Launton Lines Issue 305 May 2026

Any of these could have been on the May cover Ducklings in the Island Pond Wood.

On water  On land

 Launton Sports Men’s team have been on their way to success this season (see pages 34-35)

Photos from (clockwise from top left): Mick Jennion; Robert Cornford; Launton FC; Peter Cox; Ian Jones.

 Nature’s carpet this spring

 The opening of the Bus Shelter Library (see page 22-23)

The cover shows the opening of the Launton Bus Shelter Library on 25 April - Austin (8) and Sienna (10) Smith cut the ribbon to launch the community project. See pages 22-23 for a report and more photos. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo from Robert Cornford

The Editor writes …

Our front cover this month features the opening of the Launton Bus Shelter Village Library with village children Austin (8) and Sienna (10) Smith cutting the ribbon. There is a report on this imaginative project on pages 22-23 with more photos. We hope to feature regular updates from the team: what types of books have been most popular? What have been major book donations ? And don't forget that there are two notice boards in the Library to help us keep up to date on village events.

There are two “Good News” stories from the village football clubs. Pages 34-35 tell of the successes of the Launton Sports Men’s team, who won the Oxfordshire Charity Cup on 25 April, and will be playing for The President’s Cup on 9 May after a successful season in the Premiership. And pages 36-37 give an account from Launton Ladies FC of their season; they ended up top of their Division, winning 14 of their 16 matches. Next season they will be promoted to Division 2. We also have a report of other women's sporting success: on page 31 her family writes about Penny Stephens’ running in the Paris Marathon.

Three pieces mark the 75th anniversary of the Launton Handbell Ringers: the June concert in St Mary’s Church is on pages 6-7 and 32 and the exLaunton Boy remembers their founder, Frederick Sharpe, on pages 38-41.

There are local elections on 7 May (page 33) and a report from MP Calum Miller on page 8 with what must be good news about the level crossing in Bicester. FoLPH reports on page 25, and there is more about the big Orange Day event at The Bull on 10 May on pages 17 and 43, and some questions about the old Launton Playgroup on page 28.

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Robert Cornford Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2026 Launton Lines

email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2025-2026 Chair: Vacant | Secretary: Kate Greig | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill Treasurer: Vacant | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Vacant

Contact the Parish Council We now have a locum clerk, Gill Peacock. You can contact the Council by email at clerk@launtonpc.gov.uk or on the Council’s mobile at 07305 303 889.

To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: The Parish Council has now established a new Management Committee

LIGHT UP A LIFE

Would you like to sponsor an evening’s floodlighting at St. Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, a birthday, or a wedding?

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

Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 May 2026 for entry in the June 2026 edition.

5 May | Sponsored by Bob Roberts to celebrate the birthday of his late father Cyril Roberts

LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 7.30pm in Launton Parish Hall.

Councillors present: Mr Glyn Austin, Mrs Jackie Hackett, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman), Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies: Mr Andrew Briant (Vice Chairman) In attendance: 3 members of the public.

Reports from District and County Councillors No reports from either CDC or OCC Councillors had been received.

Governance and Consultations At time of writing, the recruitment process for a permanent Clerk is still underway, with a closing date for applications of Friday 24 April.

There are still vacancies for two Councillors, details of which may also be found on the Parish Council website.

Finance The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website.

Following the news of the successful grant applications, and with year-end figures available rather than estimates, the draft budget and reserves agreed Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 4

in January were amended to increase the amount the Council expects to spend on the Parish Hall over the following year: the new budget figure is £73,086, increased from the January draft figure of £64,086. Please note that the revised budget does not in any way affect the levels of the Precept and Council Tax, which remain as agreed in January.

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk -in the Agenda and Minutes section). There were no new applications this month.

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 on how the Parish Council is able to respond is on the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications/ Parish Hall The Advisory Working Group is still working hard arranging the additional paperwork required by FCC for the grant they have offered.

The additional work to the exterior lighting to the side of the Hall, to provide some coverage of the car park and stop the lights being on all day, is still pending a revised quotation. The replacement kitchen door is being made; once that is complete, replacing the floor covering in the kitchen can take place.

We still need additional volunteers to join the Parish Hall Management Committee to help with the management of the Hall! If you think you could help out, please contact Simon Turner (simon.turner@launtonpc.gov.uk) for more information.

Village matters OCC have finally responded to the Council about realigning the vandalised speed indicator device on Station Road; at time of writing, it is expected that OCC will shortly realign the sign themselves (having initially refused to do so).

Note that Bicester Road will be closed to all traffic around the entrance to Manor Farm from 8 June until 11 June (anticipated completion date), 24 Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 5

hours per day, to facilitate a new water supply connection. A signed diversion will be in place.

Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 7 May 2026 in the Grange Farm Conference Room (note the unusual venue: the Parish Hall is being used as a polling station that day), starting at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.

Suggestions for agenda items for the 4 June meeting need to be with the Clerk by 21 May and items for the 2 July meeting by 18 June.

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

A Message from the Launton Handbell Ringers Where were you? For anyone who loves memory games, this is for you.

The year in question is 1951, the month is June, and the day is the 23rd.

Can you remember where you were? There may be a great chorus of, “I wasn’t even born” at this moment but it was a noteworthy year in the production of the first ‘rock and roll’ record and the Southbank Centre being established.

It was also on that date 75 years ago that the Launton Handbell Ringers officially came into being. Founded by the late Frederick Sharpe, their first public appearance was at the Graven Hill Garrison Theatre in Bicester in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations.

Frederick Sharpe was born in Launton and lived all his life there. Over the years he became one of the stalwarts of the Parish Church, became captain of the village Cricket team, and ran the local building company, Lewis Penn & Co, from Station Road until his retirement. He started collecting handbells as a hobby from quite a young age and that transferred to becoming an expert in all things campanological. He had written many books in the “Church Bells of…” series which were seen as the bible for each church tower mentioned.

His early handbell ringers were members of his family, friends, and fellow members of the Parish Church community. Those ringers just got together Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 6

a few times throughout the year to play music – mostly hymns and carol tunes. But it gave them recognition so that in 1951 they were asked to perform at the Garrison Theatre. This first performance outside Launton opened other opportunities to get exposure out in the wider community.

Fred led the Team until his death in 1976, during which time the team had played in several Cathedrals, appeared on TV and Radio, and enjoyed visits to numerous village halls in the community for local organisations.

Fred left all his bells, manuscripts, books and memorabilia in Trust so that other Tower Bellringers could benefit from his expertise and he also stipulated that the handbells should be left for use by the Launton Handbell Ringers.

The bells that the present Team use come from what Fred called his ‘working collection’: they represent the work of many different English bell founders, spanning 315 years in age!

Team members still ringing the bells in this unique set have collectively clocked up 328 years of four-in-hand-bellringing experience.

The Launton Handbell Ringers are very active (29 recitals in 2025), playing to varied audiences throughout the year and meeting with other handbell teams in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. LHR have committed themselves to performing to 27 recitals (so far) in 2026 and have also signed up for 3 in 2027.

To celebrate our 75th anniversary we will be holding a special afternoon concert in Launton Parish Church on Saturday 13 June, starting at 4.00pm.

Entrance is FREE but donations for St Mary's Church Fabric and Facilities Project (raising funds to provide facilities and ensure accessibility) would be welcomed.

For more information on the Team, Fred Sharpe and the bells, look at our website: https://launtonhandbellringers.org.uk We can also be found on Facebook and YouTube. Also see more information on page 31, and the Memories of an ex-Launton Boy on pages 38-41 of this issue.

We are always on the lookout for new members to continue Fred’s Vision and to ring these very special bells. We want to keep them ringing and keeping the name of Launton high in the handbell world spotlight.

If anyone fancies a trial run on the bells, please contact the team via the website, or come along and speak to us at the Anniversary event on 13 June in the Parish Church.

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Calum Miller M.P. reporting from Westminster, and Bicester, and Kidlington . . .

The war in the Middle East has created fear and uncertainty for us all.

We have seen sharp rises in the cost of petrol, diesel and heating oil, and many residents have told me how concerned they are about meeting their bills.

In Parliament, I have called on the Government to keep the UK out of the conflict and support a swift, peaceful resolution, while pressing for greater support for households and businesses facing rising energy costs, particularly in rural areas.

Closer to home, there has been a breakthrough at London Road. East West Rail’s preference for an underpass reflects determined local campaigning. This shows the strength of persistent local voices and offers a lesson for communities facing similar challenges.

The illegal waste dump is finally being removed following delays.

Residents were right to raise concerns about risks to the environment.

This case highlights the impact of organised waste crime and the need for stronger enforcement.

Potholes have caused frustration this winter, but repair efforts have increased since March, alongside higher maintenance funding.

I continue working to ensure new housing is matched with proper infrastructure, and to support residents with casework.

Since being elected, my small but hardworking team and I have handled over 13,000 cases, helping residents navigate complex systems and access support. It is my privilege to serve our community. I am always happier when I step off the train from London to be back home. The biggest pleasure is to meet the people in each of our communities who are making a difference to the lives of others. Many of them are volunteers who are passionate about helping people.

Do you know someone who deserves celebrating? Please share your words of praise for local heroes - not all wear capes! I’d love to hear about the special individuals who make up our constituency, so drop me a line and help me celebrate them too! calum.miller.mp@parliament.uk Calum Miller Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 8

Launton Watercolour Art Group The Watercolour Art Group normally meets on Mondays in the Parish Hall between 2pm and 4pm.

In May there are two public holidays when we do not meet, so we will meet on the middle two Mondays, 11 and 18 May in the Parish Hall.

We have some new joiners this season, and more people will always be welcome.

Here is a work in progress from a member of the group quite appropriate from a place so far from the sea as Launton.

If you are interested in attending the watercolour art group, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com

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May is the month for Oxfordshire Art Weeks - including shows in Bicester.

Two members of the Launton Watercolour Art Group (see page 9) will join with seven others exhibiting work in May as Bicester Artists@Cinch.

The venue will be Cinch Self Storage, at 1 Arkwright Rd, Bicester OX26 4SU, one of the many venues taking part. It will be open between 10am and 4pm for 6 days - on 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17 May. The Launton-based artists taking part are Jennie Fairweather and Paul Ebberson.. Here are examples of their work.

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NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN MAY 2026 You are most welcome to join the Services listed here, all in St Mary’s.

3 May 8.00am 11.00am 10 May 6.00pm 17 May 11.00am 24 May 11.00am 31 May 11.00am

BCP Holy Communion Family Service Evensong - including a farewell to Don Holy Communion Holy Communion for Pentecost Family Holy Communion

Please refer to the St Mary’s Church Launton Facebook page for any necessary amendments and additional information, or contact: The Team Vicar Revd Sarah revsarahmortimer@outlook.com 07876 188 519 or the Churchwardens Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Chris Frost chrismefrost66@gmail.com 07775 066 962                 

FELLOWSHIP GROUP Due to the Bank Holidays in May, it has not yet been possible to determine our meeting dates. Please refer to our Fb page for up to date information or contact Celia on celiamanderson@aol.com or phone 07710 224574 NB Members of the Group will receive emails in the usual way                 

COMMUNITY CAFE The Community Café continues to meet in the Parish Hall during term time.

We are actively looking for pre-schoolers, plus carers, to join our group which is drawn from the general Community who come along to enjoy a congenial cuppa amongst friends.

So if you are in either category, please do contact us as below or just come along on a Tuesday, currently between 9.30 - 11.30am You will be most welcome!!!!

Maretta 07837 968 028

Hilary 07734 434 989

Celia 07110 224 574

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100 Years Ago, from The Bicester Advertiser 21 May 1926 DEATH OF MR A J HAWES It is with profound regret that we have this week to record the death of Mr Arthur James Hawes, second son of Mr Thomas Hawes, of Launton, which occurred shortly after mid-day yesterday (Thursday).

The deceased was one of the best known businessmen in the district, and his vocation as a hay and straw dealer in addition to his occupation as an agriculturalist, brought him into contact with a very wide circle of business people, by whom he was highly respected. Mr Hawes was taken ill rather less than a month ago, and developed pneumonia, and despite every attention that human aid could render, and his desperate fight against this malady, he passed away as above stated.

The deceased will be sadly missed in the district. He was one of the

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most straight-forward and open-hearted men that it was possible to come into contact with. One of his highest aims in life was to render what assistance lay in his power to his fellow beings. He held various public offices, the duties of which he carried out with the utmost frankness. As a young man he belonged to the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars, and at the time of his death he represented the parish of Launton on the Bicester Board of Guardians and the Bicester Rural District Council. He also held the office of church warden for the parish of Launton, in addition to other parochial appointments. He was almost foremost in giving his assistance to any worthy object, especially those in connection with his native parish.

The deceased, who was only 47 years of age, leaves a widow and family of six, including an invalid son, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt.

The funeral takes place at Launton on Saturday at 3 o’clock.

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.

Agility and Hooper classes at Grendon Underwood Thursday Classes in Arncott Village Hall  Puppy Socialisation, starts 6.45pm  Basic Obedience, starts 7.30pm  Rally or Scentwork, every alternate week for each class, from 8.15pm Introduction to Mantrialing and Introduction to Tracking

are also offered at a day and time to suit the trainer, yourself, and your dog.

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

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

peteroofer@aol.com

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LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY A progress report on Our Proposed New Nature Reserve In these worrying times of an uncertain future, optimism seems very far away. Not, however, if you focus on Launton. We can report encouraging news from Our Launton ELF. Thanks to the success of our first Downpayment Campaign and the overwhelming enthusiasm it invoked we are focusing on expanding Island Pond Wood. There are 3 possible options for doing this and we have discussed these with the land owner. The talks were cordial and productive. We seem to be ‘On the same page’.

Our biggest concern at the moment is raising the necessary funds to purchase the land for The People of Launton. We at LES are currently in the process of making that possible by setting up a Charitable Trust, Launton Environmental Legacy Trust. This is necessary for legal reasons and also opens the door for Matching Fund Grants. Until they kick in, raising all the money needed falls entirely on us Launton folks.

We have formalized Our ELF. We have now ratified our Constitution and have applied for a substantial ‘downpayment' grant from The Parish Council. We are quite confident of their whole-hearted support as this project fits well within the remit of their Biodiversity Policy.

Our main focus to this Downpayment Campaign is Sponsorship.

Not from Individuals, although we are still hoping for ‘purchasers’ of the remaining 125 ELF Plots, but from Clubs, Families and Businesses. Our ‘Roll of Sponsors’ will not be in Alphabet Order, or by order of how much they contributed, but how early they started contributing to this project. Any amount you decide to contribute will be greatly appreciated, but it is hoped that Families, Clubs and Small Businesses will ultimately contribute £50 to £100, but even a small downpayment will get you a place on this growing list.

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Please help us make this project a reality, and soon!

Donations can be made via Card Net, Just Giving, BACS (Launton Environmental Legacy Fund, Sort Code 30-54-66 Account Number 62684760), Cheque or Cash via any member of Our ELF Team, or at The Bull Inn or at The Village Coffee Shop.

With Thanks for your Continued Support, Ed Hamill Founder and Chair of LES Submitted by Ed Hamill: April 2026

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Orange Day Charity Event on Sunday 10 May from 2pm at THE BULL INN LAUNTON Why have we named it Orange Day? Because orange is the corporate colour for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Why are you earlier? The Aunt Sally competition now starts at 2pm with registration open at 1.30pm. There will be two competitions: one each for league and non-league players. Cash and a Trophy for winners!

What Live Music? We will have live music from Frets and Strings, Malish, and my son Jay McKechnie.

Who is the Special Guest? There’s a special guest appearance by the iconic Actor David Bradley – not to be missed. This will be his second time he has attended one of our Charity Days.

What's in the Auction? There will be various items up for Auction - including an epic 1 weeks rental of a VW California campervan worth £1,000!

Raffle and Tombola Prizes? The raffle will be drawn around 6pm with loads of prizes including hairdressing & beauty vouchers, free days out vouchers, meal vouchers, gym vouchers, heating oil and many more! Tombola open all day with lots to be won!

What food will be there? BBQ starts at 2.30pm with the meat being supplied

by Peter Goss Butchers, and The Bull Inn team kindly catering this feast for you! There will also be a cake sale from Launton WI . . . and more!

Why MD UK ? This charity is very close to our hearts, as we have two sons, who both have Muscular Dystrophy.

What is MDUK? Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading UK charity fighting muscle-wasting conditions. They are dedicated to beating Muscular Dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions by finding treatments to improve the lives of everyone affected by them. One day we hope that they will find a cure for this debilitating disease. More info at www.musculardystrophyuk.org.

Cash or Card? Please bring cash to splash! We do have one card machine but we have to pay a commission onm all donationms - so Cash is Better and will be easier for our support team!

Your 1st Orange Day Event? This will be our 4th Orange Day in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK and we want this one to be the best one yet!

Last Words? It’ll be a fantastic day, and you can help raise vital funds and awareness for MD UK. Just come along and splash your cash! And if you want to, wear something Orange!

Many thanks and gratitude, Angie & Chris Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 17

Launton Historical Society reporting . . .

In March Frank Collingwood spoke to us about the Oxford Bus Museum in Long Hanborough. He’s a volunteer there.

Frank set the scene for some of the Museum’s exhibits. In the 1890s there were no cars in Oxford, William Morris was only three years old.

Most people walked to work, but you might see penny farthing bicycles. In 1881, a horse drawn tram was introduced and there’s one in the Museum which took five years to restore. It has lovely woodwork. At the end of the journey the horse changes ends and the seats are flipped back to face the other way. The trams went from the station to Cowley Road and then to the stables. A double-decker horse drawn tram was also introduced – every other city went electric but you couldn’t have power lines down the High Street in Oxford.

Then buses came along. William Morris, now grown up, went to London and bought a selection of buses which he put into service, selling tickets through newsagents. He wasn’t allowed to sell them on the buses themselves. And people liked that form of transport. So that was the end of an era for the horse drawn trams, and many were repurposed into garden or allotment sheds.

The Museum has many old buses from across the years. At the moment, volunteers are restoring one from 1916. A charabanc is also on show – bench seats and a door for each bench. Previously owned

by Lord Lonsdale, it was used to take shooting parties round his estate. Original destination boards are also displayed The years of the First World War saw women becoming clippies on the buses (issuing and clipping tickets.) Meanwhile, William Morris had a factory making cars, not long started up, and in wartime he turned to making mine sinkers on the assembly line. After the war, he moved on to acquiring big factories for mass production, and the Museum has lots of his vehicles. As well as being the Bus Museum, it’s the Morris Motors Museum. Among many exhibits are a 1925 Bullnose Morris, a 1932 Morris Minor, and a 1966 Morris Minor panda car.

25-30 volunteers work on the old buses, restoring them, on occasions Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 18

discovering the brakes don’t work. We heard about the different designs on display – the Harwell works bus, half cabs, bars across the back fin response to cyclists using the bus as a brake, open platforms, ‘Nipper’ buses (built on a van chassis).

Not only does it have buses and cars, the Museum also has a historic cycle collection with 50 exhibits. Bicycles were invented in 1817 when a rudimentary model appeared. The Boneshaker appeared in the 1860s, with the pedal on the front wheel. Going downhill trapped the foot so the improved model had a brake. The Museum has the first metal bike, the Haynes and Jefferis tension bike. It’s good going forward, collapses going backward.

The Museum offers many activities, there are Heritage bus rides on Wednesdays and Sundays in Summer, these are free. Each month of the year sees special events, bus rides, Father Christmas, Halloween spooky trails, model railway displays. On 12 September 2026 buses drive round Oxford picking up passengers.

The Museum opens from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, all run by volunteers, no employees. There’s a café and a shop, and a Playbus in the play area. Photos of old Oxford are on display and one of Bicester bus garage as well. The museum is based in Long Hanborough because two women approached the Museum and asked if they were interested in buying a site for £250,000. They later accepted £30,000 and that includes the freehold. Not a bad deal.

By the time you read this we will have heard Stephen Wass talk about the Secret Gardens of Oxfordshire and the Birth of Modern Science and we will be anticipating Andrew Long talking about the Naming of Oxfordshire Pubs on 28 May. As ever, all are welcome to our meetings.

Gwen Skinner Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 19

Launton Village Players reporting Treasure Island

We are thrilled to have raised a wonderful £11,000 from Treasure Island which will be divided equally between Dementia Active and Dementia Oxfordshire. We also collected £406 in the buckets on the doors which will also be equally divided. If you came to see the show or helped in any way by advertising or contributing to the many backstage or Front of House tasks or being in the cast then you have all helped us reach this magnificent figure. Thank you.

The Oxfordshire Drama Network wrote of Treasure Island: “This was a production that truly celebrated what community theatre can achieve at its very best. It was joyful, ambitious, and brilliantly executed-but above all, it placed the audience front and centre, creating an experience that was as interactive as it was entertaining.

“Launton Village Players have once again demonstrated how powerful it is to truly play with an audience, drawing them into the heart of the story and making them feel part of something special. The result is not only a spectacular show, but one that leaves a lasting impression-and continues to support their fantastic work within the local community.

“A huge congratulations to everyone involved - this was theatre at its most inclusive, imaginative, and uplifting.”

Disney’s Frozen - the West End Musical

Our next production will be Disney’s Frozen on Friday 10 July, Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July 2025. This will take place in the Big Shed Theatre at Hare Leys Farm. Tickets are already selling fast so for more information go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp. Keep an eye on future Launton Lines and our Facebook page for more information.

2027 Pantomime

LVP will be performing their 40th pantomime next February so look out for the announcement of our 2027 panto in the coming months!

The LVP Team Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 20

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Launton Village Library opens in Station Road Bus Shelter At 10am on Saturday 25 April a crowd on villagers gathered at the bus shelter on Station Road for the official opening of the Launton Village Library.

The ribbon was cut by two village children, Sienna (10) and Austin (8) Smith. Once opened, people came into the former bus shelter to make their choices. One of the organising group, Kate Greig, said, “We have a wonderful range of books all given by people in Launton – fiction, non-fiction, DIY and gardening, and lots of children’s books. We had a wonderful turn out for the opening and hope the library will be a regular stop off for people.”

The project began in early 2025: Kate Greig suggested the idea to Mary Carter, and within weeks Helen Pattinson had joined the team and they Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 22

approached the Parish Council for support. Eleanor Shakepeare joined the team just as the Council said, “Yes!”.

Kate Greig explained how it started. “We tidied up the building, re-siting the litter bin outside the library. We painted the internal walls, and a temporary, but very colourful, sign was added to the outside. Bespoke shelving has been built and installed and noticeboards provided. The bench inside the library will stay so visitors can rest as they make their choices. On the outside wall there are hooks where dogs can be tied while owners use the library. This is not a lending library, so people are free to take books, but won’t need to return them - but of course we depend on people continuing to donate books, which can be left at Carmore on Station Road in Launton (next to Jewsons).”

“It has been a real community project: Cliff Carter, Adrian Pattinson and Mick Jennion worked on the inside of the library; Darren and the team at Jewsons donated some of the wood for shelving; The Book House in Thame gave a raffle prize for our fundraising coffee morning; and of course huge thanks to everyone in the village and further afield who has donated books.”

The Launton Bus Shelter Village Library is open every day for browsing and borrowing.

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FoLPH Reporting

The next FoLPH Event is the Spring Fair at the Parish Hall on Saturday 9 May between 10am and noon. We plan to offer the regular choice : of plants and seedlings; produce; cakes and other baked goods and biscuits; chutneys, jams and marmalades. We’ll also run a Grow a Sunflower competition- pick up a pot and compost, then choose and plant your seeds and see how tall you can grow the plant over the summer.

In the Hall there will be refreshments and more cakes, and a tombola and a raffle. You can also catch up on the next stage of work on the Hall heating, insulation, new toilets, PV cells and battery storage, and opening up the space in the Hall by removing the dividing wall and the suspended ceiling.

The next FoLPH Open Meeting will be combined with the AGM, on Thursday 18 June at 7.30pm. We will be looking for a Treasurer and a Secretary at this meeting. Could you offer your time to bring the Hall up to modern standards?

And we are planning more fundraising events for the future – including a Race Night to be held in The Bull, and an event to mark the re-opening of the Hall after the next phase of work.

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 25

Launton WI Reporting . . . on our April 2026 meeting

The invited speaker at the April WI meeting was Jim McLeod who spoke about the history of being a Toastmaster, which had its origins in the city of Bath, Richard Nash being the first Toastmaster in 1649.

Jim gave a fascinating account of the role and duties of a Toastmaster at various ceremonial occasions, weddings, etc., with many amusing anecdotes. He explained the tools of his trade - the gavels, toasting glass (small and thick-walled so the Toastmaster didn't become too inebriated!) and the sabre - his demonstration of sabrage involved shearing off the neck of the bottle of prosecco, was very impressive. He then proposed a toast to Launton WI, which celebrated its 85th birthday this month (see at the end of this report).

Records and minute books have been kept since the creation of Launton WI in 1941. I had a quick glance at the first ones, recording the setting up of the first committee, organising the meetings and appointing the officers. Interestingly, all of the women are addressed as Mrs or Miss, first names were not used in the early records.

To quote: “A meeting was held in the Village Hall on Thursday, January 30 at 3:30 to consider whether a Women’s Institute should be formed in this village, Mrs Morgan was voted in the chair and introduced Miss Denake of the County Federation who addressed the meeting.

“A resolution was proposed by Mrs Sharpe and seconded by Mrs Wallbank that a WI should be formed in this village [and] was adopted unanimously.”

At the second meeting of the WI on February 11 in the Hall, a committee was elected. There were 20 nominations and 11 were chosen.

Whilst the ballot for the election of committee was in progress, “Mrs Womersley read the rules of the WI. It was proposed by Mrs R Dealy and seconded by Miss Mills to call the Institute Launton WI. “Mrs Haws proposed that girls should be allowed to join the WI at the age of 16 years [and] this was seconded by Mrs Jeacock and adopted.”

Subscriptions “should be paid at the beginning of the year, January 2/each member.”

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 26

The result of the ballot was next declared, those elected were, Mrs Bateman, Mrs Hawes. Mrs Costa, Mrs Morgan, Mrs R Dealy, Mrs Penn, Mrs Eyles, Mrs J Sharpe, Mrs Hacklin, Mrs Tompkins and Mrs Wallbank.

At this same meeting, it was decided that “the WI can help in the matter of fruit preservation, growth of vegetables, tomatoes etc. and explain the organisation of collecting and marketing such produce”.

It looks like the first talk given to the WI members was on 11 March 1941, given by Mrs Coker about South Africa. At the same meeting the first WI cakes were made and enjoyed by the members. As we know, the Launton WI are still making cakes for most social events in the village, so this tradition is being kept alive.

Today, Launton WI host a an invited speaker or activity, including crafts, visits, lunches and walks, most months. I couldn’t begin to count the number of speakers who have addressed Launton WI over the past 85 years. Membership has maintained a healthy number over the years, with the current membership at around 33. This reflects the community spirit that exists in Launton.

Our current president is Eleanor Shakespeare who is supported by nine committee members. The current annual membership is £51 which amounts to less than £1 a week. Well worth it!

Guests are welcome, there’s no charge for a first meeting, so if one of the speakers is of interest to you, please come and join us. Our next meeting is on Thursday 14 May, where the speaker will be Paula Pym on Teaching Line Dancing. We meet at 7:30pm in Launton Parish Hall.

Lesley Thompson Here is the Toast proposed by Jim McLeod for the Launton WI Madame President and members . . . Gracious ladies . . .

Here is a toast to the 85th birthday of the Launton WI! May your friendships continue to bloom, your knowledge grow, and your hands remain busy with service and learning.

To a past filled with wisdom, a present brimming with camaraderie, and a future of endless possibilities.

Gracious ladies, will you please raise your glasses to the Launton Women’s Institute!

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 27

A request for information from former Launton Playgroup As the co-founders of Launton Playgroup, which was started in January 1973 with 12 village children having fun in the Parish Hall on a few days per week. We grew and grew until we were running 5 days a week in the Parish Hall and the full quota of children aging from rising 3 to them starting school in the term they were 5. After quite a few years we had raised enough money to have our own building, and got permission to have it on the school field, which was owned by the County Education Department, at a peppercorn annual rent. No longer did we have to get to the Parish Hall an hour before the children to set up tables and toys and stay long after they went home to put everything away. It was hard work for the Playgroup Supervisors, but enjoyable seeing the children progress.

And the best part was that we were then able to become a Charity, as we owned our own building.

The Mums of this village, and others too, raised enough money to buy a new purpose-built terrapin building to replace the second-hand one we originally bought. We had also grown from 2 mornings a week to 5 days and afternoons.

How many children went through Launton Playgroup we cannot count. But our very resourceful Committee and Parents continued to raise money for when the building needed another replacement. Fortunately, things really went well and when the school had some building work done the Playgroup was able to move into part of the new building. Now the children were able to be really familiar with the school they would be attending.

Now comes our request – mainly because we have been approached by many concerned parents/villagers. The Playgroup Committee set up a “Building Bank Account” and when the Playgroup officially closed in 2020 and was incorporated fully into the school the funds reported to the Charity Commissioners in March 2021 were in excess of £22,000. According to the Constitution of Launton Playgroup, if it closed any funds held should be distributed to registered Launton Charities. Some of us have written to the Charity Commissioners and to the Trustees to find out if this did indeed happen - unfortunately 5 years later we still have not been able to get any further information. When we submitted our Constitution to the Charity Commissioners, there were only two registered charities in Launton, but we believe we now have a few more. Please can the treasurers of these registered charities in the village let us know if they have received any of the remaining funds from Launton Playgroup.

Thank you for your understanding, as it would be gratifying to know that Launton village benefitted, as well from the hard work of parents, supporters and supervisors of Launton Playgroup over the 47 years of its fundraising existence, we will then be able to bring closure to our enquiries.

Kath Jones and Pat Mitchell Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 28

Peace of mind for pet owners...

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Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 29

Working Party report from the woodland

We had a very productive session in April, with seven village volunteers supported by six Bicester Green Gym volunteers. The work we could do at the moment is limited as we have to avoid activity that could affect nesting birds. But there is still plenty to do! A fallen tree was removed from the hedgerow

The area around the picnic bench has been tidied up 

Several log piles have been created from last winter’s fallen trees

The grass around the Enigma Stones has been strimmed  Fallen tree stumps were removed from the Side Wood ditch The May Midweek Working Party will be Tuesday 12 May, meeting at the Picnic Table from 10am. All volunteers are welcome – and there will be cake or biscuits, and refreshments.

Mick Jennion Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 30

Penny Stephens’ Marathon It was earlier this year that Penny announced that she had entered the Paris Marathon, to be held in April. Many of you will be familiar with Penny’s regular runs in the Saturday morning Park Run and may have seen her running through the village.

So, on Friday 10 April Penny left at 7.45am to get the train from Bicester to Marylebone. She remarked that it is not easy to get from Marylebone to St Pancras but she caught the Eurostar on time and arrived in Paris, where she had booked a hotel. She said that the food was excellent and she soon made friends, including one from California. On the Saturday she was troubled with a bout of migraine which she experiences sometimes. However, she had medication with her and that worked well, so by Sunday she was fit to start. Penny was one of the later starters but all went well and the weather was good. Through the miracles of modern technology we were able to see her on our mobile phones running. She finished the course in the very creditable time of 5 hours and 42 minutes.

Penny completed the marathon in aid of two charities: SeeSaw www.seesaw.org.uk and SpecialEffect www.specialeffect.org.uk raising over £1,300 between the two .

She has worked incredibly hard for this and we are so proud of her. Well done Penny!

John and Phyllie Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 31

Coffee, Cake, and Chat

St Mary’s Church held two coffee mornings on Saturday 11 April and Saturday 18 April. There was plenty of cakes, a display of photographs with information about the broken porch window, craft activities plus greetings cards and marmalade for sale, plus plenty of friendly chatter.

Everyone who came was interested in the repair and supported the effort to move forward on this very generously, and the final amount raised was a wonderful £583.79!

Thank you to everyone who contributed, and we will aim to keep you informed of progress through our Facebook page and Launton Lines.

The order of the repair is complicated and first we need a Conservator’s report, then official permission via the faculty system to do the repair, and then a grant to help cover all the cost.

But we have started and thank you for your generosity and for being part of our wonderful community.

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 32

Thursday 7 May 2026 is Election Day Where: The Polling Station is in The Parish Hall

When: You can vote in person between 7am and 10pm.

You will need to have acceptable ID with you.

Candidates standing for election are below: Timothy Simon Faltermeyer | Liberal Democrats Ian Richard Hodgson | Reform UK Naomi Celia Karslake | Labour Party John Robert O'Regan | Green Party Andrew Payne | Conservative and Unionist Party The count will be held in Banbury. Results should be announced by the afternoon on Friday 8 May.

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Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars 

Perfect Choice Funeral Plans

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 33

Launton Sports FC (Mens) are on the charge for silverware

It has been a massive shift and up turn in performances at Launton Sports FC and the 2025/26 season could be one of the best in the club’s history. However, the club still has work to do at the end of the season to achieve this feat. With one cup final already booked, now another looms with a semi-final in The President’s Cup against Thame United on 18 April 2026.

STOP PRESS UPDATE: Launton Sports won this match 2-0 so will be playing in the President’s Cup Final on 9 May against Hardwick FC, playing at the Kidlington FC ground.

Launton Sports boss Ashley Payne said that everyone at the club can be proud after a successful Oxford Senior Premier League season.

“It was important to stay unbeaten towards the back end of the season and our points return through the season has been an exceptional improvement on previous campaigns. But the job still isn’t complete, and we want to win some silverware. This will start with the Cup Final on 25 April against Yarnton. This game will be as tough as they come but we will give it our all as we attempt to win this prestigious trophy.

The progress this season is a really good sign of where we are as a club and a fantastic achievement - everyone can be very proud of what we have done.”

Come and support your local football team - they need your voice to get them over the line. Here are dates for your diary . . .

Oxfordshire Charity Cup Final 25 April 2026, Launton Sports vs Yarnton playing at Thame United ground: Launton won 2-1 Other remaining fixtures: PREM 21 April 18:30KO Kennington Athletic vs Launton Sports PREM 28 April 18:30KO Halse Utd First vs Launton Sports PREM 2 May 14:00KO Launton Sports vs Abingdon Utd Development PREM 5 May 18:30KO Launton Sports vs Brill Utd PREM 16 May 14:00KO Yarnton First vs Launton Sports Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 34

The President’s Cup Final 9 May 2026 Launton Sports vs.

Hardwick FC, playing at the Kidlington FC ground.

We look forward to your support. Up the Sports!

Chris Johnson

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 35

Amazing End of Season win means we are Division 3 North Winners!!

The ladies’ team have had a fantastic season winning their final league match at home against Milton Keynes City Ladies 3-0! This means that Launton Ladies have won their division and will be being promoted next season to Division 2!

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 36

Thank you to all those who turned out to support us, including our Sponsors - The Order of St John’s Care Trust, with residents from Langford View Care Home enjoying the day immensely!

Division table update: Team

P

W

D

L

GD

Points

1

Launton Ladies

16

14

0

2

47

42

2

Chinnor Ladies

16

13

0

3

52

39

3

Milton Keynes City Ladies

15

9

2

4

29

29

4

Tring Athletic Ladies

14

7

1

6

13

22

5

Mursley United Ladies

13

7

1

5

13

22

6

Longford Park FC Vixens First Team

15

6

3

6

1

21

7

Aylesbury United Women FC

15

5

2

8

-16

17

8

Leighton Woodside Wanderers

16

1

2

13

-65

5

9

Banbury United FC Women

16

0

1

15

-74

1

We now focus our attention on preparing for our League Plate Final, which takes place on 10 May at Slough FC. This season, under the Management of Claire Finn, sees the ladies’ most successful season for many many years!! We will be doing our normal weekly training but adding an additional fitness and football session on Sunday mornings to ensure we are well prepared for the final, which will be played against Tower Hill.

A big thank you to Adam Roberts and The Penny Group for sponsoring us to attend Finals Day! We couldn’t do this as a team without additional sponsorship.

We are also seeking additional sponsors for our tournament in Launton on 14 June and also for next season, and if any local business would like to be part of our amazing journey with this awesome group of ladies, please contact Claire on 07540 013 105 for a chat about potential sponsorship packages, at various levels appropriate to you and your business!

There is a photo of the Launton Ladies team that played their final match of the 2025-6 Season on page 36.

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 37

150 Years Ago from The Bicester Herald May 1876 Friday 5 May PETTY SESSIONS Drunk and Disorderly at Launton John Bannister, alias “Happy John,” labourer, of Launton, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly, at Launton, on April 24. Bannister (who was stated to have been four times previously convicted at Bicester) did not answer to his name when it was called.

PC George Stockford stated that about three o’clock in the afternoon of Monday, April 24, he was on duty near Launton Church, in consequence of the confirmation, when he saw John Bannister in a drunken state, lying on the footpath. He was making a noise, and witness spoke to him.

He started the defendant home twice; but he came back again to the churchyard wall, and leaned on it. He served the summons personally on the defendant. He had cautioned defendant several times about his conduct; but instead of getting better he appeared to become worse.

Fined 5s, and costs 10s, or 14 days’ imprisonment.

Friday 19 May LAUNTON CHURCH The second services on Sundays are to be in the evening at 6-30, during the summer months, instead of the afternoon, commencing Sunday next.

Memories of an ex-Launton boy I was recently asked to relate my recollections of the late Frederick Sharpe who is to be celebrated in the annals of Launton’s history, which I was more than pleased to do. In so doing, it brought back so many happy memories which I am delighted to share with you.

Let me say that what Fred Sharpe did not know about bells, whether handbells or church bells, was not worth knowing. He wrote several books on the various methods of campanology as well as, for example, the Bells and Towers of Radnorshire as well as other similar titles. He was deemed to be the expert on campanology and I only wish I still had some of the books he gave me on the subject.

When I first started ringing, Fred coached me on the treble, which is the number one bell with the highest note and is the lightest bell in the peal.

The diminutive Jim Marriott had to stand on a special box to be able to reach to ring the number three bell. Sometimes, if we were a ringer short, Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 38

miraculously, Fred Sharpe was able to ring four and five using one hand for each as opposed to the usual two hands to one rope, as well as conducting so that if someone lost their place through lapse of concentration, he was able to bring them back into position verbally as well as mastering his two bells at the same time. The man was an absolute genius!

Fred Sharpe quite literally took me under his wing, teaching me to ring tower bells and then taking me also into the handbell team as well as becoming a chorister at St Mary’s.

As the proprietor of Launton’s building firm, Lewis Penn & Co, where Jewsons is now located, Fred gave me my first Saturday morning job, wirebrushing metal drain covers and painting them with red-lead (no longer permitted due to the lead content), graduating to the office where he taught me how to safely fill out cheques (not signing them of course). When I left school, he took me on as an indentured apprenticed carpenter and joiner, where I stayed for nearly two years, before moving omto a more progressive a lucrative builder.

Fred was married to a Welsh lady whom he referred to as ‘Janie’. They had one daughter, Elizabeth, who was the church organist and also a member of the handbell team. In addition to everything else Fred was Churchwarden to St. Mary’s and Choirmaster, and an excellent choir it was, to which both me and my brother Cliff belonged.

We had handbell practice on Friday evening, after choir practice at church, in his ‘den’, a rather elaborate shed with nicely lined walls with fibreboard and a carpeted floor and bookshelves aplenty full of books, mostly ecclesiastical, churches and bells. In a semi-closed off section at the back was his lathe and leather work (see photo). Each time he happened upon an old bell from various sources, he would set it onto his lathe and turn it, and with his large box of tuning forks, he would tune the bell(s). It was magical for a young inquisitive boy to witness. But then it would come to the leather handle straps and crown work and punching into the leather the words illustrating the year the bell was founded and the name of the foundry on the crown, as well as the musical note, such as C# on the strap handle. Fred used to trust me with the gold and silver Humbrol model-making paint to Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 39

fill in the lettering which looked beautiful against the leather tan.

Fred discovered that I was a very keen train spotter and one Saturday morning came strolling over to our house, immediately opposite the builder’s yard, and asked my mum if I would like to go for an afternoon of train spotting. He didn’t have to ask twice, as he whisked us off to Didcot for a fine afternoon of train spotting on Didcot station with far more rail traffic than I was used to, with it being a railway junction.

On the way home, we dropped into the village of Appleton where they held tower ringing practice on a Saturday evening. A tower that held, and probably still does, a host of bell ringing peal records for the number of non-repeating changes over very long durations. A number of the team belonged to the famous White family of church bell hangers. Where bells have been hung on timbers for many hundreds of years, it is sometimes necessary to remove the bells, remove the belfry structure and reinstate the bells into iron girder frames. The White family, great friends and associates of Fred Sharpe were probably the most expert in the UK for such tasks.

When ringing the bells at Appleton, as we did from time to time, one could feel the tower bouncing as the bells were pealing out loud and clear. We would then retire to the pub next door where I was allowed a shandy and thick slithers of home-cooked ham in thick crusty bread and butter.

Shortly after the Didcot excursion, not yet having left school, but knowing I wanted to go into carpentry, he asked if I would like to help build a wooden extension to the side of the ‘den’, which I gladly did for some worthwhile experience on the tools. Having constructed the building, I thought no more of it until he invited me to come along an examine the interior, which upon arrival left me gobsmacked, as in my absence he had built the most fantastic model railway layout with all the scenery, station buildings, houses and barns with cattle in the fields and people and best of all, Great Western locomotives and rolling stock. It really was quite something again, and we had so much pleasure operating it all.

Coming back to the handbell ringing along with the tower bell ringing, he gave me a wonderful opportunity to see and experience things I doubt I would otherwise have done. For example, in my very early teens, he paid for me to hire a dinner suit from Moss Bros to attend a banquet at the Oxford Town Hall at the invitation of the Mayor of Oxford and on another occasion, the same routine to attend a banquet at the Banqueting Hall of Christ Church College/Cathedral with the Bishop of Oxford. With massive Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 40

great works of art by the grand masters hanging from the high oak-panelled walls and great big long heavy oak dining tables so full of silver cutlery, where I learned start from the outside and work your way in with each of the many courses. The experience was absolutely fabulous and something I have never forgotten.

We made a recording that was broadcast throughout the USA on radio one Christmas and appearing on UK television, on Blue Peter and then on ITV, both over the same Christmas period. My, the size of those studio cameras back then!

Because Caversfield had no ringers but had a lovely little peal of five bells, Fred would pick me and old Jim Marriott up on a Sunday afternoon to go over a couple of times a month to ring there and then attend the service afterwards, Fred’s wife, Jane, had a spinster sister, Gwen, who was the most delightful lady who lived in Cardigan, Wales. On our annual trips to St. David’s, we would either stay at the Coburg Hotel in Tenby or at ‘Auntie Gwen’s’, as we used to call her.

The very first holiday that my then wife and I went on was to South Wales, and on this particular day, we had been on the Vale of Rheidol railway.

Driving back from Aberystwyth to Newquay (South Wales, not Cornwall), coming into Cardigan, I looked to my right and saw a gentleman just having posted a letter in a pillar box and I had to look again, for it was none other than Fred Sharpe visiting his sister-in-law, Gwen. I slammed on my brakes, (nothing behind me, luckily), and leapt out of the car and dashed across the road to speak with him.

Having had the customary short-back and sides in the army (well almost), I did for a year and no more, grow my hair long and wavy and sported a Mexican-style moustache. He looked at me for a moment, somewhat bewildered, and then said, “Tony?” Amazingly he recognised me, far from home and very much changed in many ways. We had quite a chat when he told me he was recovering from a recent heart attack and had lost loads of weight, most noticeably. It was a pleasure to see him again, and in the most unexpected of circumstances. Sadly, that was the last time I ever saw him.

I somehow think that Fred would also have liked a son, and for a while, I believe I became a sort of surrogate son without realising it at the time.

Tony Jeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton boy | May 2026 Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 41

Diary Dates: May 2026

Send details of your events to launtonlines@launton.org for a FREE listing here.

Fri

1 Ceramic Paw Print Workshop at The Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 1pm | Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm Sun 3 St Mary's Church, BCP Holy Communion, 8.00am; Family Service, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon 4 Early May Bank Holiday, originally May Day | Barbecue and Boerewors Rolls at The Bull Inn, from 12 noon Tue 5 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9.30am-11.30am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 6 Village Coffee Shop First Birthday today | Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 12noon | Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 7 Election Day - for Cherwell District Council at The Parish Hall | Parish Council, Public Session 7.15; Council Meeting 7.30pm, NOTE change of venue - Conference Room at Grange Farm Mews , Station Road Fri 8 SCOTS meet at The Bull Inn from 6.00pm Sat 9 Launton Spring Fair at The Parish Hall, 10am - 12noon (see back cover for information) | Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | Launton Sports Men's Team play in The President's Cup Final against Hardwick FC in Kidlington | The Space Pigs are playing at The Bull Inn from 7pm Sun 10 Orange Day event at The Bull Inn, for Muscular Distrophy UK, starts at 2pm with Aunt Sally competition | Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | Launton Ladies play the League Plate Final in Slough | St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon 11 Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall | Tue 12 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9.30am-11.30am | FIPW Midweek working party in the woodland, Meet at the pond, 10.00am | Pegasus Ceramics workshop - Make a Ceramic Spring Flower Bouquet, Village Coffee Shop, 2pm-4pm (see page 21) | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 13 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am-12noon | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 14 WI Meeting, Paula Pym on Learn About Line Dancing Line, Parish Hall, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn Fri 15 Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm Sat 16 Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, Lugershall Road, Brill Sun 17 Bicester Artists@Cinch display for Oxfordshire Art Weeks, 1 Arkwright Road, 10am-4pm (see page 10) | St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am-1.00pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon 18 Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall Tue 19 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9.30am-11.30am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 20 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO LAUNTON LINES FOR THE JULY 2026 ISSUE | Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 21 Last day of school this half term - back to school on Monday 1 June 2026 | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm Fri 22 INSET day at the school Sun 24 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion for Pentecost, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon 25 Late Spring Bank Holiday today Tue 26 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wed 27 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 12noon | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 28 Historical Society, Andrew Long on The Naming of Oxfordshire Pubs, Parish Hall, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn Fri 29 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm Sun 31 St Mary's Church, Family Holy Communion, 11am

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 42

Launton Lines May 2026 Issue 305 | Page 43

Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton

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

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

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