Launton Lines Issue 247 May 2021

May 2021

Issue 247

Entering the world on 25 January 2021 Archie James Bates first grandchild of Anne and Andy Nutt of West End, Launton.

Photo shows new mum Hayley and Archie.

Photo from Andy Nutt, the happy grandfather.

The old Blue Tables from the Parish Hall find happy homes in the village In the April issue we reported that the Parish Hall Committee wanted to dispose of the old, stacking blue tables, and within 12 hours of posting on the Launton facebook page, all 12 had gone to good homes, all remaining in the village. Two went to individuals to use in their gardens, two to the organiser of the Launton Countryside Craft Centre, where they will be seen again at open events; and two to one of the craft makers. The second six went to Derek Turner (see picture on right) who will use them in his greenhouses along Blackthorn Road. All made donations to PHIP. Photos by Robert Cornford The front cover shows the Friends of Island Pond Wood Working Party last month as they complete spreading the second load of wood chippings from Mark Blake. Six weeks later the paths in the Woodland that had been almost impassably muddy are dried hard - but the chippings still help to make a decent surface to walk on. Photo by Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

It has not warmed up much over the last month, but it has certainly dried out. I decided to keep the front cover photo as the spreading of chippings on the mud of the Woodland footpaths made a significant improvement in walking , and we need to remember the very odd weather we have experienced recently..

This issue may be a little late coming to you, mainly because the bank holiday has got in the way. Also the photos of the St. George Quest (pages 23-25) have been a challenge to lay out at the same time as we have started including colour adverts: altogether too many complexities in one issue..

This month we have the quarterly report from Victoria Prentis (page 9), news of the first stirrings of performance from BCOS (page 22) and The Village Players (page 10), and the beginnings of social events from PHIP (page 30) and the Craft Centre (page 27)and a limited Christian Aid Week collection (page 19). There are also two obituaries of long-standing and much loved village residents - Ray Lapper (pages 36-7) and Ela Jeacock (page 14). And, of course, the Road Closures (page 33) continue.

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.

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

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 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 May for entry in the June 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.

5 May | In loving memory of David Frost on the 20th anniversary of his passing.

Husband, Father and Grandfather, from Chris Frost and family 30 May | Sponsored by Clare Farmer.

The years roll by but not forgotten.

Lovingly remembered daughter Louise and sister Wendy.

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 1 April 2021 at 7.30pm online via Zoom

Councillors present Mr James Allpress, Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chair), Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chair) Apologies Mrs Lizzie Chisholm In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; Thaina Sa’id (East West Rail); Councillor Ian Corkin (OCC); six members of the public East West Rail Thaina Sa’id attended the meeting and gave a brief presentation now available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/east-westrail-information/east-west-rail-updates/ (April 2021).

Once the ‘civils’ are completed, the track will be laid, with the additional wiring and signalling with an anticipated completion date of spring 2024.

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A number of bridges along the route were in the process of being strengthened and repaired - including our Bicester Road bridge. However, we have had confirmation that even if there is more work to do on the bridge, it will not be closed during the Station Road closure.

The current works at Charbridge Lane have included digging and installing the pile caps.

The current works at Station Road have continued, although the sides of the bridge will not be started until the road is closed on 12 April. During the closure, the road will be dismantled so that an embankment can be built and the road completely realigned. However, there will still be access to the old Station Master’s house [Editor's note: it is the Crossing Keeper’s house: the Station Master’s house was demolished soon after the station closed].

Variable Message Signs (VMS) are due to be installed at various points along the line of the project and the team would welcome thoughts on the suggested messages to be displayed. Further controls will include Traffic Behaviour Ambassadors who will be deployed to key junctions and areas to ensure that the site traffic is monitored.

Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Corkin (OCC) made a full report.

The consultation for the Banbury Road roundabout was under way and an A41 corridor review (from Junction 9 of the M40 to the Bucks border) was taking place, but much had been put on hold for County Council elections.

He was pleased to report that the Oxford-Cambridge Expressway had been cancelled, but he did highlight the need to monitor the situation because of the issues with the A34 and the roads south of Milton Keynes.

He also reported on the use of some of his Priority funding in the village between 2018 and 2021. The Village Rock Chorus and Launton Lines had received grants of £335 to help with the impact of COVID; the Friends of Launton School had received a grant for outreach into the community (just before the first lockdown) of £1,290 and the fund had also helped with £2,000 of the funding for the Bicester Road School 20mph Zone (with the Parish Council funding the other £3,270).

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

CDC Containing Outbreak Management Fund Councillors considered five applications on Thursday 18 March based on the criteria provided by Cherwell District Council and the Parish’s own Grants Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Policy. The three strongest applications, which were felt to have the greatest benefit to the wider community and were most likely to be successful, were put forward to CDC on 24 March and have now been approved for funding.

The total grant allocation was £3,625 and the successful applicants were: Community Café Support Worker (£1,275) Parish Hall Reopening (£1,250) Friends of Island Pond Wood - Quiet Reflection Area (£1,100) The two unsuccessful applicants were: Launton Plotters Composting Toilet Outreach Support Worker Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk -in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns.

Village Matters Parish Hall The Church’s solicitor has requested that some of the changes suggested by the Diocesan Trustees (Oxford) Limited (the body ultimately responsible for the hall) were not satisfactory. However, the Working Group was content with the Solicitor’s changes, so it was hoped to have a final document ready for consideration at a meeting on 29 April.

Mulberry Homes We sent off the list of questions resulting from the meeting we had before Christmas with the developers, but are still waiting for answers.

Yew Tree Field The Clerk has written to the Planning Team at Cherwell District Council and is still waiting for further advice.

Elections Following an uncontested election, the Council has six Councillors coming into office on 10 May. We look forward to welcoming the following to the Council Abigail Dowman Janice Hawes Ed Sanders Lesley Thompson Simon Turner Jackie Webber Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

We have one vacancy on the Council which will be decided by co-option at a future meeting.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Chris Fox (after 11 years), Lizzie Chisholm, Mike Murphy and James Allpress and would like to thank them for their valuable and dedicated service to the Council and the community.

The elections for the following vacancies will still take place on 6 May in the Parish Hall. the Police and Crime Commissioner; one of the three District Councillor seats (currently Simon Holland) the County Councillor seat (currently Ian Corkin) Agenda items and dates of the next meetings Unfortunately, because of the Government’s refusal to extend the legislation which has enabled Parish Councils to meet online, together with the added uncertainty about whether we are able to meet in person between 7 May and 21 June, we are still waiting to decide the dates of the May and June meetings. We will post the dates on the Parish Council website and Facebook and will send out emails to our mailing list; so if you’re not signed up to our mailing list to receive news from the Parish Painting & Decorating Council, you can find a signup form at the bottom left hand menu of the Specialist Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/ We certainly hope (provided there are no further lockdowns) that the July meeting will be in the Parish Hall on 1 July.

INTERIOR - EXTERIOR Full minutes of Council meetings, once agreed, are available on the PRIVATE - COMMERCIAL Parish Council Notice Boards by The War Memorial, and on the Contact front wall of the Parish Hall, and on Mobile: 07947 822794 the Parish Council website at email: rjwakelin@outlook.com www.launton-pc.gov.uk

R J WAKELIN

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We hope that many of you have already enjoyed walking in the sunshine to see the knights and dragons placed around the village. If you haven’t already undertaken your quest, there is still time - St George’s Launton Quest is open until 8pm on Monday 3 May. As you walk round the village collect the 15 letters (on the display numbers) and unscramble them to find a word. If you are struggling with this then visit the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/quest where you will find a (fairly obvious) clue. While there please consider donating to help St Mary’s Church and the Bicester Refugee Support Group which are both worthy local causes. The Just Giving page will only be open until Friday 14 May so that we can let you know the total amount raised in June’s Launton Lines. Smaller people might just enjoy hunting for the suns on the display numbers and seeing how many they can count in total (you can also find the answer for this on the Just Giving page).

The Quest map is in Launton Lines April issue, or www.launton.org/quest this is also where you can enter the word you have found on your quest to unlock your very own certificate of knighthood.

For those of you who aren’t able to walk the trail you are able to do this virtually by enjoying the photos of the displays on the centre pages of this Launton Lines. Lastly, a tip for those who are questing hard to find number 21 - it is at the end of the footpath past the peace wood in the field with the pony and donkey.

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The quarterly report from our MP, Victoria Prentis

With lockdown restrictions now easing, it does feel as though we are gradually returning to normal. Coronavirus rates in our area have come down significantly, and the pressure on our local NHS is much lighter. Vaccination rollout continues to go extremely well across the county, and we now have a range of testing sites available to us locally, both for those experiencing symptoms and those who are not. While there is no simple fix to overcoming the pandemic, the combination of vaccination, testing and social distancing seems to be working.

Like so many people I was thrilled to meet up with family and friends as soon as we were allowed to see each other outside. We had a memorable sunny Easter lunch, but some fairly chilly meals too. I am really looking forward to getting back out and about on my usual type of visit in the coming weeks; I’m visiting organisations including Bicester Heritage, The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury and the OYAP Trust at the former St Edburg’s School site which have all benefited from Culture Recovery Fund grants. I’m looking forward to hearing more about how they plan to put the money to good use as they get back on their feet again. It will also be good to take part in this year’s Great British Spring Clean which runs from 28 May until 13 June. Regular readers will know that it is an initiative I have supported over the past few years. If anyone is organising their own litter pick, do let me know at victoria.prentis.mp@parliament.uk.

Many of my meetings do still remain online: East West Rail (EWR) recently launched a public consultation on their plans for the Oxford to Cambridge line and have been holding virtual engagement exercises for locals. Passenger and train numbers passing through Bicester Village station and the London Road Crossing are expected to increase significantly as the next phase is rolled out. Barrier down time at London Road has been a concern of mine for some time; it is not clear what the best solution is. EWR have finally published their plans to redesign the crossing, putting forward six different design concepts.

You can read more about the proposals and share your views by visiting: www.eastwestrail.co.uk/consultation. An online public meeting hosted by EWR for residents will also take place on Friday 14 May, 11am-12pm. As with any engagement exercise, I would encourage people to get involved and share their thoughts on the plans.

Victoria Prentis Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Launton Village Players: Exciting News

Launton Village Players are hoping to stage Another Opening, Another Show in an outdoor setting on August 14 and 15 at 2.30pm on each day. We are potentially planning a programme of sketches, poems and songs but are aware that government guidelines may change, so if we can perform, we will, but with extra hygiene and Covid aware measures in place. Rehearsals will begin in the next few weeks on Zoom.

More information about the show will follow in next month’s Launton Lines.

We have also launched our new membership scheme and if you would like to join us, either backstage or on stage, phone us on 01869 277625 or email us on membership@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk We are always open to new members and it would be lovely to hear from you.

We all hope the summer will be a time of more “Openings” and LVP hope we will be able to perform “Another Show.” If you would like simply to find out more about the show or membership please do contact us using the above details.

The LVP team.

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Launton Playing Fields Association

The 2021 LPFA AGM will be on Monday 10 May 2021 at 7pm in the LPFA function room, observing required social distancing protocols.

The agenda is as follows: 1. Chairman’s report 2. Treasurer’s report 3. Re-election/election of officers and committee members 4. A.O.B While members of the public are welcome it would help if those planning to attend let us know beforehand so we can set up the hall accordingly.

We would welcome new committee members so please come along or if you would like to discuss beforehand please feel free to contact us on our website www.lpfa.co.uk or through our facebook page.

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

CHURCH SERVICES FOR MAY 2021

We are happy to be continuing with our long-awaited return to Church during May and have planned the following Services as shown below. These will be held in the Church except for the two on 2 May which will be delivered via Zoom.

To aTTend in ChurCh - please ConTaCT The ChurChwardens To reCeive a Zoom link - please ConTaCT revd peTer

We are still paying meticulous attention to all Government Regulations and Guidance, taking account of the prevailing situation.

Our planned Services are as follows: 2 May 8.00am BCP Holy Communion via Zoom 10.00am Family Service via Zoom “All things Bright and Beautiful” 9 May 6.00pm Evensong In Church 16 May 9.30am Holy Communion In Church 23 May 11.00am Morning Prayer In Church 30 May 9.30am Holy Communion In Church In light of current uncertainties, please refer to 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 Celia Manderson

j.packer779@btinternet.com celiamanderson@aol.com

01869 241694 01869 571735

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Crimewatch: Worried about getting hacked?

Over 15,000 hacked email and social media accounts are reported in one year.

If a hacker got into your email or social media account, what would they find? Health and banking information? Names and contact details for your friends and family? Private photos and messages? For most people, it’s at least one of those.

Your email and social media accounts contain a wealth of personal information about you, which makes them a lucrative target for cyber criminals. Between February 2020 and February 2021, Action Fraud received 15,214 reports about email and social media account hacking. The majority of reports (88%) were made by individuals, with 12% of reports being made by businesses. Analysis of the crime reports revealed that Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat were the most affected social media accounts, with phishing messages being the most common tactic used by cyber criminals to lure unsuspecting victims.

The motivation behind the hacks are varied and can range from financial gain, to revenge or personal amusement. Some victims are extorted for money, whilst others have their accounts used to send malicious links to their contacts. One victim who had multiple email and social media accounts hacked paid over £2,000 to regain access to them. Another victim reported that her hacked Facebook account was used to trick her friends into sending money into a PayPal account they thought belonged to her.

Secure your email and social media accounts in just a few minutes. Here's what you need to do: 1 Use a strong and separate password for your email, as well as other important accounts, such as your banking or social media accounts.

2 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It will help to stop hackers from getting into your online accounts, even if they have your password.

3 If you can’t access your account, search the company’s online support or help pages. You’ll find information about how to recover your account.

For detailed instructions on how to reset your password or enable 2FA on your accounts, visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/secureyouraccounts .

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Ela Jeacock: 1949-2021 In loving memory of Elzbieta (Ela) Jeacock who passed away peacefully on 13 April at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Ela came to Britain in 1963 from Wroclaw, Poland and lived with her auntie and uncle in Piddington. She moved to Launton in 1973 and lived in the village for 48 years where she was known to many.

For most of her life, Ela was a seamstress and was never far from her sewing machine.

Whether she was altering a garment, cutting out cushion covers or upholstering a three-piece suite, she loved to sew.

In the 1990’s, Ela worked at Launton School supervising the children during lunchtime. She supported the school in many other ways over the years and held very fond memories of her time working there.

In her later years, Ela loved being in her garden, reading and walking her beloved Labrador around the village. She also enjoyed travelling to far-away places and experiencing other cultures.

A much-loved wife of Michael and mother to son Darren and daughter Clare. She will be greatly missed by them, her family and friends, and will forever be in our thoughts.

Darren Jeacock

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Contact us at launtonlines@launton.org Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Christian Aid Week Collection 2021

There has been a Christian Aid Week door-to-door collection in Launton for at least 50 years: it has raised over £20,000 since 1978.

In 2020 it didn’t happen because of Covid-19 - the first year that it has been missed. For 2021 we are not planning a door-to-door collection, but Christian Aid Week will still happen between 10 and 16 May - with a difference.

We hope to set up an online donation platform. Meanwhile, people in the village have offered to be collecting points for drop off donations: just put your donation in an envelope, mark it “Christian Aid” and drop in any of these addresses. If you want to receive a receipt, or Gift Aid your donation, write your name and address on the back of the envelope. The collecting houses are: 1 The Spinney; 38 Sherwood Close; 27 The Glades; 2 Ancil Avenue; 8 West End; 44 Sycamore Road; 19 Blenheim Drive. Many thanks to all of them, and to all who make a donation for 2021.

Mary Brydon

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Launton Women’s Institute report for April 2021 April is the birthday month for Launton WI. Sadly this year, just as in 2020, we were not able to get together to enjoy birthday celebrations - especially sad as this is our 80th birthday year and we were looking forward to a party.

Socialising on Zoom doesn’t have the same buzz as a social event with food and fun. So the committee decided on something completely different this year - to present every member with a cheerful and seasonal bunch of daffodils. So 35 beautifully-wrapped bunches were purchased from Nixson at Costcutter by special delivery. Labels had been made and attached by Gaye and Cathy. Committee members then enjoyed visiting WI members to present them with the flowers - in spite of the nasty cold weather! It was worth it for the smiles and “thank you” comments that came our way. There are photos opposite.

April birthdays were celebrated by Sue and Sherie who received hand-made cards.

The committee, particularly the Programme Secretary, is currently reorganising the next meetings for our members, due to the Covid situation. All will be revealed as soon as the diary is put together, with hopefully, a birthday party in 2022.

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Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Meanwhile our next meeting on May 13 is our resolution meeting, which we plan to hold via Zoom. The resolution for discussion is “A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer”.

Hilary Bradshaw The WI Birthday flowers ready for delivery (below) and WI President Helen Aris with her bouquet (right).

Photos from Cathy Procopiou and Gaye Cornford

We received this letter and photograph from Jenny Jones, a member of Launton WI, on 10 April.

Thank you to the Committee for the lovely bunches of flowers delivered personally to each member to commemorate Launton WI’s 80th Birthday.

See report and more photos on pages 16-17.

East West Rail signage round the village spotted in April Spot the difference between numbers 1 and 2. Why do you think the people of Marsh Gibbon or Blackthorn might be concerned at sign number 1?

Sign 4 is about half way up Station Road: if you get this far you will be aware that businesses are o'en as usual as you will have passed a few of them - all o'en. The sign might be better placed on the entrances to the village.

Sign 5 is baffling. Where is Launton Close? Isn't the new housing called Launton Mews? What and where is Station Road Launton Close?

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Let’s Look At Launton: Second Edition

In 2003 Pat Tucker wrote this book about Launton in conjunction with the Launton Historical Society. It’s full of historical facts about areas of the village and houses/buildings etc. Pat describes it as a companion to take on walks round the village … entertaining as well as enjoyable.

Although it was published nearly 20 years ago, most of the information is still relevant, interesting and thought provoking, and will be of interest to all those who have moved into Launton since it was published.

Lesley Thompson has copies if anyone wants one £4.00 each (money goes to The Historical Society).

See the Launton Community Group facebook page for details, or contact Lesley on lesleydlcw@gmail.com

Grange Mews News April 2021

Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease The sunshine is enhancing the return to a “normal” world.

Peter at All People Photography has reopened and with an early flow of clients looks forward to the summer as people catch up on last year.

Bicester Dance Academy have restarted sessions in their new abode for real youngsters: older members are on Zoom but expect physical action soon.

Both Launton Transport and Cherwell Valley Buses are helping education get back to normal, transporting students in the local area: are drivers or students the keenest to re-join the world? With more movement being available the repair part of Launton Transport has also seen growing demand.

Roxie with The Brow Barn, Kirsty with her therapy and nails bar and Hannah with her Osteopath skills all offer a feminine touch to Grange Mews’ offer.

Thank goodness regular clients have ignored the EWR signs which advise of an alternative route to Station Road. There is none.

Except for one office which has become available, the whole of Grange Mews continues to come out of lockdown with a FLOURISH and we continue to be confident of the future.

We let offices and industrial space and can be found at pacox@grangemews.co.uk and our website www.grangemews.co.uk Phone 01869 252846 or 07711 778 230 Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

In praise of the NHS - again!

In the December 2018 issue of Launton Lines I wrote in praise of the NHS for fitting me with a pacemaker, a highly-successful operation.

Just over a year later I attended a clinic and was told “See you in eighteen months”. This surprised me so I asked how long the battery lasted and was told it was about ten years. So I thought “Which will go first, the battery or me?”

In the last weekend of March I began to feel exhausted, particularly after mowing the lawn. On the Sunday I found that my pulse was 120 (instead of 70) so I phoned 111. A paramedic named Ryan came, checked my pulse and did an ECG. He told me to see my doctor, which I did the next day at Bicester Health Centre. After checking me out they told me to go to John Radcliffe A&E, which I did right away and I was sent to an Emergency Assessment ward.

I lay there in bed wondering what was wrong; was it me or was it the

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Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

pacemaker? Would I have more surgery to replace the pacemaker?

Nothing more was done on the Monday and I had a sleepless night owing to all the noise in the ward, beeps and clicks and nurses chatting, some quite loudly. Black mark to JR! When Patsy was a nurse the wards had to be quiet at night!

Towards midday on the Tuesday two technicians from the Heart Centre came with some electronic equipment and apparently reprogrammed the pacemaker in a few minutes. They said “It’s OK now!” and so it was, pulse down to 70! It seemed to me to be a classic case of Arthur C Clarke’s Third Law; “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.

This was magic!

Once again I feel so grateful to the NHS for what they have done.

Next job, my second Covid jab.

John Stephens

Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

News of a new Mikado from BCOS

Like the rest of the world, BCOS (Bicester Choral and Operatic Society) have seen their diaries since early January last year thrown into disarray.

In spring 2020 they saw their plans for a 1960s inspired production of the perennial G&S favourite The Mikado brought to a halt. Initially rescheduled to October last year, they’re now focusing their efforts on bringing the show to audiences this coming spring half term (anticipated dates 3-5 June). Setting the show in the 1960s, at a quintessentially English summer fete, gave the production team great creative scope, with the chance to take the cast and audience down memory lane, both in fashion terms and props!

Presenting a socially distanced version is no simple task!

To comply with social distancing audience numbers will reduce from 220 per night to about 90. Audience members will be seated cabaret style at tables , maintaining social distance from other attendees.

BCOS will be asking the audience to fully embrace the 21st Century; online ticket sales only, with online orders for interval drinks and the introduction of app-based ordering, and access to a virtual programme. On this occasion you won’t hear the announcement “Please turn off your mobile phones!”

The production itself will, out of necessity, differ from the original approach.

First and foremost it will be something more akin to a semi-staged/concert performance.

BUT....

The cast will be fully costumed in their stunning 1960s fashions.  There will be a set, lights, backdrop  The principal performers will perform, socially distanced, front and  centre Audiences will get to witness live theatre/performance for the first time  in over a year.

Ian Muddle, Chair of BCOS said “All of this is dependent on so many things, so all we can ask is that prospective audience members keep close to social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram) and our website for announcements.

If we can make it happen, we will!”

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St George’s Launton Quest April-May 2021 | Presentations 1-12

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St George’s Launton Quest April-May 2021 Presentations 13-23

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St George’s Launton Quest April-May 2021 Presentations 24-32

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Launton Countryside Craft Centre: the first opening

The opening on Sunday 17 April of the Craft Centre at the very very bottom of West End saw bright sunshine and over 100 visitors. The next opening is on Sunday 2 May, then on 16 and 30 May. Photos from Richard Walker

Launton Countryside Craft Centre Opens

THANK YOU to everyone who came and supported the first Launton Countryside Craft Centre opening on Sunday 18 April.

We were overwhelmed by the number of visitors (in the hundreds) and want to say a HUGE thank you for everyone adhering to social distancing/mask wearing/hand sanitising to keep our stall holders and other visitors safe.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next one on Sunday 2 May between 10am and 2pm.

We are rotating some crafters to make sure there is something different to see each time as our core crafters will have new products each time.

If you are a local maker or crafter and would like a table at one of our open days - do get in touch with Jen at 07702 207 387 or email cattleshedcandles@gmail.com.

There are some photos of the first opening on page 26 opposite.

Jenni Walker

Thursday 6 May is Election Day

Although there are no Parish Council elections this year (see pages 6-7 for the 6 nominations, and news of the need to co-opt one further Parish Councillor) there are elections in the Parish Hall on 6 May between 7am and 10pm for the following posts: Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley: candidates are Matthew David Barber (Conservative); Laetisia Carter (Labour and Cooperative Party); John Orrell Howson (Liberal Democrats); Alan Gordon Robinson (Independent) One of three Cherwell District Councillor seats for Launton & Otmoor: candidates are Simon Paul Thomas Mackenzie Holland (Conservative); Joanne Clare Howells (Labour); Calum Alexander Miller (Liberal Democrat) The Oxfordshire County Councillor seat for Ploughley Division: candidates are Ian Corkin (Conservative); Joanne Clare Howells (Labour); Fin MacEwan (Green); Paul Wheatley (Liberal Democrat) Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

A Vet’s Voice: Brave Bertie I often see Bertie on his walks as he lives just along the road. He’s a tall, handsome black Lab who is usually fixated on collecting sticks, rather than meeting people. I have memories of him with multiple small branches in his mouth as though he were collecting firewood!

In January I spotted what appeared to be a slow old dog struggling to walk. He looked different; he’d gained weight and his face looked sad. I couldn’t believe this was Bertie. We had a chat in the road about his condition. He was struggling to walk and not eating well. We knew he had dramatic arthritis in his elbows, but I felt there must have been more going on than just painful joints.

At just over 9, Bertie should still be bright, active and alert despite his elbow problem. We discussed a condition called hypothyroidism where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing a reduction in function. Thyroid hormone has many functions including setting the “metabolic rate” - if your levels fall too low then you can get low energy levels, slow heart rate, weight gain and poor hair growth amongst other things.

We saw Bertie at the practice the next day and started with a thorough clinical examination plus blood and urine tests. This confirmed his thyroid levels to be alarmingly low (the machine just said <6 as it couldn’t measure any lower than this!). The count should have been at least 13 but often its 20 or 30. The other findings were even more worrying - he was anaemic, had a severe urinary tract infection, and had kidney failure.

Bertie was hospitalised for further investigations and to start treatment. Over the next few days we also diagnosed a bacterial infection of the prostate gland and a mass in his spleen. Various other tests ruled out other conditions, so we then had to piece together his conditions. It is likely that Bertie’s overall problem was indeed his under active thyroid which had some severe knock-on effects in his body. His bone marrow had slowed down blood production causing him to become anaemic. It can also reduce immune system function making it easier for the infection to set up in his prostate gland.

Perhaps the most worrying thing was the renal failure. His creatinine levels, (a good measure of the kidney’s waste filtering function), had risen to 485 when it should have been less than 150. This is an uncommon side effect of poor thyroid Launton Lines May 2021 | Page 28

function where kidney blood flow is reduced to the point of affecting function and damaging the kidneys cells, possibly permanently. Unfortunately, his arthritis medication, under these circumstances, may have also had a detrimental effect.

Bertie spent about 5 days in hospital having IV fluids, antibiotics for his prostate, thyroid supplementation plus stomach-settling drugs to get him eating properly.

By the weekend he was much happier, was keen to eat his special renal diet and there were positive signs of slow improvement in the kidneys and blood count.

I’m pleased to say that Bertie has continued to improve. His prostate infection took about 6 weeks to clear up, his thyroid levels have normalised though he needed an increased dose to stabilise things. In early April his creatinine had reduced to 190 which is much improved but still not normal. His blood count is 33%; much better than it was but still a little low. He has lost nearly 5 kg of excess weight and continues to be happy, active and is back to eating well.

The final hurdle was to deal with the mass in the spleen which we had been monitoring over the past 3 months - life threatening splenic tumours are quite common in older retrievers, so it was important to remove this when it was safe to do so. We also opted to castrate Bertie which would greatly reduce the risk of a repeated prostate infection. Brave Bertie has come through this final stage with flying colours. He will need thyroid ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS medication for life, and we will monitor his renal function and blood count. Of course, he also has his HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING elbow arthritis to contend with, and INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATING we need to be very selective about PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING medication because of his kidney disease.

It’s been a tough 6 months for Bertie FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL and his family who have shown great dedication to their beloved canine PETER N. SOUTHAM friend. We can now be pretty 01869 278333 optimistic about his future and I’m pleased to say that he no longer OR looks like a plodding old man as he 07721 633 220 searches the field for sticks! Good old Bertie! peteroofer@aol.com Enjoy your pets.

INSURANCE APPROVED Jason Williams | Bicester Vets Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Parish Hall Improvement Project Report

There are three main things to report: The first PHIP event since 12 September last year We are planning to hold a fundraising event outside the Hall on Saturday 3 July between 10am and noon. It will be offer Bake, Plant and Produce stalls and, if government advice allows, refreshments: we also hope that we can open the toilets too and we can introduce the new tables. There will be more information later - as it becomes clearer what will be allowed by that date: whatever will be allowed will be what we do. Note the date and start planning your contributions!

The appeal for information about the Hall So we can start detailed planning with the architect we want to find any old drawings, photos or descriptions of the Hall after it was built. It has surprised us that we have not been able to track down any detailed coverage in local newspapers as the Hall was being built or in its early years. There are some interior photos from the early years but we are specially interested in any photos of the outside. We want to know what it looked like before it had pebble dash added, with the window above the front door unblocked, and when there was only a covered area on the front, before the front doors were added. If anyone has any material that can help us, or can suggest places to look, or can remember it in the 1930s, please contact Robert Cornford on 01869 241883 or by email at rcornford47@gmail.com.

A report of the AGM held by Zoom on 15 April There were 17 people on Zoom, and three apologies. We are nearly there with the legal documents, and hope to have these completed very soon. Once done, we can then start working with the architect appointed by the Parish Council. We have purchased new tables and chairs for the Hall, and have found good homes (in exchange for donations) for the old blue tables - all in the village. At the end of the year PHIP had a total of £21,071.54 in the bank, but some of this will be drawn on in the year to come.

All the officers will continue for the coming year: Martin Evans as Chair; Celia Evans as Secretary; Audrey Deeley as Treasurer; Robert Cornford as Communications and Publicity Coordinator.

The next AGM will be on Thursday 31 March 2022.

Robert Cornford Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Spring in the village: birds and blossom

Moorhen and Chick, and a Goose, on the Island Pond Spring Blossoms: Russet, Red Apple, and Cherry with a Bee

Peace of mind for pet owners...

Compassionate and Caring at all times  Long opening hours for your convenience  24 hour on-site nursing care standard for all hospitalised patients  24 hour Emergency service provided by our vets at our practice  A service that's second to none from North Oxfordshire's most  established, independent, speciality small animal practice..

Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

The new display noticeboard for East West Rail on the Skimmingdish /Charbridge Lane roundabout with some interesting drone photos of the work.

Stop by and check on the contents on your walk into Bicester or Langford.

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

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Road Closures Report correct at 16 April 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. Until 25 March 2022: Station Road, Launton will be CLOSED from beyond Grange Farm for the construction of the new overbridge and road alignment (EWR). Weekends: 8 and 9 May; 15 and 16 May; 22 and 23 May; 29 and 30 May: Poundon, Stratton Audley Road will be CLOSED at weekends for resurfacing and road repairs. 10 May 2021 to 6 August: Twyford, Steeple Claydon Road will be CLOSED for bridge repair works 28 August to 2 September: Bicester, London Road Crossing will be CLOSED to facilitate alterations to the signalling system and operation of the level crossing These closures are correct as at 16 April 2021. There are updates on the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/roadclosures/ 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!

thevillageclinic.co.uk Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Blackthorn 01869 253552 info@thevillageclinic.co.uk

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Launton businesses and the Covid-19 pandemic

We are now well into our series on village businesses, asking how they have coped with the Covid-19 pandemic. The articles have been researched by Danny Cunningham.

This month’s business is a start-up, Harleco Active. Its owner, Alicia de Lange, tells us what she’s been doing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

I’m Alicia. My business is Harleco Active. It’s an eco-friendly women’s activewear brand.

2. When and how did you start the business?

I had been planning since January 2020 and launched in November. I had decided I wanted to start a clothing business and as I did my research it became really clear to me that I wanted to make it as sustainable as possible.

Once the first lockdown took place I was no longer able to do my day job, which is teaching figure skating. Although I carried on with some online fitness training for my pupils, it meant I had a lot more time on my hands to dedicate to Harleco.

3. How has it changed since you started?

The idea has developed over time. I started out wanting to create a brand specifically for figure skaters but it developed into a platform for women who enjoy any form of exercise and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Learning more about sustainable choices opened my eyes to the negative impact fast fashion has on the environment. It then became really important to me to be as eco-friendly as possible.

My packaging is all recyclable and compostable. My fabrics are made from recycled plastics and unused fishing nets along with other plastic waste.

4. Who is your typical customer?

My typical customer is someone who loves the comfort of athleisure wear, who enjoys getting active and keeping fit. Ladies who like to take part in gym classes or yoga, mums that want to look after themselves after having a baby, basically anyone who likes taking care of their mental and physical health through movement.

5. What makes you special/different from similar businesses?

The fact we are an eco-friendly business, with a lot of our products being Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

manufactured in the UK. Many other brands are not using eco-friendly fabrics or are manufactured abroad. I try to educate people on slow fashion, sustainability and looking after our planet. I am a single mum who works hard, and I want to show my daughter that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to and to be a good example to her. I think that is really relatable for a lot of people. Plus doing a bit of exercise makes you feel so good! And I want to help people feel confident in what they are wearing and doing.

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

Covid has meant that my normal day job has not been able to happen.

Trying to keep my pupils, who are mostly children and teens, motivated and happy has been really tough as each new lockdown has happened. Ice skating is a huge passion for these children and a massive part of their lives and they all just can’t wait to be back on the ice. With the new business, I have had to adapt certain aspects, such as sample fittings, have all had to be done via zoom rather than in person which has been tricky as this is my first time doing this.

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

I am currently looking into charities that I can support through the business.

I would really like to start building a team of people to help grow the awareness of the brand and to boost sustainable fashion.

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

A story we always laugh about is when my dad almost bought 100 bread rolls from Tesco when my mum’s list actually said Loo rolls!

You can find me online at www.harleco.co.uk and Facebook Harleco active Alicia de Lange, Harleco Active Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Lily Ray Lapper 21 November 1927-5 March 2021

Lily Ray Lapper passed away on 5 March 2021, aged 93 years.

Ray (as she was always known) was born in Launton on 21 November 1927: she was one of eight children and, although the family was poor, her father being a farm labourer, Ray and Sylvia (her sister) always talked of a happy childhood and said that they were well fed. All the children of the family attended the village school.

Sadly, life changed for the family when Ray was a teenager after her younger brother Kenny died. Her parent’s marriage crumbled, and Ray spoke of arriving home one day to find her mother and her two younger sisters gone.

From then on she took on the role of running the family home and looking after her father and brother. This arrangement carried on even after she married Bill as her father simply moved in with the newly-married couple.

Jenny and Jane remember the house being a bit crowded but a happy one, full of humour.

It wasn’t until her father had passed away and the children had grown up that Ray went back to work. For the next twenty years she wo0rked at Woolworths in Bicester until, as was the case then for women, she had to retire at 60. But not yet ready to give up work she then went to work at the village bakery shop on the corner of the butchers.

At times Ray could be eccentric. Jenny remembers the first time her late husband came to call for her and he found Ray with her head in the oven.

He must have thought the worst, panicking that she was trying to gas herself. It was only when he realised it was an electric oven (there was no gas in Launton) that he found out that this was her way of drying her hair.

Jane recalls a time when her Mum was angry when a planter was knocked over and wet mud was found on the carpet. Well, it was “wet mud” until she was told that the dog had caused the incident and it quickly turned into “just a bit of dust”. Ray loved dogs and they loved her – especially if there was food around.

Ray was a keen gardener and loved to be outdoors barefoot; even when hanging out her washing in the depths of winter she would be shoeless. The day she took her driving test she asked the examiner if it was possible to take it barefooted: when he agreed she promptly threw her shoes onto the back seat.

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Some of Ray’s happiest years were when she and Bill went ballroom dancing, from the late Mr Cannon’s at Launton Sports and Social Club to Cowley Conservative Club and to Woodford Halse in Northamptonshire they went a couple of hights a week and made many friends across the area in doing so.

Most of all, along with her beloved Bill, Ray had a great love for her family: her daughters Jenny and Jane, her grandchildren Sharon and Sammy and Mark and Darren and her seven great grandchildren Connie, Oliver, Georgia, Mia Grace, Alfie and Emily. Ray was never happier than when surrounded by them all, and was lucky enough that they all lived nearby. Has she lived another couple of months she would have become a great great grandmother as Connie is due to have a baby in May. Ray and Bill were born just over three months apart and grew up in the village together. They always agreed that when one died they hoped the other wouldn’t be far behind: Ray passed away just nine weeks after Bill, on what would have been his 93rd birthday. It is a great comfort to us in the family to know that they both got their wish.

The family would like to thank all the neighbours for coming to see Ray off, the Rev Peter Wright for his kindness to Jenny and Jane and for the lovely funeral service, and Joan Packer for her help in church and also for arranging for the church to be lit up in Bill’s memory on his birthday on what turned out to be the Ray’s day of passing. It was a great comfort to the family that night to be able to go and stand outside the church and remember them both and think of them reunited.

Finally, no-one could have asked for a better Mum and Dad or grandparents: God bless you both and from all the family “Arrivederci, Mum”.

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The Changing Face of Football I played football for many years and have watched it since childhood. It used to be such a violent game, compared to today’s genteel football. I’ll share with you some of the changes that I’ve noticed over these years.

Back in the 1960s, the Workington Reds (Division 4) players that I watched were closer to the fans, literally and within their community. One player was sometimes seen on matchdays having a pint in the pub, then walking to the ground with spectators, before changing into his kit and strolling out to play.

The players lived in the town, not in mansions in the countryside. In 1965, the Reds signed one of the earliest black professionals in the Football League, a 20-year-old Scot called Peter Foley. As well as familiar bananas and monkey chants, at one away match he was greeted by a chant of “Zulu! Zulu!” Those innocent days of complimentary racism. I wonder if that’s changed.

Back then, there was more physical violence. Goalkeepers got no protection.

Older readers will remember seeing Harry Gregg of Manchester United being body-checked into the net by Bolton’s Nat Lofthouse in the 1958 FA Cup Final and left in a heap. The goal stood. Younger jaws will drop in horror.

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Watch it on YouTube. These days, VAR would have him prosecuted for GBH. The same would apply to numerous violent defenders - ‘Chopper’ Harris of Chelsea, or ‘Bite Yer Knees’ Norman Hunter of Leeds. VAR would have exploded. There’d have been enough red cards for matches to be abandoned for lack of players.

That same menace applied to football managers, who were tyrants. Brian Clough wouldn’t succeed today. He’d probably have been arrested. He treated some star players with utter contempt. As a young man, Roy Keane played for Clough’s Nottingham Forest. On how to handle him, Clough remarked: “I only ever hit Roy the once. He got up so I couldn’t have hit him very hard”. But Clough could also turn around the careers of ‘troublesome’ players. In the early 1970s, a Glasgow bruiser, Kenny Burns, signed for Birmingham City. It’s alleged that in training he once injured teammate Trevor Francis so badly he couldn’t play in the next match, despite appearing in the programme. His manager was delighted to sell this trouble-maker to Forest in 1977. Over the next four years, Burns won a First Division title, two League Cups, two European Cups, and two Forest Player of the Year awards.

He’d been transformed by Clough and assistant Peter Taylor. Clough took no nonsense. Nobody was special, except Brian! He signed English football’s first £1 million player - Trevor Francis. One match day, Francis was injured.

Clough asked him to make him and other players a cup of tea, then told the press. Next day, Francis was being described as the ‘million pound tea boy’.

Some managers had other qualities. In the early 1980s, QPR’s Terry Venables wanted to discourage one of his star players, Stan Bowles, from blowing his wages on the wrong things. It’s claimed that Stan’s wages were paid directly to his wife! In the 1980s, Manchester United was a drinking club, until Alex Ferguson stopped it and moved on some of the worst offenders, like the wonderfully talented but drink-prone Paul McGrath. He signed talented players with a bright future, like Forest’s Roy Keane in 1993. Soon after, I spotted Roy in McDonalds in Altrincham, though I suspect his diet improved after that, once he’d settled in south Manchester. Ferguson is remembered for his protective approach to the younger players - the famous ‘class of 1992’ Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Robbie Savage. Even though they were just youth team players, Ferguson was there to watch them on training nights, he’d be in regular contact with their parents, he’d instil in them a team ethic. He instinctively knew which players needed an arm around their shoulder and which needed a kick up the rear end. He clearly chose well the players who needed his more robust treatment, because his success needs no further comment.

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Perhaps the most important influence in modern English football management was Arsène Wenger. In 1996, he started at Arsenal and, apart from Chelsea’s Ruud Gullit, was the only foreign manager in the recently established Premier League. Back then, the pre-match meal was still steak and chips. He quickly clamped down on drinking, bad food and other bad habits. The club cafeteria stopped serving burgers and chips. Instead, it served fish or chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. He moved out some players, and brought in overseas players like Patrick Viera, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires. He blended them with good local players. He wanted footballers to be trained athletes - watching their weight, managing their nutrition, discouraging alcohol. Wenger was also a trained economist, who knew about value-formoney. Over the years, he signed talented teenagers for modest sums - Cesc Fabregas, Nicolas Anelka, Robin van Persie, Hector Bellerin, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Wenger drove improvements in science and player facilities that turned players into elite athletes. It’s commonplace now to see psychologists, personal trainers, osteopaths, specialist coaches, dietitians, training grounds with comfortable sleeping facilities, restaurant-quality catering. Wenger started everybody else followed. He changed training methods. He changed the playing style by dropping Arsenal’s defensive approach. He brought in a fastpaced attacking style that encouraged players like Dennis Bergkamp. Out went the ‘long ball’ with lots of headers and tackles. In came precision passing, slick interplays, playing the ball to feet. The clue’s in the name - football.

Along with José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola is probably the highest profile overseas manager. When Wenger left Arsenal in 2018, Pep was asked for a comment. The Manchester City coach replied generously: “The Premier League is the Premier League because of what he has done.” Wenger ranks with Ferguson in terms of achievement.

A lot has changed since I started watching football. Managers can’t be tinpot dictators. Violence on the pitch has fallen sharply. Instead, players are trained like Shakespearian actors to collapse dramatically to get a penalty. Football is like theatre. And who’d have thought that by 2021 one footballer could change the policies of our U-turning and non-elite athlete Prime Minister?

He’s a 23-year-old black lad, who grew up on one of Europe’s biggest, roughest council estates in south Manchester, and still suffers racist abuse the soon to be Lord Rashford of Wythenshawe. Much has changed, and for the better. Some things are still catching up.

Danny Cunningham Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald May 1871 12 May A DISASTER AT LAUNTON occurred on Sunday May 7. Mr James Reeves, carrier, when coming out of his house, slipped down and broke his leg, just above the knee joint. The sufferer is under the care of Mr JH Croft, surgeon, Bicester, and is progressing favourably.

19 May LAUNTON BRITISH SCHOOL is so far prosperous. Friends are assisting the fund. There are about 30 scholars on the book, with an average attendance of upwards of 40, and the payment is only one penny per week.

26 May BIRTHS May 23, at the Bull Inn, Launton, the wife of Mr Josseph Freeman, of a son.

DEATHS May 17 at Launton aged 9 days, Laura Hetty, and on May 21, aged 13 days, Gertrude, twin daughters of Mr James Read, brickmaker.

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Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy: In memory of some special people, recently passed away This picture is as I remember seeing the Queen and Prince Philip for the very first time in the flesh. Sutton Coldfield being my birth town, and also that of my mum, we were visiting relatives, having travelled up from Launton when I was nine years of age.

For those who have never seen it, Sutton Park is enormous and my little legs got very tired on that day.

As I recall, the weather was very changeable but that didn’t spoil the fantastic spectacular of seeing thousands of scouts gathered from across the whole world, topped by seeing the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh twice that day. Once in the Park as they drove by inspecting the scouts followed by once as they were driven in their open-topped Land Rover through the town, either going to or coming from a civic dinner at the Town Hall. They were a very handsome couple indeed and they have left a lasting image in my mind from all those years ago. As Prince Philip was fast approaching his one hundredth birthday, I think most of us thought that he would not be with us for very much longer, especially after his most recent stay in hospital for an operation. It was, nationally, very sad news indeed to hear that he had passed away. May he rest in peace, safe in God’s hands! And may our thoughts and prayers be with Her Majesty, the Queen and the whole of the Royal Family at this very sad time.

This brings me to the second of my special people. Now, they may not have had the regal trappings of royalty or world notoriety such as that of the Queen and the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, but their joint longevity was not all that far short of the Royal couple, so much so that they seemed to me, an ex-Launtonian, to have been around almost forever with, for me, very little sign of conducting any changes thereto. So, it was with great sadness that I read in a very recent copy of Launton Lines that Bill Lapper had passed away.

Like the late Robert (Bob) Ancil, Bill and his wife Ray seem to me to have Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

been around forever. Bearing in mind I am now seventy three and I was at Launton School with their eldest daughter Jenny, then you’ll see what I mean.

Just a few years ago, I can’t remember exactly how many as I tend to lose track of time these days (life being a bit like a toilet roll, the closer you get to the end, the quicker it seems to go), while Julie and I had come up from Kent to visit my relatives, we went to visit the grave of my mum and dad in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, Launton. As we walked from the gate and into the churchyard, drawing level with the church porch, I noted a couple walking towards us, obviously in the process of leaving the churchyard. At first I didn’t recognise them, eyes not being what they once were, even with wearing spectacles, but as they drew nearer I realised it was Bill and Ray Lapper.

In the polite manner in which I was brought up as a child, I greeted them with, “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Lapper”. They stood stock still and looked at me in wonderment. How come I knew their names was registered on their faces. “Who are you?” questioned Ray. Now I knew they would know my brother Cliff (having stayed relatively locally) and they knew my sister Elaine. So I responded accordingly with, “Well you know Clifford Jeacock and Elaine Jeacock as was, well, I’m their elder brother, Tony and this is my wife Julie”.

Ray then said something very complimentary about me, which I shall not go into here, and before you knew it, we were well into a long and very pleasant conversation. Ray mentioned how very ‘house-proud’ my mum was, and by golly, she was. Bill on the other hand quietly took me to one side and said if I hadn’t already done so, I ought to have my prostate checked out. Clearly he had experienced problems himself, but to what extent I don’t know. Whatever it was, he obviously got it sorted.

Strangely though, the time came when I had to have mine checked (and I thought of Bill at the time), only to find I had prostate cancer. (In about three months time I am due a follow-up consultation subsequent to having recently undergone radiotherapy treatment).

Anyway, coming back to Bill and Ray Lapper, I honestly cannot recall a time when I lived in Launton all those years ago, when they were not together. Such an absolutely devoted couple and a very integral part of the old Launton that I remember! Ray was, as many of you may know, Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

formerly a Massey, one of the best known surnames in the village. Her father, Charlie (Chas) Massey was the jaunty individual who used to arrange the village day trips to the seaside or places like Stratford-uponAvon in the days when my dad used to drive the coach on such occasions.

She also had a brother, Pete Massey, who was a character in his own right.

I also remember how they were one of the first in the village to put decorative butterflies on the front wall of their house, all part of being keen and very proud gardeners.

Now it had been my intention to pay tribute to Bill in my last submission to Launton Lines, until at the last minute I was advised by Rob Cornford that sadly, Ray had since passed away too, lending credence to my assertions that I could not remember them ever having been apart.

I should like within these pages to offer my sincerest condolences to Jenny and Jane and their respective families, together with Bill’s brothers, ‘Whip’, Ron and Denner (and I fear that I cannot remember the other).

Bill and Ray may be gone, but they left their mark on the village and it was a good one. May they both rest in peace in each other’s arms and in the lap of God! Launton will be a slightly less colourful place for their departing, but Heaven will most certainly be blessed.

Hopefully, a happier note next month!

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

100 Years Ago: from the School Log Book May 1921 Monday 2 May Examined Registers. F M Burton.

Thursday 5 May Commenced ordinary lessons at 9am this morning to go to Church at 11, being Ascension Day. Half-holiday in the afternoon.

Friday 6 May Average for the week 78.8.

Friday 13 May The School was closed for the Whitsuntide Holidays today at noon (2 wks). Average for the week 82.1. Frances M Marriott is better, and is returning after the holidays to her duties.

Monday 30 May Re-commenced school to-day. Attendance good.

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150 Years Ago: from the School Log Book for May 1871

Mon 1 May Children have been in the habit of having a half holiday and games on the Rectory Lawn on May Day; but as this is near the Government Inspection we have for one or two years postponed the holiday until after the inspector’s visit.

Tue 2 May Rev JC Blomfield did not take his Scrip[ture] Class this morning.

Thur 4 May Arith[meti]c of IV, V and VI Stds gets daily more certain.

Fri 5 May Av for week [blank] Mon 8 May Readmitted Mary A Truby, who went away from the village but has returned.

Thur 11 May Examined all Classes in Arith[metic] when only one child failed to find correct answers to two out of three exercises.

Fri 12 May Thos Newton 2 Class.

HW Bellavis Mon 15 May Admitted George Freeman.

Thur 18 May Ascension Day. Gave the children a half holiday.

Mon 22 May Admitted Henry Taylor.

Tue 23 May Day Holiday to enable Master to go out.

Fri 26 May Broke up for Whitsuntide Holidays.

The Grumpy Old Men of Launton Wake Up As the two pubs in the village reopen we have started making plans to get together in their gardens (just as long as it’s not too cold). We have not managed to get a quorum of our members into a garden so far, but the forecast is looking more positive so we hope that we will be able to return to your pages for the next month’s issue. In the meantime we all hope that both the white and the yellow paint marks on the village roads means there will soon be a burst of activity from the County Council . Here’s hoping!

Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

Diary Dates: May-June 2021

It seems that the extended period of release from lockdown will be with us until at least 21 June, so we have continued to list only those public events that we know will be going ahead (subject to changes in government advice) as we go to print.

Two of the three pubs (The Bull and The Launton Arms) are now serving drink and food outside on restricted hours to seated parties, with the next step increasing the maximum number of people and opening inside service.

Grassroots Football restarted in March with matches and training continuing on The Playing Fields (see photo opposite). The Launton Quest ends on 3 May (page 8), the next Countryside Craft Centre show is on 2 May with two more planned in the month (page 27), and Elections take place in The Parish Hall on 6 May (page 27). The LPFA AGM (page 11) is on 10 May, and a restricted Christian Aid Week is planned for 10-16 May (page 15). BCOS is planning a Covid-compliant version of The Mikado (pages 22 and 48), The Village Players are working on an open-air Summer Show for August (page 10), and PHIP is planning an open-air market outside the Hall on 3 July (page 30).

In the past we have been able to list Parish Council meetings via Zoom but owing to what appears to be government absent- mindedness, law allowing Parish Councils to meet virtually has lapsed (page 7). Most of the services at St Mary’s will now be in church (page 12).

The other date we can confirm is the copy deadline for the June issue of Launton Lines. It will be Thursday 20 May: send contributions (words and photos) to launtonlines@launton.org.

National Awareness Events for May 2021

To try and give us all activities to mark, here are some International or National Days or Weeks or Months for May: World Maternal Mental Health Month | May National Walking Month | May Share a Story Month | May Local and Community History Month | May International Workers’ Day; May Day | 1 May World Asthma Day | 2 May World Red Cross Week | 4-9 May

International Day of the Midwife | 5 May World Fairtrade Day | 9 May Christian Aid Week | 10-16 May Walk to School Week | 18-21 May World Goth Day | 22 May National Children’s Gardening Week | 23-30 May English Wine Week | 23-30 May Oak Apple Day | 29 May

Launton Lines May 2021 | Page

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 fourth report.

Dog’s Name: Lucy Age: 10 Gender: Female Breed: Labrador How long in Launton: 10 years One interesting fact: Lucy loves Island Pond Wood so much that she will even take herself down to the pond and sit there when no one is looking I came from: Quainton Habit: Following everyone around Favourite food: All food Favourite game or toy: playing with a ball Favourite Launton walk: Island Pond Wood If you would like your dog to feature in this column please email Kathy Gilbert, kathleengilbert533@googlemail.com or phone The Dog Of the

Is this the new normal?

A sign of the approaching more normal times at the Playing Fields on 11 April, with a sanitising station and QR Code to log into NHS Track and Trace and, in the far distance, two teams playing football on the field. We hope to have a report in the next issue from the Football clubs on the progress of their season.

Photo by Robert Cornford

Launton Lines May 2021 | Page 47

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.