 51% said issues surrounding friendships was a key contributing factor while 41% identified issues related to school closures/remote learning/return to school as being a concern. 37% indicated a lack of routine/structure as a problem. 27% felt that the ‘stay at home’ restrictions had contributed including lack of social interaction and sports/physical activities. 23% felt that home/media influences were an issue due to exposure to negative news on the tv/social media or via parental worries. 21% stated that children/young people had concerns surrounding Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 35

the Covid-19 pandemic specifically, including worries about social distancing, masks, hand washing, family members and themselves becoming unwell. 21% also felt that their children or young people were missing family members. Other influences included lack of focus and motivation, loss of independence, feeling too much pressure, and being unable to access usual support services. When asked if their child/young person would benefit from having a toolkit or range of therapeutic aids to enable them to find ways to relax and assist with some of the issues that they are experiencing, 65% parents/carers indicated that they thought this would be beneficial. Asked if parents or carers thought there is enough support available through public or private services, 37% said yes. When asked if they had approached or engaged in any public or private services to help in finding therapeutic support, 74% said no. Services used included CAMHS, school services, NHS (GPs, hospitals, support groups), private therapies/treatments, and social work services. 41% of parents/carers said they had been approached by their child/young person to ask for guidance with issues they were experiencing. Finally, in response to the question ‘Would you and your child/young person

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be interested in learning about how complementary therapies and self-help techniques can bring relaxation and wellbeing into their lives?’, 65% of parents or carers said that they would be interested and 79% of parents/carers answered yes to the question, ‘Would you be willing to invest time and finances on courses/sessions/treatments to assist your child/young person in overcoming some of the issues that they are experiencing?’ The survey suggests that mental health is a concern for many parents/carers in our local area. Not only have some of our children and young experienced some issues surrounding mental health, it is surely an indication that this is concern nationally and globally also. As a therapist I am working on a variety of new ways to reach out to families who would like to support their children and young people including online sessions until a time I can once again see clients in person. If you would like more information about my work and the services I offer, please do contact me at anoushka@relaxationstation.uk or on 07528 676756. Take care and stay safe. Anoushka

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Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy

This month, the Ex-Launton Boy loses his cool somewhat, over plans to cut the size of the current army. As a former member of the Corps of Royal Engineers he is disturbed to see that the total army numbers proposed will be less than the Royal Engineers were when he joined up. He was concerned that there is no “Old Launton” link in this month’s piece, until The Editor pointed that he is the “Old Launton” link.

Today, as I put pen to paper, is known in the Church calendar as ‘Passion Sunday’. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent (the period when we traditionally give something up, e.g. certain foods), leading into Eastertide. Habitually on Sunday mornings, I record the Andrew Marr show whilst I am at church and watch it with a spot of lunch when I get home. Julie usually vacates the living room whilst I am watching it because she finds it difficult to cope with the passion I demonstrate when it comes to matters of politics. Today was such an occasion when my passion came to a head as I watched and listened to the Secretary of State for Defence, defending decisions (full details yet to be disclosed, and possibly without the chance of a vote in the House), to cut the size of our conventional armed forces, and in particular, the army even further than it has already been decimated by. It would seem that they are looking to take Lent quite literally insofar as giving up a further chunk of our National defence when it is already undermanned by approximately seven thousand troops as to what it should be currently. I look back to the days when I served as a professional soldier, from 1965 to 1971 in the Corps of Royal Engineers. Back then, the size of the Corps alone was greater than the size of the entire British Army of today. And within our current army there are numerous regiments and Corps that have been disbanded and lost for good or amalgamated into other regiments or Corps whilst at the same time being greatly reduced in size. Regiments and Corps such as, the Army Catering Corps; Royal Army Pay Corps; Royal Corps of Transport; the Royal Army Ordnance Corps; the Royal Pioneer Corps (all of which were in part stationed at Bicester Garrison and greatly reduced in size and brought under the umbrella of the relatively new Royal Logistics Corps); the Royal Green Jackets (formerly including the Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry) and along with other greatly reduced Infantry regiments are now amalgamated in what are now known as ‘The Rifles’. We have also lost numerous Scottish Regiments and regiments of Fusiliers and Hussars. Even the Guards Regiments have been cut back in size, and the list goes on and on. What the chinless wonders at the Ministry of Defence seem to be completely Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 38

oblivious to is the fantastic sense of pride soldiers feel about their respective Corps or Regiments, all of which is an essential part of what makes or has made the British Army so brilliantly effective and professional. It would seem they would rather not update our now outdated battle tanks and other armour but instead, spend their limited budget on things like increasing our nuclear warheads and drones, which although they have a terrific part to play in this modern technological world, nonetheless cannot replace feet on the ground. And if nuclear weapons ever actually came into play, then we may as well all say “goodbye cruel world”. With all the unemployment we currently have as a nation and with more yet to come as a combined result of both Brexit and the Covid pandemic, especially among the fit and young, it would have been a good time to consider the reintroduction of National Service, thus strengthening our military capability whilst at the same time usefully engaging our youngsters, providing them with security, a regular income, various useful skills training to bring into civilian life when the economy (hopefully) will have sufficiently recovered to accommodate them into the workplace in full employment with a (by then) very firmly instilled excellent work ethic, which would be less likely after three years collecting benefits with no prospect of work. I wasn’t aware of that many young men from Launton who, back in the 1950’s were called up to do their National Service of two years as I was just a kid in short trousers back then. But I do remember truck loads of National Servicemen coming through the village from time to time, either being transported from the radio-listening station at the top of Poundon Hill to the Bicester Garrison or the other way round. I particularly remember the cheerfulness of them hanging out the back of the army lorry and calling out to the villagers as they went driving by. One of the Jones family (of thirteen children) who were our immediate next door neighbours in Station Road, Launton, Marcus in fact, was called up to do his National Service and, as I recall, went into the Physical Training Corps as a PTI (physical training instructor). “Join the army and see the world”, they used to say, and Marcus got posted to Bicester Garrison for his National Service stint, which was for two years, but I believe he took the option to sign on for an extra year and thus secured a higher level of army pay. There were many throughout the UK who, once their National Service was up, signed on to join the Regular army. National Service had finished by the time I left school at fifteen, and it Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 39

would be almost three years later when I took the Queen’s Shilling and enlisted into the Regular Army. I know it was a different world back then, what with the so-called ‘4-minute warning’ with the Cold War tensions between the East and the West, but today we are not without world tensions, what with unrest in the Middle East and China trying to claim ownership of the whole of the South China Sea, not to mention Human Rights abuses and reported ethnic cleansing, and let’s not forget what is going on in Myanmar (formerly Burma). And within the African continent there are problems galore, some nations already in turmoil and others on the edge. This is a very bad time for us to be giving up even more of our already radically depleted Armed Forces, Lent or no Lent. And I say this with the utmost passion on this, Passion Sunday. Not much specifically about Launton itself this month I’m afraid, but the fact is, this ex-Launton boy believes that ultimately, this affects us all and we need to be mindful of it. It will be interesting to hear what the various political parties have to say about our nation’s defence programme come the next Here’s hoping you are all keeping well and staying SAFE! Tony Jeacock | Ex-Launton Boy

Launton Health Walks Resume Launton Health Walks will resume on Tuesday 13 April, provided that the government does not delay the next stage of lockdown-easing beyond the target date of 12 April. The walks will start and finish at The Bull at 2pm on Tuesdays. Hopefully the pub will be able to serve us outside after the walk! Should the 12 April target date be moved, the walks will resume on the first Tuesday after the new date. Dave Gilbert, Walk Leader Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 40

150 Years Ago: from School Log Book for April 1871

Mon 3 Apr Master being engaged in taking the Census nearly all day, children had a half

Wed 5 Apr II Standard now work Arith very accurately, scarcely any have more than 1 sum wrong out of three - the majority have all right. Thur 6 Apr Av for week 86.4. Mon 10 Apr Children being very noisy while the Master was attending a Vestry meeting for about ½ an hour, they were all kept in till half past 12. Fri 14 Apr I was much pleased with the Arithmetic of the IV, V and VI Standard this morning, only 4 out of all had more than 1 sum wrong (out of 3). Av for wk 80.9. Mon 17 Apr The 2nd Standard have improved during the last few weeks in Writing and Arithmetic. Tue 18 Apr Choral Festival. Holiday to enable Master and Choir children to attend. Wed 19 Apr Very wet all day, a few children away. Thur 20 Apr Spelling of V and VI Standards was very bad this morning. The Reading Books (Stevens and Hole’s V and VI) are very hard. Fri 21 Apr Average for week 82.0. Tues 25 Apr The 4th Standard work their sums very much more accurately now than they did some little time ago - constant practice has made them more exact. Thur 27 Apr Dismissed School today at 4 instead of 4.30. Fri 28 Apr Last week of the school year. Average for week 84.7. The Average for the year will not be quite so large as last year, attributable to two causes. There had been more trifling sickness such as colds than last year; and we lost a few children when the school pence were doubled. Launton Lines April 2021 | Page 41

Diary Dates: April-May 2021

It looks as though we will be in an extended period of release from lockdown with four key dates ahead: 29 March, 12 April, 17 May, and 21 June. 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 as we go to print. So we list the Parish Council meetings via Zoom (see page 7) on Thursday 1 April and Thursday 13 May. The PHIP AGM will be on Thursday 15 April (see below) and the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday 22 April (see page 11), both via Zoom. Some of the services at St Mary’s will now be in church (see page 12). Elections will be held in person, in the Parish Hall, on Thursday 6 May. Grassroots Football restarts on 29 March, with matches and training on The Playing Fields through to mid-June. The other date is the copy deadline for the May issue of Launton Lines. It will be Tuesday 20 April: send contributions (words and photos) to launtonlines@launton.org.

Parish Hall Improvement Project AGM 15 April 2021: 7.30pm via Zoom Join the Zoom Meeting from 7.20pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85276185625 Meeting ID: 852 7618 5625 Catch up with all the progress on “Doing Something About The Parish Hall (see pages 18-20 for a report) National Awareness Events for April 2021

To try and give us all activities to mark, here are some International Days or Weeks for this month: World Autism Awareness Week | 29 March - 4 April National Pet Month | April National Chocolate Mousse Day | 3 April Bee Active, Bee Healthy, Bee Happy Week | 5-12 April World Health Day | 7 April

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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 third report. Dogs’ Names: Otis; Roxy Ages: 11½; 7½ Gender: Male; Female Breed: English Springer Spaniel; English Springer Spaniel How long in Launton: 11 years 4 months and 7½ years. One interesting fact: Otis was born in Reading (hence the name!) and came to Launton when 7 weeks old. Roxy is the daughter of Otis. I came from: Reading (Otis) and Launton (Roxy was born here) Habits: Both of us sing to the EastEnders’ theme tune Favourite food: Otis, anything - and beer; Roxy, anything Favourite game or toy: Otis, playing with his tennis ball; Roxy, playing with a stuffed toy duck Favourite Launton walk: Skimmingdish Lane; Skimmingdish Lane 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

Two sides of the village in late March

 Snakes Head Fritillary seen on the footpath between West End and The Closes.  The last beam arriving at the new overbridge on Station Road, about to be lifted into place. Photos by Robert Cornford and Keith Dixon

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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.

Launton Lines Issue 246 April 2021