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Ivy Bateman: a memorial notice
It is with sadness that I write to inform of the passing of Ivy Bateman, long standing resident of Bicester Road. She passed away on 24 January aged 91.
Ivy moved to Launton way back in 2003 and enjoyed being part of the WI, of the over 60’s club, and made lots of friends, some of whom have sadly passed too. Ivy enjoyed being part of the Launton community and found pleasure in donating to the Friends of Island Pond Wood, where she has a bench in her name (see the front cover photo, and the plaque at the end of this article). She also loved seeing the knitted post box toppers (see the photo below) and taking part in competitions in the village such as the scarecrow trail, recruiting friends to help her make her entry. Ivy also had the help of many volunteers getting her shopping and bringing her treats, which she was very grateful for at the end of her life. She said Launton was a wonderful place.
Ivy became part of our extended family when she moved in next door and enjoyed watching our girls grow up. She encouraged their travel plans having been all over the world herself, and loved to hear all about their adventures. Ivy also loved her garden and spent many an hour out there when she was more able. She had one of the old blue tables from the Parish Hall to hold her pot plants. This then changed to sitting in her chair watching the gardener and giving instructions - you may have seen her sat out as you passed by. Ivy also loved dogs and became great friends with ours, Luna.She was her guard dog and always alerted us to visitors coming to Ivy’s door.
We have many fond memories of our lovely neighbour. You will be missed Ivy, by all who knew you. Your passing has definitely left a gap in our family.
Lisa Bradford
