Launton Lines Issue 280 March 2024

DefibrillatorAwarenessTrainingintheHall

On Saturday 27 January there was a Defibrillator Awareness Training course in the Parish Hall. This coincided with the installation of another defibrillator in the village on the front wall of the Parish Hall (see page 12 of this issue of Launton Lines), joining the ones at The Bull, in the School, and at the LSSCbuilding.

The training also marked the replacement of the machine in the cabinet at The Bull after it was used at the end of 2023.

The training, provided by South Central Ambulance Services, provided basic training in the use of a defibrillator, and advice on identifying and responding to health emergencies.

The dummies used were probably the only ones present not very aware of the temperature in the Hall.

The front cover shows a winter sunrise in Launton. Here’slooking forward to spring! See page 39 for a winter sunset. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by EllaRayner

TheEditorwrites…

Apologiesforthelatenessofthisissue,causedbysoftwareproblems,anda closeencounterwithalumpofconcretethatslowedmedownalittleasmy eyesightrecovered.Thisisbackto48pagesasourcontributorswentinto overdrive:Ihadtoquicklyaddfourpagesandrejigthelayout.

ThecoverstartedasamoodyphotoofavillagesunrisefromEllaRayner,then MattwenttoworktoproducethebestcoverI'veseensinceIbecameeditorin 2015.Thereisanotherphoto(sunset)fromEllaonpage39.

ThereisanEasterthemetothisissue:page11listsalltheEasterservicesat StMary’s;pages28-9and40hasnewsoftheSpringeventinthe WoodlandonSaturday23March,andTheSchoolEasterEggHunton thenextdayfeaturesonpages16and47.Thebackcoverpromotesthe TytheBarnQuizon8March.TheSpringVillageCleanUpisonpage8. AreviewofthePantoRapunzelisonpages34-7,withaphotocollageon pages24-5andnewsoffutureactivitiesonpage27.TheonlineAGMofthe LauntonLinesgroup(LCCG)isonpage33,andthereisnewsoffuture plansasLauntonSportsandSocialmarktheir50thanniversary(page13) andanappealforstoriesandphotosofthehallandfieldonpage17.Page21 introducesanewLauntonauthorwithareportfromSharonJeacock,and MPVictoriaPrentiswritesonpages14-15.

RobertCornford

LauntonVillageSupport:ContactDetails

Groupemail:village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk

PHONENumbers:9:30amto5:00pm

07522 231 100 - Janice |

07305 303 889 - Jane Olds(Launton Parish Council)

01869 241755 - Lesley | 07921 392 201 - AbiDowman

01869 242685 - Nick Cherry Pharmacy Runner

AmonthlynewsletterforLaunton.Publishedaroundthefirstofeachmonth bytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroup©2024LauntonLines email:launtonlines@launton.orgwebsite:https://launton.org/launton-lines/

Chair:JonSpinage|Secretary:TobyAspel|Editors:RobertCornford,MattHill|Treasurer:CarinaCollins

Distribution:ShirleyJohnson|Advertising:JenniWalker

Contact the Parish Council CouncilClerk|MrsJaneOlds

Address|13OakClose,Bicester,OX263XD

email|clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk

Phone|07305303889

To

Contact: Joan Packer

Phone: 07922 042 133

Parish Hall Committee: Christine Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner; RobertCornford

LIGHTUPALIFE

Would you like to sponsor an evening’sfloodlighting at StMary’sChurch in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, birthday, or wedding?

A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 March 2024 for entry in the April 2024 issue of Launton Lines.

March 6 |

Sponsored by a friend.

Remembering RosemarieStubbings, a dear friend to many, who has sadly, recently passed away. God Bless.

An Appeal to Users of The Churchyard

Because of the amount of rain over the winter, the churchyard is very wet: in fact there is often standing water in it, and footprints are stirring up mud.

I respectfully ask those walking in or through the churchyard to avoid stepping on graves. This can be distressing for the families, apart from being disrespectful. It would also be appreciated if people do not stand or lean on any gravestones or memorials, as the wet weather has made them susceptible to movement. Also PLEASE, if your dog does a ‘poo’, pick it up and take it to a ‘dog poo’ bin - please.

Thank you

Joan Packer [Church Warden]

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 1 February 2024 at 7:30pmin

Launton Parish Hall

Councillors present MrAndrewBriant, MrEdSanders (Vice Chairman), MrsLesley Thompson, MrRichardWalker, MrsJaqueline Webber

Apologies MrsAbigailDowman, MrSimon Turner (Chairman)

In attendance The Clerk, MrsJane Olds; 8 members of the public

East West Rail

No report had been received. If anyone has any queries, please contact directly at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.ukor call the 24 hour helplineat 03457 11 41 41

Reports from District and County Councillors

CllrCoton(CDC) sent her apologies.

No report had been received from CllrCorkin(OCC).

Finance

The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.

Planning

All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council websitewhen received (www.launton-pc.gov.ukin the Agenda and Minutes section).

If a villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments.

Guidance on how the Parish Council can respond is on the Parish Council website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications

Parish Hall

The Parish Council is very grateful for the support which the previous management committee has given to the Hall and church over the years; now that the Parish Council has taken over the management of

the Parish Hall, we need members to join a new Management Committee!

Could you be that person? Have you used the Hall? Would you like to help to shape its future?

WehavenowmadeafullapplicationtotheDepartmentforLevelling Up,Housing&Communities’(DLUHC)CommunityOwnershipFund for£240,000which,ifsuccessful,willfundalmosthalftheproject. We are still waiting for a new installation date from Gigaclear.

Highway and Traffic Issues

We are hoping that the Vehicle Activated Signs which will be placed at the entrances to the village on BlackthornRoad, Station Road and Bicester Road will be installed in the next couple of months.

Additional Defibrillator and the SCASCommunity First Responder Training

We hope you have noticed the new defibrillator and cabinet on the front of the Parish Hall. The defibrillator is now ready for action, should the need arise.

Thank you to all who attended the training on 27 January and to everyone who made a donation – we collected a further £165 for the SCASCharity. We hope that those who came found it useful. For those who are interested, but couldn’tcome, please let us know and we will try to arrange another session in the autumn.

Village Spring Clean

A date for your diaries. We will be holding our annual Spring Clean and litter pick on Saturday 9 March between 10amand 12noonfrom the Parish Hall (see page 8 for more details). Do come and join us!

Advance Notice of the Village Annual Parish Meeting

The Village Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday 18 April at 7.30pmin the Parish Hall. 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 Oldsknow by Wednesday 3 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 Oldsat clerk@launtonpc.gov.uk

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings

The next meeting will be on Thursday 7 March 2024 in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm.If you’dlike to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

We are trying to reduce our printing and paper use, so if you would like hard copies of the agenda or any of the meeting papers, please let the Clerk know well before the meeting. The agenda and papers will be available to view via the data projector during the meeting. Suggestions for agenda items for the 4 April 2024 meeting need to be with the Clerk by 20 March, and items for the 2 May 2024 meeting by 18 April.

If you’re not signed up to our mailing list to receive news from the Parish Council, you can find a signupform at the bottom left hand menu of the Parish Council websiteat www.launton-pc.gov.uk/

Launton Watercolour Art Group

The Watercolour Classes have their regular meetings for March on Mondays 4, 11, 18 and 25. All meetings will be in the Parish Hall from 2pm. There will not be a meeting on Monday 1 April (Easter Monday).

We have space for some new members at £8 per session.

Here is a still life from a member of the class.

If you would like to join the class, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com

AmessagefromRev’dSarahMortimer

I’vebeen made to feel so welcome in my new post of Team Vicar including the privilege of looking after St Mary’sLaunton. I’m looking forward to getting to know Launton - the people, the place and the pursuits. I have already ticked some boxes on my wishlist:

leading church worship across many generations

going into StMary’sSchool to take an assembly

drinking tea at the Community Café

enjoying being part of the audience for the Launton Village Players Panto Rapunzel

making purchases at the village shop

and (of course) reading (and now contributing to) Launton Lines

If you see me around do say hi and if there are things you think should be on my wishlist, let me know – I’vegot lots to discover. And I’m always happy to talk about matters of life and faith and to pray. I look forward to meeting you.

You are most welcome to join the March Services and Events listed. Services

3 March

8.00amBCPHoly Communion

11.00amFamily Service - All welcome!

10 March Mothering Sunday

11.00amSpecial Family Communion Service

6.00pmEvensong

17 March

11.00amHoly Communion

24 March Palm Sunday

11.00amHoly Communion

29 March Good Friday

2.00pm-3.00pmLast hour reflection with hymns

30 March

3.00pmEaster Storytimewhen the Children will assemble the Easter Garden

31 March Easter Sunday

11.00amHoly Communion

Please check on the Facebookpage for StMary’sChurch Launton to see the latest information, or contact one of the Churchwardens at StMary’s

Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com01869 241694

Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com01869 571735

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Please note that the Lent Course continues until 18 March every Monday in the Church from 2.30pmto 4.00pm, .



The Community Café is open on 5, 12, 19, and 26 March and closes at 4.30pmon 26 March for the school holiday..



Othernewsinthisissue

The TytheBarn Quiz details on page 44

An introduction from Rev’dSarahMortimeron page 10

Additional Village Defibrillator

We are pleased to announce that the Parish Council has now arranged for an additional defibrillator which has been installed on the outside of the Parish Hall (what3words: ///dizzy.impresses.hockey).

This has been provided by the London Hearts Charity with matched funding, and installation costs, paid by the Parish Council. We, obviously, hope it is never needed, but if it is, it is now fully available and registered with the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

As with any defibrillator, once you have dialled 999, the Ambulance call handler will tell you if it is needed, where your nearest appliance is and will give you the access code.

Oneofthemostimportant decisionsyouwillmake ischoosingtherightaccountant.

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LPFAFiftiethAnniversaryCelebrationsReport

The50yearcelebrationsoftheLPFAcontinuedinFebruarywithover60 children(andparents!)enjoyingtheChildren’sEntertainmentprovidedby AaronWilliams.SuchwasthesuccessofthiseventthatwehavebookedAaron tocomebackforaChildren’sHalloweeneventonFriday1November. InMarchourattentionturnstotheRaceNightonSaturday23whichisa freeeventalthoughticketsmustbereservedinadvanceviaEventbrite.co.ukso wecancontrolnumbers.Comealongandhaveafriendlyflutterandalaugh. Ticketsarealsoavailableforthe80’sDiscoon20Aprilandfortheamazing tributebandLiketheBeatleson11May,bothonEventbrite.Therearelinks foralleventsonourFacebookpage.

Youwillseeonpage17thatWendyFosterisaskingformemoriesorpictures ofthehall/barbeingbuilt,orusedovertheyears,fordisplayatourFamily Dayeventon6July.ContactWendydirect(seepage17)orviatheLPFA.

OnceagainwewouldremindpeoplethattheSportsandSocialbardoesNOT requiremembershipandhasn’tformanyyears.Itisopentothepublicseven daysaweekwithSkySportsandTNTSports-anddrinksaregreatvalue,too.

LPFA

AtragedyisunfoldingintheMiddleEast;Israelhas sufferedtheworstterrorattackinitshistoryatthe handsofHamas,andPalestinianciviliansinGazaare experiencingahumanitariandisaster.Thereisno perfectformulaforpeace,butwecanbesurethatleavingHamasinpowerin Gazawouldbeapermanentroadblocktoatwo-statesolution.

ThePrimeMinisterhasbeenclearthataheadofapermanentceasefire,the Governmentwantstoseeimmediateandsustainedhumanitarianpauses.This willallowawindowforhostagestoleaveandmoreaidtoenterGaza.Iknow thatmyministerialcolleaguescontinuetouseallthediplomatictoolsatthe UK’sdisposaltobringaboutalong-termpoliticalsolutionwhichenablesboth IsraelisandPalestinianstoliveinpeace.

Atthesametime,HouthiattacksonmerchantandnavalshipsintheRedSea areriskinglives,exacerbatingthehumanitariancrisisinYemenanddisrupting internationaltrade.Wehavebeenworkingtode-escalatetensionsandrestore stabilityintheregion,butthePrimeMinisterhasbeenclearthatwewillnot hesitatetodefendlivesandensurethefreeflowofcommerceinoneofthe world’smostcriticalwaterwaysinthefaceofcontinuedthreats.

AswarpersistsonEuropeansoil,IwelcomethattheUKwillbeproviding £2.5billioninmilitaryaidtoUkrainein2024/25.Ithasbeentwoyearssince thewarbeganinFebruary2022.Wehavebeenoneofthelargestaiddonorsin thattime;over£7billioninmilitaryassistanceand£4.6billioninnon-lethalaid hasbeencommittedtoensureUkraine’svictoryonthebattlefield.Under OperationInterflex,morethan30,000Ukrainerecruitshaveundergonesoldier trainingintheUKtodevelopandpreparethemtodefendtheirhomeland.

Iknowthatmanyconstituentshavebeenplayingtheirpart,whetherthrough hostingafamilyinneedorvolunteeringtosetupcollectionsforsuppliestobe transportedtothosewhohavesoughtrefugeontheUkrainianborder.Our communityspiritlocallyissomethingwecanallbereallyproudof.

InprovidingthatvitalreassuranceagainstPutin’smenace,20,000service personnelfromtheRoyalNavy,theBritishArmyandtheRoyalAirForcewill deployacrossEuropeinExerciseSteadfastDefender24thisyear.Thiswillsee ourArmedForcesjointhousandsofpersonnelfrom31NATOalliesand SwedeninthelargestNATOmanoeuvresincetheendoftheColdWar.

Withouradversariesbusybuildingbarriersandredrawingbattlelines,itisvital thatourArmedForcesarereadilyabletomeetthechallengesoftodayand tomorrow.Through‘FutureSolider’,theGovernmentisundertakingthemost significantmodernisationprogrammeinageneration.Wemustadapttothese growingthreatsandensurethatourArmycancompetesuccessfullyinthe grey-zonebetweenpeaceandwar.

ThisGovernmentwillalwaysbackourservingtroops.Theyprotectand defendourfreedomeverydayofeveryyearwhichweareallenormously gratefulfor.IknowthatthePrimeMinisterequallyremainsfocusedon ensuringthattheUKisthebestcountryintheworldtobeaveteran.With over 4,500 veterans living locally, Banbury has very strong links with our Armed Forces community, with the Armed Forces covenant a central focus of charities, businesses, and local authorities in our area.

ReportfromCherwellDistrictCouncillors

Wehopeyou’reenjoyingthiswarmerweather!Justafewupdatesfromus.

LondonRoadLevelCrossing

As you may have seen in the Oxford Mail recently, there is sadly not much progress on the London Road Level Crossing. East West Rail still haven’tdecided on a proposal for the level crossing however they have stated that there will be a consultation launched in the first half of this year. As soon as we have news of that consultation, we’lllet you know.

PlanningApplicationValidationRequirementsConsultation

CherwellDistrict Council are looking for your views on what should be included in a planning application for it to be considered valid. Some validation requirements are stipulated in planning legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework, however the local validation list sets out the information that CherwellDistrict Council will require to be able to register, assess and determine planning applications. To find out more about the checklist, as well as to have your say, please go to www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/9/planning-and-building/1165/planningapplication-validation-requirements-consultation

GetinTouch

Asalways,dogetintouch!gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.gov.ukand julian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.ukorphoneon01869717712. GemmaandJulian

Launton School Easter Egg Hunt on 24 March

The students, parents and staff of Launton CEPrimary School are pleased to announce that we will be holding the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 24 March 2024 at 2pm-4pmon the school field.

We have always truly appreciated the support and generosity of the Launton residents in attending past events, donating Easter eggs and money and sponsoring prizes. We will be distributing leaflets with details by 8 March and collecting donations on Friday 15 March, after 6pm.

Those attending will be able to get involved in hunting for coloured stones and exchanging them for Easter eggs: there will also be face painting, games, and refreshments will on offer, too.

Tickets will be £4 per child/hunt and they can be purchased in advance (cash only please) at the Costcuttervillage shop between 1 and 21 March. Supervising adults may attend the event free of charge. We look forward to welcoming you to the event which is being arranged in support of the children of Launton CEPrimary School.

Simon Nash

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50 Years

Didyouhelporknowsomeonewhobuiltthisiconicbuilding?Doyourememberit beingbuilt?Doyouremembereventsatthecluborontheplayingfield?Didyou hiretheclubforyourspecialevent?Doyouhaveanyfunnystories?

PleasesendinyourphotosandmemoriestoWendyfoster11@yahoo.co.ukphone meon07770406573orconnectwithmeonfacebook.Thebigcelebrationison Saturday6JulysoIwouldliketodisplaythetreasuredmemoriesthisbuildingand theplayingfieldshavegiventoussofar.

LauntonWIReportforFebruary2024

The February meeting began as usual with general business including:

An idea is being put forward by some village residents to create displays of poppies around the silent soldiers in remembrance during November 2024. Anyone interested please see further details on page 20 of this issue of Launton Lines.

Angela provided information on the Great Plastics Count which will take place during March: for more details see their websiteat https://thebigplasticcount.com/

An outing has been arranged to Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames, on 25 April. Transport to be provided by a kind donation.

This month’sspeaker was Christine Green who delivered a presentation entitled Working for Auntie. This gave an excellent insight into working behind the scenes as a graphic designer at the BBC. Christine decided she wanted to be an artist at age 6 ‘just like mum and dad’, and appeared in the Manchester Evening Post when she won the painting competition. She often wrote to the BBC’s Blue Peter with suggestions for projects they could make and had a painting included on Vision On.

On graduating from Kingston Polytechnic her dream came to fruition, and she joined the BBC Graphic Design Department. Christine’s approach was to create storyboardsof her ideas and to consult with postproduction experts on how these ideas could be created. Her projects were often on a small budget and working to very tight deadlines. Her first job with the BBC was as an assistant on the opening sequence for a documentary about problems with the world which was broadcast on New Year’sDay 1986. This involved the creation of maps from Lego and each second of the film required 26 manual movements of the bricks. She went on to work on programmes including Life and Times of a She Devil, Mad About Music, HamishMacBeth, and Our Friends from the North. Her first BAFTAAward nomination came in 1989 for her work on Tales from Marquez based on stories of GabrielGarciaMarquez.The success of this led to her being asked to create the opening sequence for The Holiday Programme. The second BAFTAnomination came from her work on Cambridge Spies. Many programmes she worked on continue to be broadcast around the world, including the all-time favourite FoylesWar.

Christine has always been interested in cut paper design, patchworking and creative textiles so after her retirement from the BBC she now runs inspirational crafting courses and workshops. She also produces canvas bags and greetings cards for sale.

I think everyone will agree she is a very talented lady!

Our meetings are held in the Parish Hall on the second Thursday in the month. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 14 March at 7.30 when we will be holding our Annual Meeting.

New members are always welcome to join our meetings.

Isobel Jennion

A Cascade Poppy Display (or two) for Launton MEETING LAUNTON PARISH HALL, ON THURSDAY 21 MARCH FROM 10.30-12.00

A group of us in Launton are proposing to create a poppy display (or two) in the village for November. We think, quite ambitiously, that we could manage one display at the war memorial and one at the water pump in Station Road to complement the silent soldiers.

We envisage requiring a lot of poppies to create a good display and would encourage as many people as possible to contribute. These can be knitted, sewn or crocheted. If you need pattern advice or would like a pattern printed, we are happy to help. We also welcome purple poppies to remember the animal victims of war.

It would be lovely if as many people as possible could join in with this, then we can gather them together in the autumn ready to assemble the displays for November. We have set a deadline for September 27.

If you have any red, purple or black wool that you can donate, please contact the ladies below.

We will hold an introductory meeting to discuss our plans and will have patterns for those who would like one. This will be held in Launton Parish Hall on Thursday 21 March, between 10.30 and 12 noon. Refreshments will be provided.

If you’re interested in joining this project please emailor phone one of us:

IsobelJennion:isobeljennion@me.comMaryCarter:carmore2007@hotmail.co.uk

HilaryBradshawhilaryannbradshaw@hotmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Launton Poppy Cascaders

Tel01869 241989

A new author for Launton

SharonJeacockpublished in December, through Amazon-based KDP Publishing, an account of her experiences as the mother of a child with autism and her struggles to secure an appropriate education for him. Let Sharontell about it in her own words.

“I wanted to share all about the horrendous time my now adult son has had. At age eight he refused to go to school as his needs were not being met. My son missed all his secondary schooling, and was extremely isolated in his bedroom for years.

“Despite my pleas for help nothing ever happened, and no alternative education was ever offered. Indeed, at the time didn’teven know that alternative education existed. After ten years of fighting for help I inevitably had a mental breakdown.

“Things slowly started to improve when I reported our local authority (OCC) to a watchdog. My son is now getting the help he needs through a bespoke package.

“When lockdownhit all of my counselling ended and we were advised to write a journal. I turned mine into a book (this is not a plea to promote it)

“Things do get better. But what a journey it has been.”

Sharon’sbook, Autism: the good, the bad and the wonderful is published as an ebookfor Kindle at £4.74 and in print as a paperback at £9.49. It is available from Amazon onlinewith the ISBNof

9798871989579

The final sentence on the back cover sums up Sharon’sapproach. “As an ordinary Mum, my pursuit has always been the best for my child, and I believe our journey may offer solace and guidance to others.”

TodaysomeYear1childrenarereportingwhattheyhavelearnedaboutAustralia. WehavereadanoldstoryfromAustraliacalledTheRainbowSerpent.Inthe storytheserpentslithersonitsjourneyalloverAustraliaandontheway ticklesthetummiesofsomefrogswhoarefullofwater.Thefrogsspillthe waterintothetrackstheserpenthasmadeonitsjourneyandthismakesthe riverandlakesinAustralia.Theserpentturnedthepeoplewhodidn’tlook afterthelandintostone,andthepeoplewhodidlookafterthelandwere allowedtostillbepeople.WecolouredinsomepicturesoftheRainbow Serpentwithpaintandweusedthewrongendofapaintbrushtomakeslots ofdots.Ittookquitealongtimeandwehadtobecarefulwiththepaint.We chosenicecolourslikeblue,red,yellow,purpleandgold.

WehavealsolearnedaboutotheranimalsinAustralia,liketheThornyDevil, whichhidesinthesand,theTasmanianDevil,theEchidna,whichhasareally longtonguetofindbugstoeat,andpoisonoustoadsandbrownsnakes.We alsoknowaboutmarsupials,likekangaroos,wombatsandkoalas.Marsupials haveapouchwheretheirbabiesliveuntiltheyhavegrownupabitandso theyaresafe.

WealsocreatedajourneyforaBeebot,whichisasmallrobotwecan programmeandtellitwherewewantittogo.WedrewamapofLauntonand alsoincludedsomeplacesweknowinBicester,liketheCooperSchool,a coffeeshopandKFC.TotelltheBeebotwheretomoveyoucanpressthe buttonsonitsback.Thismakesitgoforwardsorbackwardsandleftorright. Whenithasfinisheditsjourneyyoucanclearthecommandsandprogramme anotherjourney.Wechoseastart andfinishonthemapandthen programmedtheBeebotonhow togettotheend.Wereally enjoyeddrawingthemap,italso hadthesunandmoononit.We founditquiteeasytoprogramme theBeebotandenjoyedwatching itonitsjourneyaroundourlocal area.

Lara,Thomas,MaxandAustin–Year1

Above, the map for the Beebot’sjourneys; and opposite above, a selection of paintings inspired by The Rainbow Serpent all by the children in Year 1

SeetheFIPWreportonpages28-9:IvyBatemanwithmembersoftheFIPWCommitteeat theopeningin2015ofthewheelchair-accessibleentrancegatetotheWoodland.

AllourObedienceTrainingispartof TheKennelClubGoodCitizenDogScheme.

Jennie,ourInstructorisanApprovedInstructor (AcademyofDogTrainingandBehaviour),Agility ClubApprovedInstructor,UKAgilityInstructor.

AnewvenueundercoverinGrendonUnderwood Agility Class, starts at 12 noon on Saturdays HoopersActivity Monday from 11am

ThursdayClassesinArncottVillageHall PuppyFoundationAssessment,under6months,starts6.45pm

BronzeAward,fordogsage6+monthsstarts7.30pm

RallyObedience,foranydogwithsomeobedience trainingstarts8.30pm

NewsfromTheLauntonVillagePlayers

The 2024 pantomime Rapunzel was a great success and we performed to a fantastic 1344 people, with most of our performances sold out a week or two before the show!

Our story started with Rapunzelas a baby being taken by Mother Gothel and locked away in a tower. The wicked Mother Gothelhad plans to win the annual jousting tournament and take over the Kingdom of Brushington. After many years of searching, our hero Bobby found Rapunzeland together they succeeded in defeating Mother Gothelwith the crucial help of Felixthe Phoenix and our audiences waving their wands and shouting “Fly FelixFly”! A happy ending was in store as everyone celebrated with a party and lantern parade on Rapunzel’s18th birthday, and most importantly, lived happily ever after.

Many thanks to all of you who came and saw the show and for your excellent audience participation! Thank you too, to all of our advertisers and everyone who donated raffle prizes. Do please support our advertisers whenever you can.

Our first relaxed performance was a huge success and we would like to extend our thanks to Hayleyand Jenniat Bicester Autism who not only supported us at every performance, but also provided a chill out area for audience members to use during the relaxed performance.

We do hope we have raised much needed funds for Bicester Autism who provide crucial support to over 600 families in the area.

Our wonderful LVPteam once again came up trumps telling a fantastic story but also producing wonderfully bright costumes, a marvellous set, toetapping music, brilliant sound effects and great lighting. Lots went on behind the scenes and we must thank everyone who gave their time freely and helped bring Rapunzel to life in Cooper School’sPerformance Hall - our programme editor, our Front of House team, our stage management team plus the prompt (always important) and our magnificent chaperones. It was an incredible week in panto-land!

Here’sto our next production It’sShowtime on Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July this year - a variety show celebrating all types of shows with songs, sketches and much fun. Keep an eye on future Launton Lines issues for more information, including the announcement of our 2025 panto!

There is a full review of Rapunzel by AllisonFord-Langstaffon pages 34-37 of this issue of Launton Lines.

Reporting from the Woodland for March 2024

Events

Thismonthwehaven’tgotalottoreporton!Thefloodinginthewoodland hasputaholdtosomeofourplannedworks,sowethoughtwe’dtakethe opportunitytogiveyousomedatesforyourdiaries.We’vebeenbusy planningforthecomingyearandhavelotsofexcitingeventsplanned.Keep youreyespeeledforsomeadditionaleventstoo!

Thursday21March-AGM7:30pm(LauntonVillageHall)

Saturday23March-EasterEvent,2to4pm(seepage40ofthisissue)

Saturday13April-DuskBirdWalk

Sunday28April-DawnChorusWalk

Friday31May-Ponddippingforchildren,2to3.30pm

Sunday21July-TreeID,2to3pm

Friday6September-BatWalk

Saturday21September-OurAutumnEvent

We’llofcourseprovidefurtherdetailsnearerthetime,withinformationon howtobookfortheeventswithlimitedspaces.

Thisyearweareraisingfundstohavethemainponddredged.Ithasn’tbeen doneforanumberofyearsandthewaterlevelisverylowwithallthesiltthat hasbuiltup.Soanyfundsraisedattheseeventswillgotowardsthatproject.

WorkSessions

We’dalsoliketoremindyouofourvolunteerworkssessions.Weruntwoof theseamonth-aweekdayoneonthesecondTuesdayofthemonthanda weekendworkingpartyonthelastSundayofthemonth.

Werelyonthesesessionstokeepthewoodlandinshape,andcouldn’tkeep goingwithoutourlovelyvolunteers.Youdon’tneedtohaveskillsortools, justyourenthusiasm!Weknowitmaybeabitdaunting,butourvolunteers areafriendlybunchandarealwayshappytohelp.It’sanopportunitytolearn newskillstoo!There’salsocakeandhotdrinksat“halftime”.

We’rereallykeentoseenewfacesattheworksessions,soifyouhaveany questionspleasedoemailusatfipwlimited@gmail.com

InmemoryofIvyBateman

Finally, to wrap things up, we want to take a moment to remember Ivy Batemanwho sadly passed away on 24 January. She was a big supporter of ours and made very generous donations over the years (anonymously, of course, she didn’tever want the recognition). She loved to have a walk

around the woods and even paid for a bench to be installed under the trees, near where the new pond is, so she could sit and listen to the birds. Unfortunately, in the last few years she wasn’table to get into the woodland, but still made donations and liked to hear what was going on. She will be very much missed.

There is a photo of Ivy coming into the Woodland in 2015 on page 26.

Memoriesofthepastandtheroleofvolunteers

Good morning Launton Lines Readers

I have just been reading through my copy of the February 2024 issue. WOW what an exciting village we live in - there is so much going on and so many clubs or societies to belong to.

I was very gratified to read the article by MrPeter Cox regarding the Playing Field. I wasn’tliving in the village at the time it was all going on back in the early 1970s, but I was aware of it all as my father was very involved, and me being a Secretary was always having to type up letters and notes for him (his handwriting was atrocious - I take after him in that respect!). One person who I do remember being involved from the beginning was Jack Ancil, just thought I ought to mention him as Peter Cox did not. Also, DaphneBellmanwas very involved in the design of the then Children’sArea. It is nice to remember that LPFAwas a Parish Council initiative - they did a great job and still do much that is not appreciated by many.

When my family moved to Launton in 1959 after he retired from his lifetime in the RAF, my Dad (Squadron Leader “Arthur” Gold) started a Market Garden on the land adjoining and behind Windridgein West End. Although he was not a “village” person he soon became very involved in village life - he employed many local ladies to pick his strawberries and at the end of the season these ladies were allowed to pick all the small berries to make jam for themselves. Dad went on to become a Church Warden, a Parish Councillor, a District and County Councillor as an Independent, a School Governor at Cooper Schoolthese duties he did for many years.

When he joined the Parish Council he found out that they had been trying for many years to obtain some land

Continued on page 38

AreportfromLES:Food,gloriousfood

IfyoudonotthinkthereisaClimateCrisisorthatthereisaproblem,butit isnothingtodowithyou,don’tbothertoreadfurther.Ifyoudoacceptthat thereisaproblemandwanttodosomethingaboutit,youwillknowexactly whatyoumustdo.ReduceyourCarbonFootprintby8.7%thisyear!Itisour intentionatLEStohelpyoudojustthat.Thereare4componentsofour CarbonFootprint(Food,Housing,TravelandStuff).Wearegoingtostart withFOOD.

Foodisresponsiblefor25%ofallgreenhousegasses.Wecannotlive withoutit,butwecanlearnhowtouseitwisely.Globallyweproduce7 billiontonnesoffoodmeantforhumanconsumptioneachyear-enoughto feedallofus.Muchofthatisfedtolivestock.Agrowingamountisnowfed toourcarsasbiofuels.Therealshockeristhat1.3billiontonnesofallthe foodproducedisWASTED.WeintheGlobalNorthcandoalottocutour foodwastebybeingsensiblewithourconsumption.Wemustbecarefulhow muchweeat,whatkindoffoodweeat,whereitcomesfrom,andhowmuch ofitwewaste!

TheGlobalaveragefoodemissionsperpersonperdayis6KgCO2e.We havegottogetthatdownto3KgCO2eby2030.Oneofthefirstbookson thistopicIreadwasbySarahLBridle,FoodandClimateChangewithoutthehot air.Herearesomeequivalentsforyoutothinkabout:1gteabag=3g emissions;1ginstantcoffeepowder=17gemissions;1gmilk=2g;1gegg=5 g;1gham=11g.OneBigMacadds2.35kgofCO2etoyourCarbon Footprint.Icouldgoonandon,butthissortofinformationisreadily availableonline,orgetholdofSarah’sbook.

Onamorepersonallevel,asrecentlypromotedChiefCookandBottle WasherwhoisawareofTheClimateCrisis,herearesomeideasIhave founduseful:

1. Haveatleasttwomeatlessmealsaweek.

2. Buylocallygrownorproduceditemsasmuchpossible.Checkitssource!

3. Learntore-enjoyseasonalfoodsagain,minimizetheexotics.Ireallydoenjoymy strawberriesaroundWimbledontime.

4. Thereisasignificantdifferencebetween‘USEBY’and‘BESTBEFORE,’rely moreonyourowncommonsense.

5. Makeathought-outshoppinglistandtrytosticktoit.Bewareofinstinctbuying.

6. IdonotgoshoppingwhenIamalittlebithungry.

7. Afters,andIdolovemyDesserts,Idon’thavethemregularly.butwhenIdo,I

“There is no sincerer love than the love of food”

GeorgeBernardShaw

enjoythemmore.Myportionsarealsoalotsmallerthanmywifeusedtoserve.

8. Imakefulluseofmycompostbins.Note:Thereisameshflooringtokeep verminoutandtoletthemicrobesdotheirthing.

9. StayawayfromProcessedFoodasmuchasyoucan.Homemade(self-processed) isbetterbothforyouandfortheplanet.

10.Don’tbuyanythingcontainingPalmOil!Thisisnotatalleasyifyoulikecrackers withyourcheese.

IdoknowthatthereismuchmoreIcandotoreducemyfoodCarbon Footprint,soIamaskingforhelp!Ifyouhavesomethingthatyoudoasa matterofpractice,pleaseshareitwithme.Iwilltakeitonboard.And,if youdonotmind,shareitwithothersviaLESandonthesepages.

Thankyoufortakingthetimetoreadthis.Andabovealldokeeptryingto reduceyourCarbonFootprint.

EdatLES(launtonenvironmentalsociety@gmail.com)

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LAUNTON OVER 60s: an update for March

I am so pleased to be back again at the Launton Over 60sClub after my disastrous accident in November last year. I made the mistake of washing the kitchen floor (I hate housework!), forgot it was wet, went head over heels and landed with my full weight on my left knee. This resulted in a “displaced fracture of the patella”. Very painful as you can imagine but I had first class, speedy treatment at the HortonHospital for which I am very grateful.

Since the beginning of this year we have been pleased to welcome four new members: Angela, Sandraand Elaine from Bicester and Sally from Launton. We hope they enjoy themselves with us.

We are remembering RosemarieStubbingswho passed away recently. Her husband Ianhad been Chairman of our Club before they moved to Bridgnorthto be nearer to their family. While Chairman, Iansent very lengthy and amusing reports of our activities to Launton Lines each month. However, we all knew that they had been really written by Rosemarie!

Ivy Batemanhad also been a great support to us and enjoyed our days out and holidays. The knitted bird and nest on the postbox outside the shop opposite her house is a lovely tribute to her.

01869 278333

07721 633 220

Sadly Ray Neavespassed away on 11 February. He joined us after moving to Launton and very much enjoyed our meetings. He was very popular and extremely good company. We will miss him.

By the time you read this we will be busy with arrangements for our Easter Lunch. We are always pleased to welcome new members especially from Launton but also from Bicester and surrounding villages. Give me a ring for more info.

Pat

01869 244900

The AGM of LCCGwill be held on Tuesday 26 March at 8.00pm onlinethrough GoogleMeets

For joining details and meeting documents visit

https://launton.org/lccg/ Check on this link before the meeting for any updates on times and documents

1. Circulate the attendance sheet before the meeting begins noting data protection statements and meeting recording)

2. Apologies

3. Minutes from last year’sLCCGAnnual Meeting

4. Chair’sreport

5. Treasurer’sreport

6. Editorial report, advertising summary, social media summary

7. Election of officers (Chair and Treasurer)

8. Size of LCCGCommittee for 2024-25

9. AOB

We welcome our new Treasurer, CarinaCollins.

We will be looking for a new Secretary this year: could this be you?

We will also be looking for more people to support SteveWebber on facebook.Do you fancy doing a bit of moderation?

Finally, the Chair (JonSpinage) plans to stand down after this year, so we will be looking for a new Chair from Spring 2025. There will be a year of shadowing the role, and support from the rest of the Committee.

Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let Down Your Hair? Oh Go On Then!

From Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 February this year, the people of Bicester were treated to a fast paced delight for their 36th LVPpanto. Written by JuliaWest and based loosely around the traditional Brothers Grimmfairy tale, the detail in this show was evident as every scene added new dynamics to maximise audience interest and excitement.

I had the joy of watching on closing night with a very excited audience. The show started with an audience member helping the band find their instruments by shouting “It’sbehind you!” which set the tone for the evening. The band (SteveWebber, Simon Turner, SarahTurner, Giles Conwayand John Nelson) settled us in with their easy listening, cosy panto sound and thus the show began.

Opening staging was simple, yet effective. A throne and baby basket with forest backdrop (loved the animals in the forest - thank you to the set painters!) threw us into the world of King Bouffant (AndyRoberts) and Queen Beehive (Jackie Webber) of Brushington- the hair references ‘grow’ from here so stay with me. The Queen very swiftly gave birth to the beautiful baby Rapunzel.However, our “aww” was cut short as the wicked Mother Gothel(NickyRoberts), complete with a massively long and ugly nose, steals our Rapunzel!

The audience was then left on tenterhooks as we learnt that if she’snot found before her Eighteenth birthday, she won’tinherit the kingdom and someone - no, surely not evil Mother Gothel(gasp!) - could inherit and rule the kingdom of Brushingtonfor ever. Apparently, the kingdom must be won through a jousting tournament but more on that later. Audience invested, the adventures commence as we need to stop the baddieand find Rapunzel.

Felixthe Phoenix (Daisy Richards) provides the narrative and, as Mother Gothelhates birds and any other animals with wings, soon finds herself locked up with Rapunzelin the tower. The children’schorus dressed as birds (well done Wardrobe for sewing on ALL those feathers!) provided a charming relief throughout the show as they pointed their feet, arabesquedand spread their wings to the music.

Dame Penny Perm (Mark Hudson) stole the show on the night and raised the energy another several notches. From his first entry on stage, he interacted and improvised with the audience like a pro. “You’re my best audience tonight” was lapped up, and the brilliance of awful hair quip after quip (can’tcut it in this business, root of the problem, true colours in the end, etc. etc.!) had the audience groaning in delight! Dame Penny was masterfully supported by her son and our hero, Bobby, (Beth Heale) who, clad in thigh slapping shorts and boots, brilliantly performed her role throughout as she projected her voice clearly to the audience and performed with a natural ability that is just lovely to watch. The Captain of the Palace Guards (Miles Penhallow) unwittingly became the focus of Dame Penny’sattentions as he tried to make himself a hair appointment for later - the ‘appointment of fate’ pushed the actors physicalitywith Dame Penny and the Captain as he finds himself wrapped up rather intimately in Dame Penny’sembrace!

Hats off to all those involved in the set plan, building, artwork and painting this year. The creation of the tower allowed us to witness the sweet Rapunzelgazing out from her high window, and letting down her long hair for Mother Gothelto join her. In a marvellous bit of stagecraft, the stage darkened and then illuminated again to reveal Mother Gothelstepping through the window in a seamless transition to the inside of the tower - genius! NatashaPatrickbrought to life Rapunzel’ssweet innocence as Mother Gothelinformed her that “Mother Knows Best” with SteveWebber’smusic; the ending codetta of this song really added to Mother Gothel’spower and entitlement and was menacingly hammed up by Nickyin role!

Our hero Bobby was aided on his mission ‘Deep in the Forest’ by a chance meeting with Flora, a Forest Fairy (CharlieNewell), who possesses a natural vibrato and lovely timbre in her voice, providing a rather beautiful pause in the merry chaos. She helpfully provided a key which would help Bobby to release Felixthe Phoenix and Rapunzelallowing her to eventually win back her kingdom. The children’schorus treated us again, as butterflies this time, with glow stick hairbandsand prelitwings, which calmed and delighted us in equal measure.

The contrast this year in the musical numbers really stood out as a full upbeat chorus number involving the Captain of the Guards, the adult and the teen chorus followed the pretty fairy scene. The ensemble had ditched their skirt and cummerbundoutfits for smart leggings, boots and tunics complete with staffs which enabled some interesting choreography - banging their staffs on the ground to the beat. The Palace Guards number was a great song - upbeat, with good diction, and in everyone’srange so they could be heard with full force across the auditorium, and it was clear the cast enjoyed performing this innovative number.

Next up we had a surprisingly loud, cheerleadingQueen Beehive (Jackie Webber) - the audience was not expecting that Jackie, it was great fun! Hilarity ensued with the perfectly executed “If I were not in these woods” song which provided the customary ‘it’sbehind you’ moments as a wolf appeared, who scared everyone away until Dame Penny scared the wolf away herself! Moments later, avoiding deadly swamps, Bobby manages to rescue Rapunzelbefore the full chorus resumed the stage with lots of energy and movement offering an uplifting end to Act 1.

The front of house team organised us through the interval as welcoming as ever. Drinks were in situas ordered, and glow sticks keenly distributed in readiness for the second half, as well as a series of decent raffle prizes on offer, ranging from cuddly toys to wine to takeaway dinners. Monies raised this year were for Bicester Autism a local charity supporting carersof autistic children.

As the lights dimmed again, we soon found ourselves ‘Somewhere over the Pacific’ - as you do - and we see the beginning of the jousting tournament to determine who inherits the kingdom, so it’simperative to stop Mother Gothelwinning that. Competitors consisted of Sir Bravado of Bicester (Simon Turner) who was very believable in his role of being not-such-a-brave Knight (note that Simon is also a band member, not a mean feat to be on and off stage), Sir Lovable (StephaniePoulsen) and Sir Oafish (MichaelBurns) who provided some amusing distractions and good characterisation between them.

There were some really wonderful scenes in Act 2 to keep us all amused

with all the usual pleasures. Comedy duo WaynettaWash (NikSheriff) and Gilbert Go (MarcusLamb) provided their services as “Wash ‘n’ Go PrufeshnelDecorators” creating much mayhem and silliness with their horrific inability to decorate! We had sweets thrown in from the treasure chest, fantastic luminous flamingos provided by The Children’sChorus, which was really inventive, complete with a big glow-in-the-dark Basiliskwho was defeated by a magic comb found conveniently in Bobby’sbag! And I loved the Pirates dance which brought the teen and adult chorus back together. A particular shout out to BethGriffin in the teen chorus who was excellent in her facial delivery, animation and placement of her movements, throughout the whole show - one to watchforthe future.

We then had a magical compass, a fun time at the Captain’shair appointment with BorisJohnsonand TinaTurner haircuts (bravo to Mark Hudson and Miles Penhallowon that sketch), an audience singoff divided between the Traitors and the Faithfuls, and a royal jousting contest on hobby horses, Happy Birthdays, and comedy chases which combined rose Act 2 to a crescendo, leaving Mother Gotheldefeated, Rapunzelreunited with her parents and going on to live happily ever after with a double knee slap from her and Bobby!

The LVPalways do a good panto, but this one had a construction about the writing that increased the level of pace and energy throughout. Supported by a very strong lead cast, an enthusiastic ensemble and crucially a very well-motivated set of stagehands (of all ages which was nice to see) who manoeuvred the sets with well-practised synchronicity, running across the stage. This panto, in my opinion, was one of LVPs best. It was perfectly run from beginning to end, which highlights what a great team LVPhas, both on and off stage. Rapunzellet her hair down, literally, and so did we, figuratively, as demonstrated by the standing ovation the full cast received at the end.

As always… Bravo!

Reviewed by AllisonFord-Langstaff

for a village Playing Field, and he was very instrumental in approaching the building companies who built Sycamore Close and thereby enabled this village to get the land that they so wanted for a Playing Field. Village money was raised not only to buy the land but to build a Public Hall. So, The Launton Playing Field Association was formed, and it was run totally by volunteers from the village. The Hall and the Field are owned by LPFAfor the benefit of this lovely village, and I believe it is still run by volunteers. What would we do without VOLUNTEERS? There would be no Launton Lines for a start; no Island Pond Woodland; no Playing Field; no Over 60’sClub; no Village Players (and Panto); no Parish Council (this list could be endless - there are another 8 groups mentioned in Launton Lines alone). So do you enjoy living in Launton? If so why not give your voluntary services to help one of the many activities that go in this village. Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our society, and we will always need them.

Pat Mitchell

WEARENOWBICESTER’SLONGEST-ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENTFAMILY-OWNED&RUNFUNERALDIRECTORS

BICESTER’SONLYINDEPENDENTFAMILYFUNERALDIRECTOR

Acaringtraditional24hourservice

ProvidedbyMrHancockandhisteampersonally

PrivateChapelOfRest

JaguarFleetofFuneralCars

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PerfectChoice

FuneralPlans

Seen around the village over the past month

ASunsetinFebruaryfromWestEnd,takenbyEllaRayner,matchesthefront coverthismonthofSunrise.TheotherphotoIwantedtousewasofoverflowing sewersatthepumpingstationonBlackthornRoad-butyoureallyneedavideo toshowthefullhorror.HowcanThamesWaterclaimthattheirinfrastructure canhandlethe80+housescomingonStationRoadwhentheycan’tmanagethe presentvillageoutput?Someerrorintheirthinking,surely!Enjoythesunsets!

LauntonHistoricalSociety

We welcomed AlanLavender to our January meeting. Alanlives in Bicester now, a bit of a change from his twenty-five years as head chef at Chequers, working for MargaretThatcher, John Major, TonyBlair and GordonBrown - and their spouses. He had always loved cooking and held several posts at high end restaurants before joining the RAF where he thought he might get to play football, his other passion. He passed an interview for Chequers and started a couple of days later, round to the back door and making a light supper for Maggieand Denis.His predecessor had been asked to leave, for keeping MrsT waiting, so no pressure…

We learnt a bit about Chequers, which is near Wendoverand is governed by the Chequers Trust. There has been some kind of building there since the Domesday Book and the current house was built in 1565. It didn’tchange hands for money until the 20th Century and in 1917 it was given to the nation as a country retreat for the serving Prime Minister. Norma Major has written a book about it, just called Chequers.

As well as cooking for visiting dignitaries, Alanwas catering for big charity events, including an auction where he himself got auctioned. RebekahWade (on behalf of The News of the World) bought him (or rather his cooking) for £7kand wanted to auction him on to the readers. She was firmly advised that this could not happen, and The News of the World asked for the money back.

The visiting dignitaries could have unusual tastes - NancyReaganwas very late coming down to breakfast on the day of departure. Her choice of breakfast was two poached eggs on cold, dry, white bread with the crusts cut off. BorisYeltsinpresented a challenge - he was out for a walk around Chequers with John Major, came across the local pub, out of hours, and insisted on going in - so the request was made to the landlord that he should give admittance to the Prime Minister and the President of the Russian Federation, to which he presumably said pull the other one until persuaded otherwise. We heard that Bill Clintonhad incredible charisma and went to Chequers often, while his daughter Chelsea was at Oxford.

Highlights of social and charity events were the marquees, out in front of Chequers, and decorated as compete replicas of the actual building, including fireplaces, carpets and wallpaper.

Alanseemed to like all the Prime Ministers, and their families, well enough. He had a soft spot for the Brown family. We learnt that Mrs Tliked buffets rather than formal dinners and that she loved cocktail parties, where she would take the canapes round. She liked sausage rolls. The Blairshad two Saturday night dinner parties a month, with A listersattending. On the occasion when Victoria Beckhamwas to attend, the pastry chef spent days making delicate butterfly pastries for her, and then she didn’tcome. Alanobserved that at the height of a Prime Minister’spopularity, everyone accepts the invite, and as popularity wanes, the guest list becomes less eminent.

We enjoyed meeting Alanand hearing about his time at Chequers. He was familiar with our Parish Hall as he sings with the Launton Rock Chorus so you might get to see him.

Our next meeting is on 29 February, at 7.30 in the Parish Hall, when we’llhear John Tyler talk about The Forgotten River (the Thame). More about that next month. In March, we have Karenand BrettWiles on the subject of World War IIcooking and rationing – with samples! That’son 28 March. All are welcome to our meetings.

Memories of an ex-Launton Boy

This month the ex-Launton Boy muses on funerals and the events that follow them - the Funeral Wake. He describes ones he has attended recently, and the food on offer, then slips back to memories of his Mum’sVictoria Sponge cakes in Launton in the 1950s. I went to yet another funeral wake a few days ago; they are becoming far too frequent for my liking, but hey, when you get to my age it is perhaps to be expected.

I know it’snot the thing to do, and it might be a reflection of army humour, even after all these years, but I feel I’m becoming a bit of an EgonRonay, scoring the quality of the various wakes I have attended of veteran Sappers who have gone to the Squadron Bar in the sky. Some are absolutely splendid and the boat has really been pushed out when you have a sit-down roast dinner. Most however, are finger buffets; the ones that can vary quite considerably in both quality and presentation. I dare say much of it depends on the size of the purse, but at the end of the day, the real purpose is to swap stories and memories of the dearly departed and to celebrate their lives.

From the sombre funeral service with tears and heartfelt sobs at the crematorium or the graveside, whichever, or the big memorial service at the church, to the peals of laughter at the wake, remembering the daft things the departed individual got up to in their childhood, their youth and indeed, in their adulthood also.

The venue of the wake can make quite a difference to the atmosphere of the occasion. A bare wooden floored and trestle-tabled unheated village hall in winter is a place in which it is difficult to lift one’sspirits, despite the funny stories, whereas a pub can, by its very nature, become quite rowdy and has even been known to break out in fights. Then, depending on the numbers of mourners in attendance, the deceased’s own home can get somewhat cramped and you never know just how long you should stay.

One of the advantages of some veteran’sfuneral wakes is that, as they travelled extensively during their military careers, so they will have become accustomed to quite a wide range of cuisine. A particular favourite among many are the various curries, whether Indian style or Singapore style or Malaystyle. You can guarantee that if there is a curry at a veteran’swake, it will be fully consumed.

A brief snatch from my past when I was a Corporal serving in Germany,

we would have a dance in the Corporal’sMess on a Saturday night when part-way through the night, the Army Catering Corps would arrive with the food for the evening. Bearing in mind I was a single man at the time, it was always ladies first to the buffet, where they would not only get their own, but they would get their respective husband’salso. But it didn’tend there, as they would take their handbags in with them and be placing chicken legs and quarters in their bags for Sunday dinner the next day in their married quarters, so that when it was the turn of we single guys there was only beef curry and rice left. I dare say you might call it army-style curry, but we guys developed quite a taste for it and I have loved curry ever since.

Coming back to the funeral wake I attended most recently, there was a selection of cold cooked rice, cold cooked pasta in some sauce or other, potato salad and couscous, the latter of which I cannot bring myself to enjoy or consume. The remainder was made up of an assortment of sandwiches, sausage rolls, pork pies, cocktail sausages and a selection of cakes.

It was quite a simple affair at which I did not overfill my plate, tasting something of everything other than the cold cooked rice (no curry to go with it) and the couscous.Against my wife’sadvice, due to my type 2 diabetes, I did try a slice of Victoria sponge cake, and there was the letdown. Not so much as me having defied good, sound advice from my wife Julieas the fact that it was not a patch on the Victoria Sponges my mum used to bake.

Her sponge cakes were so light and fluffy and delicious, with no electric or mechanical food-mixer in sight. She would beat the home-made sponge mix ingredients together with a wooden spoon and mixing bowl, which my brother, Cliff and me would take turns in licking after mum had poured the main mix into the sponge tins. On one occasion I would lick the bowl and Cliff would lick the spoon and the next time, we would swap around.

I remember one Sunday afternoon when Julieand I visited mum and dad and mum had baked a beautiful Victoria sponge cake for the occasion. As she ventured from the kitchen with a slice of it on a plate to offer up to my dad as he sat relaxed in his fireside armchair, he looked at it, looked at mum and uttered, “What’sthis? This is not a

Jeacockslice!” intimating that it was on the small side. With that, mum went back out into the kitchen either humming or mumbling something, clattered a few plates and then came back in with the very same slice of sponge cake on the very same plate and upon handing it to dad, he exclaimed, “Now that’sbetter”. We laughed about that one for years to come, and yes, we laughed about it at dad’sfuneral wake as well.

Sadly, we have two more veteran funerals coming up; having had three already this year and we are only half-way through February as I write. I hope it’snot a sign of things to come for the rest of the year……., as I’m trying to lose a bit of weight.

Keep healthy and stay SAFE.

TonyJeacockMInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | March 2024

See below for news of a New Year Honour for the ex-Launton Boy.

New Year’sHonour for the ex-Launton Boy

The ex-Launton Boy, TonyJeacock, woke on New Year’sDay to the news that he had been awarded The Chief Royal Engineers Commendation Award for the voluntary work he has done as the Welfare Officer for the MedwayBranch of the Royal Engineers Association together with his work as a volunteer Caseworker for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity (the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’sFamilies Association).

Tonycommented, “I kid you not, you could have knocked me down with a feather, in fact at first I thought it was a wind-up. Although I still can't get my head around it, I have to admit to feeling very proud.”

When asked if we could include this in Launton Lines, Tonysaid, “I am sure that it was my upbringing in Launton that made me who and what I am today, i.e. nothing special, but you don’thave to be special to make a positive difference to other people’slives.”

Congratulations to the ex-Launton Boy!

Diary Dates: March 2024

Inthecurrentsituation,itcanstillbedifficulttobespecificaboutvillageevents.Listedarethosewe knowareplanned-butcheckwithorganisersnearerthedateifyouplantoattend.

Sunday 3 Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm

Monday 4 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm |

Tuesday 5 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Thursday 7 Parish Council Meeting, Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm.Parish Hall

Friday 8 SCOTS Meeting, The Bull, from 5.30pm | TytheBarn Grand Quiz for FoLPHand St Mary's: Tickets £10 from CostcutterShop, The TytheBarn, doors open 7pm

Sunday 10 Mothering Sunday StMary's Church,Special Family Communion Service, 11am; Evensong, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm

Monday 11 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm

Tuesday 12 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Island Pond Wood Working Party, 10am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Wednesday13 Launton Over 60'sMeeting, Sports and Social Hall, opens 1.30pm, ends about 3.30pm

Thursday 14 WI, Our Annual Meeting and presentation of the Competition Trophy, Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Sunday 17 FINALDATEFOR COPY FOR THE APRIL2024 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | StMary's Church. Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm

Monday 18 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm

Tuesday 19 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Thursday 21 Cascade Poppy Display First Meeting (see page 20),Launton Parish Hall, 10.30am-12noon | Friends of Island Pond Wood AGM, Launton Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Saturday 23 Island Pond Wood Spring Event in the Woodland, 2pm-4pm | Sports and Social 50th Anniversary, Race Night in the Sports and Social Hall - Free entry but book on eventbrite.co.uk, needed to manage numbers, 7.30pm

Sunday 24 Palm Sunday. StMary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Island Pond Wood Working Party, 10am | School Easter Egg Hunt on the School Field, 2pm-4pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm

Monday 25 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm |

Tuesday 26 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm | LCCGAGM online-seepage 33 for details - 8pm

Wednesday27 Launton Over 60'sLunch Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, Bar opens 12.30pm, ends about 3.30pm | Friends of Launton Parish Hall Open Meeting, Parish Hall, 8pm

Thursday 28 School Closes for Easter Holiday - back on Monday 15 April for the Summer Term | Launton Historical Society, Karenand BrettWiles speaking and demonstrating World War II Cooking and Rationing (with samples….), Parish Hall, 7.30pm

Friday 29 Good Friday. StMary's Church, Last Hour reflection with hymns, 2pm-3pm

Saturday 30 Easter Saturday. StMary's Church, Easter Storytimewhen the children assemble the Easter Garden, 3pm

Sunday 31 Easter Sunday. StMary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am

TheGrandSchoolEasterEggHuntwillbeheldontheSchoolField onSunday24Marchbetween2pmand4pm. Tickets(£4achild/hunt)arenowonsaleatthevillageCostcuttershop (manythanksforNixsonandSagarika).Cashonlyplease-nocards.

Ifyou'venevertakenpartwithchildren, thisiseasilythebestEggHuntinOxfordshire. Seepage16formoredetails.

LauntonLinesisthenewsletterforLaunton

It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which also manages the Launton website www.launton.organd the Launton Village FacebookPage and Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage

Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by advertisers and Launton Parish Council.

Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from ShirleyJohnson(01869 369269)

Launton Lines is also available onlinefrom the January 2020 issue on www.issuu.com

© MMXXIV Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion.

Neither the Committee nor the Editors are responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.