StMary’sFayreand the Harvest Festival
Top left: the four winning cards in the age groups from school, and the Jenny Brind Cup for craft at the Fayre.
Lower right: the completed Church Trail from StMary’s Fayre.
Lower left: news of the Harvest Festival and Harvest Supper on Sunday 12 October, and a list of suggested donations for Bicester Foodbank.
The cover shows one of the greeting cards entered by Launton School for the Saint Mary’sFayreand displayed in the church. See above left for a photo of the winning entries, pages 22-23 for a photospreadof the Fayre, and pages 26-27 for a report on the event and a list of show winners. Cover designed by Matt Hill, Photo by MagalieHill
The Editor writes
This October issue has been delayed a few days by technical problems with the software - very frustrating. If anyone reading this wants to help in preparing issues on time, they would be welcomed with open arms!
The front cover shows one of the striking greetings cards produced by children at Launton School for StMary’sFayre.Pegged to display rope across the church they flashed colour. On page 2 (opposite) are the four prizewinning designs together with the Jenny BrindCup won this year by the school for its artistic contribution. The centre page spread is a photo record, and pages 27 and 28 have a report on the Fayre and a listing of the winners in the Arts and Crafts show. Page 6 has an account from the cyclists who did this year’s Ride & Stride with a team photo on page 13.
Late summer was a busy time in the village. As well as the Fayre in early September, The Jay LapperMemorial Trust (pages 38 and 39) ran a fundraisingevent for Dementia Oxfordshire, and the Friends of Island Pond Wood had their MinibeastMayhem event (pages 24-25 for photos and a report on page 36). The Christmas Trees and Decorations Project is in full swing - see page 8 - and the Carol Concert is alerted on page 29. There is an obituary notice (pages 20-21) for IsobelJennion, who has made a major contribution to the village through, among others, the post box toppers, and the monster in the Rapunzel pantomime.
The School Report on pages 32-33 features work done over the summer: children are impressed by the new bathrooms. The report from 150 Years Ago (pages 11-12) introduces a Grumpy Old Man from old Launton. 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
The new Clerk is AndyWhite. You cancontacthimbyemailat 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 October 2025 for entry in the November 2025 issue of Launton Lines. September 21 and October 18 | Sponsored by ShirleyCannon. Remembering Mum and Dad [Eddie& HelenCannon] on what would have been their 100th birthdays. Miss you both every day.
Love from Nelly, Terry, Mike, Valand all the family.
October 26 | Sponsored by ShirleyCannon. Remembering Mum [HelenCannon], on her heavenly birthday. We still miss you so very much, gone but forever in our thoughts.
Love from Nelly, Terry, Mike, Valand all the family.
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 4 September 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall.
Councillors present: MrGlynAustin, MrAndrewBriant(Vice Chairman), Mrs JackieHackett, MrSimonTurner (Chairman)
Apologies: Mrs JaquelineWebber
In attendance: The Clerk, MrAndyWhite; CllrGemmaCoton(CDC); and 3 members of the public
Reports from District and County Councillors
Councillor Cotonreported on the expected progress of the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2042 and on two new funds that were available.
Governance and Consultations
There are still vacancies for two Councillors, details of which may be found on the Parish Council website.
Finance
The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.
Planning
All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’sPlanning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk- in the Agenda and Minutes section).
If a villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments.
Guidance about how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launtonpc.gov.uk/planning-applications/
Parish Hall
Further quotations for fixing the damaged floor in the disabled toilet and replacing external doors are being obtained. The garden area in the front of the Hall is being tidied up and grass replanted, with some planters installed.
Village Matters
The dead tree in the open area in The Glades will be removed.
Agenda items and dates of the next meetings
The next meeting will be on Thursday 2 October 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 6 November meeting need to be with the Clerk by 18 October and items for the 4 December meeting by 20 November.
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/
Reporting from Ride & Stride 2025
On Saturday 13 September a group of determined cyclists assembled at StMary’schurch in Launton to take part in the annual Historic Churches Ride & Stride. This is now a keenly anticipated event for a small group of cycling enthusiasts from the local churches with each of us collecting sponsors before cycling determinedly around the local churches raising money for the Historic Churches Trust and StMary’s church in the process. Proceeds are split between both parties on a 50:50 basis. Tom Bailey, NeilPoole, and myself (ChrisFrost) cycled on behalf of StMary’s, with RobertBradshawand Sam Mortimerraising money for StPeter’s& StLawrence’srespectively. WendyFoster was also raising money for StMary’sbut set off on her own rather than spend the day dragging a bunch of old men clad in a challenging variety of cycling paraphernalia around the countryside.
Revd.Mortimercame to see us off and take a group photograph (see page 13) whilst we were still looking fresh and reasonably enthusiastic and said a prayer to send us on our way asking for safe cycling and dry weather. The first part of the day went reasonably well with dry sunny weather as we sped through Marsh Gibbon and Edgcottbefore venturing to Piddingtonand then to up to Brill.
After the now customary stop off at the shop at the top of Brill Hill for some of the group to stuff themselves with pies, crisps and fizzy drinks, we headed off towards Oakley, with the ominous looking black clouds gathering in the distance. By mid-afternoon the rain showers had started and some of them quite heavy, but we nevertheless soldieredon through StattonAudley, Fringfordand Heath. By the time we reached MiddletonStoney, we were down to three and with the rain now coming down in stair rods, we decided that discretion was the better part of valour and headed back towards Bicester. Not the best Ride & Stride, but we managed to keep going for most of the day and should have raised a decent amount of money for our respective churches. Thanks to all who sponsored us this year and the those who took it in turns to greet visitors to StMary’s.
ChrisFrost
Launton Watercolour Art Group
The Watercolour Group meets on Mondays in the Parish Hall between 2pm and 4pm.
This month we will meet on 6, 13, 20, and 27 October.
Here is a work from one of our class members, possibly not painted from life.
If you are interested in attending, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Christmas Trees and Decorations Project
Things are moving along after our September get together. We now have approaching 500 decorations, which is fantastic. The Christmas trees are all made, just a little bit of finishing off to be done, and we are beginning to put together a plan for the installation and the decoration of the trees.
Our next meeting will be back in the Parish Hall on Saturday 18 October between 10.30amand noon. We would like to thank the Village Coffee Shop for allowing us to host our last meeting there in September (see photo). The coffee and cakes were very much enjoyed by all who came along.
We look forward to seeing anyone who would like to take part at the next meeting in the Parish Hall.
MaryCarter email carmore2007@hotmail.co.uk
HilaryBradshawemailhilaryannbradshaw@hotmail.comTel01869241989
CathyProcopiou emailcathyprocopiou@hotmail.com
NEWS FROM STMARY’S CHURCH
Launton WIReporting . . . on Launton
Handbells
The Village Hall was packed by members who had come to hear about Launton Handbells which was named after our village where the founder, FredSharpelived. The first public performance of the players was on 23 June in 1951 to celebrate the Festival of Britain. Fredwas a member of StMary’sChurch congregation in Launton and he recruited many of the early handbell ringers from his friends with whom he went to church. Today the group has members from Bicester as well as the surrounding villages. The group has over 400 pieces in their repertoire including classical music, traditional songs, hymns and bell music.
We were treated to a short programme of music which included Mari’s Wedding, All in the Garden Green, a contrapuntal version of Michael Finnegantogether with This Old Man. Volunteers had the opportunity to play Bobby Shaftoeusing the bells with the group while the other members sang the words of this song that they had not sung for many years. The group finished with a lively German drinking song. We also heard pieces composed by the group members. The acoustics of the hall allowed the sounds to resonate beautifully. We were shown the complicated sheet music used by the players, but we were assured that it was easy to follow once one had been instructed. The evening ended with a raffle and refreshments.
Our next meeting will be on 9 October 2025 in the Parish Hall, it is entitled DemBones and the speaker will be Bob Watmough.
New members and guests are always welcome at our meetings which begin at 7.30pm.
KathyGilbert
150 Years Ago: from TheBicesterHerald, October 1875
Friday 15 October
At Launton, we are sorry to say, the flood resulted in the loss of human life. EdwinPlant, aged 13, a native of Charndon, was drowned near Launton station whilst on his way from Bicester with his father, about 11pmon Saturday. Further particulars of the melancholy affair will be gleaned from the inquest, given below. It will be remembered that John Wise, of Launton, was drowned near this spot a few years since. At this point, which is very low, the water stood to a great depth, and we think, to prevent the recurrence of such accidents, the local authorities should cause to be erected some kind of protection between the foot path and the deep, dangerous ditch. Several persons travelling by rail to Launton station were unable to proceed further and had to remain there for the night. Many of the approaches to the village were rendered impassable at places, notably those from Bicester, StrattonAudleyand Blackthorn.
At the railway arch known as Templar’sBridge, on the Marsh Gibbon road, the water stood on the highway to the extent of some seven or eight feet. The foot and roadwaysfrom Bicester to Launton remained impassable to foot travellers for several days. .... [details of the inquest]
Friday 29 October
LAUNTON FOOTWAYS
To the Editor of The Bicester Herald
Sir - Kindly allow me space in your columns of this week to draw the attention of the surveyor and waywardenof the parish of Launton to the very bad state of the footpaths in and around our village. I refer especially to the one leading to Bicester. The traffic from Launton to Bicester, which is very great, has, for several days, been completely stopped for foot passengers, in consequence of the path in Jarvis’sLane, near the railway-crossing, being, in two places, inundated with water. It was flooded on Wednesday, October 20, and was not passable until the following Monday. Now, Sir, this is a serious inconvenience to many of the LauntonLinesOctober2025Issue298|Page11
inhabitants of Launton, and I do not see why the parishioners should be put to such an inconvenience, seeing that very little expense would be incurred in making it in a proper state. If the path in these places, where it is so low, was raised up to the height of the other portion of the path, I do not think that it would be flooded, not even in the case of such heavy rains as we have had of late. I would also call the authorities' attention to the paths in the village, as they are not at all creditable to the place. I am one who would like to see the village in decent order and the footpaths kept in decent repair; but, instead of that, a person, walking along after a shower, cannot help - if he picks his way ever so carefully - getting wet-footed and very dirty. To females it is very annoying, for they are the greatest sufferers. Are we not taxed high enough to keep the roads in repair? I hope that the authorities will endeavour to give us good footpaths so that I may not always be termed A Grumbler. Launton, October 27, 1875.
Launton Groups Active in September
The Ride and Stride team from Launton set off from StMary’sChurch - see page 6 for a report of the ride.
Photo from ChrisFrost
A party from Launton WIworking on the front garden of the Parish Hall. Look at it now after the rain and the grass should have grown. Photos from JackieHackett
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.
Housemaintenance
Repointing
Internalandexternaldecorations
Patios
Decking Fencing
LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL
Living in The AnthropoceneEpoch...The What!?
Well, the clever folks that noticed it and gave it the funny name back in the 1950sare still debating the ‘epoch’ part of it. Epochs in the past have been characterised by a drastic change taking place over a very, very long period - like a couple of million years, or so. Climate Chaos has only come about quite recently. Like only a couple of hundred years, at most!
The Anthropocenepart isn’tbeing debated any more. It is reality! The plain speak title, accepted by world leaders (actually, all but one) and most common folks, is The Age of Man. What does that mean? It means that we Humans have the ability to control Mother Nature. Like it or not, for Better or for Worse.
YES! We’vegot the Power! We are by far the most powerful and wonderful species on the face of the earth, aren’twe?
Powerful? Yes!
Wonderful? NO!
We are the only species existing on the face of the earth that does not live sustainably.What are we going to do with all this supposed power? The way I see it, we’vegot three choices.
We can deny there is a problem and thus become part of the problem. We can try to live more sustainablyand learn to live with the problem. Or we can work toward eliminating the problem.
Eliminating the problem is not just a pipe dream. Admittedly, with all our power, we cannot solve the crisis by ourselves. However, scientists have recently realized that there is help right before our eyes. Right on our doorstep. We’vegot valuable allies. All those other species, those supposed dumb useless creatures that just happen to exist sustainably, are there to help. Scientists call it biodiversity.
Which route are you going to follow?
Deny - “Frankly my dear I don’tgive a damn”.
Sit tight - “I'm already doing my best!”.
Do more - “I’m going to try to make my Best Better”
As people living in the AGE of Man, the choice is ours. As an
individual, the choice is yours. It is your LEGACY.
We at LESare devoted to enhancing biodiversity and to helping you improve your personal legacy . . .
To join us at LES, send to Launtonenvironmentalsociety@gmail.com
Submitted by EdHamillfrom LES
Updates to the bus timetable
There have been a few changes to the Red Rose (Bicester-Aylesbury) timetable. The immediate changes are below. We plan to include a full updated timetable in the November issue of Launton Lines.
Launton to Bicester: Bus Service Number 18
Old timetable: 10:22
Old timetable: 12:52
Old timetable: 14:52
Old timetable: 17:15
New timetable: 10:12
New timetable: 12:42
New timetable: 14:42
New timetable: 17 :12
Bicester to Launton: Bus Service Number 18
Old timetable: 13:05
New timetable: 13:00
LAUNTON OVER 60sCLUB REPORT
20 September 2025
Launton Over 60sClub is still going strong and we would love you to join us. We meet on alternate Wednesdays throughout the year in the Sports & Social Hall from 1.30 till 3.30pm.Meetings in October will be on the 8th and the 22nd.We always welcome new members, so just come along, but if you would like any further information beforehand please ring me on the number below or EdwinaCatonon 07473 797088.
We have had three more free lunches throughout the summer, the last one being on 24 September - just after this report goes to print! I am sure it will be as delicious as all the others! We also all enjoy having a drink in the bar first.
We had an interesting talk recently from Cathyand Theresaabout the Christmas trees being made to go all around the village. They brought some of the decorations that have already been made and told us that some of the trees will have lights. It will all look spectacular!
Edwinahas arranged for members of the police force to give us a talk soon and we are all getting organized and prepared for our Christmas celebrations.
Pat Court | Membership Secretary | 01869 244900
TheLauntonLinesgroup(LauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroup -orLCCG)islookingforaChair,afterJonSpinagestooddown. JonisstillamemberofLCCG,sothereissupportforanynewChair.
ThegroupistheeditorsoftheLauntonWebsite,oftheLaunton Facebookgroupandpages,ofLauntonLines,aTreasurer,aSecretary, andAdvertisingandDistributionManagers.
DoyouwanttojoinLCCGandsupportthecommunity? Wanttoknowmore?Contactustogetmoreinformation. emailtoeditor@launton.organdaskuswhatisinvolved.
Launton Historical Society reporting . . .
Our Summer break ended happily with a bring and share supper hosted by Pat T.Thank you Pat. Brave souls sat outside (the evenings had got chilly), others gathered inside. The food was lovely.
In September DickRichardstalked about The Commonwealth War Graves Commission - more about that next month. Now we move into autumn and the booking of new speakers.
Here is a list of those we’llhear in the coming months:
30 October 2025: Bill King - The Great Invasion - the Roman Invasions, Occupation and Colonisation of Britain
27 November 2025: Pat Tucker’sQuiz, Christmas social (and very fast AGM)
29 January 2026: StephenGoss- The Secret History - Oxfordshire and the Cold War
26 February 2026: DeborahHayter- Common Right - Private PropertyHow Enclosure Shaped the Oxfordshire Landscape
26 March 2026: Frank Collingwood- The Oxford Bus Museum at Long Hanborough
30 April 2026: StephenWass- The Secret Gardens of Oxfordshire and the Birth of Modern Science
28 May 2026: AndrewLong - The Naming of Oxfordshire Pubs
25 June 2026: TimHealey- StGilesFair
24 September 2026: JosephRogers- Tithe Barns
29 October 2026: GrahamHarrison- Aspects of Prehistoric Britain
We meet at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall on the last Thursday of the month and all are welcome. You can join as a member or just pop in occasionally.
After the speaker there’stea, coffee, wine and delicious cake.
IsobelJennion- the story of her life
Isobelwas born in Bedford on 14 April 1954. The youngest sister of Gillieand Lindy. Educated at Bedford High School and secretarial college in Bedford where she lived until 2021.
Isobelmarried Mickin November 1975 and had two children, Alicein November 1978 and Tim in November 1982. Isobelwas a stay at home mum giving up her career when Alicewas born, returning to work, term time only as a school administrator, then full time as a secretary for a quantity surveyor.
When the children finished school she moved out of town, into the countryside, to Moggerhangerin 2002. With the children moving on and out of the family home, thoughts turned to downsizingand the self-build journey began. Finding a plot in Biddenhamin 2012 to build a new home was an experience that Isobelrelished, moving in in April 2014. They loved their new home and were content to stay forever, until developers acquired the field opposite to build 249 homes. They had to find another plot to build again.
A plot in Launton looked ideal but what happens in Launton? Coming out of lockdown, the pubs were closed, no community meetings allowed, would this be a good move? After extensive onlineresearch, including the Parish Council meetings, they took a risk, sold their house in March 2021, rented a house in Langfordand completed the plot purchase in July 2021. During the build, many villagers stopped for a chat. By the time they moved in October 2022, they knew more people in Launton than they ever knew in Biddenham.
Joining the Historical Society, WI, SCOTS, Island Pond Wood and visiting the pubs enabled them to engage with many people who became friends in a fantastic community. That’show she landed in Launton, but construction was not Isobel’sonly passion.
A keen crafter, knitting and sewing the children’searly clothes, a skill learnt from her mother, she made terrariums and Tiffanylampshades,
branched out into crochet, macrame, quilting, mosaics, beading, balloon decorations, and bunting amongst others. Projects included any opportunity to show off her talents. This passion for crafting inspired many others who came into contact with Isobel.
She made a guard named Gilesfor the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee in May 2022 on display outside their plot in a guard house. Sadly, the morning after the Diamond Jubilee Gileswent AWOL and was never seen again. Isobelwas invited to join the village sewing group and when accepted she said ‘Yipee, I’vebeen waiting to join a group like this for years!’. She was the original ‘Yarn Bomber’ in Launton creating the seasonal post box toppers. She started the Launton Knit and Natter group in the Village Coffee shop followed by Launton Poppy Cascaders, and helped create the serpent for the Launton Village Players Rapunzelpantomime.
Isobelloved Launton and was extremely happy in the three years that she lived here. She discovered how valuable community spirit is if you are willing to simply join in.
IsobelwasdiagnosedwithCreutzfeldt-Jakobdisease(CJD)inJune2025. A rare and fatal brain condition that affects 1 or 2 people in every million each year in the UK. There’sno cure, most people with CJDdie within a year of the symptoms starting. Isobelhad outstanding support from the NHS in a very short period of time but sadly passed away peacefully on 20 August 2025, at home, with Mickand Aliceat her bedside.
The funeral took place at TackleyCrematorium with refreshments after at The Village Coffee Shop in West End, Launton.
Launton Post Box Toppers
The summer holidays have come to an end so we have taken down the seaside toppers. In memory of Isobel Jennion, we have put up the lovely autumn topper on the post box outside the Post Office that she made a year ago.
Isobelmade this to raise funds for Friends of Island Pond Wood and we are doing the same this year. A Just Giving page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/islandpondwood If you are able to donate the money will be used towards the maintenance of this valuable area that we have in the village.
ElijahRedfearn-Bullwith his winning design (Year 1) for a bug hotel
Pond dipping can be hard work
A woodland selfieframe with some happy not-so-mini beasts
All photos by Ian Jones
Photosclockwisefromtopleftonthispage
Edchecking on a minibeast
Facepaintingin the woodland
Pallet Christmas Trees on sale for the festive season
Preparation for pond dipping
Reference resources for minibeastsand plants
StMary’sFayre | Sunday 14 September 2025
On Saturday 13 September the team decided to go with our wet-day plan as the weather forecast was for rain and wind on Sunday. The Fayrewas split between the Church and the Parish Hall. This is the first time we have had to do this but it worked really well and was lovely to see lots of people come along and browse all the stalls and enjoy the Arts and Crafts in the Church. It was a great team effort and thanks must go to all involved.
A huge thank you to the organising group who put in so much time and effort and an extra big thank you to Rebeccaand Tom for making their garden ready to host us and helping in so many ways. Many thanks to all who “manned” a stall - you are all crucial to the success of the Fayre- and a special thank you to all who donated such as terrific homemadecakes and toys as well as much more. The event would not have been so successful without your input. Thank you.
Another special mention must go to AndyNgand Will Deeleywho donated, and sourced, the wonderful raffle prizes, and to businesses who supported us as well.
Huge appreciation must go to our removal team: they lifted and moved tables, chairs and trestles in the Hall and the Church, at the beginning and at the end of the day. Thank you so much, we couldn’thave done it without you all.
The children’sgames were popular such as Splatthe Rat and the face painting. Thank you to the games organising team and volunteers for the brilliant and original games.
The free craft activity was a great success and lots of pictures were decorated and enjoyed. Many thanks for the brilliant idea and to the helpers on the day.
It was great to have 2 members of the Police Force with us who brought along a police vehicle this year. Thanks as well to our first aiderwho fortunately was not called upon!
The refreshments team did a marvellous job and were busy all afternoon, and there was a lovely social atmosphere in the Church and in the Hall.
In the StMary’sTrail there were 10 different places to find in church and 10 stickers to collect (see a completed sheet on page 2). Five of them were representations of Maryin honour of the Festival of StMary’s.We finished the day by celebrating with a Songs of Praise service at 6pm, where three of
the hymns had been chosen by popular vote at the Fayre.
The Arts and Crafts Competition in the Church was viewed by many and it was lovely to see the cups being won again in 2025. Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to all of the winners - see below.
The wonderful photos we have on pages 22-23 show the excellent array of stalls and thanks must go to our photographer too for recording them.
Thank you to all the people who helped to make this event happen and for all who came. We raised £1,342.30 for StMary’s, our lovely Grade 1 Listed Church.
Thank you again to all for all your support.
The StMary’sFayreTeam | email: events@stmaryslaunton.org.uk.
StMary’sFayreArts & Crafts Winners 2025
Category Winner Runner Up Flower arrangement in a jar Adults NGambrell JaneEbberson
Nursery/reception ArabellaEzra -
Years 1/2/3 India, Selenaand BeatriceEzra FergusSowler
Years 4/5/6 GeorgeWest -
Photography open Adults Henry SpinageJulesLawerence
Years 4/5/6 GeorgeWest GeorgeWest
Photography nature around Launton
Adults Bob RobertsBob Roberts
Years 4/5/6 GeorgeWest GeorgeWest
Trophies
GoldCup(bestinshowflowers) NGambrell
HacklingCup(bestinshowchildren’sflowers)India,Selinaand FergusSowler
PatsyStephensCup(bestinshowphotography)HenrySpinage
A confirmation in StEdburg’s
Rev’dSarahMortimer, team vicar for Launton and Bucknell, reports.
“StMary’sChurch congregation headed over to StEdburg’sin Bicester on Sunday 21 September for the Confirmation Service with Gavin, Bishop of Dorchester. Confirmation is when those who have been baptised take the decision to reaffirm the promises made at baptism.
OliverFathers (Ollie), a member of the Launton congregation, was baptised as a baby and has made the decision to follow the Christian faith in adulthood. It was a joy to celebrate with him.”
Photo from AndyNg
Social Bridge comes to
Bicester
The Bicester Bridge club has been active in the town for over 50 years with a weekly evening session, currently based at the HighfieldSocial Club in George Street.
While most of the current members
play a competitive, fast paced game, it was felt that there are others who may prefer a more relaxed game and so the club are starting a new Afternoon Social Bridge, starting on Thursday 2 October.
It will also be at the HighfieldClub, with ample parking and not far from the town centre. Refreshments will be provided beforehand, with play starting at 2pm and finishing at 4pm.
A host will be available for anyone without a partner, and someone will also be there for advice, if needed. The cost will be £3 for a 12 board session, increasing to 18 boards when needed. Please note that to join our club, you also need to be a member of the Social Club.
Payment will be free for the first month.
If interested and would like more details, contact the secretary on 07749 953125 or emailbridgebicester@gmail.com.
Give it a try; first month is free.
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Photos from Launton School
Launton School reporting for the new year . . .
Today, some Year 2 and Year 6 children are speaking to us about the refurbishment work that happened in school during the summer holidays. There have been lots of changes at school since we left for the summer holidays. In Year 6 we have new toilet and cloakroom facilities, and all the classrooms in the 1839 building have been repainted a light green colour, and new carpets have also been fitted. It’sreally nice to have new toilets, there are also new sinks, and the cloakroom area has places where we can hang our coats and bags. We have jobs to do, some people are Cloakroom Monitors and there is also a Toilet Troop, these teams make sure the areas are kept neat and tidy.
The hall was also repainted white over the summer, the library has some new tables, and in the courtyard area there is a new water butt so we can save rainwater to water the beds where we are growing pumpkins, tomatoes and potatoes. There have been lots of changes and we think MsPatersonand Mrs Terry have done a great job overseeing the work during the summer.
In the Year 2 classroom there are also new toilets and sinks, and the walls have been painted. We could choose if we wanted a Rainforest Bathroom or a Jungle Bathroom, we chose rainforest. One of the cubicle doors (used by Year 1) is covered with stickers of rainforest animals, like giraffes, parrots, lions and monkeys. The Year 2 cubicle door is painted green and in the bathroom there is a sign that says, ‘Welcome to the bathroom of the rainforest’.
Our classroom has also been painted, and we have a new whiteboardnear the desks to do phonics on and some new books and cushions in our reading area. We have a new water bottle shelf in the courtyard and a place to hang our coats and bags and store our lunch boxes.
Henry, Iona, Charlie, and Lena- Year 2
Tilly, Ella, Toby, and Rupert- Year 6
Events at the Village Coffee Shop
October events
Tuesday 14 -Fused Glass Decoration Workshop - £23
Wednesday29-AutumnPumpkinTableDecorationFlowerWorkshop-£30
Thursday 30 - Children’sPumpkin Carving Workshop - £15 Includes Pumpkin & Treat
Friday 31 - Children’sMonster Lantern Making - £15 Come in your spookiest costume!
All the workshops above run from 10:30 - 12:30: spaces need to be booked with a £5 deposit at the counter, or contact us for a payment link.
Other Events in the run up to Christmas
4 November - Ceramic Christmas Decoration Workshop - 10.30am 14 November Christmas Market 10am- 4pm
2 December - Christmas Wreath Workshop - £50 all supplies are included. £25 deposit to book your space.
Launton Village Players
We are excited to announce that tickets for our 2026 pantomime Treasure Island will be on sale from 1 November 2025.
With an original script packed with comedy, magic, audience participation and live music this traditional panto is suitable for the whole family to enjoy. What is the mystical treasure? Will the baddie find it? Will there be a happy ending?
Our 2025 panto won the “Best Front of House” and the “Best Choreography” awards from the Oxfordshire Drama Network.
So don’tmiss out - book tickets early as they sold out quickly last year!
Performance dates and times are:
Weds 18 Feb7.30pm
Thurs19 Feb10.30amand 2.30pm£12
Fri20 Feb2.30pmand 7.30pm £14
Sat 21 Feb2.30pmand 7.30pm £14 £8
Family tickets are also available at discounted prices.
Book early and save!
Use the code EARLYBIRDat the checkoutto get an additional 10% off your tickets - but this will only be available until the end of November 2025.
Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp or scan this QRcode.
Alternatively, you can call 07864 715708 for cash or cheque purchases or for assistance. The LVP Team
Reporting from the woodland - Minibeast Mayhem launches autumn
On Saturday 27 September Friends of Island Pond Wood held their annual autumn event - MinibeastMayhem. Activities centred round insects, and included pond dipping, bug hunting, face painting and children’scrafts. We also had the cake stall, bar and a raffle. There was an additional stall selling recycled pallet Christmas trees with proceeds going to the woodland. We also showcasedbug hotel designs created by pupils at Launton School, with future plans to create and install the winning design. See pages 24-25 for photos of the event.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It was great to see so many families enjoying the woodland. We are also extremely grateful for the generosity of local businesses for their raffle donations, and the volunteers who gave their time to help with the event. After all expenses are taken into account we have made £485!
It’sthe community’ssupport that keeps the woodland runninga big thank you from us! If you’dlike to continue supporting us you can follow on facebookfor up-to-date information on events, and/or join us as a member for £10 a year.
Jay LapperTrust fundayin
Jay LapperMemorial Trust fundraiserfor Dementia
Oxfordshire
Sunday 24 August saw a day of action, games, fun and fundraisingby The Jay LapperMemorial Trust at Launton Sports and Social and at the Playing Fields. The whole day - put together by MelAlbury, Martin Lapperand AntonyBarrett- was in aid of Dementia Oxfordshire.
Melexplains: “Our father Ronis currently being supported by Pip Speed, one of the brilliant Dementia Advisers from Dementia Oxfordshire, and it’s great to be able to raise some funds for such a worthwhile cause, while providing the community with the opportunity to come together and enjoy themselves. We know that Jay would be proud to have his name associated with such a great event.”
Over 300 people came to the event, which raised £4,030, and provided a lot of fun for all.
There were two centrepieces for the event: a football match in the afternoon, and a celebrity auction in the early evening. During the afternoon there was also a raffle, tombola, barbecue, face-painting, beat the goalie, a kids’ kick-about, live music, and count the corks in the bottle.
The auction was run by local TV celebrity CharlieRoss: the highest bid (£250) was received for a helicopter ride.
DaveBarrett, Chair of Launton Playing Field Association, said “We were delighted to host the event and provide all facilities free of charge.”
Dementia Oxfordshire said, “A massive thank you to the Jay Lapper Memorial Trust for organising such a brilliant fundraiserin aid of Dementia Oxfordshire! And a huge thank you to everyone who came along and made it such an enjoyable day.
“A special shout out to amazing auctioneer CharlieRoss, who not only did a wonderful job with the auction but also helped us publicise the event on BBC Oxfordshire!
“Thanks also to DaveBarrettand the team at Launton Sports and Social who kindly hosted the event. We are incredibly grateful for all your hard work. Your efforts will help us to support people across Oxfordshire to live well with dementia.”
Memories of an ex-Launton boy
On the weekend of 20-21 September I, together with my wife Julie, took part in the annual Corps Memorial Weekend of the Corps of Royal Engineers. This consisted of the ‘Meet & Greet’ on the Friday evening in the Corporal’s Club of 1 Royal School of Military Engineering (1RSME) which also hosted the ‘Dove Cup’ competition darts match, something which ordinarily I would take part in. Unfortunately, as I await a hip-replacement operation, my pain whilst standing and walking is such that I felt unable to compete this year.
On Saturday morning I went to join other veteran Sappers for a run-down on where in the world elements of the Corps of Royal Engineers are serving and in what capacity. It’sgood to keep abreast of what the ‘family’ is doing, for “Once a Sapper, always a Sapper” and we all belong.
Sunday morning featured a service in Rochester Cathedral after which we formed up outside the Cathedral and marched through Rochester High Street, having the Freedom of the one-time City of Rochester. I used to do this before I took up duties at the Garrison Church, which takes priority today.
All in all it was a good weekend, but a weekend that brought back memories of long ago. The pile of sandwiches and sausage rolls at the buffet after the Friday night darts match brought back memories of league darts matches at The Bull in the days of landlord Tom and Fluff Greenshields.Fluff would always lay on a most inviting buffet of sandwiches of all kinds for all to enjoy, whether you played darts in the evening or not. What a terrific atmosphere in the pub on those nights. I hadn’tat that time seriously picked up a dart to throw; that didn’tcome until in the NAAFI or the Corporal’sClub during my army days.
Tom and Fluff were super hosts, but sadly their marriage did not last, and Fluff moved on. Tom kept the pub for a while afterwards but eventually gave it up and, to keep himself busy, set up a small grocery shop on the opposite corner to the butcher. A very popular man with a great sense of humour!
Gathering for the Saturday morning in the auditorium in barracks for the run down on Corps activity reminded me of gathering for the first assembly at HighfieldSecondary Modern School in Bicester. Sitting there with bated breath wondering what I am about to hear among a lot of people whom I do not yet know. The sort of memories that bring back a smile!
The dinner in the evening was something again, especially as it was a black-tie affair and, to my mind, rather unusually disappointing, bearing in mind the cost of the ticket, paid for before releasing the evening’smenu. Bubble and Squeak was part of the main course!
I know money is tight but when veterans have come to Kent from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and all four corners of England, you might expect to sit down to something a little more exotic than bubble and squeak! That said, it took my memory back to my childhood when in the days of severe austerity in the 1950s, we used to have bubble and squeak at least once a week, usually Tuesdays as I recall, which mum would serve up from the un-dished-upleftoversfrom Sunday and Monday. We would twist that down our throats with relish back then, because our palates had not been accustomed to ‘exotic’ dining. That said, mum could create a meal out of next to nothing - skills she must have learned serving as a cook in the ATSduring WWII.
Separate from our Corps Memorial Weekend, during the week I saw a couple of old photographs on Facebookshowing very old shots of Station Road, Launton, where you may recall I lived with my parents and younger brother and sister. Boy! did they bring back some memories.
One showed the old village shop, the earliest owner who I recall was the lovely old gentleman, Mr. AlbertMatthewswhose son, Norman, was a notable football referee. I saw him referee a match at Aldershot during the latter part of my army service. I can’tremember who Aldershot Town were playing or indeed, who won the match.
The next building along in the photo was where old JimMarriott, a tiny fellow of great age, used to sell fresh vegetables. It was really more like a hovel than a shop, with earth dust all over the place from his many hessian potato sacks.
The other photograph showed Sharpe’sCottages before they were renovated and updated. I still remember some of the occupants from way back then, including brother and sister, Albertand EvaCastle (whom it was rumoured had never travelled further than the village bounds); FlossieBarratt(she was a great character in the village, with her own bar stool in the corner of the bar of The Bull); SpoffSimonswhose collie used to trot alongside him as he slowly cycled through the village; Derekand brother ‘Jimmy’ Jonesbefore Derekmarried RitaMarriott; Jean and WidlerCox and their son Robert(Bob) before they moved to the new Council houses in School Lane (now Bicester Road) and good old Jack Cherry with his massive collection of 78’sand windup gramophone which he would bring on the village day trips on the coaches that dad drove. I know I have written about some of these characters in past issues, maybe ten or more years ago . . . Blimey! have I been going that long? Keep healthy and stay SAFE!
TonyJeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | September 2025
DiaryDates:October2025
WithAutumnonitsway,pleasesendindetailsofeventsattheSportsandSocial,atthepubs,at sportsteams,andfromvillageorganisations,tolauntonlines@launton.orgforaFREElistinghere. Thu2ParishCouncil.PublicSession7.15pm,CouncilMeeting7.30pm,LauntonParishHall
Sun 5 StMary'sChurch, BCPHoly Communion , 8.00am.Family Service, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon6 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall | Church Fellowship Group meets in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Tue7 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin
Wed 8 Over 60sClub Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm
Thu9 WIMeeting, Speaker is Bob Watmoughon DemBones, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Fri10 SCOTS: venue to be confirmed. Meet outside The Bull at 6.30pm
Sun 12 StMary'sChurch, Harvest Family Service, 11am.Harvest Evensong and Supper, 6pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon13 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall
Tue14 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | FIPWmidweek working party in the woodland, at the pond, 10.00am | Fused Glass Decoration Workshop, Village Coffee Shop, 10.30am
Sat 18 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE OCTOBER 2025 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Christmas Trees and Decorations Project Meeting in Parish Hall 10.30-noon | Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, LugershallRoad, Brill | Charity Disco for Breast Cancer Now, Sports and Social Hall, from 8pm
Sun 19 StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion, 11am | Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am-1.00pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon20 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall | Church Fellowship Group meets in StMary'sChurch, 2.30pm
Tue21 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin
Wed 22 Over 60sClub Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm
Thu23 FoLPH Open Meeting in The Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Sat 25 Family Bingo Night at Sports and Social Hall, from 7pm
Sun 26 Clocks go back tonight | StMary'sChurch, Morning Worship, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon27 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall.
Tue28 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin
Wed 29 Pumpkin Table Decoration Workshop, Village Coffee Shop,. 10.30am
Thu30 Children’sPumpkin Carving Workshop, Village Coffee Shop, 10.30am | Launton Historical Society meeting, Bill King on The Great Invasion - the Roman Invasions, Occupation and Colonisation of Britain, Parish Hall, 7.30pm
Fri31 Children's Monster Lantern Making, 10.30am | Hallow’eentonight
LauntonLinesisthenewsletterforLaunton ItispublishedmonthlybytheLauntonCommunityCommunicationsGroupwhichmanagestheLauntonwebsite www.launton.organdtheLauntonVillageFacebookGroupwww.facebook.com/launtonvillageaswellasLauntonLines LauntonLinesisdeliveredfreetoallhouseholdsinthevillage,fundedbyitsadvertisersandLauntonParishCouncil. Furtherprintcopiesareavailableat£1.00percopyfromShirleyJohnson(01869369269) LauntonLinesisalsoavailableonlinefromJanuary2020onwww.issuu.com ©MMXXVLauntonLines.Wereservetherighttoeditarticlessubmittedforinclusion. NeithertheCommitteenortheEditorisresponsibleforviewsexpressedinreaders’contributions.
