Launton is a village of changes - 1
One day it was there - the next it was gone. Unfortunately, Elladidn’t take a photo the day before the JCBdigger arrived and - in one dayflattened 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 EllaRayner
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 Hairstreakbutterfly lodged on a twig of blackthornin 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.
RobertCornford
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.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’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 JoanPacker on 01869 241694 by 20 March 2025 for entry in the April 2025 issue of Launton Lines.
February 25 | Sponsored by RichardBurden [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 Eugenepassed away.
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors present: MrGlynAustin, MrAndrewBriant(Vice Chairman), Mrs JackieHackett, MrSimonTurner (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, SimonTurner:
simon.turner@launton-pc.gov.ukor call the Parish Council’smobile 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’sPlanning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk-inthe 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 SSENetworks to unclipand 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
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 Speedwatchteam will always welcome volunteers – if you’dlike to help out, please contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk.
The Parish Council will be contacting our MP and OCCHighways 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 10amand 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’dlike 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 signupform 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’scover shows the egg of a Brown Hairstreakbutterfly on a twig of blackthornin the Island Pond Wood.
ChloeBradford from FIPWexplains why it is important. “The brown hairstreakis 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!”
Launton WIreporting...
February’smeeting 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 Paulinefor her birthday this month.
Among forthcoming events is a trip this month to WoodstockMuseum 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’smeeting 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 HelenaMcBride, a member of the Association of Professional Declutterersand 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 declutteringof 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’sjob. Where to start? What to tackle first? and Helena’sanswer 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, Helenaexplained that the term ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’ means reviewing and assessing what your family would want to keep following your death.
So, declutteringis much more than a bit of tidying up!
New members are always welcome to come along to any meeting. LynneHarper
Jazz and Jamiecome 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 AndyHooley(Sax/Clarinet) Paul Jefferies(Double Bass), and JonTaylor(Piano). For more about Andy see his webpagehttps://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 JamieWebbergrew 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 AndyHooleyto 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 GruyèreTart, Pickled Walnut Ketchup, Baby Leaves
CoqAuVin, 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.
Launton Watercolour ArtGroup
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’lluse, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com
StMary'sFebruaryFunMorningreports
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’sArk, 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’tmiss the next Family Fun Morning in the Easter holidays. Look out for the date on Facebook. It’sfree..... and it’sFUN.
NEWS FROM STMARY’S CHURCH
SERVICES & EVENTS IN MARCH 2025
You are most welcome to join our Services and Events listed here. All are in StMary’sChurch except the BucknellAsh Wednesday service on 5 March.
2 March 8.00amBCPHoly Communion 11.00amFamily Service - The Last Supper
3 March 2.30pmThe Lent Course starts in StMary’s
5 March 11.00amAsh Wednesday Service at Launton 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service at Bucknell
9 March 6.00pmEvensong 16 March 11.00amHolyCommunion 23 March 1.00amMorning Prayer 30 March 11.00amFamily Communion It is always advisable to refer to the Facebookpage for StMary’sChurch Launton for the most up-to-date information in case any last minute changes have been necessary, or please contact RevdSarah
The morning Community Caféis open at present during term time: Tuesdays, from 9.00amto 11.00am Why not call in for a cuppaand a chat? Please also catch up with our recent events including our new family fun events.
Reporting from the Island Pond Wood
OurAGMis onThursday20March intheParishHall,startingat7.30pm
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 Hairstreakbutterflies (see the front cover, and the note on page 6)
Pay membership fees and note the year’splanned events Dusk Bird Walks
Our Autumn Event: provisionally 27 September Christmas wreath-making: provisionally 5 December International Day for BiodiversityEvent date to be confirmed - but the day is 22 May.
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
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 ForrestGumpin 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’tpretty. 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 megasized 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! Much is being done to reduce this problem, but much more is needed if we want to leave a habitable home to our descendents. There are many
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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...Edfrom LES
Who are Kate’sCompanions?
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 KateWillsher.
WhyisyourcompanycalledKate’sCompanions?
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.
Whendidyoustart?
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.
HasitalwaysbeenbasedinBrill?
Yes, I’velived 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.
Doyouhaveanygeographicallimitswhereyoutakeonclients?
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.
HoweasyhaveyoufoundittorecruitCompanions?
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.
Youraimistomakeitpossibleforyourclientstocontinueto
leadthelifetheywantto,intheirownhome.Whatisthemost unusualrequestforhelpthatyouhavehad?
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’vealso sourceda much loved, old recipe and prepared it to bring back fond memories of happy times.
Howareyoudifferentfromothercareproviders?
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. WhatwereyoudoingbeforestartingKate’sCompanions?
I’vealways 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!
HowwouldyoudescribeKate’sCompanionsintwosentences?
We are a lifeline to your old self, a listening ear, a smiling face and a caring touch in your own home. Our client’shappiness 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
The London Road Level Crossing: an update
While waiting to hear results of the EWRconsultation on the level crossing, you can lobby our MP, CalumMiller: 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 emailaddresses for the key people. (Lord) Peter Hendyis the key person as he is the Minister for Rail.
The Secretary of State is HeidiAlexander (heidi.alexander.mp@parliament.uk)
The Minister of State is Lord Hendyof Richmond Hill (hendyp@parliament.uk)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary is Mike Kane (mike.kane.mp@parliament.uk)
Copy any emailsyou send to the above to CalumMiller as well.
Need help with any of this?
If you’dlike 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.
SaraDavis
The traffic issue in numbers
In November 2023 EWRcarried out a survey of use at the level crossing.
It showed 62,283 non-pedestrian crossings a week, or 8,898 per day.
The EWRproposal 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 A4421WretchwickWay & 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?
Deathsinthevillage
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.orgor 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 1970sand 1980sdied on 20 December 2024 aged 80 years. The funeral was held at StMary’s, Swinbrook, on 23 January 2025. Some readers may remember the children, Gailand Scott, who went to Launton School.
KathleenHazel 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 StMary’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 Brexitand mental health and social wellbeing issues, exacerbated by the relentless pace, and increased public scrutiny individuals face via social media platforms. It’sagainst 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 21st2025, 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’sfavourite dessert? Nutellaof course!”. Prince Valiant (KateGordon) 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’shead spend all of a minute on stage, significantly less I’dwager 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’
gates were used where - and spoiler alert here - Beauty (NickyRoberts) 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, SaywardBurns 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’veever 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.
Bravecastingchoicesreinvigoratedtheupdatedscript(courtesyof DirectorJuliaWest)fromMartinEvans’2012original.Alltheusualfare wasincluded,sometimesintriplicate:theclassicrun-around,the‘It’s behindyou’,throwingitemsintotheaudience,sprayingtheaudience,and evenprovidingthreecomedydouble-acts:TweedleDeeandTweedleDum (DaisyRichardsandAndyRoberts),whofellvictimtothewickedwitch; stepsistersBlossomandPetal(StephaniePoulsenandNikSheriff),andthe hilarioushandymenBodgeandDodge(MilesPenhallowandMark Hudson).MilesandMark,dressedinmulti-coloureddungarees,madean excellentcomedyduo.Everytimetheywalkedonstagetheirpartnership providedaturboboostofenergy,deliveringtheirlinesinflawlesssync.
Wardrobe and Costumes (masterfully enabled by JackieWebberand CathyProcopiouwith a 6-strongteam) provided many of the laughs, especially with the appearance of our requisite Pantomime Dame, Mrs Dingle, Lord Langford’shousekeeper (DanChilvers). ‘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’schorus: 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
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(BethHeale), 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, Bethprovided a strong performance, maintaining her character throughout. The usual “Oh yes it is”, “oh no it’snot” innovativelysung 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 Betha 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 (NatashaPatrick) and gorgeous-in-green Saraband, the nature spirit, (PhyllieDolan), 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’seyes 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 TweedlesDeeand Dumwas a catchy little number, with thoughtful lyrics and nicely staged with crossed blocking to add visual interest and dynamics for the audience. “I’llGive 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 (TinaCherry and LizHill) was almost Gilbertand 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, JuliaWest thanked the audience for being particularly responsive. Of course one begetsthe other, as an audience won’treact if not enabled. Shouts from children to the comedy duos to “Stop mucking around”, which DanChilversacknowledged in
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 WinstonChurchill 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’sperhaps no wonder then, that this hard-working ensemble of creativeslooked 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 theknowledgethatfor3hours,onanordinaryBicestereveningin FebruaryweescapedwithyouheartilytoFairyTaleLand,whereyou collectivelymadeapositiveimpactonthelivesofmanyordinarypeople, beforedroppingusgentlybackinBicesterTownwithasmile,brainsre-set, readytoengagewithrenewedvigourandresiliencebackintherealworld.
Reviewed by AllisonFord-Langstaff
Launton author publishes her second book
SharonJeacockrecently 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 PublishNationas a paperback and for Kindle, and is available from Amazon, IngramSpark, Waterstones, and other platforms.
“I find writing very therapeutic for my mental health and a form of escapism for a few hours a day.”
SharonJeacock
DefibatTheHummingbird
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 defibat the Centre without help from DHSC Community AEDGrant Team, Chris& PowellElectrical Ltd, and P A Cox & Sons.
LAUNTON WI
Aservicethat'ssecondtononefromNorthOxfordshire'smost established,independent,specialitysmallanimalpractice.
Launton Lambs 2
Launton Community Communications Group
The AGM of the group that runs Launton Lines, the Launton Community Group facebookpage, and the Launton.orgwebsite, 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’thave 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 seespecialcontent,startcontributing. Come to the AGM to find out more from the survey.
RobertCornford
Launton Historical Society reporting …
Pat Snelsonwas entertaining on the topic of Bicester’sgothic 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, AngloSaxonarchitecture changed. Within 15 years, 7,000 churches were built, they could have sorted HS2with no bother. 120 years later, the Gothic style arrived, invented by French masons.
StEdburg’schurch in Bicester had started off as a stone built Anglo Saxonchurch. Around 1088 the Norman imposed a cruciformdesign. 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’tjust 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 IKEAflat pack, neighbouring churches might be remarkably similar, as is the case with StEdburg’sand Islipchurch.
Overall, StEdburg’sis 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. AndreadePalladiohad described the Gothic arch as ‘barbarian’ and the Palladianstyle had arrived, for example StoweHouse 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,
there was huge population growth and great poverty, and huge movement to new industrial cities. Work was de-humanisingand 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’tknow 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’treally like Gothic but wanted to win. Inside Parliament, the Lords has Gothic decoration but not so the Commons chamber, which was firebombedin the 1940sand 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 StEdburg’sHall, once all alone on London Road and surrounded by greenery, and now at the edge of Priory Rdand 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 StEdburg’sschool, 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’sowned 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 AlfTruman.
Pat’sconclusion was that Gothic revival fizzled out because it went bonkers, with ornate designs and twiddlybits. 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 JanineKilroetalk about Piers, their History and Future, and next up is AntoniaKeaneytalking about Odd Men and Necessary Women (Blenheimstaff) on 27 March. We meet at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, and everyone is welcome.
GwenSkinner
Update
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 unclippedthe 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 daybut will be open for evening bookings. The Hall should be available for daytime bookings from Monday 7 April. The builder’scompound will take up a few of the parking spaces at the back of the Hall.
200YearsAgo:fromJackson’sOxfordJournal 26March1825
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.]
150YearsAgo:fromTheBicesterHerald26 March1875
PETTY SESSIONS RichardBottrell, 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’sdonkey being in her garden, when it was put in her shed. Defendant’swife came to her, and asked her what her charge was, when she replied 1s[1 shilling] this time; but 2sthe 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 Bottrellcame and paid the 1sfor his donkey. She did not see
the defendant strike complainant; but heard the words between them. Bottrellsaid 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 Blomfieldand 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 Bottrellwere “on”. He heard her say “I should like you to hit me,” when Dickreplied, “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 1seach 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 Tashhas managed to source) and freshly made coffee. Profits will go to the Hummingbird Centre. We’veheard 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.
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 1950swhen Launton was also a rat run, and recalls the introduction of the speed limit through the village (it was 30mphthen).
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. Unlessthereisachangeofheart,itwouldappearthatthesuggestedclosing offoftheLondonRoadlevelcrossingwillcreateanevenmoresevere situationcomparedtothatinthedayswhentheLondonendofSheepStreet hadstraddledacrossitthebigHedgesshopbuildingwithanarrow pedestrianpassagewaytoonesideandaroadbottlenecktotheother.
We have to remember also that back then, there was nothing like the volume of today’straffic, 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 A41just before the sharp right-hander and go off up through Caversfieldto 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 A41at 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’trecall 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
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 Michelinmen 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.
IfthemainreasonforclosingtheLondonRoadlevelcrossingisbecauseof thedangerofmotoristsandothersplaying‘chicken’withthelevelcrossing barrier,thenIcannotunderstandwhyamoresubstantialbarriercannotbe installedthatisfarmoreimposingandintimidatingthanaflimsybarrier.
I can’tquite recall where the signal box / barrier control building is in Bicester, but here at one of the many crossings in the MedwayTowns, 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 Wuza Little Town; perhaps we should have one entitled, Launton Wuza 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.
TonyJeacock, MInstRE
DiaryDates:March2025
Withthecomingofspring,therearemoreevents.SendindetailsofeventsattheSportsandSocial,atthe pubs,atsportsteams,andfromvillageorganisations,tolauntonlines@launton.orgforaFREElistinghere.
Sun 2 StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service - The Last Supper, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Mon3 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | The Lent Course starts in StMary's Church, 2.30pm
Tues4 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, StMary's, 11am
Thurs6 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Launton Parish Hall
Fri7 Great TytheBarn Quiz, for FoLPH and StMary's, TytheBarn, 7.00pm
Sun 9 StMary'sChurch, Evensong , 6.00pm | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Mon10 WatercolourPaintingGroup,ParishHall,2pm-4pm|TheLentCourseinStMary'sChurch,2.30pm
Tues11 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Weds12Over60sClubMeeting,SportsandSocialHall.Doorsopen1.30pm,meetingendsabout3.30pm
Thurs13 WIMeeting, This month it is our Annual Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Fri14 SCOTS at The Bull from 5.30pm | Tickets go on sale for BCOSSweeneyTodd
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 | StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Mon17
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.comfor venue | The Lent Course in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Tues18 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Work starts on the Parish Hall roof, through to early April | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Fri21 Launton Environmental Society, MOP3Meeting, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Sat 22 Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, LugershallRoad, Brill
Sun 23 StMary'sChurch, Morning Prayer, 11am | Hummingbird Table Top Sale, HighfieldSports and Social Club, 10am-12noon | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Mon24
Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm.Contact Paul.Ebberson@gmail.comfor venue | The Lent Course in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Tue25 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Weds 26
Over60sClubMeeting,SportsandSocialHall.Doorsopenat1.30pm,meetingendsabout3.30pm
Thurs27 Historical Society Meeting, AntoniaKeaneis talking about Odd Men and Necessary Women (Blenheimstaff). Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Sat 29 Jazz and JamieSupper Club at The Bull from 6.30pm
Sun 30 StMary'sChurch, Family Communion, 11am | Quiz Night at The Bull from 8pm
Mon31 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm.Contact Paul.Ebberson@gmail.comfor venue | The Lent Course in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Launton is a village of changes - 2 Before and After on Bicester Road
Before: The Crossroads 18 January 2025
After: The Crossroads 4 March 2025
After: The Crossroads 4 March 2025 Lots of work done on Bicester Road. Roll on the resurfacing machines!
Before: The Poplars 18 January 2025
After: The Poplars 4 March 2025
After: The Poplars 4 March 2025
Photos by Robert Cornford Cartoon from Private Eye
LauntonLinesisthenewsletterforLaunton ItispublishedmonthlybytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroupwhichmanagestheLauntonwebsite www.launton.organdtheLauntonVillageFacebookGroupwww.facebook.com/launtonvillageaswellasLauntonLines LauntonLinesisdeliveredfreetoallhouseholdsinthevillage,fundedbyitsadvertisersandLauntonParishCouncil. Furtherprintcopiesareavailableat£1.00percopyfromShirleyJohnson(01869369269) LauntonLinesisalsoavailableonlinefromJanuary2020onwww.issuu.com ©MMXXVLauntonLines.Wereservetherighttoeditarticlessubmittedforinclusion. NeithertheCommitteenortheEditorisresponsibleforviewsexpressedinreaders’contributions.
