The midweek Island Pond Wood volunteers continued our general maintenance activities during May and June with great support from Bicester Green Gym. Cutting back bramble from footpaths, grass cutting around benches and information boards, clearing fallen branches and general tidying up of the wood.
In June we had a new project to install a Stag Beetle Pyramid. The UK’slargest territorial insect, male stag beetles measure up to 7.5 centimetres long when their impressive jaws are included. Stag Beetles live underground as larvae for years before emerging as adults to mate. The adults only live for a few weeks and don’teat – they use their stored fat to survive!
They are most likely to be seen from May to August when the adults emerge and look for mates. Males can actually fly to look for females, and will fight over mates, using their antler-like jaws in a similar way to how stags fight over females.
Despite the size of their jaws, they are relatively weak and are not dangerous to humans. Stag beetle populationsare declining, and dead wood is an important habitat for them.
The larvae depend on decaying wood that is partially buried in the ground. To help this species, we have built a stag beetle pyramid in the wood. Wooden logs have been buried vertically (like organ pipes) in partial shade so that it doesn’tdry out. Next time you are in the wood look out for the pyramid and let us know if you see a Stag Beetle.
MickJennion
The cover shows the bell ropes in StMary’sTower gathered at the end of ringing for a summer wedding. It is to mark the retirement of MichaelMacArthuras Tower Captainsee page 29 for a report Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo from Rev SarahMortimer.
The Editor writes . . .
Our front cover this month shows the bell ropes in the tower of StMary's Church gathered together after a ringing for a wedding earlier in the year. This is included partly to mark the retirement of the Launton Bell Tower Captain, MichaelMacArthur (see article on page 29), and partly to mark the 75th Anniversary Concert of the Launton Hand Bell Ringers, founded in 1951 by a former Bell Tower Captain, FrederickSharpe (see pages 12-13 for a report and pictures).
The Parish Council Report (pages 4-6) confirms the grant of £93kfrom FCCCommunities Foundation for phase 2 of the renovation of the Parish Hall, and the FoLPH report (page 31) advises that the work will start on Monday 6 July and take about four months.
A report on pages 34-36 is of the very successful Orange Dayfundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy UK held at The Bull in May which raised £6,340, with photos on page 39. A report of the Art Weeks Show at Cinch Storage, featuring three members of the Launton Watercolour Art Group is on pages 20-21, and the Over 60s report on page 27.
The regular quarterly report from MP CalumMiller is on page 7, and new District Councillor, Timothy Faltermeyer introduces himself (pages 23-4).
The Bus Shelter Library reports on page 33, and the village Speedwatch Group is looking for volunteers (page 26). Page 31 has news of an exciting addition to traffic monitoring with the Telraamsystem in the village, and page 25 reports success for the campaign for a motorised underpass to replace the London Road level crossing in Bicester.
Please support our advertisers, and mention Launton Lines when you use them.
Chair: Vacant | Secretary: KateGreig | Editors: RobertCornford, Matt Hill
Treasurer: Vacant | Distribution: ShirleyJohnson | Advertising: Tom Sowler
Contact the Parish Council
Wenowhavealocumclerk,Gill Peacock.You can contact the Councilbyemailatclerk@launtonpc.gov.uk or on the Council’smobile at 07305303889.
To book the Parish Hall
Contact:JoanPacker Phone:07922042 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’sfloodlighting at St. Mary’sChurch 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 July 2026 for entry in the August 2026 edition.
12 July | Sponsored by Sue Hawkinsand family. In loving memory of Bill [Hawkins] on what would have been his 92nd birthday. Happy Birthday Bill. Always in our hearts.
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 4 June 2026 at 7.30pm in Launton Parish Hall
In attendance: CDCCllrDrTimothy Faltermeyerand 6 members of the public
Reports from District and County Councillors
CDCCllrDrTimothy Faltermeyerattended the meeting, but had no report to deliver. No other reports had been received.
Governance and Consultations
At the time of writing The Council reported that an application for the role of Clerk and RFOhad been received, which was currently being processed and considered.
There are also still vacancies for two Councillors, details of which may be found on the Parish Council website.
Finance
The Finance Report is available with full details of all transactions on
the Parish Council website. The Council discussed a request from North Oxfordshire Residents Action (NORA) and agreed to request more information.
Planning
All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk-inthe Agenda and Minutes section). 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 can respond is on the Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications/
Parish Hall
The Council reported the FCCCommunities Foundation had given approval for their grant to be paid, and signature of the formal agreement was expected to be imminent.
The Council reported that the Advisory Group had contacted users warning them about the likely closure of the Parish Hall while the works were being carried out and, with FCC’sapproval, had talked to the selected building contractor.
CllrTurner reported that BThad responded regarding the installation of broadband, and he would get in touch with them.
The Council discussed the purchase of new plants for outside the Parish Hall and agreed that they could spend up to £100 on new plants.
The Council also reported that the Parish Hall lights had tripped on Tuesday evening (2 June) and as a Councillor was due to meet a representative from an electrical contractor on the Wednesday, it was agreed to discuss the matter with them.
We still need additional volunteers to join the Parish Hall Management Committee to help managing the Hall! If you think you could help out,
please contact JaquelineWebber (jackie.webber@launton-pc.gov.uk) for more information.
Highway and Traffic Issues
The Council agreed to request that the Locum Clerk look into the possibility of OCCinstalling 20 mphreminder signs in The Glades similar to those in other residential side roads in the village.
The Council also agreed to make contact with OCCregarding the installation “Caution: vehicles turning” or similar warning signs at both (a) the site of the collision reported at the May meeting, at the bottom of the new railway bridge on Station Road, and (b) at the allotment’sentrance/exit road on Bicester Road near the Launton roundabout.
Village upkeep
The Council reported they had received a quote from a Contractor in respect of cutting the rural verges and they would request a quote for carrying out some maintenance at Sherwood Close.
The Council agreed to expand the range of various bins under consideration to include Futuro(outside the Costcuttershop) and a new small bin for near the Bull bus shelter, as well as Sycamore Road and the War Memorial.
The Council confirmed that Agetur, the Contractor who had been working on the entrance to the Greencoresite, had ceased trading.
Agenda items and dates of the next meetings
The next meeting will be on Thursday 2 July 2026 in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm. If you’dlike to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm.
Suggestions for agenda items for the 2 July meeting by 25 June. Thank you.
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/
Our MP, CalumMiller, reporting . . .
The last two months have seen the end of a Parliamentary session and the threatened end of a Prime Minister’sterm (now confirmed). Meanwhile, residents continue to share frustrations accessing public services. I have raised these concerns in Parliament, and changes in leadership must not delay action on pressing issues.
Across our area, people worry that new development will come without the necessary infrastructure. I have pressed ministers for an “infrastructure first” approach, particularly in the Kidlington-Bicester corridor, where proposals sit outside the local plan. I recently brought together councils, utilities and transport bodies to ensure plans are joined up.
At Upper Heyford, I met residents about high levels of forever chemicals in GallosBrook. After Environment Agency readings showed the highest levels nationally, I pushed for Government action and further discussions.
Visits to local solar projects showed how renewablescan benefit communities. New schemes must deliver fair benefits and strong engagement. My team continues to support constituents and respond to enquiries each month, on this and other issues.
The very hot spell in May highlighted risks of high temperatures. It was heartbreaking to read of the death of a teenager in the River Thames in Oxford, and residents struggled with the heat. As summer approaches, please talk to young people about staying safe around water. Resources are available from the RNLI and the Canal and Rivers Trust, and advice on staying cool and healthy can be found at www.gov.uk(search “Beat the heat”).
Every month, my team and I respond to hundreds of enquiries. We held a virtual town hall on support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), before the Government consultation closed. In casework, we have helped people struggling to get a hearing from national or local authorities. Sometimes we cannot help directly, but we can signpost
continuedonpage8
constituents to agencies for assistance. If you need support, please contact me at calum.miller.mp@parliament.uk
I am aware that many people are finding things hard. Wars abroad and violence at home make people fearful, while high prices and daily challenges grind us down. It can be easy to despair.
During CarersWeek, I visited the Down Syndrome Oxfordshire Sign and Sing Choir. It was a joyful session, and I continue to encounter volunteers who give hope even when the news is dark. Thank you to everyone helping build and sustain our communities.
CalumMiller
In memory of SparkeyAncil
On Friday 10 April I set out with my partner Steveon a trip to Arnhem in the Netherlands to commemorate my second cousin, SparkeyAncil, who was killed on 12 April 1945, aged 30.
He and fellow comrades were there to liberate Arnhemon a mission called Operation Anger.
I was honoured to make a speech and lay two wreaths on behalf of Sparkeyand the Royal Engineers; a bonus was also staying in the same hotel and getting to know ArnoldWaltona 100-year-oldveteran (what a character!).
Every year on the anniversary of the liberation the people of Arnhem come together to commemorate these heroes .
When I agreed to attend, I didn’tknow the scale of the ceremony. Everyone, including a lot of nationalities, made us so welcome, and a special thank you to Miakeland
AmandaSlottboom: Miakelis Chairman of the group
The Forgotten Liberation of Arnhem, 1945.
Our emotional weekend finished with an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield. I am very grateful to take part and represent my family on a very important event. Sparkeyis remembered on Launton’swar memorial as JosephAncil.
KimNolan
LauntonWatercolourArtGroup
The Watercolour Art Group does not usually meet over the summer holidays, which this year means that we have a bit more time to make plans for the time that the Parish Hall will be closed for renovation. We’vebeen advised that this may be for around 4 months, so we hope to be back in the Hall by November 2026. Watch this space for updates on our plans.
Here is a work from David Meeks, our tutor. See pages 20-21 for a report on the May Artweeks Show featuring some of our members.
If you are interested in attending the watercolour art group, please emailPaul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Launton Christmas Trees
It’sthat time of year again! It’ssummer!
If you are twiddling your thumbs and you fancy making a few more Christmas decorations for our Christmas display this coming December, we would be very grateful.
Feel free to contact us if you would like us to collect them, otherwise we will organise a gettogether in the autumn to take stock of what we’vegot and what we need to do for this year’sdisplay.
Thank you for your support, have a lovely summer.
Lesley, Maryand Cathy | The Christmas Tree Elves
Fishing Warden
Launton Handbell Ringers [LHR] Concert
On 13 June, StMary’sPCCwas delighted to welcome LHR(Launton Handbell Ringers) to hold their 75 years anniversary concert in St. Mary’schurch.
LHRwas founded by Fred Sharpe, a long-time village resident and renowned authority on church bells. Pat Tucker and the Historical Society put a lot of work into researching Fred Sharpe and had very interesting and informative display boards in church.
Sadly, although called ‘Launton’ Handbell Ringers, there are no Launton residents in the group at present, although Peter Allen[Captain], was born and brought up in the village.
The ringers performed many pieces from their repertoire, displaying the particular skill it takes to produce a tune – strong wrists and plenty of concentration is involved, as the music scores are unique.
The performance took place in front of a packed and appreciative audience, many of whom had travelled some distance.
Contactusnowforafree,noobligationquote 01296770005 or 07702 498 942 www.wallacewindowcleaning.co.uk enquiries@wallacewindowcleaning.co.uk
project. Thanks to the generosity of LHRand attendees, to date over £460.00 [and still counting], has been received, which will go towards StMary’sChurch Fabric and Facilities Fund.
JoanPacker
All were encouraged to stay for refreshments afterwards, provided by a trusty band of helpers.
LHRwanted this to be a free event but with donations towards a church
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.
IntroductiontoMantrialingandIntroductiontoTracking are also offered at a day and time to suit the trainer, yourself, and your dog.
LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
One-Two-Many . . .
An ancient way of counting perhaps. Or even an early Anti-DWI Campaign? Don’tdrive if you have had ‘One too many’ a sugar-coated way of saying ‘Don’tdrink if you are drunk!’ More importantly, what does it have to do with Climate Chaos and Our ELF Down-payment Campaign. The operative word here is ‘many’. How many ELF Plots should one sponsor if we are going to acquire our New Nature Reserve quickly? We are looking for sponsorship from two main categories: Individuals and Collectives, by that we mean Families, Organizations, Businesses, Government Agencies, and Grants. In our First Down-payment Campaign we targeted Individuals and it was extremely successful. Thanks to the generosity of the folks in Launton we raised £2,000, a whole lot more than our original goal of £500. Well Done Launton!
Specifically in this Second Down-payment Campaign we are now targeting small to medium sized Businesses. You can, of course, still purchase Individual ELF Plots: and please do!
On the Campaign Trail, this is where the ‘1-2-many’ question arises. The most commonly asked question is “How many plots are you looking for us to sponsor?” My reply has been, ‘Certainly more than one, two at this time would be nice, but really sponsor as many plots as you think you can afford!’ That is a bit vague but the amounts and averages below might help you decide what ‘Many’ means to you.
For the over-all Campaign so far we have already raised just over £3.600, or 180 ELF Plots. Our Goal for these 2 Down-payment Campaigns is £5,000 that is 250 ELF Plots.
84 Individual ELF Plots have been acquired by just 45 donors (1.8 Plots/donor). Families have contributed £805 so far, and that is 40+ unspecified plots. From our first Organization donation we were given £100 that is 5 plots. And 5 Businesses have given us £450, you do the maths! We have had one Grant so far (The Parish Council) for £250.
With a Big Thank You to all the above! You have raised a total of £3,626, 181 Plots. So, after consulting with your Head and Heart. And possibly a
discussion with your other-half. How many ELF Plots are you going to buy?
Will it be 1, 2 or Many?
Thank You for your continued support!
P.S.
Do please keep sponsoring our ELF. Only 69 more ELF Plots are available in this Down-payment Campaign. Plots are available for £20 each via Just Giving, Card-net, BACS(Launton
Environmental Legacy Fund, Sort Code 30-54-66 Account Number 62684760, Cash/Cheque paid to Members of The Elf Team, at The Bull or The Village Coffee Shop.
EdHamill Founder and Chair of LES | June 2026
Launton Historical Society reporting . . .
Our speaker AndrewLong was teetotal and a pub connoisseur. He is a proper pub historian who lives next door to a pub.
There used to be 600 pubs in Oxfordshire, but not so many now. Pubs were used for all kinds of purposes - auctions, postmortems - the handy thing being that they are generally easy to find and they advertise themselves with a clear sign, useful in the days when few people could read and write.
In the Middle Ages a bush was a traditional sign that ale was being brewed on the premises. Also a small alehouse brewing small quantities displayed an ale rod outside,andwhentheyweresoldout,theytookthealeroddown.In1393,King RichardIImadeitcompulsoryforpubstohaveasign.(HisemblemwastheWhite HartandtherearelotsofthoseinOxfordshire.)Premisesdiffered-apermanently displayedsignindicatedapublichouseratherthanabrewingcottage.
Beer was good for you in former times, better than water - the brewing process killed off bacteria. Standards could be maintained by a manorial official ale taster - Shakespeare’sfather was one. Queen Elizabeth sent people ahead of her to check out the ale.
Andrewsummarised that British history is characterised by religious upsets and war. Pubs had to keep up with all this, keep on the winning side. The White Boar is a symbol of loyalty to RichardIII, the House of York in the War of the Roses. The Blue Boar represents the House of Lancaster. After the House of York lost, all the White Boars got painted blue.
Loyalty to a monarch could be pledged, but to avoid constant changes, the sign of The Crown was practical, not being monarch specific. There are many Queen Vics.
Lords, ladies and landowners gave their names to pubs, - The Duke of Marlboroughfor example and The CromwellLodge in Banbury, Banburybeing a Puritan area in the civil war. Famous people too – Nelson, the JamesFiggin Thame(he was a prize fighter).
Some pub names are not what you think, the Anchor for example. There’sone in the very inland Stanfordin the Vale; it is not coastal but ‘anchor of the soul’.
Agriculture was the root of many pub names – the Wheatsheaf, the Barley Mow, the Malt Shovel, the Plough (sometimes the spot where the communal plough was stored, in the days of strip farming tended by many in the community.) Farm animals feature - the Bull, the Lamb. The animal names are sometimes linked to
the drovers roads, the drovers would be up from Wales with the sheep and the pub would have a yard at the back for the animals.
Dogs too gave pubs their names, including a Talbot, a now extinct Middle Ages hunting dog. Fish and fowl were included – the Trout at Tadpole Bridge, the Trout at Wolvercote.Lots of Eagles, some Pigeons (egBanburyand Witney). The Bell tended to be near a church. Transporting bells was tricky and they tended to be cast on site.
The coming of the railways brought new pub names – the Great Western Arms not far from Aynhofor example.
Current trends in pub naming include The Four Candles and The Rickety Press in Oxford, Judethe Obscure in Jericho, The Tipsy Mercer in Abingdonand the Penny Black in Bicester.
Andrew’sfavourite pub, for its story, is The Gate Hangs High at Hook Norton, a drovers pub which TimHealeytold us about a couple of years ago. And talking of TimHealey, by the time you read this we will have heard him talk about St GilesFair, in our last meeting in the Parish Hall for a few months while it is refurbished. We resume in September in a different venue.
GwenSkinner
Oxfordshire Artweeksshow at Cinch Storage
In December 2025 an exhibition was organised in Cinch Storage Unit just off Churchill Road. Following this show, JennieFairweatherand CasimiraMostyndecided to use this venue to exhibit their artwork for Oxfordshire Artweeksin May 2026 as there were no plans for a large Bicester Art Network exhibition for 2026. We hoped that other local artists would join us in May and we ended up with seven others at this venue, including David Meeks, the tutor at the Launton Watercolour Art Group who meet on Mondays in the Parish Hall, and fellow Launton villager Paul Ebbersonfor his first exhibition.
The idea was for individual artists or groups to display their work publicly with advertising centrally through the Oxfordshire Artweeks programme booklet.
Cinch Storage were very accommodating and helpful in providing space and facilities for the exhibition in May. Helenand Leanneat Cinch worked some of their weekend time off so we could open to the public on time.
For the exhibition in May we had a total of nine local artists in Cinch Self Storage. We were open for a total of 6 days, Saturday 9 to Monday 11 May then from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May.
Several artists were exhibiting their watercolour landscapes, seascapes, prints and cards, while there was also colourful acrylic abstract paintings and animals. As well as original artwork there were also reproductions on tea towels, coasters, cushions and covers, and aprons. One young artist showed how music can help with mental health
Although the venue is a bit out of the way and in an industrial site on ArkwrightRoad, the nine artists managed to sell quite a bit of their work, with 200 visitors, many from Launton, enjoying the show along with light refreshments provided by Cinch Self Storage over the 6 days. Jenniewas pleased she managed to sell four of her original watercolour paintings along with some prints and cards. David
Meeksdid very well as did Paul Ebberson, whose ‘Monet’ original oil painting was much
admired by many of the visitors and other artists.
JennieFairweather, Paul Ebberson and David Meeksare all members of the Launton Watercolour class which meets on Monday afternoons in the Parish Hall. These were joined by five other artists giving a wide range of styles and media. Plans have started to use Cinch again next year with most of the artists with us too!
JennieFairweather, Paul Ebberson, David Meeks
Launton VillagePlayers reporting
Disney’s Frozenthemusical | 10-12 July 2026
As LVP are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, we thought it would be very special to perform Disney’s Frozen, and we are delighted to say that as we write today there are only 8 tickets left across all five performances. Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets, and if you missed out, keep a close eye on TicketSourceand our Facebookpage where we will announce any returns, as no tickets will be available on the door. Scan this QRcode for our ticket website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp
Or scan this QR code for our Facebookpage: https://www.faceb ook.com/TheLaun tonVillagePlayers
More information about our 2027 family panto will be released shortly - again, keep an eye on our Facebookpage, and remember to book your tickets early so you don’tmiss out for our 40th Panto. We always love to see you!
DrTimothy Faltermeyer, our new District Councillor
Last month, I was elected as your District Councillor, representing Launton and Otmoor. For my first contribution to Launton Lines, I’dlike to tell you a little about myself.
Earlier this year, I graduated from Oxford University, where I read English Social and Local History. In my first year, I focused on the Otmoor Riots. Little did I know at that time, I would be selected and subsequently elected as a Councillor representing 6 of those 7 towns
which were involved in the Riots of 1830. Reading many of the newspapers and court transcripts from that period really brought home how unique this area is, and the strength of the people who lived here, all working together to maintain and improve their quality of life. The more I read, the intensity of my hunger to learn about the area increased. I continued my passion for Oxfordshire with my last substantial assignment when I wrote about the English Civil Wars and how they affected Oxford.
My interest in the enclosures and agricultural improvements , and The Otmoor Riots provided me with a greater incentive to work for the people of the area if I was successful in the election. I was, and I am now working with the spirits of the rioters.
I know I am biased and I have become protective of the area because it is very special. It’salso a wonderful area for the exquisite landscape and incredible wildlife. I firmly believe that we must work together to ensure that the area remains distinctive and serene.
What does Launton have to do with the Otmoor Riots? The streams which flow through Launton connect to the River Ray, which was a major issue following the Enclosure Act of 1815, when this was diverted in Otmoor causing more hardship for local people.
We should remember the people of 1830 who were ordinary working people, who stood up against the bullies who tried to take away their basic rights, such as the use of the common land.
My role as a District Councillor is to ensure that the way of life for the people (and businesses) of the area will be heard within the Council.
For me to represent everyone in Launton and the other parishes within the ward, it is crucial that I listen to people as much as possible, to hear their concerns, and respond effectively, and provide decent updates regularly and thoroughly. I will of course, attempt to attend as many Parish Council meetings as possible.
DrTimothy Faltermeyer
Update on the London Road Level Crossing – The proposed motorised underpass is the only solution for East West Rail.
The campaign to keep traffic flowing across the East West Rail line at London Road (Donate a Pound to Go Underground ) has succeeded and, thanks to your donations, Bicester and Launton charities are getting a boost as well
“The ‘Donate a Pound to go Underground’ campaign in January achieved its aim to keep London Road crossing on the government and East West Rail’sagenda,” says CaroleHetherington, LangfordVillage Community Association Chair.
“The total raised over three weeks was £3,401 which we then took to the Treasury and offered the money to the Treasury and the Department of Transport.
“It’staken a while but we have now had a response from Lord Hendy, Minister for Transport, that the government is unable to accept such donations. However, he is pleased to hear that the money is instead going to local worthy causes.
“The money raised has now been donated between the two charities nominated at the start of the campaign - Bicester-based Nai’sHouse, offering holistic mental health support for young people,
and the Launton-based Hummingbird Centre, a support and therapy centre for those affected by and living with cancer.
“We know the only option that East West Rail are following is the motorised underpass - so well-done Bicester, it goes to show what can be achieved. Thanks must also go to our local MP, Calum Miller, who has fought so hard on our behalf in Parliament to keep London Road on everyone’sagenda.
“Lord Hendythanked us for our continued engagement in the solution for the crossing closure. He wrote ‘The solution arrived at safeguards both the safety and connectivity of road users and pedestrians in Bicester.’.” CaroleHeatherington
Wednesday 29 July Bicester Methodist Hall 10.30am- 2.00pm
Find out more about other Age UK Oxfordshire services and chat to local organisations who offer information and support. Free entry. Refreshments available. For more information email katiesmok@dementiaoxfordshire.org.ukor call the helplineon 01865 410210.
Kindly sponsored by Bicester Wills and Probate.
Launton Community Speedwatch
Summer is here with clear skies and rising temperatures, conditions perfect for a quick dash through Launton to Bicester and beyond. With children walking to and from the Launton School, an increase in the village population (Bicester Road and Station Road developments), and cars observed parked on Station Road right up to the crossroads the potential for an accident in the village is growing. The 20 mphspeed limit through the village was supported by many to help reduce this risk. However, there are still many drivers who ignore the speed limit signs and the reactive speed signs on the three roads into Launton.
The National Community Speedwatch program is designed to educate drivers of the need to reduce their speed on local roads, particularly around schools or where there are other driving hazards. It is a community initiative designed to educate and not penalise drivers who may simply not appreciate the speed they are doing. The improved weather conditions since May have allowed the Speedwatch teams to be visibleandaverage speedshavecomedownwhiletheteamshavebeenout.However,weneedsomehelp. Speedwatchoperatorsareallvolunteerswhogivejustanhouraweek,ormoreifable,to monitorvehiclespeedsthroughLaunton.Speedwatchsessionsarethenprogrammedtofit withtheavailabilityofeachvolunteer.
If you could help with an hour once a month or once a week with the team, or want more info, e-mailme at Speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.ukand we’llget back to you.
We’re bringing back your favourite stalls: Cakes & Bake - homemadetreats to take home or enjoy with a cuppa Plants & Produce - green fingered goodies for your garden Tombola - will luck be on your side Books & Toys - treasures waiting to be found
Take a break, have a cuppa, enjoy a slice of something delicious, and catch up with friends old and new - the perfect spot to relax while the children play.
Crafts & Arts Competition
Our popular Crafts and Arts Competition returns for children and adults - see entry form on page 33, and in the Church. Classes will be judged and trophies awarded, so why not give it a go?
Donations Welcome If you’dlike to support the Fayre, we’dbe delighted to receive any (or all) of these: Cakes (please include an ingredients list) Plants Tombolaitems Goodqualitytoys Books
Please bring to the Church on: Friday 4 September,6pm–8pm Saturday 5 September, 9.30am–11.30am
Stay Updated Find more details on our Facebookpage: StMary’sChurch Launton www.facebook.com/stmaryschurchlaunton/?locale=en_GB We can’twait to welcome you on Saturday 5 September between 2pm and 4pmfor a joyful, friendly, family filled afternoon.
The SMFTeam
Keeping the bells ringing
Avid readers of Launton Lines will have read how FrederickSharpe launched the Launton Handbell Ringers in 1951. We were privileged to celebrate their 75th anniversary in church at the 13 June concert. Fred was also Bell Tower Captain ensuring the church bells kept ringing too.
In his early teens, Launton resident MichaelMacArthur, rather than sing in the choir, trained under Fred to become a bellringer.BertMassey took on the role of Bell Tower Captain after Fred Sharpe and, in due course, Michaelfollowed in their footsteps. Michaelhas served faithfully for decades as Bell Tower Captain, Treasurer and Secretary too.
In May Michaeldecided it was time to retire from these roles but he continues to ring in many towers in the area. StMary’sChurch and the Launton community treasure the sound of the church bells, and we are so grateful to Michaeland the team for bringing us this joy.
Are you a bellringer? Would you like to be? Do you have a few hours to spare to take on a role as secretary or treasurer even if you don’tfeel up for ringing, which does involve a degree of physical fitness and mobility? Contact the vicar in the first instance who will direct you to the right people to explore a new and rewarding hobby and to keep the bells ringing in Launton.
SarahMortimer, Vicar of Launton
Launton WIreporting . . .
At the June meeting of Launton WIwe had a really engaging talk from AntonyWood, called Thegreatest womanofthelastcentury.Antonygave us a brief overview of the life of GertrudeBell, photo below.
She was an extraordinary woman. Here is my summary of what she achieved during her life:
GertrudeBell (1868–1926) was a British explorer, writer, archaeologist and diplomat, who played a significant role in shaping the modern Middle East. She was born in County Durham and she came from a wealthy family, receiving an exceptional education. She became one of the first women to graduate with honours in modern history, from Oxford University.
She developed a passion for travel and spent many years exploring the Middle East, learning Arabic and several other languages. She journeyed across deserts, mapping remote regions and gained deep knowledge of local cultures and politics, even meeting Lawrence of Arabia. Her travels led to important archaeological work, and she documented her experiences in books and photographs.
Amazingly, during and after World War I, Bell worked for the British government as a political advisor and became influential in the creation of modern Iraq and helped support the appointment of FaisalI, as its king in 1921. Because of her expertise, she earned respect from both British officials and Arab leaders.
Gertrudealso helped establish the Iraq Museum to preserve the region’s archaeological heritage. She died in Baghdad in 1926. Today, Gertrudeis remembered as a pioneering woman whose work left a lasting impact on Middle Eastern history and archaeology. Whilst she left quite a remarkable legacy, Antonytold us that she is not really recognised or taught about much in history. This was a fascinating and informative talk, which we all found interesting.
Our next Launton WImeeting will be held on the 9 July 2026, at 7:30 pm, in the Hummingbird Centre. The talk will be about Taxcareand thenewguy . Newcomers are always very welcome.
Heavy vehicle movements 4,641 Ofcarmovements,17,254weretowardsthecrossroadsand18,439weretowards Bicester.Forheavyvehiclemovements,1,639weretowardsthecrossroads(35%) and3,002weretowardsBicester(65%).
The busiest day in that week for car and heavy vehicle movements was Thursday 4 June.
Who would have thought that there were over 40,000 vehicle movements in the first week of June. We’llkeep track over time.
And because every report needs a pie chart, here is the usage for the first week of June.
FoLPH reporting
Cars
The most important thing to report is that work will start on phase 2 of the renovation project on Monday 6 July, and we expect the work to be complete in about 4 months. More information, and a report from the FoLPH AGM, next month.
The Family of Mrs MurielBeck, who died on 9 March 2026, would like to thanks friends and neighbours of Launton for the kindness and support given to her over the many years she was living in Sycamore Road, Launton. Thank you all.
From Hazel (Muriel’sdaughter)
And a big Thank You to We Care (TJ) Ltdwho looked after Mum for five years.
A brief note from one of the Launton Neighbours: “Murielmust have been the oldest resident of the village, and possibly the oldest in and around Bicester. She would have been 105 years old this month. Here is a photo of Murieltaken on her 100th birthday in 2021 with her card from the late Queen, printed in the August 2021 issue of Launton Lines. Murielwas buried in Brill Churchyard.”
LauntonVillageLibrary
The library has now been open for just over two months, and the team send huge thanks to any of you who have donated books, taken books to read, and maybe even returned those books. It has been a real pleasure to meet some of you in the library as you browsed the books on offer.
Our children’sbooks section seems to have been particularly popular, with an urgent restock taking place a month after opening.
We are reliant on donations, and we still have some overstocks waiting to be added to the shelves. We have just completed a sort and refresh of the books, so there are some new titles waiting to be selected. We would very much appreciate if donations of books could be made to Carmore(Station Road, next to Jewsons). The team tries very hard to make sure that the books on offer are modern(ish) and in good condition. Any that we remove and decide not to put back are taken to one of the local charity shops.
We have decided not to stock cookbooks; they take up a large amount of space and almost never leave the library. We have also decided not to stock DVDs, some were left recently, but they will go straight to charity. So please, no DVDor cookbook donations.
By the time you read this there will have been a box placed in the library with some puzzles inside (donations of these can also be made at Carmore). This has been added on a trial period, to see if there is any interest. We wish you all a summer of happy reading.
Description of entry
See page 33 of Launton Lines June 2026 issue 306 for full details of the Show. Use the entry form above.
Launton School reporting . . .
Today some children are talking to us about the recent cricket tournament they took part in, representing their school.
On Thursday 40 children from school travelled to Bicester & North Oxford Cricket Club to take part in a tournament. There were four different teams from the school, all boys and girls from years 5 and 6. We left school in the morning and travelled on a double-decker bus. It was a really hot day, so we made sure we had suncreamand lots of water. We also had a packed lunch because the tournament lasted nearly the whole school day.
We played four games of cricket. There were 10 players on each team, and 8 could be on the pitch at once. We all took turns playing the different positions. Some of us enjoyed fielding, more than bowling. When we were bowling, we did a mixture of over-and under-arm. We really enjoyed the day. Taking part in the event ties into our school values; we had to be resilient if the game wasn’tgoing so well and we had to work as a team, to get the best possible result. We had to show integrity to play the game fairly and show compassion to other teams if they didn’t win some of their games and were sad about that.
The winners will go through to the next round of the tournament, which is the final! We don’tknow yet if any of our school’steams will go through, but we really hope some will!
Raffertyand Finlay– Year 5 | Rupertand Adriana– Year 6
Reporting on The Orange Day: Sunday 10 May 2026 at The Bull Inn - raised £6,340
What an amazing day, it couldn’thave gone better!
In the morning, a bunch of intrepid runners took off to Oxford to take on the Town and Gown 10Krun. Our Orange Day running team included: Chris, Amy, Simon, Nick, Shay, Dee, and Dan.They finished the run with excellent times. Amyraised £800, Deeraised £620 and Danraised £500. They did so well. A big thank-you to you guys. While the runners were doing their bit Myself, Karen, friends, family and village volunteers were taskedwith decorating and arranging The
Bull Inn for Orange Day. We transformed the pub into an Orange Day wonderland with balloons, banners, and posters. By 1pm everything was ready. The BBQwas fired up, the Aunt Sally sticks poised, music stand ready to rock, the tombola spinning and the raffle tickets ready at hand.
The music and games began and the people arrived! Wow - so many people! We felt the love of the village; the bar felt the pressure of the village too! In good English manner a queue was formed from pub to garden.
The smell of the BBQ, the wonderful tunes, the tapping of Aunt Sally sticks, the chat of people enjoying a burger and a drink made for an enchanting, atmospheric afternoon.
David Bradley& his Band were truly outstanding, funny and entertaining. He was so accommodating, having chats with people, signing autographs and having selfiestaken.
The auction compered by our very good friend Simon(aka MrBlarney Stone!) raised £1,220 and sold the VWcamper van rental for a whopping £950!
The Aunt Sally competitions were won by Kevin(Pro) and Sam (Novice). Both finals were so close and exciting! Well done to both winners. The raffle came at the end of the day with the charismatic Karencalling the numbers. Enough said!
We could not have done this event without the help of our wonderful mate Karenwho worked tirelessly to make sure our day was a success and to all the bands, the pub for hosting the day, Simonthe chef for running the BBQand the volunteers who ran; hair braiding by Jan, the cake sale ladies, the volunteers who ran the tombola and raffle ticket sales. Thanks to the WIand friends who made the yummycakes which we sold out of!
A massive thank you to all the businesses that supported us: without them we couldn’thave done this event!
Orange Day was our perfect village idea, bringing the village together to celebrate diversity, friendship, laughter, love and support. You made it become a reality on our doorstep, a dream come true. Words cannot express how much this means to us. Last but not least, thankyouto
The Bull Inn Landlord ChrisMorleyfor his generosity, support, kindness and short sermon!
We were so overwhelmed by how much people were willing to help us on our day. All in all the day was better than we could have hoped for! We are blown away by your generosity as together we raised a staggering £6,340 for Muscular Dystrophy UK!
The funds we have raised will make a meaningful difference in supporting the vital work MD UK do for people living with muscle wasting conditions.
So thankyouto you all and thankyouto all the people who came out to support the day.
Angieand Chris
There is a page of photos from The Orange Day on page 39 of this issue.
Memories of an ex-Launton Boy
This month, the ex-Launton Boy remembers summers gone by, helping with the haymaking, and coach trips to the coast and other sources of water. He is off for his hip-replacement at the end of the month. Wow! I have just returned from a fabulous week in Gibraltar and the weather is hotter here than there. I love to relax in it, but even relaxing one drips with perspiration as if having just stepped out of the shower.
At times like this my mind returns to the days of my childhood in Launton when we would have a bungalow bath on the front lawn, filled, or maybe half-filled with cold water in which to paddle and lie down to cool off.
You have a job to see these days, roads without potholes. So rarely do you see road re-surfacing taking place, but I remember how our country roads were regularly repaired and re-surfaced with tar and road chippings, especially in the summer months with signs telling motorists to drive slowly for a few days to avoid chippingsflying up and damaging paintworkand smashing windscreen glass. I recall riding my bicycle when the sun would be so hot that it would melt the tar holding the chippingstogether, and you could actually see the heat rising from the road surfaces. But the classic was seeing the shimmering heat playfully bouncing off the railway tracks and smelling the melting pitch emanating from both the pitch-treated wooden sleepers and the tracksidetelegraph poles, the wires of which seemed to
sing that much louder in the sunshine.
But some of my favourite memories relating to weather like this, as I have written of before, was helping out as a young boy, along with my brother Cliff, with the hay making in the fields with my little pitch-fork, pitching bundles of hay up onto the hay cart being pulled by an old grey Ferguson tractor to the farmyard of TommyAncilopposite The Green in Station Road. There we would toss the hay on to the elevator which was driven by a big canvass belt attached to a flywheel on the side of an old Fordson Major tractor which was so old, it was not road worthy. The hay would travel up to the top of the elevator and drop off the end where Tommy Anciland his son Bob would be building the hayrick. Seventy years on and the memory remains fresh in my mind and is heightened whenever I catch a whiff of freshly mown grass.
Another great pleasure in weather such as this was the open-air swimming pool in Bicester, down the Causeway where the RC Church now stands. That was really popular whether for sun-bathing, paddling, or swimming (or trying to), and when boys began to notice girls and vice-versa.
It was weather such as this that made our annual Sunday School outings to WicksteedPark in Kettering, Northantsthat much more of a pleasure, then of course the village annual daytripto the seaside for which my dad was the coach driver, either to Southsea, Southend, Clacton, or Margate.Those were the days, not forgetting the inland trips to Stratford upon Avon and Eveshamwhere we would row on the river Avon on a hot Sunday afternoon, or to Bourtonon the Water where we would dangle our toes in the River Windrush.
Being naturally dark and oily-skinned (swarthy), I used to get a fantastic sun tan, so much so, whilst serving in the army in Germany, the Italians in an Italian-run ice cream parlour began speaking to me in Italian as opposed to English or even German, believing I was one of them. I had a heck of a job tryingtoconvincethemthatIwasn’t.BothmeandmysisterElainehavemy dad’scomplexionwhereasmybrotherCliffhasmoreofmum’scolouring.
Anyway, we are set to have a few more days of this, so I had better slap some sun cream on, as my skin is not as oily as it once was.
I’m off on 30 June for my hip-replacement operation, at long last. I just hope the air-conditioning works in the hospital.
Keep healthy and stay SAFE.
TonyJeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton boy | July 2026
DiaryDates:July2026
Send details of your events to launtonlines@launton.orgfor a FREE listing here.
Wed 1 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am-12noon | Over 60sClub - Summer Lunch Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open and bar opens at 12.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm
Thu2 Parish Council, Public Session 7.15; Council Meeting 7.30pm, in The Parish Hall | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm
Sat 4 Launton Live - music at The Bull Inn , from 7.30pm
Sun 5 StMary'sChurch, BCPHoly Communion , 8.00am.Family Service, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon6 Building work starts at The Parish Hall for Phase 2 of the renovation project - closed for 4 months or so
Tue7 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Community Caféin StMary'sChurch, 9.30am-11.30am | Workshop at The Village Coffee Shop with PegasusCeramics, A Pressed Flower Vase, 10am-1pm
Wed 8 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am-12noon | RummikubGroup meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm | StMary'sFellowship Group meet in the Church, 2.30pm
Thu9 WIMeeting, BruceWakelintalking on Tax, care, and the new guy, meeting in The Hummingbird Centre, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm
Fri10 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm | SCOTS meet at The Bull Inn from 6.00pm | Village Players Summer Show - Frozen, The West End Musical, The Big Shed Theatre, Hare LeysFarm, 6.30pm | Live Music at The Bull Inn, Rabbitface, from 7.30pm | Swift Walk in the Woodland
Sat 11 Village Players Summer Show - Frozen, The West End Musical, The Big Shed Theatre, Hare LeysFarm, 2.00pmand 6.30pm
Sun 12 Village Players Summer Show - Frozen, The West End Musical, The Big Shed Theatre, Hare LeysFarm, 10.30amand 3.000pm | StMary'sChurch, Evensong, 6pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon13 StMary'sFellowship Group meet in the Church, 2.30pm
Tue14 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Caféin StMary'sChurch, 9.30am-11.30am | Midweek Working Party in Island Pond Wood, meet at the pond, 10am
Fri17 Last Day of School. Monday 20 July is an INSET Day. Next School Year starts on Thursday 3 September after two INSET Days | Live Music at The Bull Inn, Night Ride Home, from 7.30pm
Sat 18 Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, LugershallRoad, Brill
Sun 19 StMary'sChurch, Holy Communion, 11am | Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am1.00pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm
Mon20 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO LAUNTON LINES FOR THE AUGUST 2026 ISSUE | StMary's Fellowship Group meet in the Church, 2.30pm
Tue21 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin
Wed 22 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am- 12noon | RummikubGroup meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm
Fri24 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm
Sun 26 StMary'sChurch, Morning Prayer, 11am |
Tue28 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin
