Some October scenes in Launton
1. Northern Lights, EllaRayner
2. Water coming out of the ground, not the sky, EllaRayner
3. WIPresident Eleanor Shakespeare at the Macmillan Coffee Morning, GayeCornford
4. Macmillan Coffee Morning in the Parish Hall, Robert Cornford
5. Ferrying the new Duck House to the island, Amy Bradford
6. The Rock Chorus at the Macmillan Morning, GayeCornford
7. New WIaprons modelled in the Hall, with cake! GayeCornford
The cover shows the Hunter’ssupermoontaken on 17 October. The camera was a Nikon D501 with a 400mmlens and a 2xconvertor, and was hand-held.
Photo by Terry Vale. Cover designed by Matt Hill.
The Editor writes
It’s48pagesagainthismonth-somuchisgoingoninthevillage.
Themiddlefourpages(23-26)areaReadershipSurvey:wewanttoknow whatyouwouldliketoseeinfutureissues,andwealsohopethatyouwillbe abletocontributetoLauntonLines.Pulloutthepages,completeasmuchasyou want,andthendroptheformoffintheCostcuttershop.We’llreportbackon findingslater.
ThecovershowstheHunter’sSupermoonfromOctoberseenfromthe village.Thereisalsoonpage2oppositeaphotofromEllaRaynerofthe NorthernLightsfromChestnutClose.Thereisgoodnewsaboutbus servicesfromthevillageonpages12-13(Iplantoincludeafulltimetableinthe nextissue),andpage41showstwooftherecenttrainsrunningontheEastWestRailline.Asthedisplaysarenowpublic,thereisanupdateonthePoppy Cascadeonpages16-17and28,andaFoLPHreportonpages37-38with newsofwaysforwardfortheParishHallproject.Lookingforwardthere’salso newsofeventsroundChristmasandNewYear
Pleasesupportouradvertisers:weneedthemtokeepLauntonLinesgoing.
RobertCornford
LauntonVillageSupport:ContactDetails Groupemail:village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk
PHONE Numbers: 9:30amto 5:00pm
Janice:07522231100|JaneOlds(LauntonParishCouncil):01869247171 LesleyThompson:01869241755|AbiDowman:07921392201 NickCherryPharmacyRunner:01869242685
Launton Lines
A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2024 Launton Lines email:launtonlines@launton.orgwebsite:https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2024-2025
Chair: JonSpinage | Secretary: KateGreig | Editors: RobertCornford, Matt Hill Treasurer: CarinaCollins | Distribution: ShirleyJohnson | Advertising: JenniWalker
Contact the Parish Council
WhilewearewithoutaClerk, you cancontacttheCouncilbyemailat clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk or on the Council'’smobileat 07305303889
To book the Parish Hall
Contact:JoanPacker Phone:07922042133
ParishHallCommittee: The Church Parish Hall Committee has stood down, and the Parish Council is appointing a new committee.
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Would you like to sponsor an evening’sfloodlighting at St. Mary’sChurch in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, a birthday, or a wedding?
A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact JoanPacker on 01869 241694 by 20 November for entry in the December 2024 issue of Launton Lines.
October 26 | Sponsored by ShirleyCannon
Remembering Mum - HelenCannon - on her heavenly birthday: gone but always in our thoughts. We miss you!
Love from Shirley, Terry, Mike, Val, and all the family
November 7 | Sponsored by Roger Thomas In loving memory of AdrienneSusanThomas on her 80th birthday.
Dearly loved and greatly missed by all her friends and family Mother, wife, Nana, and Great Grandmother Rest in eternal peace. xxxx
November 20 | Sponsored by MaryBrydon
Happy 14th birthday to Florence Maw
Love from Nana
November 30 | Sponsored by MaryBrydon
Happy 17th birthday to EsmeMaw
Love from Nana
Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 3
October 2024 at 7:30pmin the Parish Hall
Councillors present MrAndrewBriant, Mrs AbigailDowman, MrSimon Turner (Chairman) and Mrs JaquelineWebber
Apologies None
In attendance The Clerk, Mrs JaneOlds; CllrGemmaCoton(CDC); PCSOKevSmith; Mrs JackieHackett(participated as a Councillor after her co-option); and 6 members of the public.
East / West Rail
EWRhad confirmed they would not be able to send a representative. A written report had been received. The majority of the works had been completed across the project and project managers were in the process of handing over the railway line to Network Rail. The reinstatement of the compound was ongoing and it’shoped that the work will be completed by the end of November. If anyone has any queries, please get in contact directly at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.ukor call the 24 hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Reports from District and County Councillors
CllrCotonreported that it was the final month for the home upgrade grant applications to CDC.There was local plan funding available to parishes which wanted to develop a Local Plan. A new consultation which is open until 1 October has been launched about the Housing Allocation Scheme and is available on the CDCwebsite.
No report had been received from the County Councillor.
Governance
The Council had received the resignations of LesleyThompsonand Ed Sanders. The Council thanked both Councillors for their dedicated service and support over many years.
However, the Council was also pleased to co-opt and welcome Jackie Hackettas a Councillor.
There are still two Councillor vacancies.
Clerk Resignation
The Council also noted the Clerk’sresignation. Jane’sfinal working day will be Wednesday 30 October.
Finance
The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.
Planning
All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’sPlanning 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 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 about how the Parish Council is able to respond to planning applications is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications/
Parish Hall
The Clerk was pleased to confirm that CDChad indicated that it was prepared to extend the deadline for undertaking works funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund grant to 31 March 2025 and it would be possible to change the specification from the new roof to remedial roof works. However, all works would still need to be confirmed with the architect.
Following a lengthy discussion, the Council agreed to form a Parish Hall Development Working Group and to create a terms of reference.
Highway and Traffic Issues: Speedwatch
The continuing wet weather during September had made a big impact on the group’sability to attend the roadside sessions, with only two being completed. The Station Road SIDhas been realigned and is operating correctly; however, the group has noted that a large proportion of drivers were observed exceeding the limit during their session there. It is hoped that better weather will allow the group to be more visible over the next months.
The Speedwatchteam will always welcome volunteers - if you’dlike to help out, please contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk
Agenda items and dates of the next meetings
ThenextmeetingwillbeonThursday7NovemberintheParishHallat 7.30pm.Ifyou’dliketochatwithaCouncillor,docomealongafter7.15pm.
Suggestions for agenda items for the 5 December meeting need to be with the Clerk by 21 November and items for the 9 January 2025 meeting by 13 December 2024.
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 website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/
Launton
Watercolour Art Group
Watercolour Classes will run on every Monday in November, on 4, 11, 18, and 25. Classes are held in the Parish Hall, between 2pm and 4pm.
The photo shows four members of the class (Carol, Donna, Paul and Jennie) at the Art Group display at the Macmillan Coffee Morning in October (see page 17).
If you would like more information, or to join the class, email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Fellowship Group dates and times to be confirmed on Facebook It is always advisable to refer to the Facebookpage for StMary’sChurch
2 november from 9.30am
Please bring your own tools
Just a quick reminder that Launton Sports and Social is your local family and dog friendly pub/bar in the heart of the community of Launton, run by a small and perfectly formed group of volunteers and OPEN TO ALL – NO MEMBERSHIP required. We show all major sporting events, including Sky Sports and TNT Sports, serving a wide range of drinks, including Real Ale. We have been serving the community for over 50 years, as a Sports and Social event venue. We also have an event hall for hire which has seen many various types of events from birthday parties to weddings, along with the regular events that the LPFAput on for the community.
Visit our brand-new website on www.launtonsportsandsocial.co.uk for further information, a fantastic photo gallery and booking details. We hope to see you and your families soon for our upcomingevents!! See page 22 for news of our next event - DiscoBingoon
Oxfordshire County Council is pleased to announce that the bus service through the village is being maintained - with two services now being provided.
Following Red Rose’swithdrawal of their commercial service 17, increased funding from Oxfordshire County Council has been provided to maintain a service between Bicester, Launton and Aylesbury, but this will be two-hourly instead of hourly. Marsh Gibbon, Edgcottand GrendonUnderwoodare served by school time buses on both school and non-school days.
Buckinghamshire Council have agreed to divert their existing service 18 (Buckingham-Bicester) via Launton. A revised timetable will be in operation, partly due to disruption caused by a new HS2road closure near Calvert.This service is operated by Langstonand Tasker.
Oxfordshire County Council are funding a new Saturday service on route 18. This service will not serve Charndonand Calvertduring the
period of the HS2road closure. The Saturday service will be operated by Red Rose.
Tickets will be accepted on both services between Launton and Bicester.
Overall, therefore, the service remains broadly hourly between Launton and Bicester with similar hours of operation - although for the first five months the headway between the two services will not be even due to the HS2road closure referred to above. Links to Aylesbury are maintained, albeit at a reduced frequency, and a service to Buckingham is restored.
It is important that villagers make the best use they can of the bus service to secure its continuation. With maximum single fares currently £2, and MyBusday tickets for unlimited travel at £6.50 (£3.50 for under 19s), there’snever been a better time to try it out. The timetable will be available shortly and will be in Launton Lines.
LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
“What a wonderful world ... ”
‘I see trees of green, red poppies too ... I see skies of blue, and clouds there too ... I hear babies cry; I watch them grow ... And I think to myself … What a Wonderful World!’
Apologies to Louis Armstronget.al.Most of you won’thave any idea of what I’m talking about. This song written in 1967 is about love, not hate; about joy, not despair. It is uplifting, not depressing. Never heard it, simply ask Alexato ‘play what a wonderful world’. What is also uplifting are my thoughts about the many wonderful things that have taken place in Launton, recently. All the families who showed up to help celebrate the 25thAnniversary of our woodland. The outpouring of love for Nixsonand his family when they were forced to leave the village shop. The army of volunteers organized by the WIto spruce up the Parish Hall. The warmth one feels from our new young Vicar. The creativity of the flowerpot decorating display at the Church Fayre.The spectacular achievement of the Poppy Cascaders.The enthusiasm of Natashathe new landlady at The Bull. Even MOP IVwas successful in energizing our environmental efforts. This is a vibrant, thoughtful, caring, loving community.
Pre-schoolBallet on Saturday Morning - Spaces available and FREE trial class.
PrePrimary Tap, Mini Street, Junior Musical Theatre and Mini Acroclasses during the week
FREE trial classes available in all subjects
PAYGevening classes for Adults in Ballet & Tap
Living here is like being part of an extended family. In our troubled world it is an oasis of love and hope. I feel so fortunate to call Launton ‘Home’.
As we approach the festive season, I am thinking not only about Christmas and New Years but about my favourite holiday - which is ... Thanksgiving. It is a holiday that is quite easy to prepare. It is a relatively stress-free family gathering. There is no gift giving,
no panic shopping, no stuff-accumulating frenzy. Just a family meal together to celebrate being with each other and being thankful for all the good things that have happened in the past year; while not dwelling on all the possible not so good things that may happen in forth coming year. Happy Thanksgiving!
Edfrom LES
It’snot how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.
Mother Teresa
P.S.This year Thanksgiving is on Thursday 28 November. You don’thave to be American to celebrate giving thanks!
Launton WIreporting for October 2024
Murder was in the air at our October meeting, but of the literary variety, I hasten to add. Peter Tickler, a local Oxfordshire crime writer, aided and abetted by the droll assistance of his wife Fiona, guided us in ‘Devising a Murder’. Peter began by talking generally about crime writers and their different approaches to crime writing. It seems that they fall into two camps, either character or plot driven. He favours the former approach and helped us to construct two characters. At first things progressed fairly conventionally and we made up two very different profiles but, as the evening progressed, some rather surprising suggestions were thrown into the mix so it became a bit of True Crime meets Bonkbuster: ‘Ooh, a sex worker - don’tthink we’vehad one of those’, said Fiona, who was in charge of the flipchart.This was all accompanied with much hilarity on our part, a little bemusementon Peter’sand great amusement on Fiona’s. It was interesting to see how building up characters could lead to many potential plot lines and, as this was meant to be a crime novel, motivationsand reasons for committing a murder. Unfortunately we didn’tget far with the plot, beyond deciding that one of our characters murdered the other but the whole exercise made for an entertaining and enjoyable evening.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 14 November at 7.30 pm, when MarettaDowman, one of our talented members, will tell us about ‘Cake Icing’ and maybe give us a demonstration. We always welcome new members.
GayeCornford
The Launton Poppy Cascades
By the time you are reading this issue of Launton Lines, the poppy cascades will be on display at the War Memorial and the water pump in Station Road.
In October we celebrated our achievements over the past seven months with a stunning total of 4036 handmade poppies, resulting in the making of the completed cascades, tree huggersand several other displays, as well as a purple poppy wreath to remember the animals who served during the war, a white poppy wreath in remembrance of all victims of war, a wreath for StMary’sChurch, and a wreath to present at the memorial service.
You will also see two stunning toppers on our two village post-boxes, which have been lovingly made by one of our talented members. This will all complement the Silent Soldiers that we have seen in the village for the past few years, and 10 lamp post poppies purchased by Launton Parish Council to support the Royal British Legion.
Launton School children have contributed with their beautifully made poppies which they attached with other donated poppies to the tree huggersto be sited at the memorial. Thank you to the staff, parents, and children for their help and support.
At both sites, there is a QRcode which links directly to a Just Giving page for the Royal British Legion. If you appreciate the hard work and the sentiment of our work, please see your way to donate on the site or with the volunteers who collect for the Royal British Legion door to door around the village.
You can find our page by searching on Just Giving for ‘Launton Poppy Cascadersfundraiserfor The Royal British Legion’ or by scanning this QRcode
After the service at the War Memorial on Monday 11 November at 11am, there will be complementary refreshments at Launton Parish Hall. The QRcode and a collection box for cash donations to the Royal British Legion will be available.
We want to say again a huge thank you to all the supporters of this project; we couldn’thave done it without the many people who have helped in all sorts of different ways.
We would also like to thank Jewsonsin Station Road for providing all
of the wood and fixingsto make the supports for the Cascades, and to MickJennionand Cliff Carter for making and installing the supports and for all the planning meetings over the last few months.
Big thank you to KathrynBalmfordfrom Marsh Gibbon who made and donated the beautiful ceramic poppies that can be seen at the water pump display. Kathrynmakes the poppies in memory of her father, GeorgeAvery, who landed on Sword Beach, part of the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944. He passed away in 2021, aged 99.
And thanks to DannyHeatonof D2Vinyl Wrappings for his help in sourcingthe camouflage netting.
If you are passing the displays and you notice anything ‘amiss’ please can you let us know, either on Facebookor at the following contacts IsobelJennion isobeljennion@me.com
MaryCarter carmore2007@hotmail.co.uk
HilaryBradshaw hilaryannbradshaw@hotmail.com
Tel07734434989
We hope you enjoy the displays. There are some photos on page 26.
The Launton Poppy Cascaders
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Launton WIhosted a very successful Macmillan coffee morning on Saturday 12 October in the Parish Hall. All the clubs and societies using the hall were invited to have a stand and many took the opportunity to showcase their groups.
We had a raffle, tombola and, of course, lots of cake - both for refreshments along with tea and coffee, and for sale. It was lovely to see the newly spruced up Hall buzzing with so many people.
We’re delighted to say that we raised over £600! Many thanks to Eleanor(our new President and the driving force behind this venture) for organising, to all our members who helped and, especially to all who contributed so generously to such a good cause.
GayeCornford
Reporting from our Councillors on Cherwell District
Council
Full Council Meeting: 21 October 2024
The full council of Cherwell District Council took place on Monday 21 October. There were four motions passed:
Asking the Leader of the Council (CllrDavid Hingley) to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking her to reconsider the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance and to look at how Cherwell can support residents more.
Looking at how we improve Primary Care within Cherwell
Looking at how we can make Cherwell more accessible to neurodiverse residents and councillors
Calling on the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary urging her to cancel the plans to re-open CampsfieldHouse You can find more information about the full council as well as the full text of the motions on the council website.
In relation to the motion on Winter Fuel Allowance, we are aware than many pensioners are anxious about meeting the costs this winter. Please do explore whether you would be eligible for help using the following:
Pension Credit or Savings Credit (Pension Credit: EligibilityGOV.UK(www.gov.uk)) Advice on both of these is available here: Pension credit advice | Age UK. If you qualify for either credit, you will get the Winter Fuel Payment.
Warm Home Discount (Warm Home Discount Scheme: OverviewGOV.UK(www.gov.uk)
Residents Support Scheme, from Oxfordshire County Council (Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme | Oxfordshire County Council)
Local Plan
You may remember that Cherwell is currently in the process of updating their local plan. This went to consultation last year and officers have been working to pull all opinions from the consultation together and adapt the plan accordingly. We believe that the updated local plan will now be going to Overview and Scrutiny committee in early November and you should
then be able to read the updated version. The plan will then go to consultation again and you will have your opportunity to have your say. We will keep you updated about when the consultation goes live.
Flooding
Unfortunately, much of Launton and Otmoor has been affected by flooding over the last couple of weeks and we have been working with officers and Parish Councils to understand the effects of this flooding and how we can prevent or lessen it in the future. Please do get in touch if you have been affected and we will see what we can do to help! There are also help pages onlineat the Oxfordshire Flooding Toolkit.More information is here: https://www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com/
Get in Touch
As always, please do get in touch! Our emailsare as follows: gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.gov.uk alisa.russell@cherwell-dc.gov.uk julian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or phone us on 01869 717712.
Gemma, Alisa, and Julian
The Village Players singing carols around the village in December
We will be singing carols ‘around the village’ this year on Friday 13 December from around 6:30pm.
Keep an eye on our Facebookpage and check in December Launton Lines for a list of the locations and approximate timings of where we will be singing. We will be raising money for Alzheimer’sUK.
You can find out more about LVP by getting in touch via emailon info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk, on Facebook, or on our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk.
Afarewellletter…
DearLaunton,
IhaveservedthevillageasyourParishClerkforthelastsevenyears,butbythe timeyoureadthis,Iwillhavehandedoverthelaptopandkeys.
AswellasmakingsurethattheCouncilisproperlyoperated,IhopethatIhave managedtomakeadifferenceandhelpedawiderangeofthecommunity.
Therehavecertainlybeensomechallenges,whethertheclosureofthefootpaths atthebeginningoftheEastWestRailprojectandmakingsurethatwekeptup liaisonwiththeteamtheresothateveryoneknewwhatwashappening,the constantroadspeedissues,helpingtosupportthevillagethroughthepandemic orjustpointingpeopleintherightdirectionwhentheyhaveaquestion. BeingaClerkisdefinitelyavariedjob-andonewhichIlove-butthetimehas cometoletsomeoneelsetakeoversothatIcanreducemyhours.Imighteven getachancetostartaCommunityGovernancedegree-somethingwhichI’ve wantedtodoforsometime.
So,Ishouldliketosendabigthankyouandgoodlucktoyouallinthevillage. Bestwishes,
JaneOlds
Do you want to transform your style with a new hair colour and cut?
Maybe you want to arrange haircuts for you and your children in the comfort of your home? LizClarkelives in StrattonAudley. She has over 20 years hairdressing
DISCO BINGO
It’slikebingobutwitha twist. Nonumbers-instead eachsquarecontainsa songtitle/artist andmusic isplayed to helpyoucross themoff! Therearealsofunandgames betweenrounds.
This is notconsideredsuitable foranyoneundertheage of16!
AllourObedienceTrainingispartof TheKennelClubGoodCitizenDogScheme Jennie,ourInstructorisanApproved Instructor (Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour), Agility Club Approved Instructor, UK Agility Instructor.
SaturdayclassesatWestfieldStables,SteepleAston
Introduction to Agilitystarts at 12 noon
Introduction to Hoopersstarts at 1.30pm
Thursday Classes in ArncottVillage Hall
Puppy Socialisation, starts 6.45pm
Basic Obedience, starts 7.30pm
Rally or Scentwork, every alternate week for each class, from 8.15pm
IntroductiontoMantrialingandIntroductiontoTracking arealsoofferedatadayandtimetosuitthetrainer, yourself,andyourdog.
Housemaintenance
Repointing
Internalandexternaldecorations
Patios
Decking
Fencing
LCCGReadership Survey 2024
The Launton Community Communications Group (LCCG) looks after Launton Lines, the Launton Community FacebookGroup, and the Launton website. We’dlove your feedback so that we can continue to improve; we hope you’llunderstand we won’tbe able to implement everything suggested! All responses are anonymous. This survey is available in print (in the centre pages of the November 2024 issue of Launton Lines), and onlineat www.launton.org/survey. Please return your copies of this print version to the Costcuttershop. The survey will close at midnight on Sunday 8 December 2024.
First, we’dlike to ask about you and who you are completing the survey on behalf of.
1. About you I am completing this survey on behalf of: (please circle your answer). My household Myself
2. How many people in the following age groups read Launton Lines in your household
3. Are you currently a Launton resident? Please circle your answer
Yes, I am currently a resident
No, I have never been a resident
No, but I used to be a resident
LauntonLinessection
4. How do you read LauntonLines? Please circle your answer below
5. Please rate how much you value the following features in LauntonLines:Please mark with an x for each line
ParishCouncilreports
ReportsfromDistrictor CountyCouncillors
ReportfromourMP
Reportsfromvillage groups
Reportsandphotosfrom villageevents
Historicalreports(50,100, and150YearsAgo)
MemoriesofanexLauntonBoy
DiaryDates
Advertsfromlocal businesses
6. What would you like to see more of in LauntonLines?
7. What would you like to see less of in LauntonLines?
8. Would you like to see more reports/photos from local sports clubs/groups like darts, Aunt Sally, football, dominoes? Please circle your answer below
9. If your answer above was Yes, please suggest what you would like to see more of:
10. Would you like to contribute material to Launton Lines? For example, words, photos, drawings or cartoons, crosswords or other competitions, poems, join the distributor team, etc. If your answer is "Yes", please also contact us at editor@launton.orgso we can follow up with you about it. Please circle your answer below
11. Should LauntonLinesbe delivered to homes with a “No Junk Mail” notice? Please circle your answer below Yes, because it’snot junk mail No
12. Should Launton Lines continue to consider contributions submitted by individuals or groups who request anonymity?
13. How often do you look for village news on the Launton Facebookpage and the Launton Community Group? Please circle your answer below
About
a month It depends/Not regularly Never
14. What other local Facebookpages or groups do you regularly visit/view?
15. Should we limit advertising to “Launton-based (and other local) advertisers” only? Please circle your answer below Yes No Indifferent
16. What other content should we include on Facebook?
17. We have disabled anonymous commenting on the Facebook group. Should this continue? Please circle your answer Yes No Indifferent
18. How often do you look for information on the website launton.org? please circle your answer below Daily Weekly About once a month It depends/Not regularly Never
19. What other content should we include on the website?
If there’sanything not covered in this survey that you’dlike to raise, please emailat launtonlines@launton.organd we’llget back to you. If you would like to help, please emailat launtonlines@launton.org.We are always looking for people who can help with:
distribution of Launton Lines in the village
getting advertising and following up advertisers
the Diary Dates section
moderation on the Facebookgroup
developing the website.
Thankyoufordoingthissurvey.PleasedropoffintheCostcuttershop.
The Launton Poppy Cascades
Left, camouflage netting with poppies attached
Below, the display at the Macmillan Coffee Morning
Photos from the Cascaders
Reporting from Launton School
Today some year 4 children are talking to us about the Gymnastics Showcase they recently participated in at school.
In an assembly a teacher called MrMawncame to speak to us about a Gymnastics Showcase we could take part in. We had to sign up if we wanted to be involved.
Once we had signed up we had to decide who was going to be in which groups. Groups had to be between two and five people. When we had decided on the teams we practised our routines every day, we even wrote our routines down so we could practise them at the home on our own. Each routine had to have certain gymnastics moves in it. We had to make sure that there was a roll, partner balance, single balance, group balance, a spin, a cartwheel and a handstand. We could also add our own moves, so some of us added a back bend in to the routine. When we had finished we had to stand with our arms up, so the audience knew the routine was over. Each routine was between two and five minutes long.
When we had to perform the routines for MrMawnto judge we felt a bit nervous and scared, because we had to remember everything we had been practising. But when we finished we felt relieved and proud. We watched the other teams’ routines and when they were finished we applauded them.
MrMawngave some feedback immediately after the routines were finished. He said that we had good timing and some good gymnastic moves.
Robyn, Mollie, Sienna, Amy, Orlaith, and Darcy, Year 4
150 years ago, from TheBicesterHerald, 27 November 1874
COUNTY COURT
RichardJarvis, labourer, Launton, v Frederick Mansfield, farmer, Launton Plaintiff stated that he sued for 7s, for balance of wages, due to him from defendant. He said he was employed by the defendant as an out-door servant, at 15sper week from 28 May to Michaelmas.He was employed as waggoner, groom and milkman. He received 15sper week up to within 7 weeks of October 11. He was paid fortnightly. Seven weeks before Michaelmasthe defendant sent 28s instead of 30sby another man into the stables for witness. Witness went to the house to see defendant, and asked to see him about it. Defendant said it was because MrKillbyhad “sunk” his men, and he reckoned to do as he did. In consequence of receiving the 28s, witness told him he should not stop after Michaelmas, which was the time he was hired for.
The defendant said he agreed with the plaintiff for the time named and to pay him as other farmers did.
The Judge: Where’sthe agreement?
Defendant: We agreed with each other.
The judge: How stupid is it if farmers not to look to what they are doing.
Defendant: I agreed with him that if the rest rose 2s, I should do the same, and, if they ”sunk”, I should “sink” them.
The Judge: How many farmers are there in the parish?
Defendant: I cannot tell.
The Judge: Well how do you think I should know whether they reduced the wages or not, unless you bring all the farmers here. It is these sorts of things that have caused this unfortunate squabble between farmer and labourer. The law makes a way in which agreement should be made and it accords with common sense. But you go contrary to it, and contract with a man for 15sper week, and you reduce his wages just because other people do. The law does not allow you to chose; but it is intended to decide just [sic] for both sides. I consider you were not, under the circumstances, justified in reducing the man’swages, therefore you will have to pay the money.
Defendant: But why did he not leave when I gave him the first 14s? The judge: Because you had hired him to Michaelmas.
200 Years Ago, from Jackson’sOxfordJournal, 20 and 27 November 1824
To Brick Makers. To be Let, and entered upon immediately.
A good Tiled Dwelling House, Brick kiln, Drying Sheds, and Appurtenances, and two Acres of Land, in the parish of Launton, in the county of Oxford, near Bicester. - The soil is of an excellent quality for making Bricks and Tiles. For further particulars, apply to MrWalford, solicitor, Bicester.
[Historical note: a couple of brothers from Kempstone, in Beds, set up a brick and tile works on the site. However, they got into all sorts of difficulties - mainly of their own making - so the business soon folded. The site is a wooded and very wet area, on the north side of the road to StrattonAudley, a hundred metres from the nearby cross roads.]
TheHummingbirdCentreLighttheLightfestival
We asked The Hummingbird to tell us about this event on 5 December.
“We have been running this pre-Christmasevent since 2014, and each year it has got bigger and better. It is when we turn on the lights on our Christmas tree - this year at 5pmso there is plenty of time for people to come in. It’sa chance for everyone to come together to reflect on the year, to be amongst family and friends with some light entertainment.
“Sparkyand Sprite will be headlining the entertainment, and we’vebeen asked to offer visitors the chance to have a dance with family and friends. We’re also doing singing - after all it is Christmas - but there will be a bit of a surprise here!
“We’re offering refreshments: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and mulled wine and mince pies. And we will have our Memory Tree on display where each year all the hearts that people have written come out to be placed on the tree, and everyone can do a new one and leave it with us. At the end of the year they are packed away to be bought out next year.
“Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many people for so many reasons, and we just want to be there for those that need us.
“We hope to see you on 5 December: see page 40 for our flyer.”
2025 PantomimeBeautyandtheBeast
Rehearsals for Beauty and the Beast are now underway, and we are very pleased to welcome several new and returning cast members. The script is now in the hands of the cast, songs are being sung and routines gradually starting to be learnt. The set is being designed, costumes made, lighting designs beginning to be discussed as well as arrangements for the Front of House being thought about. All profits will go to The Hummingbird Centre, a charity which provides support to people with any form of cancer, and their families. Tickets are now on sale from TicketSource: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp.You can also call on 07864 715708 for cash or cheque purchases, or for help buying online.As tickets are available to buy before Christmas they would make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family! Performance dates and times are:
Oneofthemostimportant decisionsyouwillmake ischoosingtherightaccountant. Contact us today foraFREEinitialmeeting. We will proactivelylisten toyourbusinessneeds andcreatepersonalisedsolutions.
email@stackandjones.co.uk
Tel: 01869 277973
Unit4,WillowsGate,StrattonAudley Bicester,Oxon OX279AU
Wed 19 Feb 7.30pm
Thurs20 Feb 10.30amand 2.30pm
Fri21 Feb 2.30pmand 7.30pm
free
£7.00 free
£8.00 free Sat 22 Feb 2.30pmand 7.30pm
£8.00 free
Our Thursday morning show will be a “Relaxed Performance”, for those who might require a more relaxed theatre environment. The show will be exactly the same but we hope to make the following adaptations:
House lighting will be kept on at low levels throughout (apart from one scene which you will be warned about)
Music will be turned down and there won’tbe any very loud bangs
Auditorium doors will be left open so that you can come and go
The foyer will be available to use as a chill out space
A visual story will be made available before the show
The main characters will be introduced before the show begins
The cast and crew will have an open attitude towards audience noise and movement
We are offering Family Discounts again which are listed on TicketSourceand available for all shows.
Beauty and the Beast is a well-known story and includes all the usual panto elements with lots of comedy, magic and audience participation. It is a family show and suitable for all ages. We have a Good Fairy, who tries to help Beauty and Prince Valiant overcome the spell which turned him into the beast! The wicked witch of the woods, Silenus, wants to take over Fairy Tale Land; come along and see if good wins over evil. There are many traditional pantomime characters as well as some surprises! See page 35 for a flyer.
Last year we were lucky enough to receive the Best Pantomime award from NODA(National Operatic and Drama Association) London District, and the best Overall Production award from the ODN (Oxfordshire Drama Network). Don’tmiss out - come and enjoy Bicester’sbiggest and most magical panto!
Launton Historical Society
reporting…
In September, StephenBarker spoke about trench humour in the First World War. Stephenhas been our speaker before, most recently about the Somme. Heisamuseumconsultant,advisingparticularlyonmilitaryheritage. Stephendescribed his talk as partly reflective, partly anecdotal. He looked at the way soldiers regarded the war and their part in it, which was different to the way we see it today. Firstly, the veterans did not see themselves as heroes. Neitherdidtheyusetheword‘horror’abouttheirexperience.Theywerenot victims-theybelievedintheWaranddidnotseeitasfutileinanyway.
Largely blokes in their teens and twenties, the soldiers had ingrained patriotism but they didn’tmake a fuss about it. A poster saying “’alfa mo Kaiser” represented a soldier with control of his destiny in the forces - the humour of the free man under arms.
The soldiers’ humour was influenced by Music Hall, where lyrics and jokes were embedded in reality. It was a humour that touched everything with ridicule and light-hearted cynicism. Young officers took the brunt of dark humour. A 19 year old might be in command of a platoon of 40 men and he had to win them over, singing and exchanging ribaldry.
There was no truck for conscientious objectors. However, there was also no truck for those giving out white feathers. A group of women gave these to men out of uniform to shame them publicly, and perhaps shame them into enlisting. The Oxford Times commented on this practice, saying that the women were juvenile and ill advised.
In August, September and October 1914 there was the largest military recruitment drive ever - Kitchener’sarmy. Britain’sarmy was seen as gifted amateurs. The German posters show smugness about the efficiency of their army. But our army was not duped by war talk, and the men seemingly showed no hated for the enemy. They just got on with the job out of duty. But they did poke fun at the cultural traditions of the enemy, their blutwurst and sauerkraut. The French army was apparently baffled by the British dull comedicspirit.
Concert parties were a source of humour. But these didn’tstart until 1916. There was vaudeville, songs and cross dressing and the most famous was the Diamond Troupe of the 29th Division. The Times reported in 1918 that they were appearing at the Court Theatre in SloaneSquare, and every item in the programme had been performed under shell fire in France. Pierrotsalso featured in concert parties - Italian 16th century comedy. We
learnt that Peter Kaystarted his comediclife as a pierrotin Blackpool. It was really interesting to hear this talk - not about the grimness of war but about how the soldiers saw their situation and, above all, an insight into their fortitude.
By the time you read this Alastair Lack will have talked about Oxfordshire Country Houses, and on 28 November SteveWebberwill be speaking to us about Blockbuster - In the Beginning.
All are welcome to our meetings, always the last Thursday of the month at 7.30pm (except December) in the Parish Hall.
GwenSkinner
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The Community Choir Christmas Concert 2024
Mistletoe & Wine
The Christmas Concert this year will be on Saturday 7 December at 5pmin StMary’sChurch. See the flyer on page 42 of this issue.
The Concert will be a mixture of popular Christmas carols such as OCome all ye Faithful and more upbeat songs like Jingle Bell Rock. Seasonal readings about the Christmas story and Christmas time will also be included. The tickets will be on sale in Costcuttersfrom 7 November. An adult ticket will cost £10 and accompanied children will be free of charge but please take a child’sfree ticket for your child/children too. Please bring along cash to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available in StMary’sChurch before and after Church services.
Mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks will be included in the ticket price and served during the interval. It will be a festive evening of Christmas cheer and joyous celebration with talented musicians and singers. So put on your best Christmas jumper (optional!) and come along and enjoy the singing, and the piano, guitar and organ playing and also enjoy joining in well-loved Christmas carols and songs.
Funds raised will support the upkeep of StMary’sChurch. Any enquiries please contact celiaevans@outlook.comor phone on 07884135994
More news about the concert will be in the December Launton Lines and on the StMary’sfacebookpage.
We look forward to seeing you on 7 December.
Recent deaths in the village
LauntonLinestriestorecordsignificanteventsinthevillage.Wetrytolist births,marriages,civilpartnerships,anddeathsaswegetinformation.To havealistingincluded,contactlauntonlines@launton.orgordropanote inat36WestEnd.Thereisnochargeforsuchreporting
MiriamEvaEdwards,knownasEve,ofSycamoreRoad,diedon30 September2024,aged84.HerfuneralwasheldatOxfordCrematoriumon 14October.
FoLPHReportingforNovember2024
Since our last report in the October issue, there has been considerable change in the Parish Hall project.
First, the Parish Council has set up a Parish Hall Development Advisory Group with members drawn from the Parish Council, Hall users, the Grants Action Group, and FoLPH. The Group has started meeting, and the final Terms of Reference will, we hope, be agreed at the November Parish Council meeting.
Second, the Council will draw up Terms of Reference for the Parish Hall Committee. It will be a Committee of the Council so there are legal things that need to be covered. It will then call the first meeting of the Committee. It is looking for volunteers to join, too. Can you offer to help?
Third, the Development Advisory Group has decided the highest priority is to make the Hall watertight and weatherproof, and is getting advice on carrying out repairs from roofing contractors in the area. Cherwell District Council has confirmed that the £25,000 matched grant can be used for such repairs: it must be used by the end of the financial year.
Finally, the plan is to submit a new application to the National Lottery for the project, at the same time as working on the logistics of breaking the project into self-contained phases as a plan B. The Group is also working on a revised Business Plan for the project.
And the new external door to the kitchen has been fitted and now just awaits painting in the bright Oxford Blue used on the front doors.
Open Meeting on Thursday 21 November
Our next FoLPH Open Meeting will be in Launton Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 21 November. Come along and find out more about our events and more about the plans for the Parish Hall. FoLPH meetings are open: just turn up. Registeredcharity
Continued on page 38
Future events
Saturday 23 November
An evening with the BoogieWoogieBellas
This wonderful group of local singers will be entertaining us again with a variety of songs, all presented in the musical style of the 1940s.The last time they appeared for us the Hall was full, and the tickets were sold out. So book yours early: see page 48 (back cover) for more details and a photo of the Bellas.
They may even offer a few Christmas songs towards the end! There will be wine and nibbles as well as soft drinks all available at a bar.
We look forward to seeing you at our meetings and events, and huge thanks to all who support our events and help us raise funds for Launton Parish Hall.
RobertCornford
Test trains on the track from Bicester to MiltonKeynesCentral
From Monday 21 October there were test runs of trains on the East-West Rail line from Oxford to MiltonKeynes, via Bicester.
Launton photographer JonSquire was on hand for the occasion, and took these photos. He reports that the first train he saw was the Chiltern Railways Class 168 (the silver and yellow train in the bottom photos) followed by a GWRunit (the green and yellow unit in the top two photos).
Photos from JonSquire
Memories of an ex-Launton boy
This month the ex-Launton Boy has attended three funerals in the past three weeks. This time they were all of former comrades in the Maidstone area. The experience brings back memories of funerals in his early days in Launton. His first job was at LewisPenn, the builders, who were also the village undertakers - so he had experience of making coffins and of attending funerals.
Three funerals in as many weeks, two cremations and one burial, the latter in the pouring rain!
It becomes increasingly disconcerting when you reach that age when others of approximately the same age as one’sself start dropping off the end of the perch in increasing numbers.
Never having been a lover of cremations, they are nonetheless not so affected by the weather, and nothing is more miserable than a burial in the pouring rain.
I have lost count of the many funerals I have helped to arrange and attended in my capacity as the Welfare Officer of the MedwayBranch of the Royal Engineers Association, but it is a hell of a lot. My comrades now refer to me as “The Grim Reaper” as if I am responsible, all in good taste of course.
I have as a consequence, worked in conjunction with a large number of different undertakers within the MedwayTowns and Maidstone, some very good and one or two others that are absolutely awful. One gets to know the modusoporandiof the different undertakers and is thus able to be prepared for the least prepared of them to enable things to run as smoothly as possible.
I first became involved with funerals as a 15 year old apprenticed carpenter and joiner working for LewisPenn& Coof Station Road, Launton, where Jewsonsare now based, opposite where I was brought up as a lad. For those relatively new to the village, we were not only the local builders of high repute, but also the local undertakers. In those days we made the coffins of solid elm which polished up beautifully, none of this modern day MDF.We took a great deal of pride in the quality of the coffins we made back then.
Fortoday’sfuneralattheGarrisonChurch,wehadthehearseandtwo limousinesandaconvoyofprivatevehiclescrammedwithmourners.We havenoburialfacilitiesattheGarrisonChurch,sothecortegemovedon aftertheservicetoRochester,thenStroodwherethegoodfriendand comradeofminewasinterredintheStroodcemetery,inthepouringrain.
Interestingly, most graves are excavated using a small mechanical digger these days. However, I can recall back during my apprenticeship, one of the labourers at LewisPenn& Co, TobyBattsfrom Hethe, was our grave digger, using pick and shovel, and of course, muscle and sweat. With the heavy clay around Launton, whether at the Chapel or at St. Mary’schurch, it produced a lot of sweat and needed a lot of muscle. Back then too, you rarely saw a hearse attending a Launton village funeral, nor a convoy of private cars following on, due to there not being many car owners in the village back then. Instead, the coffin would be placed on a bier on wagon-style wheels and pulled / pushed through the village by the pall-bearers, most of who were also employed in a construction capacity by LewisPenn& Co. The metal-tyre wheels would make a distinctive crushing sound rolling over the road chippings, on to either the church or the chapel, with FrederickSharpe(proprietor of LewisPenn& Co) leading on foot in his black garb and top hat. Households of those not attending would draw their curtains as the cortege passed by and people who happened to be in the street would stop, men removing their caps and bowing their heads as the coffin passed. The family would follow behind on foot with other mourners from the village.
Rather than having pubs, clubs or halls, more often than not the wake would be held at the house of the family of the deceased, with nothing too elaborate. This was partly to do with tradition and possibly to do with the hangover from the years of austerity since the end of WWII, for it did linger for some time, until the rebelliousness of youth against the institutions and traditions rose from the mid-sixties onwards.
IrecallwehadanoldladyinthevillagewhomIrememberwasalways dressedinblack,orsoitseemedtome.ShewasaMrs.Jones,butnotofthe JonesfamilyofthirteenchildrenwholivednextdoortousinStationRoad, livingsomewheredownWestEnd.Anyway,wheneversomeoneinthe villagepassedaway,itwasherjobtogoandlaythemout,thatistosay,she wouldwashthebodyanddressitinpreparationforthefuneral.
I will never forget one very hot summer day when, in order to place the body of someone whom I cannot recall, in the coffin, we had to remove the front bedroom window because there was no way on earth of getting a coffin up the stairs. This was in one of Sharpe’scottages in Station Road before they were converted into fewer but larger dwellings. It wasn’ttoo difficult passing the empty coffin through the window from a pair of ladders, but by golly, it was a different story getting it through the window and safely to ground once it was occupied. And with it being such a hot summer day and the bedroom being very small, well, I will leave the stench to your imagination.
Once in a while, someone would pass away who was a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. This would mean the funeral service at Launton church being extended slightly, during which fellow members of the Order would gather around the coffin inside the church and go through a ritual of their own, the details of which I cannot clearly recall, but it was always quite fascinating to observe. I remember the late “Taffy” Bates being one of them as I believe so too was the late AlecAustin. I cannot recall all the others though as we are talking of about sixty years or so ago.
I remember so clearly though that years ago when I was very much younger in Launton, before the housing estates crept into the village, how the whole village would turn out for a funeral, because back then, everybody knew everybody and it was a very close-knit community. These days, I am still able to experience that closeness when it comes to the funeral of one of our local veterans, as within the Royal Engineers Association we too have a very close-knit community.
I was told a while ago that today’s70 is yesterday’s40 because we are tending to live that much longer these days, due to healthier living and medical advances. That said, however, I tend to look upon life as a toilet roll, (the closer you get to the end, the quicker it seems to go). So, make the very best of it and try to make sure that each week you are not in the obituaries columns of The Bicester Advertiser or The Oxford Mail.
Keep healthy and stay SAFE!
TonyJeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | November 2024
DiaryDates:November2024
Withthecomingofautumn,therearemoreevents.SendindetailsofeventsattheSportsandSocial,atthe pubs,atsportsteams,andfromvillageorganisations,tolauntonlines@launton.orgforaFREElistinghere.
Friday 1
StMary'sChurch, AllSaints Light Party, Parish Hall,9.30am-12pm | Children's Halloween Party, Sports and Social Hall,from 6pm
Saturday 2 Churchyard Cleanup at StMary's, from 9.30am(see page 10)
Sunday 3 StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Monday 4 Back to School after the half termbreak
Tuesday 5 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall,7.30pm
Wednesday 6 Over 60sClub Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.30pmfor refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm
Thursday 7 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Launton Parish Hall
Friday 8 SCOTS at The Bull from 5.30pm
Sunday 10 StMary'sChurch, Evensong , 6.00pm,with an Act of Remembrance | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Monday 11 Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial on Bicester Road, from 10.45am, Refreshments in Parish Hall afterwards | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm
Tuesday 12 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall,9am11am | Island Pond Wood Working Party,meet by the Pond,10am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 14 WIMeeting with MarettaDowmanon Cake Icing, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Saturday 16 Vale Brewery Open Day with food van Bombayish, from 12 noon, Lugershall Road, Brill
Sunday 17 StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bullfrom8pm
Monday 18 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE DECEMBER 2024 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall,2pm-4pm
Tuesday 19 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, ParishHall, 7.30pm
Wednesday20 Over 60sClub Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doorsopen 1.30pmfor refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm
Saturday 23 An Evening with The BoogieWoogieBellas, Parish Hall,8.00pm(see page 48) | Disco Bingo at the Sports and Social Hall, firstgame at8.00pm(see page 22)
Sunday 24 Island Pond Wood Working Party, meet by the Pond, 10am | StMary'sChurch, Morning Prayer, 11.00am | Quiz Night at The Bull from8pm
Monday 25 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall,2pm-4pm | Fellowship Group Meeting in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Thursday 28 Launton Historical Society, SteveWebbertalking on Blockbuster - in the beginning, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
LauntonLinesisthenewsletterforLaunton ItispublishedmonthlybytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroupwhichmanagestheLauntonwebsitewww.launton.organd theLauntonVillageFacebookPageandGroupwww.facebook.com/launtonvillageaswellasLauntonLines LauntonLinesisdeliveredfreetoeveryaddressinthevillage.ItisfundedbyitsadvertisersandLauntonParishCouncil. Furtherprintcopiesareavailableat£1.00percopyfromShirleyJohnson(01869369269) LauntonLinesisalsoavailableonlinefromJanuary2020onwww.issuu.com ©MMXXIVLauntonLines.Wereservetherighttoeditarticlessubmittedforinclusion. NeithertheCommitteenortheEditorisresponsibleforviewsexpressedinreaders’contributions.
