Thecoverfeaturesafruit-ladenhedgerow-basedBullacetreeafteranidealyear.Bullacesarea varietyofplum,largerthandamsonsandsloes(don'ttrytoeatthelatter-theyareverybitter: onlyusethemforsloegin). Bullacesare a fruit of autumn.
Photo by Peter Cox
The Editor writes
This September issue has been delayed a few days while awaiting some contributions. If anyone reading this wants to help in preparing issues on time, they would be welcomed with open arms!
The front cover this month shows a hedgerow crop of Bullaces- quite a common sight around the village this autumn. I can confirm that they are quite sweet enough to eat when ripe. Just don't confuse them with sloes. There is another ‘seasonal’ photo on page 28, a stunning photo of a “Red” Moon taken from the road up Brill Hill. And we feature a late summer task on pages 20-21 with the Rake and Cake event at the meadows in the Island Pond Wood preparing the soil for next year’swildflowerdisplay by raking the hay off the field, with a report from the Woodland on page 32. The back cover features MinibeastMayhem, also in The Woodland on 27 September. Come and enjoy this Wood On Your Doorstep.
Information about StMary’sFayreon Sunday 14 September features on pages 23-25, with an appeal for donations (page 18), and a flyer for the Fayreon page 2 and for the Arts and Crafts Show on page 39. The Parish Council reports on pages 4-6, The Poppy Cascaders update us on their Christmas plans on pages 8 and 11, andan update on fund raising from the Post Box Toppers is on page 13. Our regular Recipe feature is on page 19 and a Craft project on page 22, and EmilySpinagewrites of a second SpeedQuizzing on page 12. The Village Path Warden reports on pages 34-35 about a temporary diversion to the footpath under the London railway for work on the embankment. 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: Vacant | 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 September 2025 for entry in the October 2025 issue of Launton Lines.
29 August | Sponsored by MaryBrydon in loving memory of her husband Tom
4 September | Sponsored by MaryBrydon in loving memory of her old school friend, Laelia
9 September | Sponsored by MaureenRoberts to celebrate the birthday of her mother, Iris Baker
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 7 August 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall.
Councillors present: MrGlynAustin, Mrs JackieHackett, MrSimon Turner (Chairman), Mrs JaquelineWebber
Apologies: MrAndrewBriant(Vice Chairman), CllrGemmaCoton (CDC)
Inattendance:2membersofthepublic
Reports from District and County Councillors
Councillor Cotonwas unable to attend, but sent a report noting that the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042 had been submitted to the Government Governance and Consultations
We finally have a new permanent Parish Clerk! AndyWhite from LauntonLinesSeptember2025Issue297|Page4
AstonClintonhas been confirmed in the role and is taking over from SimonTurner, who has been acting Clerk for the past nine months. The Clerk’se-mailaddress and telephone number remain unchanged.
There are still vacancies for two Councillors, details of which may be found on the Parish Council website.
Finance
The Finance Report and quarterly Budget Monitoring Report are 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-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.launtonpc.gov.uk/planning-applications/
Parish Hall
The Parish Hall Development Advisory Group presented a report recommending a staged approach to further development, with each stage handled as separate projects to be tendered for individually. A quotation for fixing the damaged floor in the disabled toilet has been obtained, and the leaking mains inlet in the kitchen has been fixed.
Village Matters
A revised proposal to provide community library facilities in the bus shelter on Station Road, while still allowing its use as a bus shelter, was warmly received by the Council. Quotations are being sought for removing the dead tree in the open area in The Glades and replacing damaged fence rails around the edge of the area.
Network Rail works on railway embankment
Network Rail are undertaking works to repair the railway embankment south of Launton, which are expected to take until April 2026. As part of the works, the footpath from West End under the embankment is being temporarily closed.
Agenda items and dates of the next meetings
The next meeting will be on Thursday 4 September 2025 in the 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 2 October meeting need to be with the Clerk by 18 September and items for the 6 November meeting by 23 October.
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/
Ride and Stride on 13 September 2025
Every year StMary’schurch takes part in the Annual Oxfordshire Historic Churches Ride & Stride event when a group of dedicated (and slightly mad) cyclists set off on a ride round the county visiting various churches (usually 18 - 20 ) and raising money which is split between the Historic Churches Trust and StMary’schurch.
This year’sevent takes place on Saturday 13 September (the day before StMary’sFayre), so if you see anyone from StMary’s brandishing a sponsor form, please consider supporting the team as StMary’sbenefits from this.
Some more IT savvy team members will also have online sponsorship, so keep an eye out for this as well.
ChrisFrost
Launton Watercolour Art Group
The Watercolour Group meets on Mondays in the Parish Hall between 2pm and 4pmbut we normally take a break for the summer holidays.
Over the summer we will take a break until 8 September. We will then meet on 8, 15, 22, and 29 September.
Here is a work from one of our class members, matching the time of the year and flowers you can find in village gardens.
If you are interested in attending, please emailPaul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Christmas Trees from The Tree Team
Here are some example trees constructed by a team of volunteers for the Christmas decorations project. See page 11 for more about the project. Plans are to place trees at 34 locations in the village to carry
decorations, but people can also buy trees for their own space. These will be on sale at the Island Pond Wood event MinibeastMayhem on Saturday 27 September.
NEWS FROM STMARY’S CHURCH
Launton WIReporting . . .
A short report for our August meeting which was hosted by Hilaryin her lovely garden for our summer BBQ.
The committee had been very busy preparing fantastic food for the BBQ, which was enjoyed by all. Of course, it wouldn't be a summer evening without a glass of Pimmsand a bowl of strawberries and cream. A very enjoyable evening was had by all - thank you Hilaryfor having us. Also, a thank you to the committee for all their hard work in preparing and cooking the BBQ.
Only one birthday this month. Happy Birthday, Gwen.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 11 September in the Parish Hall, with the Launton Handbells as the subject.
New members and guests are welcome to come along.
JuliaAlderton
looking for someone to take on the role
Launton Christmas Trees
A big thank you to everyone for support with the Christmas tree building and the crafting of the decorations. We are overwhelmed by the number and variety of crafted Christmas decorations that we have received: our current total is 320!
Bob and his team have been busy making pallet wood trees - 20 so far! We currently have 34 planned for locations around the village, and Bob has had several orders to purchase trees (proceeds going to Island Pond Wood).
If you wish to purchase trees, 3' trees are £10 and 4' trees are £15
You can pre-order, or they will be on sale at the IPWAutumn event on 27 September (see page 40). For infoemailbobroberts.dummy@gmail.com You are welcome to come and view them. (Please note that they are all individually made therefore may differ from the ones on display).
The Christmas displays will be raising funds for the CJD(Creutzfeldt JakobDisease) Support Network, as are the current summer Post Box Toppers outside the Post Office and near the water pump (see separate piece on page 13). It’sa cause very dear to our hearts. This is our fundraisingpage, please consider donating to this organisation who provide support for families and friends of people with CJD. See the QRcode below or go to this url https://www.justgiving.com/page/launton-poppycascade-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Our next meeting has a venue change and will be a more informal gettogether at The Village Coffee Shop in Launton on Thursday 11 September at 10.30-12.00. If possible, please let CathyProcopiouknow if you are coming so that Jenniand Annacan reserve a table. Cathy’semailis cathyprocopiou@hotmail.com Please bring along any decorations and ideas you may have with you, or just come for a chat.
(The Village Coffee Shop can be found at the bottom of West End, into the lane at the left hand top corner of the turning circle. Please note that there is very limited parking near the cafe but there is some parking further up West End. Please be mindful of residents’ properties if you do bring your car).
Thank you, and see page 8 for photos of some trees.
MaryCarter email carmore2007@hotmail.co.uk
HilaryBradshaw emailhilaryannbradshaw@hotmail.com Tel01869 241989
SpeedQuizzingin Launton for a second time
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the SpeedQuizon 13 June in the Parish Hall. We were pleased to have so many participants. Thank you also to those who kindly provided raffle prizes, including Sun Wah, Tescoand the HeyfordHotel. The quiz consisted of rounds such as trivia, TV theme tunes, and wordsnake.Unlike traditional quizzes, a Speed Quiz is answered on a device like a phone or tablet. This allows us to do different types of rounds. For example, some of the rounds were won by answering the fastest, such as the TV theme tunes round, but other rounds such as wordsnakewere won by solving a word puzzle.
I am still fundraisingto go to Costa Ricain August 2026, where we will volunteer at an animal sanctuary and trek through the rainforest. With this in mind, I am running another SpeedQuizon Saturday 4 October, Please save the date in your diaries and I hope to see you there! If you would like to book your team in to be sure of a place, please emailquiz@spinage.uk
EmilySpinage
Launton Post Box Toppers
You may have noticed the two summer post box toppers in the village, one at Costcutterand the other at the water pump.
The Launton post box topper team are hoping to raise funds and awareness of the CJD (Creutzfeldt-JakobDisease) Support Network.
If you can spare a few £££££sto donate, there is a QRcode on each box. Or use the link below or scan the QRcode below. Enjoy the toppers, what a talented and patient bunch! https://www.justgiving.com/page/launton-poppycascade-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
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 and Accredited UK Scent Sport Instructor. AgilityandHooperclassesatGrendonUnderwood ThursdayClassesinArncottVillageHall
PuppySocialisation,starts6.45pm
BasicObedience,starts7.30pm
RallyorScentwork,everyalternateweekforeach class,from8.15pm IntroductiontoMantrialingandIntroductiontoTracking are also offered at a day and time to suit the trainer, yourself, and your dog.
LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
TRAVEL and Damage Limitation...
Like it or not, we are all now starting to experience the effects of Global Warming. Most people are doing their best to mitigate the damage by reducing their Carbon Footprint. Of which there are four main components: Housing, Food, Travel and Stuff. Reducing any of these pose quite a dilemma. But slowing down the deteriorating effects of Global Warming that is caused by our travelling can sometimes be hard to justify. We cannot live without travelling, we all can’twalk to work or spend our entire life without moving far from where we were born. We’vegot to live!
What can we do if we just ‘got to go’? Recently that was exactly what I had to face. This is where the use of ‘equivalents’ was quite helpful. We can work out mathematically how to turn distance travelled, be it in miles or kilometres, with mode of transportation, including which cabin etc. you might choose, to greenhouse gasses, to environmental mitigation, to ‘dosh’.
I’m not afraid of numbers, and I was able to string all the equivalents together. I was shocked to find that this essential family trip to the land of my birth, environmentally speaking, was equivalent to 2.2 metric tonnes of greenhouse gasses. Then I found that there was a website to do all the ‘fun’ maths for me. It is easy to use and does it very quickly. It’shere https:www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx It came up with the same figure, hooray! It carried it one step further and suggested an amount of £44 to mitigate that damage. (1 Tonne of Greenhouse Gasses is equivalent to £20). In my mind that was nowhere near enough. It also suggested, however, that doubling the amount would help the environment to recover. Well, if I could afford to pay for a long-haul flight an additional £88 wouldn’tbreak the bank. And I don’tthink of it as Charity, but as a Responsibility! Where should one send the money knowing that it will be used wisely?
Fortunately, there are many choices. Here are just a few: The Woodland Trust, FIPW, BBOWT, WWF, OXFAM, or even ‘Launton’svery own elf’.
To explore additional ideas to help with environmental recovery, how different types of travel impact the environment and to meet ‘Our very own elf’ come the next MOP meeting. Please join us if you can.
MOP IXis on Friday 19 September 7:30 PM at The Parish Hall
Submitted by EdHamillfrom LES
A message that will be sent to phones across the country in a national test of the UK’semergency alert system has been published in advance as the Government seeks to ready the public for the drill.
Millions of devices will vibrate and make a siren sound for around 10 seconds as they receive the text at around 3pmon September 7. It is only a test of the system: the Martiansare not invading.
150
September 1875
Friday 10 September
Serious Fire at Launton On Tuesday morning last, September 7, at the residence of MrC Killby, of the Manor Farm, Launton, a threestorey tiled house, was much injured by fire. At about 3am, Miss Phillips, a young lady residing with MrKillby, who was sleeping on the second floor, was awakened by a crackling noise, followed by a fall of mortar from the ceiling above. She proceeded to the landing and found that the roof was on fire. Immediately raising an alarm, the other inmates were soon aroused.
The Bicester fire-engine was sent for, and, in the meantime, a possey [sic] of workmen employed by MrKillby, who happened to be at the homestead at the time, commenced clearing the house of its contents. In the short interval of a quarter of an hour, the engine had arrived and, under the directions of SuptClements, a continuous stream of water obtained from a large pond near, was thrown upon the burning fabric. Owing to the promptness of the discovery of the fire and the arrival of the engine the fire was got under control in about an hour, and by ten am was quite extinguished, but not before the house was completely gutted. Fortunately the furniture and effects were mostly saved. The building, belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster [Abbey] is insured in the Sun Fire Office, and the indoor effects in the Norwich. The damage will amount to some hundreds of pounds. The origins of the fire, which broke out in the apple storeroom at the top of the house, remains a mystery.
Friday 24 September
Around Bicester the foot and mouth disease in cattle continues very prevalent. MrKillby, of Launton, has, we are sorry to hear, lost pigs from the disease this week.
[Historical notes: Miss Phillipswas MrKillby'ssister-in-law. It is possible that the workmen who were involved were possibly an itinerant harvest gang, staying on the farm. Sadly, Charles Killby, who had been extremely active in village events, became ill and died less than three years later at the age of 30, leaving a widow and young family.]
StMary’sFayre: appeal for donations for the Fayreon Sunday 14 September
We would love to receive your donations for the Fayre
Tombola items
Toys (in a good condition)
Plants
Chutneys, jams and preserves
Cakes - for refreshments gazebo (please label ‘for refreshments’ and include an ingredients list - see page 25)
Cakes - for cake stall (please label ‘for cake stall’ and include an ingredients list - see page 25)
Small packets of sweets for the sweets and chocolate tombola
Books
We will be in StMary’sChurch on Friday 12 September between 6pmand 8pmto meet you and receive your donations. Or you can bring them to the Church and the front of The Old Rectory on the morning of Sunday 14 September between 10amand 12noon.
Many thanks for your support.
The StMary’sFayreTeam
and Cake event and the Remembrance Pillar
On Saturday 16 August the Island Pond woodland meadows were alive with busy workers, raking up the cut grass and dumping it inside the tree line, followed by drinks and pieces of cake.
See page 32 for a report about the event, an update on the Remembrance Pillar, and news of the Minibeast Mayhem event. See page 40 for more about the Minibeasts.
Photos from FIPW
STMARY’S FAYREARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
Sunday 14 September, 1.30pm- 3.30pm
COMPETITION CLASSES
Flowers (Gold cup adults, Hackling cup children)
An arrangement in a jar
1a Adults (year 7 and above)
1b Children (nursery/reception)
1c Children (year 1/2/3)
1d Children (year 4/5/6)
Photography (PatsyStephenscup)
Open (any photograph)
2a Adults (year 7 and above)
2b Children (nursery/reception)
2c Children (year 1/2/3)
2d Children (year 4/5/6)
Nature around Launton village
3a Adults (year 7 and above)
3b Children (nursery/reception)
3c Children (year 1/2/3)
3d Children (year 4/5/6)
Crafts (Jenny Brindcup)
Students from Launton School will design a greetings card from Launton to be distributed to local care home residents
Entries will be submitted through the school
RULES and INFORMATION
Entry is free
Judging will take place before noon on Sunday 14 September, no late entries will be accepted and the judge’sdecision is final
All entries must be accompanied by an entry form
Entries can be dropped off at St Mary’schurch on Sunday 14 September 9.30am-11.00am
Entries to be collected on Sunday 14 September from StMary’schurch by 4.30pm. Any items left after this time will be disposed of at the organiser’s discretion
Trophies
Gold Cup, Hackling Cup and Jenny BrindCup – Launton residents and/or members of StMary’schurch eligible
PatsyStephensCup – all entrants eligible
Photography
Maximum of two entries per class per person
For further information, please contact Paulaon 07713069259
The Entry Form for all Classes is on page 24, over the page.
StMary’sFayre | Sunday 14 September 2025
The Church and the Old Rectory will be the location for StMary’s Fayreand the Arts and Crafts Competition. Thanks to Rebeccaand Tom Sowler, we will once again have a chance to enjoy the lovely front garden of the Old Rectory as well as admire our historic Grade I listed Church.
There will be many stalls which will include cakes, plants, produce, books, tombola, toys, as well as a Children’sCorner of games and fun. Come along and try Splatthe Rat! There will also be a craft activity that you can do, with flowers and maybe even ladybirds to make. A police car will be on show along with activities too.
Also, as part of the StMary’sFayre, there will be an Arts and Crafts Competition in the Church to enjoy. Classes range from photographs (Open and Nature around Launton) and flowers in a jamjar.There are adult and children’sclasses. Some cups will be awarded too. To enter bring along your entry form (see below) with your Arts and Crafts entries, to the Church on Friday September 12 between 6pmand 8pm or on the morning of September 14 between 10amand 12 noon.
There will also be a wonderful display of “Greetings from Launton” cards which the pupils of Launton Primary School have made.
Entry form for StMary’sFayreArts and Crafts Show
Join us on the day to admire all the entries in the church. Then relax with a cuppa, enjoy some cake, and have a chat in the refreshment gazebo
We would love to have donations of cakes for refreshments or the cake stall (see below), plants, books, tombola items or working toys.
If you require any information please contact us at this email: events@stmaryslaunton.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing you and thank you for all your support.
All proceeds from the Fayrewill go to StMary’sChurch.
The SMFTeam
NotesforcakedonorsforrefreshmentsatStMary’sFayre
Deliveries of cupcakes and tray bakes for the refreshments stall can be made to StMary’sChurch on Friday 12 September between 6pmand 8pm, or on Sunday 14 September any time after 12:30pm.
If neither of the above is convenient, cakes can be dropped off to: The Lodge, 8 West End, Launton OX265DB
CeliaM Phone: 01869 571735
It would be most helpful, please, if you label your container with your name and phone number, and also attach a breakdown of ingredients, as below. Please indicate that your donation is for the Refreshments.
Very many thanks for your donation.
Other (please specify)
(please specify)
The Launton Historical
Society Visits Bletchley Park
See pages 30-31 for a report of the fascinating visit at the end of July. Pictures show the walking tour guide in front of the Bletchleymansion ‘... looks a lot like The Garthbuilding in the Park in Bicester’, and the group at the main lake in front of the Mansion lawns.
Robert'Bob'
Taylor
1939 - 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Taylorwho died on Saturday 2 August at the age of 86.
Bob was born in Bicester in 1939, and lived in Sherwood Close in Launton for 40 years.
He was a volunteer ambulance car driver later in life.
He will be deeply missed by his loving family and many friends.
Launton Lines tries to record significant village events. We 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.
Peaceofmindforpetowners...
CompassionateandCaringatalltimes
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24houron-sitenursingcarestandardforallhospitalisedpatients
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An August “Red” Moon
An August moon taken from the road up Brill Hill, looking east over the Vale of Aylesbury. Terry Vale, who took the photo, says, “I set the camera up on a sturdy tripod with a wireless remote for the shutter as you only had to breathe on it and it went out of focus.
The lens is a 150-600mm with a 1.4 convertor giving a final size of about 900 mm. The camera is a NikonZ6ii.”
Launton Village Players
HeroesandVillains
Our Summer Show, Heroes and Villains was raising money for the LVP stage block fund. This will help us obtain a safe stage and wings for future productions as the old ones were very worn and not safe. We also had a bucket collection for the Firefighters’ Charity. We hope we can announce more on this in the October issue of Launton Lines.
The Big Shed theatre production was a great success and as our NODA reviewer wrote: “I just want to congratulate you all on a superb job, a real change from your panto venue in The Cooper School’sPerformance Hall. I am always amazed by the creative ingenuity groups like yours have when it comes to presenting entertainment of this calibre in a venue which is out of most people’scomfort zone. There is a definite charm and delight on a hot July Sunday afternoon sitting in a barn on my own comfortable folding chair and enjoying such an enthusiastic and energetic performance - the slight breeze from the huge open barn doors was a definite plus!”
Our many thanks to all who made the show happen and to all of our audiences for their wonderful support.
LVP Pantomime 2026
We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 pantomime will be Treasure Island written by Rod and NikkiFine with original music by SteveWebber. Show dates will be during the half term week, between Wednesday 18 February and Saturday 21 February, in the Cooper School Performance Hall. Tickets go on sale from Ticketsourcefrom Saturday 1 November.
The story is about a villainous pirate being magically summoned from his story book, how he tries to get his hands on a very powerful treasure and how our heroes try to stop him! Lots of mayhem and fun along the way. Any profits from Treasure Island will be shared between two organisations, Dementia Active and Dementia Oxfordshire.
Work has already begun on the pantomime; the script is being finalised, music is being written and the set is being designed and built. If you would like more information about LVP or their productions contact us on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk
The LVP team
Launton Historical Society reporting . . .
It was hot, of course, for our trip to BletchleyPark. Our tour guide wore a suit and lace up shoes, I don’tknow how he managed it. We arrived, in our car shares, to find the parking mercifully close to the reception and the caféwhich was our meeting point. Very atmospheric, the café.Definite 1940swartime vibeand tasty lunchtime snacks.
Off we went along the side of the lake to the chauffeur’shut where we met our besuitedwalking tour guide. An expert in all things BletchleyPark, he showed us the main buildings, including the mansion house where we peered in to see an elegantly laid afternoon tea and the cottages where eminent codebreakers lived. The jokes were quite corny (what’sthe significance of this clock? It stopped at exactly the time it’sshowing now) but the information was good, and he was very cheerful despite the heat. There were lots of people about and multiple tour guides on the go at any one time.
After the tour, we explored the site in our own time and for my own part after an hour of walking , I investigated the benches. Sitting next to the drinks and ice cream hut, I enjoyed a good chat with MaryB and we both remarked that the mansion opposite us reminded us of the one in GarthPark.
An opportunity to sit down out of the heat presented itself in the form of an impressive film about the impact of BletchleyPark’swork on the D Day landings. Others looked at the hut housing AlanTuring’soffice with his chair and mug (have these really lasted since the early 1950s? I think not!). This hut led to others with lots of interactive displays which were gripping, I’m told, but by that time I was sitting on another bench by the lake. Then back to the caféand shop to buy a few gifts perhaps and reconnect with our car shares.
All in all, there was something for everyone. Lots of greenery, a lake and benches, lots to see. Some walking was needed, but you could tailor it to suit yourself. Also, your individual ticket
lasts for a year, so there’sno pressure to see it all in one go. Clearly, I need to go again and see a bit more when there’snot a heatwave.
By the time you see this we will have had our summer social, and we will then be reconvening on 25 September at 7:30pmin the Parish Hall to hear Dick Richardstalk about the work of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. You would be welcome to join us.
There are some photos from our visit to Bletchleyon page 26.
GwenSkinner
Notes from the Launton Plotters
What difficult weather we have been having!
So much wet and gloopymud at the start of the winter meant that no winter digging could be done in preparation for the new season. Then we had the driest spring for years, so seedlings struggled. To top it all we are now in a drought, though it has just rained! However with judicious watering (obviously only using watering cans) many plots have flourished, with an overabundance of courgettes, a glut of runner and French beans, huge towers of yellow beautiful Jerusalem artichoke flowers and sunflowers, as well as enough perpetual spinach and chard to feed an army, gracing our plots.
National Allotment Week was between 11 and 17 August, promoting Allotments and Wellbeing. Just the fact of being out in the fresh air is a tonic for many, but the social aspect is also wonderful with chats over the allotment fence, swapping growing tips, or just putting the world to rights. The exercise you get working the plots and hefting those heavy watering cans is not to be sniffed at either. Wellbeing can be felt all around us down at the allotments. If you are interested in having an allotment, please contact JackieHacketton launtonplotters@gmail.com Our waiting list is quite short at the moment.
JackieHackettChair Launton Plotters
Reporting from the woodland
There has been so much going on and planned in the woodland. Firstly, we hosted our Cake and Rake event on Saturday 16 August. We needed as many hands as possible to help rake our wildflowerareas. This is an annual task we undertake to keep the meadow condition favourable for the diversity of flowers to bloom again next spring. The key part is removing the cuttingsso they do not enrich the soil! We had a keen group of volunteers and managed to get the whole area raked in just under 4 hours, along with a couple of cake breaks! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to help. See pages 20-21 for photos.
Secondly, some of you may have noticed the installation of a new structure in the woods. This is the Remembrance Pillar up by the reflection area. We felt we needed to offer better opportunity for memorials within the woodland given the limited capacity for benches and an increase in requests. As such, a plaque can now be purchased and installed on the pillar to remember loved ones. Plaques cost £20 (cost only covered) and require an annual membership to be taken out (£10 a year). For more information, contact us on fipwlimited@gmail.com
Finally, we are excited to announce our autumn event for this year - MinibeastMayhem! We have centred this event around insects as we have the children from Launton Primary School designing their own insect hotels. Their designs will be showcasedat the event. The winning design will later be built and installed in the woodland! All profits from this event will go directly back into upkeep of the site - this is our biggest fundraiserof the year so we really appreciate your support. See the back cover for more info.
FIPWteam
The closed footpath under the railwayand the diversion route
.
See the report from the Parish Path Warden on page 35, opposite. The footpath diversion (in yellow) that will be fully signed goes from the path under the embankment back to the lane at the bottom of West End then left up the green lane, through the Peace Park, across the fields behind the houses on West End, and up to the gate into the Churchyard, then toward Bicester on the main footpath. Once over the style onto the ring road, turn left and walk south under the railway to the first roundabout then left to the signed footpath, then you join up with the other end of the diversion.
The Parish Path Warden reports . . .
As a Parish Path Warden my duties include inspecting the Rights of Way (RoW) paths, reporting issues to OCCsuch as obstructions, damage or any major clearance needed. I carry out minor maintenance and vegetation clearance around gates and styles etc. I also clean and replace direction signs where needed.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank anybody who helps clear the pathways of (mostly) brambles and stinging nettles. Often when I think I need to check a pathway I find it has already been done, so thank you again.
Please let me know if you discover any problems on the Launton Parish footpaths at jackie.hackett@launton-pc.gov.uk
The below report affects the RoWpathway running from West End over the fields, through the railway arch and into the next fields.
Network Rail are carrying out major works to maintain track quality and passenger safety to the main railway embankment. This is due to movement and deterioration of the embankment. Works started in July 2025 with completion set for the end of April 2026.
During this time, Murphy’s(contracted by Network Rail) will be building temporary haul roads and compound areas in the adjacent fields either side of the embankment to facilitate the work.
Murphy’shave agreed with the OCCCountryside Access Officer and myself to leave footpaths open for as long as practical. Once closed, they will reopen them every Friday at 13:00 through to Mondays at 07:00.
When closed, Murphy’swill establish a diversion route (see page 34 opposite) which will be clearly signed. The closure will be required only when the construction works “cut-through” the footpath. When a closure is needed only for construction traffic, Murphy’swill remove the diversion and implement a traffic light crossing system to ensure construction traffic stops to enable the public to pass safely.
I have also spoken to the Countryside Access Officer about the winter flooding problems on this section of RoW, under the archway, and we are optimistic that we can make improvements when Network Rail have finished their works.
JackieHackett, Launton Parish Path Wa
Memories of an ex-Launton boy
This month the ex-Launton boy’smemory is triggered by the report in last month’sissue of the the Jay Lapperfundraisingevent. He recalls some members of the Lapperfamily he remembers, then moves to memories of the language of the cattle market auctioneers. Then he sets out some of the newer language uses he deplores, and tries to describe the roots of his own dialect. I’vejustreadonlineabouttheJayLapperMemorialTrust,wonderingwhatitisall about.Havingbeenawayforsomanyyearsanddespitemyregularcopiesofthe LauntonLines,thereisobviouslymuchthathaspassedmebyduringtheinterim.
Now the Lapperswith whom my memory is served are Raeand Bill Lapperand their daughters Jenniferand Jane.Then of course there was (is) Dennis(Denner) Lapper, his brother RonLapperand from the distant past, I believe an even older brother who went by the nickname, Whip Lapper, but for the life of me, I am not familiar with Jay Lapper, and probably more is the pity.
That said, I was intrigued by the event that is coming up in support of Jay’s Memorial Trust, although unfortunately I will be unable to attend. This is quite disappointing for me on a second front also, being that of your auctioneer for the day being CharlieRoss.
Both me and my wife, Julieare keen watchers of Bargain Hunt, Flog It and The Antiques Road Show and one of our favourite celebrity presenters / dealers / auctioneers is without doubt, CharlieRoss.I would so much like to meet him and have a chat, as I am sure he must be most interesting.
And talking of auctions has taken me back to when I was a young school boy living in Launton and being schooled in Bicester and how, up at the back of Victoria Road in Bicester there used to be a substantial and well-supported cattle market.Howanyonecouldunderstandasinglewordofwhatthoseauctioneers wereutteringlikeoverworkedmachinegunfirecompletelybafflesme.
Language is so very important, especially in the way in which it is used. I’ve always said, “It’snot what you say so much as how you say it.” Similarly, when questioning someone, “It’snot what you ask so much as the way you ask.” A classic example of that these days can be seen and heard in shops, cafes, restaurants, in fact almost everywhere where people are employed to engage with people, the public. Mind you, to be fair, it is a two-way street. “What do you want?” instead of, “What would you like?”or “I’llhave/I want” instead of “May I have / I would like.” Simple things, but they are to some of us quite important. I was always taught that good manners and politeness cost nothing. In far too many places these days we are witness to how standards have fallen over the past five decades, and in so many different walks of life. How many times have you seen an obvious ‘couple’ in a restaurant sitting opposite each other at a table, each with their faces stuck fast into their
respective mobile phones, hardly exchanging two words with one another? I ask myself, “What is the point?”’
Youngsters these days seem unable to communicate with each other unless it is through the likes of snap-chat or whatever it is. There are people working together in the same office at the same time where they have the ability to speak to each other verbally, but who choose instead to send e-mailsor text messages to each other.
And then it really does get to me when people resort to the Americanisation of our beautiful English language with made-up words such as ‘gotten’! Whatever happened to ‘got’? And the one that really does rub me up the wrong way, which is nothing to do with the Americans but clearly very poorly taught English in our own schools; I refer of course to terms such as, “He could of”, “They could of”, for goodness sake, whatever happened to the word, HAVE? Would’vedoes not translate into “would of”. For “would of” makes no grammatical sense whatsoever. The word is simply an abbreviation of “would have” by simply dropping the h and a. Am I getting a bit, you know, about all this. Well what if I am, someone has to stand up for our beautiful English language, especially if you come from Oxfordshire.
I remember as a child and young teenager, unlike my brother younger Cliff, I had no accent at all, which is not to say that I spoke as if I had a plum in my mouth, I simply had no accent. But when I went into the army, particularly when serving in BAORWest Germany during the Cold War, I used to get my leg pulled by some of my army mates who thought that everyone from Oxfordshire spoke ‘awfully well’ and as such thought I should have been a commissioned officer. And so I decided to adopt my native dialect, but never having spoken it previously and by then, being surrounded with guys from the length and breadth of our British Isles, I ended up with a sort of Heinz57 Varieties. This has since, over many years, evolved into something between Oxfordshire and Wiltshire where I lived for nine years before moving to Kent in 1984.
I often have a bit of fun trying to determine what part of the country people come from originally by listening to their dialects. When people ask me what a genuine Oxfordshire dialect sounds like, I recall listening to the village workmen of Launton greeting each other in the morning with, “Marninowbe you?” “Aw, oibe awroit, owbe you?”’, “Carntgrumble!”
Still, when it comes to listening to auctioneers, you should have no problems with the very eloquent CharlieRoss.I hope you all have a tremendously successful day.
Keep healthy and stay SAFE!
TonyJeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | September 2025
DiaryDates:September2025
WithAutumnonitsway,pleasesendindetailsofeventsattheSportsandSocial,atthepubs,at sportsteams,andfromvillageorganisations,tolauntonlines@launton.orgforaFREElistinghere. Mon1ChurchFellowshipGroupmeetsinStMary'sChurch,2.30pm
Tue2RubbishCollection:garbage(green)bin
Thu4ParishCouncil.PublicSession7.15pm,CouncilMeeting7.30pm,LauntonParishHall Sun7StMary'sChurch,BCPHolyCommunion,8.00am.FamilyService,11am|National NationalEmergencyAlertTest,3.00pm|QuizNightatTheBullfrom8pm Mon8WatercolourPaintingGroup,2pm-4pm,intheParishHall.
Tue9RubbishCollection:recycling(blue)andgarden(brown)bin|FIPWMidweekworking partyinthewoodland,Meetatthepond,10.00am
Wed10Over60sClubMeeting,Sports&SocialHall.Doorsopenat1.30pm,meetingends about3.30pm
Thu11LauntonPoppyCascadersdoChristmasmeetingattheVillageCoffeeShop,10.30-12 noon|WIMeeting,SpeakeronTheLauntonHandbells,ParishHall,7.30pm Fri12SCOTSatTheBullfrom5.30pm
Sat13RideandStrideallday-joinparticipantsatStMary'sChurchafter10am.
Sun14StMary'sFayre,TheOldRectoryandStMary'sChurch,1.30pm-3.30pm|StMary's Church,PatronalSongsofPraise,6pm|QuizNightatTheBullfrom8pm
Mon15WatercolourPaintingGroup,2pm-4pm,intheParishHall|ChurchFellowshipGroup meetsinStMary'sChurch,2.30pm
Tue16RubbishCollection:garbage(green)bin
Fri19FINALDATEFORCOPYFORTHEOCTOBER2025ISSUEOFLAUNTONLINES: SUBMITTOlauntonlines@launton.org|LauntonEnvironmentalSociety(LES) meetsfortheMeetingofParties(MoP)IX(seepage15)intheParishHall,7.30pm
Sat20ValeBreweryOpenDaywithfoodvan,from12noon,LugershallRoad,Brill Sun21StMary'sChurch,moservice-joinConfirmationServiceinStEdburg's|Marsh GibbonFarmer'sMarketattheVillageHall,10am-1.00pm|QuizNightatTheBull from8pm
Mon22WatercolourPaintingGroup,2pm-4pm,intheParishHall. Tue23RubbishCollection:recycling(blue)andgarden(brown)bin
Wed24Over60sClubLunchMeeting,Sports&SocialHall.Doors,andBaropenat12.30pm, lunchfromabout1.15,meetingendsabout3.30pm
Thu25LauntonHistoricalSocietymeeting,DickRichardsonTheCommonwealthWarGraves Commission,ParishHall,7.30pm
Sat27MinibeastMayhem,afamilyeventintheIslandPondWood,seepage40ofthisissue, 1pm-5pm
Sun28StMary'sChurch,MorningWorship,11am
Mon29WatercolourPaintingGroup,2pm-4pm,intheParishHall. Tue30RubbishCollection:garbage(green)bin
on pages 23 & 24 Sunday 14 September 2025
LauntonLinesisthenewsletterforLaunton ItispublishedmonthlybytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroupwhichmanagestheLauntonwebsite www.launton.organdtheLauntonVillageFacebookGroupwww.facebook.com/launtonvillageaswellasLauntonLines LauntonLinesisdeliveredfreetoallhouseholdsinthevillage,fundedbyitsadvertisersandLauntonParishCouncil. Furtherprintcopiesareavailableat£1.00percopyfromShirleyJohnson(01869369269) LauntonLinesisalsoavailableonlinefromJanuary2020onwww.issuu.com ©MMXXVLauntonLines.Wereservetherighttoeditarticlessubmittedforinclusion. NeithertheCommitteenortheEditorisresponsibleforviewsexpressedinreaders’contributions.
