Launton Lines Issue 291 March 2025

Launton is a village of changes - 1

One day it was there - the next it was gone. Unfortunately, Ella didn’t take a photo the day before the JCB digger arrived and - in one day flattened the house “Salamanca” on Bicester Road. The bottom photo shows the site when the digger was done.

In 2021 planning permission was given for the erection of four houses on the site. We can watch them being built in the months to come.

Photos by Ella Rayner

The cover shows the egg of a Brown Hairstreak butterfly in the elbow of a blackthorn twig in the Island Pond Wood. See page 6 for more information.

Photo by Chloe Bradford. Cover designed by Matt Hill.

The Editor writes …

It almost feels like spring is here: snowdrops are past their best; daffodils are bursting into flower; and some of the fine magnolias in the village are hinting at blossom. But there is still winter lurking close by, with frosted grass and a bitter edge to the wind. And, of course, it has rained a lot - so much that only recently have I been able to walk round the woodland.

And mentioning the Woodland, our cover this month shows the egg of a Brown Hairstreak butterfly lodged on a twig of blackthorn in a hedge in the Island Pond Wood. A note on page 6 tells more of the story, and page 12 reminds that the AGM of Friends of Island Pond Wood is on Thursday 20 March at 7.30, with dates for further events later in the year.

There is also the AGM of the Community Communications Group (LCCG), producers of Launton Lines, on 26 March (page 32). Both are in the Parish Hall. There is also (pages 36 and 37) some good news about the new roof for the Hall.

A review of the Panto is on pages 25-28, with pages 22-23 featuring a collage of photos of the show. We continue with two new features: a seasonal Recipe (page 21), and a spring Crafts project (page 24).

There is an alert for the Village Spring Clean (page 13), and a reminder, (page 19) with contact details, to lobby about the plan to close the level crossing on London Road and divert about 9,000 cars every day onto existing roads - including through Launton. And speaking of the roads, we mark on page 43 the filling of potholes on Launton Road with some before and after photos. Now, looking forward to the top dressing!

Please support our advertisers: we need them to keep Launton Lines going.

Robert Cornford

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2025 Launton Lines

email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2024-2025 Chair: Jon Spinage | Secretary: Kate Greig | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill Treasurer: Carina Collins | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker

Contact the Parish Council While we are without a Clerk, you can contact the Council by email at clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk or on the Council's mobile at 07305 303 889

To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: 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’s floodlighting at St. Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, a birthday, or a wedding?

A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided.

Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 March 2025 for entry in the April 2025 issue of Launton Lines.

February 25 | Sponsored by Richard Burden [Son].

In memory of Iris Burden who passed away at the age of 104.

With special thanks to the villagers of Launton who gave her friendship and love when she moved to the village at the age of 89 after her husband Eugene passed away.

LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL Combined notes from two meetings of the Parish Council, held on Thursday 6 February 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (ordinary meeting) and on Thursday 20 February 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (extraordinary meeting).

Councillors present: Mr Glyn Austin, Mr Andrew Briant (Vice Chairman), Mrs Jackie Hackett, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) and Mrs Jaqueline Webber.

Apologies: None.

In attendance: 6 February: 4 members of the public. 20 February: no members of the public.

Reports from District and County Councillors No reports were received.

Governance and Consultations There are still two Councillor vacancies and there have still been no applications for the vacant role of Parish Clerk, so the Chairman is continuing as Acting Clerk for now. Details of the vacancy may be found on the Parish Council website. Anyone interested in the position, or in becoming a Councillor, should contact the Chairman, Simon Turner: Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 4

simon.turner@launton-pc.gov.uk or call the Parish Council’s mobile number.

At its 20 February extraordinary meeting, the Council responded to the latest round of consultation on the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042. This was the final round of consultation before the plan is submitted to the Government for examination.

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 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 is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planningapplications/ Parish Hall Thanks to the invaluable assistance and hard work of the Parish Hall Development Advisory Group, the Parish Council expects to be engaging contractors in the near future to replace the roof on the Parish Hall with a properly-insulated steel roof. [Update: contractors have now been engaged.]

Funding for this project has been obtained from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, Friends of Launton Parish Hall and “Section 106” developer contributions from the Mulberry Homes development on Blackthorn Road.

Exact timings have not yet been finalised, but work on the roof is expected to start in mid-March and last 2–4 weeks: the Hall will be unavailable for use during the day on weekdays while the contractors are working on it, but should remain available in the evenings and at weekends. [Update: as may be seen, preparatory work by SSE Networks to unclip and shroud the electricity supply cables has already been undertaken.]

The Council is working towards finalising the formal Terms of Reference for the Hall Management Committee and finally getting the Committee up and running, but only a few people have volunteered so more members will Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 5

be needed: if you could spare some time to help, please get in touch.

The Council has produced a consultation survey on the Parish Hall delivered to all households, which closes on 2 March.

Highway and Traffic Issues Speedwatch The Speedwatch team will always welcome volunteers – if you’d like to help out, please contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk.

The Parish Council will be contacting our MP and OCC Highways to discuss the ongoing problems of some vehicles speeding through the village.

Village Spring Clean Our annual Spring Clean and litter pick will be taking place on Saturday 15 March between 10am and 12 noon from the Parish Hall, with refreshment provided by the WI. Do come and join us!

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 6 March 2025 in Launton Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

Suggestions for agenda items for the 6 March meeting need to be with the Clerk by 20 February and items for the 3 April meeting by 20 March.

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

More about the cover image for March 2025

This month’s cover shows the egg of a Brown Hairstreak butterfly on a twig of blackthorn in the Island Pond Wood.

Chloe Bradford from FIPW explains why it is important. “The brown hairstreak is a nationally rare species of butterfly that has a stronghold in the local area. We have been managing the hedgerows in the wood to encourage fresh growth of blackthorn, on which the butterfly lays its eggs. After three years of this management we undertook an egg search, and were delighted to find multiple eggs across the site. We will now be keeping our eyes peeled in summer for emerging adults!”

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Launton WI reporting...

February’s meeting began with business matters and our treasurer reported that, as our finances were in profit, annual subscriptions due in April would be reduced by £3 to £48. The committee felt that this was good value for 12 meetings including 10 speakers and 15 events during the year.

Congratulations were offered to Pauline for her birthday this month.

Among forthcoming events is a trip this month to Woodstock Museum to see the EH Shepherd exhibition and a visit to the Houses of Parliament on 29 April as well as a fund raising coffee morning/ craft/ table top sale on 26 April. Our meeting in March will be our AGM. This month’s meeting had been advertised as a talk about cleaning your house, your mind, your life and taking back control. However, it soon became clear that the subject was, in fact, about Clearing your house …etc.

Our speaker Helena McBride, a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers, had founded her company, The Spacemaker, in 2017 following a career in hospitality, publishing and PR. From her illustrated talk we learnt how clutter can negatively impact our lives and that the decluttering of our homes is never finished: the process is easier if done with a friend, relative or professional. Why do we keep so much stuff?

There are numerous reasons e.g. ‘may come in handy’, emotional attachments. Trauma and grief should not be underestimated so counselling could also be part of Helena’s job. Where to start? What to tackle first? and Helena’s answer to ‘What should I do each day?’ was ‘Make the bed’. She went on to demonstrate the benefit of using boxes in our cupboards and wardrobes to keep similar items together.

On a more thought-provoking note, Helena explained that the term ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’ means reviewing and assessing what your family would want to keep following your death.

So, decluttering is much more than a bit of tidying up!

New members are always welcome to come along to any meeting.

Lynne Harper Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 7

Jazz and Jamie come to The Bull in March On the last Saturday of March The Bull will host a meeting of The Jazz Supper Club.

Music will come from a jazz trio of Andy Hooley (Sax/Clarinet) Paul Jefferies (Double Bass), and Jon Taylor (Piano). For more about Andy see his webpage https://www.andrewhooley.com/ Food will come from Cassoulet & Cream, a private catering company bringing restaurant quality food to venues round the area. The Founder and Executive Chef Jamie Webber grew up in Launton, and returns to the village for this musical evening. He started his cooking apprenticeship in Christ Church College kitchens in Oxford and moved on to an impressive range of restaurants including The Ivy (Leicester Square), Le Caprice and Annabel’s. He currently lives in the Cotswolds and says that his inspiration comes from the amazing produce available from small local growers and producers. Last year he ran pop-up restaurants, and is now teaming up with Andy Hooley to bring the Jazz Supper Club to venues around the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

Tickets for the evening are available from The Bull, £55 per person, for an evening of jazz and a three course menu - see below.

Pressed Ham Hock, Grain Mustard Mayonnaise, Pickled Vegetables Or Wild Mushroom and Gruyère Tart, Pickled Walnut Ketchup, Baby Leaves Coq Au Vin, Mushrooms, Bacon, Baby Onions, Kale, Hassleback Potatoes, Red Wine Jus Or Mozzarella Baked Aubergine Parmigiana, Roasted Garlic Sourdough Chocolate Torte, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream Or Apple Tart Tatin, Toffee Apple Caramel, Vanilla Ice Cream Vegan alternatives available on request Please mention any dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances when making your booking.

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Launton Watercolour Art Group The Watercolour Group normally meets on Mondays in the Parish Hall between 2pm and 4pm. In March we will meet on these days: 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Because of building work starting on the Parish Hall in March an alternative venue will be used for some of the classes.

If you are interested in attending, and for updates on the venue we’ll use, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com

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St Mary's February Fun Morning reports Every Fun Morning is different. This time there were three bible stories followed by craft activities.

After the first story we drew and coloured pairs of animals which were all heading for Noah’s Ark, of course. The story of baby Moses in the bulrushes led on to a craft activity involving cup cake cases (left)! Finally, we created a lonnnnng underwater collage (right) based on the story of Jonah and his journey to Ninevah.

The children took home their crafts and as one seven-year-old said, “We will take home something we learned as well.”

A very big thank you to everyone who came along to help run the morning. Don’t miss the next Family Fun Morning in the Easter holidays.

Look out for the date on Facebook.

It’s free..... and it’s FUN.

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NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH SERVICES & EVENTS IN MARCH 2025 You are most welcome to join our Services and Events listed here.

All are in St Mary’s Church except the Bucknell Ash Wednesday service on 5 March.

2 March 3 March 5 March 9 16 23 30

March March March March

8.00am 11.00am 2.30pm 11.00am 7.30pm 6.00pm 11.00am 1.00am 11.00am

BCP Holy Communion Family Service - The Last Supper The Lent Course starts in St Mary’s Ash Wednesday Service at Launton Ash Wednesday Service at Bucknell Evensong Holy Communion Morning Prayer Family Communion

It is always advisable to refer to the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton for the most up-to-date information in case any last minute changes have been necessary, or please contact Revd Sarah revsarahmortimer@outlook.com 07876 188 519 or one of the Churchwardens Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735

                PLEASE NOTE The morning Community Café is open at present during term time: Tuesdays, from 9.00am to 11.00am Why not call in for a cuppa and a chat?

Please also catch up with our recent events including our new family fun events.

DO COME ALONg AND jOIN IN!!!!!

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Reporting from the Island Pond Wood

Our AGM is on Thursday 20 March in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm

Hear about the new ponds and the tree thinning work.

Sign up for working parties Learn about the other volunteer groups in the Woodland.

Celebrate the return of the Brown Hairstreak butterflies (see the front cover, and the note on page 6) Pay membership fees and note the year’s planned events Dusk Bird Walks Our Autumn Event: provisionally 27 September Christmas wreath-making: provisionally 5 December International Day for Biodiversity Event date to be confirmed - but the day is 22 May.

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Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 11

Launton Village Spring Clean Come and join us at the Parish Hall Saturday 15 March 2025 between 10am and 12 noon We provide all the kit litter pickers, gloves, bags and a hi-viz jacket.

There’s also refreshments and home made cakes from the WI. The background photo is from the 2016 Spring Clean

All our Obedience Training is part of The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Jennie, our Instructor is an Approved Instructor (Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour), Agility Club Approved Instructor, UK Agility Instructor.

Saturday classes at Westfield Stables, Steeple Aston Introduction to Agility starts at 12 noon Introduction to Hoopers starts at 1.30pm Thursday Classes in Arncott Village Hall Puppy Socialisation, starts 6.45pm Basic Obedience, starts 7.30pm Rally or Scentwork, every alternate week for each class, from 8.15pm Introduction to Mantrialing and Introduction to Tracking are also offered at a day and time to suit the trainer, yourself, and your dog.

House maintenance  Repointing  Internal and external decorations  Patios  Decking  Fencing 

For a personal service, call Peter N Southam 01869 278333 07721 633 220

peteroofer@aol.com

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LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY “Life is like a box of chocolates... ...You never know what you are going to get.”

That may have been appropriate for Forrest Gump in 1997, but it doesn’t ring totally true in 2025. Our home, beautiful Planet Earth, is on fire.

Literally and figuratively. We can clearly see that Global Warming is turning into Climate Chaos all over the world. Today, life is more like a jigsaw puzzle, we can see what we are going to get, and it isn’t pretty.

We all lead very busy lives. Trying to juggle all our hopes, responsibilities and aspirations, while at the same time thinking about Climate Chaos may seem as overwhelming as a mega sized jigsaw. We can choose to be complacent and simply grab another piece of chocolate or not. We can choose to do a jigsaw puzzle or not. We, as humans, cannot choose to ignore Climate Chaos. To put it bluntly, if you are not seriously trying to reduce your impact on the environment, you are part of the problem!

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Flexible, local, reliable, and friendly we aim to make your life easier.

CONTACT: 07764 219 955 KATE@KATESCOMPANIONS.CO.UK

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LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY governments, institutions, initiatives and people throughout the world working on the solution. Globally there is COP (Conference of the Parties).

Some progress was made recently at COP 29 in Azerbaijan. Locally we have MOP (Meeting of the Parties). We have had four meetings so far and they have all proven to be very helpful and extremely encouraging. We all need to be working on The Solution!

Do you need help and encouragement in working on your part of The Solution? Take part in ‘MOP 5’! Learn more about the many uplifting things that are happening globally and locally. Get some new ideas, share some of your own ideas, and be a bigger part of The Solution. We held MOP 5 on Thursday 23 January in Launton Parish Hall, and later in The Bull. We then fixed the date for the next meeting: Finding order out chaos is one of the joys of doing a jigsaw puzzle. One can even get a flush of excitement when being able to put in just one little piece.

Taking part in ‘MOP 5’ may just make for a Happier start to 2025!

Happy New Year...Ed from LES

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Who are Kate’s Companions?

We have a new advertiser this month - Kate’s Companions - on page 14. We were intrigued by the name, and wanted to find out more, so went to talk to Kate Willsher.

Why is your company called Kate’s Companions?

As my name is Kate, I wanted to use it to give us a personal, approachable and friendly feel. Companions is in the name because it is what we do - companionship is so important for mental health and wellbeing.

When did you start?

We started in 2017 when I realised there was a need for a tailored home support service in the area around Brill. I realised that there were limited opportunities for people to thrive and stay active and healthy while also living independently.

Has it always been based in Brill?

Yes, I’ve lived in Brill for over 20 years and have got to know the area and local community well and understand the needs of the surrounding area.

Do you have any geographical limits where you take on clients?

We are a growing company and part of our appeal is our focus on employing companions local to our clients, so that they know the area and community. This helps us provide the personal service our clients want. So, there are no limits to where we could operate, as long as we have clients and can find local companions.

How easy have you found it to recruit Companions?

Very easy. We are in the fortunate position of being able to grow our team via word-of-mouth personal recommendations. This gives us a tight knit, local team of companions.

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Your aim is to make it possible for your clients to continue to lead the life they want to, in their own home. What is the most unusual request for help that you have had?

Every client is so different its hard to find a ‘most unusual’. We’ve taken pets to the vet, accompanied a client to her favourite ballet, and we are well acquainted with the lyrics of the songs of Flanders and Swann! We’ve also sourced a much loved, old recipe and prepared it to bring back fond memories of happy times.

How are you different from other care providers?

Our dedicated team of companions are committed to fulfilling your unique needs in your home, ensuring you feel safe, happy and at ease.

Having a two-hour minimum visit time means we really get to know our clients and their individual needs: maybe a game of scrabble and a hot, healthy meal, or a trip out to their favourite garden centre.

What were you doing before starting Kate’s Companions?

I’ve always been in or around Brill and have worked with neuro diverse people and in farming, and I keep a small herd of sheep.

Can you tell us a joke?

What did one plate whisper to the other plate?

Supper is on me!

How would you describe Kate’s Companions in two sentences?

We are a lifeline to your old self, a listening ear, a smiling face and a caring touch in your own home. Our client’s happiness and wellbeing are our priority; we are here to make each day brighter.

See our advert on page 14 then call us to arrange a free visit to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help - we will even bring the biscuits!

Contact details: Phone: 07764 219955 Email: kate@katescompanions.co.uk Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 18

The London Road Level Crossing: an update

While waiting to hear results of the EWR consultation on the level crossing, you can lobby our MP, Calum Miller: the more he hears from us the more he can represent us. You can also say that the idea of diverting traffic from the level crossing onto existing road networks is about the worst option possible!

Contact at calummiller.mp@parliament.uk You can still write to the Department for Transport Here are the contact email addresses for the key people. (Lord) Peter Hendy is the key person as he is the Minister for Rail.

The Secretary of State is Heidi Alexander (heidi.alexander.mp@parliament.uk) The Minister of State is Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (hendyp@parliament.uk) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary is Mike Kane (mike.kane.mp@parliament.uk) Copy any emails you send to the above to Calum Miller as well.

Need help with any of this?

If you’d like to share your views but feel unsure about writing to MPs, I’m happy to help. As a communications professional with experience in government lobbying, I can assist with drafting letters. Contact me at sarachristiane@icloud.com. I live in Launton.

Sara Davis

The traffic issue in numbers

 In November 2023 EWR carried out a survey of use at the level crossing.  It showed 62,283 non-pedestrian crossings a week, or 8,898 per day.  The EWR proposal document says that “work has demonstrated that motorised traffic could feasibly be diverted onto existing roads without users incurring significant delays or disruption”  They provide no evidence to show that the two alternative road routes for diverted traffic (A41 & Queens Avenue via the Bicester Village roundabout to the south; and A4421 Wretchwick Way & Launton Road to the east and north) will be able to handle the 4,449 vehicle increase on each route each day.  There is no traffic survey of current use on the alternative road routes.  There is no analysis or proposals that review the knock-on impact of the diverted traffic on villages around Bicester .  How much traffic will end up using Blackthorn Road through Launton?

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Deaths in the village Launton Lines tries to record significant events in the village. We try to list births, marriages, civil partnerships, and deaths as we get information. Contact launtonlines@launton.org or drop a note in at 36 West End, to have a listing. There is no charge for such reporting.

Patricia (Pat) Shugrue who lived in Sycamore Road in the 1970s and 1980s died on 20 December 2024 aged 80 years. The funeral was held at St Mary’s, Swinbrook, on 23 January 2025. Some readers may remember the children, Gail and Scott, who went to Launton School.

Kathleen Hazel Iris Burden - known as Iris - who lived in Ancil Avenue for many years, died on 23 January 2025, aged 104. The funeral was held on 19 February at Oxford Crematorium, with a Service of Thanksgiving at St Mary’s, Launton, later in the day.

We hope to have a fuller obituary for Iris in a future issue of Launton Lines.

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Beauty and the Beast Escapism, to Fairy Tale Land

The real world is characterised by unprecedented progress and significant challenges. Climate change and geopolitical tensions complicate global cooperation. Ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine bring global repercussions, and human suffering. Whilst in the UK, citizens have many advantages in terms of health, life expectancy, technological advances and education, this is precariously balanced with economic inequality, an NHS under strain, political polarisation following Brexit and mental health and social wellbeing issues, exacerbated by the relentless pace, and increased public scrutiny individuals face via social media platforms. It’s against this backdrop a random collection of strangers and friends, from near and far, arrive outside the Cooper School gates with a sense of eager anticipation: some to watch a loved one on the stage, others to simply enjoy an evening of pure escapist entertainment, put on for us through the sheer hard work of others. And thus it was, on a dark, cold, slightly damp Friday night of February 21st 2025, we formed a chattering crew that for the next 3 hours or so, would be warmly welcomed to Fairy Tale Land.

Creativity has many forms and this production of Beauty and the Beast from event and crowd management to the plot, staging and delivery was richly layered with all types. The warmth, as we entered through the grey entrance doors, emanated from the front of house team. Stood at their choreographed positions, scanning tickets, selling drinks and crisps, raffle tickets and providing thoughtful puzzles and pencils, we were ushered, in efficient Ikea-fashion, through to the auditorium.

There, we were introduced to the first of many magnificent props (courtesy of several creative hands according to the programme) from the delightful, friendly remote-controlled red squirrel weaving around the stage, complete with daft jokes, serving as the warm-up act to get us in the panto mood: “a squirrel’s favourite dessert? Nutella of course!”.

Prince Valiant (Kate Gordon) demonstrated extraordinary expertise at archery with a bulls-eye shot which was either the result of a significant level of practice by Kate, or a cunning use of strategic fishing line perhaps? We had a quite stunning Unicorn’s head spend all of a minute on stage, significantly less I’d wager than on its creation, the accidental killing of whom was the plot device deployed to turn Prince Valiant into the Beast by the Baddie, Silenis, the wicked witch (boo, hiss). Later on, in the Beasts’ Castle Grounds, some rather stunning big-budget ‘cast-iron’ Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 25

gates were used where - and spoiler alert here - Beauty (Nicky Roberts) restored the Beast to his Prince-ness, fell in love, got married and no doubt lived happily ever after.

Great props indeed, but a special mention must go to the set painters, Sayward Burns and Penny Stephens. While waiting for the metaphorical curtain to rise, and being happily distracted by our restless little squirrel, the woodland scenery was one of the most magical I’ve ever seen on the Launton Village Players (LVP) stage. Bold striking colours, with a weaving cobbled path leading mysteriously to a place over yonder, adorned with chunky, beautifully textured brown trees. The forest hummed with life, with a little hedgehog family, deer, rabbits and stunning primary-coloured birds and flowers. And it just got better from there: one could almost feel the rich, burgundy, velveteen luxury of the opulent castle interiors, enhanced by careful instruction from the lighting team.

Brave casting choices reinvigorated the updated script (courtesy of Director Julia West) from Martin Evans’ 2012 original. All the usual fare was included, sometimes in triplicate: the classic run-around, the ‘It’s behind you’, throwing items into the audience, spraying the audience, and even providing three comedy double-acts: Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Daisy Richards and Andy Roberts), who fell victim to the wicked witch; stepsisters Blossom and Petal (Stephanie Poulsen and Nik Sheriff), and the hilarious handymen Bodge and Dodge (Miles Penhallow and Mark Hudson). Miles and Mark, dressed in multi-coloured dungarees, made an excellent comedy duo. Every time they walked on stage their partnership provided a turbo boost of energy, delivering their lines in flawless sync.

Wardrobe and Costumes (masterfully enabled by Jackie Webber and Cathy Procopiou with a 6-strong team) provided many of the laughs, especially with the appearance of our requisite Pantomime Dame, Mrs Dingle, Lord Langford’s housekeeper (Dan Chilvers). ‘Her’ first confident stride downstage, pausing for effect, complete with blue hair, orange dress and exaggerated false breast-shelf, brought peals of laughter. Later costume changes built on the theme with new wigs, and dresses, each designed to clash against each other in a riot of torrid bold colour choices.

Other costumes engaged the emotions through the children’s chorus: Bo Peeps’ cute little lambs, the little red squirrels who possessed the magic acorns that would bring the world to rights, and the wonderful luminous skeletons. Of course, the children themselves had much to do with the audience reaction: not only did the children clearly bring their own family Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 26

fan club with them for raucous applause, but the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed their sweetness. It was good to see some more complex dance numbers for the children this year, which they demonstrated they have an immense capacity for, clearly a result of robust practice in rehearsal.

Wardrobe perfectly captured the essence of our baddie, the wicked witch Silenis (Beth Heale), with some distinctly ‘Elphaba’ vibes from the musical Wicked. Clad in black hook and eye boots, long dark green dress, and long, black-netted outer black coat fastened at the middle, topped off with tall black hat, Beth provided a strong performance, maintaining her character throughout. The usual “Oh yes it is”, “oh no it’s not” innovatively sung instead of spoken was a particularly nicely executed moment, although I think the audience missed having the opportunity in the finale to appreciate their wicked witch onstage, by herself, in witch costume, to give Beth a personal well-deserved recognition of loud applause and a friendly boo. In contrast to our nasty, dark-clad baddie, we had the pretty-in-pink ‘Glinda-esque’ Good Fairy (Natasha Patrick) and gorgeous-in-green Saraband, the nature spirit, (Phyllie Dolan), the latter of which despite her youth, held her position on stage, and gave a very nice, naturalistic performance, exuding a quiet confidence that will no doubt have caught the Director’s eyes with interest.

No panto could evoke the right level of emotion without the music, flawlessly performed by the band, and I thought there were some particularly well-composed songs this year from Musical Director Steve Webber. “There Is No Future” with Silenis, echoed by Tweedles Dee and Dum was a catchy little number, with thoughtful lyrics and nicely staged with crossed blocking to add visual interest and dynamics for the audience. “I’ll Give Him My Heart”, a love song composed for Beauty and the Beast was particularly charming, presenting a lovely echo to the other, providing a rather beautiful ‘stillness’, into an otherwise actionpacked production. And “Fly Away Sparrows” with Beauty and the two sparrows, Chirpy and Twitter (Tina Cherry and Liz Hill) was almost Gilbert and Sullivan-esque, adding a little musical interlude of sophistication into proceedings.

As the evening drew to a close in Fairy Tale Land with full cast at the wedding of Beauty and Prince Valiant, Julia West thanked the audience for being particularly responsive. Of course one begets the other, as an audience won’t react if not enabled. Shouts from children to the comedy duos to “Stop mucking around”, which Dan Chilvers acknowledged in Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 27

quick response. As characters ‘hid’ rather badly behind leaves, other children shouted out “We can see you” and choosing the comedy-victim out of the audience was a small act of genius, making Conner, who was the comic-target on our particular night, an honorary extra cast member delivering the entertainment, famous for perhaps one-night only (whether he wished for it or not!) which we thoroughly enjoyed, and embraced.

Sir Winston Churchill recognised the value of the arts it is a well-known fact, backed up by extensive research that many creative activities such as music, painting, writing and acting can reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem and improve mood. It’s perhaps no wonder then, that this hard-working ensemble of creatives looked so happy as they took to the stage for their final bows. For all involved in the LVP, on and off stage, be content in the knowledge that for 3 hours, on an ordinary Bicester evening in February we escaped with you heartily to Fairy Tale Land, where you collectively made a positive impact on the lives of many ordinary people, before dropping us gently back in Bicester Town with a smile, brains re-set, ready to engage with renewed vigour and resilience back in the real world.

Reviewed by Allison Ford-Langstaff

Launton author publishes her second book Sharon Jeacock recently published her first novel.

“My recent book was published in December 2024. It is called Attendant 14 and the factory girls. It is a fictional story set in a Victorian lunatic asylum, spanning across the years to more modern times. It is, of course, very different from my last, factual, book Autism: the good, the bad and the wonderful.

“This second book and my first fiction is published by PublishNation as a paperback and for Kindle, and is available from Amazon, Ingram Spark, Waterstones, and other platforms.

“I find writing very therapeutic for my mental health and a form of escapism for a few hours a day.”

Sharon Jeacock Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 28

Defib at The Hummingbird Launton has a new defibrillator accessible to everyone.

It is on the outside wall of The Hummingbird Centre near the Christmas tree, within the main courtyard as you approach the Centre.

We would not have been in a position to have a defib at the Centre without help from DHSC Community AED Grant Team, Chris & Powell Electrical Ltd, and P A Cox & Sons.

Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 29

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Launton Lambs 1

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Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 30

Launton Lambs 2

Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 31

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The AGM of the group that runs Launton Lines, the Launton Community Group facebook page, and the Launton.org website, will be held on Wednesday 26 March in the Parish Hall starting at 8pm.

It is an open meeting for all to attend.

You don’t have to be a “Member” to take part.

The agenda will include reports on the 2024 year from each channel, an analysis of the 2024 Readership survey and on the changes to be expected, and a review of the LCCG Operating Document.

There will be elections for the Chair and Treasurer. The current Chair, Jon Spinage, has said he wants to stand down as Chair, so we will need to find a replacement. Could it be you?

The November readership survey had 49 responses. 98% of these were from village residents, and 67% read the print edition, 31 % read online, and 2% read both.

There were many suggestions for other content to be included - and we’re following up some of these (recipes and crafts for example), but we depend on contributions from people in the village, so if you want to see special content, start contributing.

Come to the AGM to find out more from the survey.

Robert Cornford

sandholmeroofingleadworkspecialist@gmail.com Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 32

Launton Historical Society reporting …

Pat Snelson was entertaining on the topic of Bicester’s gothic architecture, in a talk jam packed with information, a political and social overview, and quite a few laughs.

Gothic architecture appeared not once, but twice: first in the mediaeval period, later in the Victorian age, during the industrial revolution. Both times it was generated by social, economic and political change.

Under the Normans, Anglo Saxon architecture changed. Within 15 years, 7,000 churches were built, they could have sorted HS2 with no bother. 120 years later, the Gothic style arrived, invented by French masons.

St Edburg’s church in Bicester had started off as a stone built Anglo Saxon church. Around 1088 the Norman imposed a cruciform design.

Then came Gothic, bringing the defining characteristic of pointed arches. Previously, windows had been rounded, now they became pointed. The pointed arch displaces weight differently, so you can build differently. It opened up design opportunities.

Basically there were three stages of Gothic - early English (13th century) Decorated (14th century) and Perpendicular (15th century). Southerners got the new designs first, there was a definite North South divide. The Gothic style wasn’t just for key buildings, it was quite the rage everywhere, though modest parish churches did not have glorious carvings. Tower design varies hugely during the mediaeval period but, like an IKEA flat pack, neighbouring churches might be remarkably similar, as is the case with St Edburg’s and Islip church.

Overall, St Edburg’s is a classic example of a modest town church keeping up with fashion. It was thought wise to keep adding to a church, not destroy parts, to maintain the work of your ancestors and keep God happy. This thinking produced fantastic parish churches.

The fashion for Gothic faded. In the 17th century the influence of the Italian Renaissance arrived. Andrea de Palladio had described the Gothic arch as ‘barbarian’ and the Palladian style had arrived, for example Stowe House and a remodelled Bicester House.

But, like Elvis, said Pat, Gothic returned, at a time of major social and political change, like before. Just before Victoria came to the throne, Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 33

there was huge population growth and great poverty, and huge movement to new industrial cities. Work was de-humanising and destabilising. Darwin came along with new ideas about life and there was social unrest on the continent, with another French Revolution in 1848. People felt they didn’t know which way the world was going and looked to the past to find stability. It was time for Gothic again.

A competition for rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after the 1834 fire, specified that the style had to be Gothic. It was thought that the chosen architect didn’t really like Gothic but wanted to win. Inside Parliament, the Lords has Gothic decoration but not so the Commons chamber, which was firebombed in the 1940s and got a different style.

The beacon for the Victorian Gothic revival was Pugin (1812-1852) a brilliant, tortured genius, but unbalanced. He died in Bedlam.

A prime example of Gothic revival in Bicester is St Edburg’s Hall, once all alone on London Road and surrounded by greenery, and now at the edge of Priory Rd and just before Bicester Village Station. It was a secular hall for meetings and has a ballroom upstairs and billiards downstairs.

Also Gothic is the old St Edburg’s school, off Cemetery Road, built in 1858 as a ‘national school’, a Church of England initiative, before compulsory education, to put a school in every parish. Now boarded up, it’s owned by Bicester Village. To get listed, it would have to be of national importance. The Old Courthouse in Sheep Street is Gothic and listed. It has long been the office of lawyers, the most well known being Alf Truman.

Pat’s conclusion was that Gothic revival fizzled out because it went bonkers, with ornate designs and twiddly bits. Plus, new materials made new designs possible.

We enjoyed this, and hope Pat will come again. By the time you read this we will have heard Janine Kilroe talk about Piers, their History and Future, and next up is Antonia Keaney talking about Odd Men and Necessary Women (Blenheim staff) on 27 March. We meet at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, and everyone is welcome.

Gwen Skinner Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 34

Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 35

Update on work on the Parish Hall roof - 1

Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 36

Update on work on the Parish Hall roof - 2 People may have noticed changes to the front of the Hall. SSE, the electricity supplier, have unclipped the main cable feeding the Hall, and then wrapped the cable in sheathing in preparation for work on the roof. The sheathing is to protect workers on the roof and scaffolding from contact with the 3-phase power into the Hall.

As we go to print, this is the planned schedule for work on the new roof.  Tuesday 18 March: Site set up - fencing, scaffolding, tree protection.  Thursday 20 March: roofing materials delivered to compound (still to be confirmed), and roof works to start  Week of 24 March: roof works continued with the main roof expected to be covered by Saturday 29 March.  There may be some tidy-up work needed in the following week.

While work is being completed, the Hall will not be available during the day but will be open for evening bookings. The Hall should be available for daytime bookings from Monday 7 April. The builder’s compound will take up a few of the parking spaces at the back of the Hall.

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Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 37

200 Years Ago: from Jackson’s Oxford Journal 26 March 1825 To Basket Makers and others. To be sold by Auction by J Paxton, on Thursday next, the 31st day of March 1825 About 5 Acres of excellent Osiers .... now standing and growing in a field in the parish of Blackthorn .... The company are requested to meet at the sign of the Bull Inn, Launton ... at One O’Clock, at which time the auctioneer will adjourn to the field where the osiers are now growing.

[Historical note: this is the only mention we have found of willows being sold for basket making in Launton. Presumably the trees were growing in the wet area at the parish boundary with Blackthorn, along the Blackthorn Road.]

150 Years Ago: from The Bicester Herald 26 March 1875 PETTY SESSIONS Richard Bottrell, labourer, of Launton, was summoned by Elizabeth Smith, an elderly married woman, for assaulting her on Monday, January 15, at Launton.

The complainant spoke to the defendant’s donkey being in her garden, when it was put in her shed. Defendant’s wife came to her, and asked her what her charge was, when she replied 1s [1 shilling] this time; but 2s the next. She sent for the money, and defendants brought it to her whilst she was in at a neighbour's at breakfast, and threw it down on the table. She went and let the donkey out, when Botterill [sic] said “You old b----, I would cut your b---- head off if I dared,” and other language too bad to repeat. She went to Mr Stockford, when he advised her to take a summons out. There were lots of children about, and the language he used was not fit for them to hear.

Defendant stated the complainant asked him to strike her.

Charlotte Long, married woman, deposed to being in her house, when Bottrell came and paid the 1s for his donkey. She did not see Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 38

the defendant strike complainant; but heard the words between them.

Bottrell said the reason he went to see the complainant was to talk to her about the mound, which was not sufficient protection for the garden, and he thought he was as much insulted as she was, and there were faults on both sides. There was not a more “insultinger” woman in the parish of Launton than she was, for when his mother was married she beat a tea tray after them up the street, which Mr Blomfield and all the parish knew. He considered that they were both at fault, and he had a witness to prove that she asked him to hit her.

He called Henry Foster, who stated that he was coming up the street on Monday morning, when Mrs Smith and Bottrell were “on”. He heard her say “I should like you to hit me,” when Dick replied, “I have got too much sense for that.”

The Chairman told the defendant that he had not apparently assaulted the woman; yet he had no business to use such bad language. He must not allow his donkey to stray about in that manner; if he did he would be brought up there, which was not the first time, and this case would be brought against him. He would be discharged this time; but he must mind not to come there again.

Complainant and defendant having paid 1s each for swearing witnesses, they were allowed to depart.

Some Launton Coffee Notes The Bull will be running a regular Coffee Morning on the fourth Monday of the month, opening at 11am. Come along and try the cakes and other baked goods (whatever Tash has managed to source) and freshly made coffee. Profits will go to the Hummingbird Centre.

We’ve heard on the village grapevine that the Village Coffee Shop is moving towards completion of the conversion work at the bottom of the lane at the foot of West End, in The Old Poolhouse, and is sorting out all the paperwork - and it will open “sometime in the midSpring”. Watch this space for updates - all the cake and caffeine addicts in the village.

Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 39

Memories of an ex-Launton boy This month the ex-Launton boy picks up on the story last month about the closing of the level crossing in Bicester, and the ways of handling any diverted traffic. He remembers a time in the 1950s when Launton was also a rat run, and recalls the introduction of the speed limit through the village (it was 30mph then).

For those who have been in and around Launton long enough, the item in Issue 290, pages 20-21 will bring back some distant memories I am sure.

Unless there is a change of heart, it would appear that the suggested closing off of the London Road level crossing will create an even more severe situation compared to that in the days when the London end of Sheep Street had straddled across it the big Hedges shop building with a narrow pedestrian passageway to one side and a road bottleneck to the other.

We have to remember also that back then, there was nothing like the volume of today’s traffic, but nonetheless, the bottlenecks created were such that when vehicles being driven to the channel ports for export to the continent were zooming down from the Midlands, they would avoid the Bicester bottleneck like the plague.

Even when Bicester Aerodrome was still in full swing, these ‘export’ vehicles would peel off the A41 just before the sharp right-hander and go off up through Caversfield to the left, through the public highway running through the middle of the RAF housing accommodation area and onto the Bicester/Buckingham road, turning right towards Bicester and then immediately left down what we always used to call, the Aerodrome Road, past the well established allotments (the Marlins), left onto the Launton/Bicester road towards Launton, over the little hump-backed bridge we called The Sluice, over the railway bridge and through Launton at breakneck speed, up the Blackthorn Road and rejoin the A41 at the Blackthorn crossroads.

It was that which led to the introduction of the 30 limit (not observed by many of the drivers), and the installation of the barrier immediately outside the main entrance to Launton School for fear that children might run excitedly into the road at lunch time or at the end of the school day. I don’t recall seeing any car transporters coming through the village, as the many cars coming through were driven individually with their temporary red licence plates. Once delivered to the ports, despite having the money provided to cover the cost of their fare home, many of the ‘export’ drivers used to hold their temporary vehicle licence plates under their arms in full Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 40

view and thumb lifts along the various stages of their route home, pocketing the travel money.

Then of course there were the long-wheel-based trucks with just an open cab and a body yet to be fitted to the chassis. The drivers were fully exposed to the elements in all weathers looking like Michelin men all wrapped up warm, wearing goggles and gauntlets were quite a sight.

But then Hedges was knocked down in Sheep Street and opened up the London Road so there was no further need of the Launton ‘rat-run’.

Since then, Launton has grown enormously and I would assume the traffic flow through the village has increased very considerably already. To think that it could revert to the way it used to be when I was a lad, i.e. a rat-run, would make it a much less attractive village in which to live, having already lost the quaintness it once possessed.

If the main reason for closing the London Road level crossing is because of the danger of motorists and others playing ‘chicken’ with the level crossing barrier, then I cannot understand why a more substantial barrier cannot be installed that is far more imposing and intimidating than a flimsy barrier.

I can’t quite recall where the signal box / barrier control building is in Bicester, but here at one of the many crossings in the Medway Towns, the signal box is situated right next to the crossing barrier. Suitably placed cameras and heavy fines for foolish transgressions ought to be sufficient to stop idiots from taking unnecessary risks in trying to beat the barrier.

As it was the British who invented the railways in the first place and developed the network, motive power and rolling stock, one would think they could be somewhat more innovative as far as problems such as the London Road level crossing is concerned. What about rumble bars or sleeping policemen on the approaches both sides of the crossing? And what about installing overhead digital gantries to either side of the level crossing vividly lighting up with stern warnings in sufficient time before a train is due to approach? Simple measures not beyond the wit of man!

I have the book entitled, Bicester Wuz a Little Town; perhaps we should have one entitled, Launton Wuz a Rat-Run, just to remind people of what it once was like and insist that never shall it be like that again.

Keep healthy and stay SAFE. Tony Jeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | February 2025 Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 41

Diary Dates: March 2025

With the coming of spring, there are more events. Send in details of events at the Sports and Social, at the pubs, at sports teams, and from village organisations, to launtonlines@launton.org for a FREE listing here.

Sun

2 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service - The Last Supper, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm Mon 3 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | The Lent Course starts in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Tues 4 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Pancake Day today | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Weds 5 Ash Wednesday Service in Launton, St Mary's, 11am Thurs 6 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Launton Parish Hall Fri 7 Great Tythe Barn Quiz, for FoLPH and St Mary's, Tythe Barn, 7.00pm Sun 9 St Mary's Church, Evensong , 6.00pm | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm Mon 10 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | The Lent Course in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Tues 11 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Weds 12 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm Thurs 13 WI Meeting, This month it is our Annual Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Fri 14 SCOTS at The Bull from 5.30pm | Tickets go on sale for BCOS Sweeney Todd Sat 15 Village Clean Up with Cake and Refreshments, from The Parish Hall, 10am - noon.

Sun 16 Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am-1.00pm | St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm Mon 17 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE APRIL 2025 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm. Contact Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com for venue | The Lent Course in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Tues 18 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Work starts on the Parish Hall roof, through to early April | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Fri 21 Launton Environmental Society, MOP3 Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sat 22 Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, Lugershall Road, Brill Sun 23 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | Hummingbird Table Top Sale, Highfield Sports and Social Club, 10am-12 noon | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm Mon 24 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm. Contact Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com for venue | The Lent Course in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Tue 25 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Weds 26 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm Thurs 27 Historical Society Meeting, Antonia Keane is talking about Odd Men and Necessary Women (Blenheim staff). Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sat 29 Jazz and Jamie Supper Club at The Bull from 6.30pm Sun 30 St Mary's Church, Family Communion, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm Mon 31 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm. Contact Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com for venue | The Lent Course in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 42

Launton is a village of changes - 2 Before and After on Bicester Road

After: The Crossroads 4 March 2025 Before: The Crossroads 18 January 2025

After: The Crossroads 4 March 2025

Lots of work done on Bicester Road.

Roll on the resurfacing machines!

After: The Poplars 4 March 2025

Photos by Robert Cornford Cartoon from Private Eye

Before: The Poplars 18 January 2025

After: The Poplars 4 March 2025 Launton Lines March 2025 Issue 291 | Page 43

Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton

It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which manages the Launton website www.launton.org and the Launton Village Facebook Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage as well as Launton Lines Launton Lines is delivered free to all households in the village, funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council.

Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXV Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion.

Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.