Launton Lines Issue for March 2020

Issue 233

March 2020

Sights around Launton over the last month Clockwise from left.

One of Sharon Firmin’s hens in a jumper (see page 15) Photo from Sharon Firmin Right, three scenes from the Artisan Food Market in the Parish Hall on 1 February overview, bread, and goat’s cheese (see page 9) Photos from Jenni Walker Below, two pictures from our staff photographer Ella Rayner proving, from a walk round the village, that spring is not that far away - difficult to believe as it was snowing as I’m writing this caption.

Photos by Ella Rayner

The ongoing saga of the new post box - continued As we go to print for March 2020 the new post box has still not appeared, although we had been promised that it would be erected over the weekend of 22-23 February. The picture on the right, first printed 24 months ago, is of the box we had been promised. We are still waiting patiently for any “proper box”. Watch this space for updates, and maybe a final photo.

Front cover shows the three main characters from the 2020 Launton Pantomime The Snow Queen. Dame Helga (Mark Hudson), her daughter Gerda (Nicky Roberts) and young Kai (Dan Chilvers) who is rescued by Gerda from The Snow Queen. See pages 24-25 for more photos and pages 10-11 for the review. Photos by Panto photographer Kim Benson.

The Editor writes ...

The weather has finally caught up with the world of fantasy and stories: the pantomime The Snow Queen is no sooner over than it snows on us! Well, not really snow, more a mix of rain, sleet, and general weather crud. But as Ella Rayner shows in this issue, there is evidence all round us of a very early spring.

I seem to be apologising every month for late arrival of copies to readers, and this month the Pantomime did rather take over my life what with the programme and helping to organise the front of house. I fear that this issue will be a few days late.

But returning to the real world reminds me that things are very much the same.

Although there have been sightings of repair crews, there isn’t much evidence of many potholes having been filled. And we have heard that holes need to be at least 40mm (just under 2 inches) deep. That can knock quite a hole in car tyres, and the damage to bicycles (and cyclists) is all too easy (and painful) to imagine.

And we are still without our promised new village post box. That makes it two years since we first printed the picture of a fine old rooted-in-the-ground pillar box. There was a flurry of real excitement last weekend when there was a rumour, complete with a photo circulating on social media, that the replacement was going to be installed on the Sunday. Turned out this was more fake news.

This issue has a lot of information about events in the run up to spring with many events for March and April. I’m looking forward to both the Tythe Barn Quiz (back cover) and the School Easter Egg Hunt (page 26), and to the possibility of elections for the Parish Council in May (pages 20-21). There are at least two AGMs, too - The Plotters on 19 March and PHIP on 26 March.

There are, as ever, regular contributions from many village organisations. Our vet is back with update on ‘an ...itis’ rather than his terrifying holiday account and photos from last month, and the ex-Launton Boy remembers arts and crafts of his youth, and some of the men and women who taught him. Enjoy!

Robert Cornford

Launton Lines

A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2020 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org The Launton Lines Committee 2019-2020 Jon Spinage, Chair Jenni Walker, Advertising Manager Robert Cornford, Editor | 241883 Michael Stack, Treasurer | 242600 Kathy Gilbert, Associate Editor Shirley Johnson, Distribution | 369269

Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 01869 247171

To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07903 610405 Parish Hall Committee: Christine Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner, Robert Cornford

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, birthday or wedding?

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

Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 March for entry in the April 2020 issue of Launton Lines.

March 13 | Sponsored by Kath and Mick Ayris in memory of our lovely Mally.

March 21 | Sponsored by Mary Brydon remembering dear Tom.

Today would have been our 50th wedding anniversary.

150 Years Ago: from the School Log Book for 1870 Thursday March 31st Mistress gave up her charge of the Infants and Sewing having taken the office of mistress of the Late Countess of Jersey’s Endowed School at Middleton Stoney. Presented with a Tea Caddy and Egg Stand by the girls, and a Timepiece by the Rev JC and Mrs Blomfield.

[Historical note: The teacher who moved to Middleton Stoney in 1870 was Ann Newton. When the History of Launton School was published in 1989, this tea caddy was back in Launton School. Does anyone know of its whereabouts now?]

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 4

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 6 February 2020 at 7.30pm in Launton Parish Hall Councillors present Mr James Allpress, Mr Chris Fox (Vice Chairman), Mr Mike Murphy, Mr Ed Sanders, Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) Apologies Mrs Lizzie Chisholm, In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; four members of the public; two members of the Parish Hall Improvement Project (left 7.55pm); Cllr David Hughes (CDC) from 9.07pm to 9.20pm.

Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Ian Corkin (OCC) sent his apologies and would send a written report in due course.

Councillor David Hughes (CDC) reported that Cherwell had agreed their budget and that CDC had concerns about the implications to Oxfordshire and Cherwell arising from South Oxfordshire District Council’s rejection of their local plan.

Governance Meeting Dates The meeting dates for the forthcoming year have been agreed and published on the website. The Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday 21 May which is a month later than usual because of the Parish Council elections in early May (see page 9).

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

Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk -in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to raise those concerns.

Village Matters Parish Hall The Parish Council welcomed members of the Parish Hall Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 5

Improvement Project (PHIP) who made a plea to not lose the momentum which had been built up over the last four years.

Following a recommendation from the Parish Hall Improvement Group, the Parish Council was pleased to be able to appoint PCMS Design from Haddenham to help with the refurbishment of the hall.

There were still some issues with the Lease and particularly the rent, but it was hoped that these would be resolved very soon.

The Council will be looking at how best to take over the management of the hall from the PCC and the marvellous Joan Packer. There are two alternatives which will need very careful consideration. While the Parish Council will oversee the management, village involvement will be very greatly welcomed - anyone who would like to be involved in the project going forward, should get in touch with the Improvement Project or with the Clerk, Jane Olds.

East West Rail The Secretary of State for Transport has approved the Transport and Works Act Order which will allow main construction work to the East West Rail (Bicester to Bedford improvements) to begin.

Post Box The Parish Council has been assured that a Work Order has been issued by the agents to the engineers – we’re not holding our breath!

VE Day As many will now be aware, the early May Bank Holiday has been moved to Friday 8 May to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. While the Parish Council is not able to organise anything, it is understood that there will be a National Toast at 3pm that day. It may be possible for villagers to join in events at the pubs.

Station Road Drainage Issues The Clerk has been chasing Cllr Ian Corkin about progress on this to no avail. She is still trying.

Tidy-up Day A date for your diaries: the Village Tidy-up Day will be on Saturday 18 April, 10am - 12noon. The hall has been booked and the WI are available, so come along, do some tidying around the village and have a Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 6

reward of some delicious cake! Litter pickers, hi-viz vests, gloves and bags will be provided (see page 27) Public Art in Launton Cherwell District Council have told the Parish that there is a small sum of money - ÂŁ8,946 - available from a S106 agreement in an old planning application. This money can only be spent on art - see our article on page 12.

Footpath between the Playing Field and Yew Tree Field Following the removal of the kissing gate between the Playing Field and Yew Tree field the area has deteriorated because the ditch running down the Yew Tree side has been filled in and the water has nowhere to drain.

The Parish Council would like to work with the Playing Fields Association, Cherwell (who has responsibility for the Yew Tree Field) and the County Footpaths team to find a solution to the very muddy area.

Truck on Bicester Road The Parish Council had received complaints about the truck parked on Bicester Road. The Police confirmed that it was legally parked.

Road Closure Station Road will be closed on 13 April from 7.30am to 6.30pm beyond Grange Mews for more railway enabling work. More information was available at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/.

Agenda items for the next meetings The Clerk requested that she receive all items for the March agenda by 20 February, and for the April meeting by 19 March.

Dates of next meetings Thursday 5 March and Thursday 2 April, both at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall Councillors and the Parish Clerk are normally available before the start of the formal meeting, from 7pm, to meet the public. Public plans and correspondence are normally available for viewing and comments, including paper copies of planning applications, and to hear informal discussions on agenda items Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 7

CHURCH NEWS March 2020

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right accountant.

Contact us today for a FREE initial meeting.

We will proactively listen to your business needs and create personalised solutions. email@stackandjones.co.uk Tel: 01869 277973 Unit 4, Willows Gate, Stratton Audley Bicester, Oxon OX27 9AU

Sunday 1 March First Sunday in Lent, 8am Holy Communion (BCP) | 11am Family Service (see page 13) Tuesday 3 March Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 8 March 6pm Evensong Tuesday 10 March Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 15 March 11am Holy Communion Tuesday 17 March Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 22 March Mothering Sunday, 11am Holy Communion Tuesday 24 March Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm Sunday 29 March 11am Holy Communion Tuesday 31 March Community Café, The Parish Hall: 9am-11am | 2.30pm-4.30pm

Chapel Services

Launton Congregational Chapel services in March 2020 will be held between 3pm and 4pm on these dates. All are welcome to join us.

There is no obligation to take Communion. Come and join us for quiet reflection before the start of another busy week.

Sunday 8 March Communion Service Sunday 29 March Chapel Service Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 8

Artisan Foods in the Parish Hall

What a fabulous turnout for the second Launton Artisan Food Market on Saturday 1 February. Thank you to all who came and gave their support.

The market was buzzing with shoppers who brought a range of local artisan produce: Goats Cheese; Microgreens; Conservation Grazed Lamb, Beef and Hoggett; Gin; Beer; Cakes; Chocolates; Oils and Spices; Swedish Recipe Savoury Sandwich Cakes; Gifts; Grazing Boards ‌ and enjoyed the Pop Up Coffee Shop and Breakfast Baps.

There has been some amazing feedback and the next market is on 4 April at The Launton Parish Hall from 9 am to 12 noon. We are hoping to go monthly from April onwards - more details to follow.

We hope to see you there. And please do continue to support the small artisan producers by buying local. There are some photos on page 2.

Advance Notice of the Annual Parish Meeting

The Village Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday 21 May at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. All organisations involved in the village will be invited to give a short report and all villagers are welcome to attend.

If there is anything specific you would like to add to the agenda, please let The Parish Clerk, Jane Olds, know by 6 May. This is a great opportunity to hear about what has happened in the village over the past year and to get involved with new projects and organisations.

For more information please contact Jane Olds at the following email clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk

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The Snow Queen A story of two Queens…and three scriptwriters…

The Village Players staged their 34th Launton Village Pantomime at The Cooper School, Bicester from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 February. With six sell-out performances, the Panto clearly remains an annual highlight for the people of Bicester. For those in the know however, there was also some excited speculation as a new scriptwriter was invading the space so ably occupied by Martin Evans and the Rod/Nikki Fine combo. Would Julia West be able to keep up the recent high standards? Would she mix it up a little and give us something new?

The central plot of The Snow Queen focused on a good Summer Queen (Amanda Houston) and a nasty Snow Queen (Lesley Watson-Burn). The Snow Queen intends to banish Summer, and uses her trolls (the cute children’s chorus) to mine enough snow and ice to cover the world, and cover it with a good dose of evil to boot, especially in the town of Launtovik. Plot devices such as the Magic Mirror, The Cloudberry plant, the ‘bewitching’ biscuits all helped to maintain the flow of the story by destroying the current status quo and keeping the audience involved with our main hero and heroine Kai and Gerda (Dan Chilvers and Nicky Roberts). Kai and Gerda are separated (owing to the Magic Mirror) but are reunited to live happily ever after back in a very Summery Launtovik by the end. Besides that, The Snow Queen deployed all the usual tactics we have come to expect from a classic Panto, to maximise the absence of the fourth wall and engage us in; ‘Sweetie’ catching (nicely done by veteran Panto Dame Mark Hudson who delighted with a very convincing performance throughout), common ‘shout-outs’ “It’s Behind You!” (the Yeti scene), ongoing encouragement to Cheer/Boo/Hiss at the Snow Queen, the compulsory “Oh No It Isn’t/Oh Yes It Is!”, the “That’s Not Your Plant” to alert our hero, and finally compelling the audience to stand up and join in with an original song and dance routine and a spot of “Happy Birthday”. Panto fans will also recognise the well-executed preinterval ‘song and chaos’ routine - the classic 12 days parody - borrowed from other Pantos. So all the old favourites to keep us happy, in keeping with this Panto’s long standing tradition.

I never fail to be impressed by the set artwork, which this year was competently led by Sarah Cousins with a fine team working with her. This year I also want to give a shout out to the back stage crew who literally ran across the stage wiping floors, moving furniture and props, and changing Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 10

background scenery to maintain the pace and energy of the production.

And it should be taken as a great compliment to how the cast had engaged the audience that we shouted “That’s Not Your Plant” to an unsuspecting stage hand supporting the change of scene! Additionally the music-makers Steve Webber, Sarah Turner, Simon Turner and Giles Conway deserve applause, supporting those on stage impeccably.

There were notably some new things in this 34th production. There was some really nice wordplay with the chocolate scene… that went on just long enough to gratify, but executed so brilliantly by the Admiral (Marcus Lamb) and Dame Helga (Mark Hudson) to make it seriously impressive.

The split staging to magnify the young lovers’ plight and use of still images to accentuate key moments worked well. But, for me, perhaps the greatest triumph was the entry of some new costume-use and especially the choreography and use of props in the main cast dance numbers (thanks to Julia West with Amanda Houston). Great pantos feature the wholly unique combination of comedy, drama, colourful opera-like costumes, audience interaction and great song and/or dance numbers. Dance routines offer a respite - a moment for the audience to simply sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Particular shout-outs for originality would be for the Northern Lights ribbon dance and the Robber dance which saw the cast drop the traditional do-si-do for a lively, more challenging and street-influenced alternative - which seemed to be wholly enjoyed by the cast too. And exciting to see a new gangsta-look for the Teen chorus who danced and sang with great energy and enthusiasm in their roles. In fact, I think there was something refreshing generally in the air as the music felt a little different, as did the artwork, as did the costumes, as did the increase in younger people taking roles. A change the audience seemed to like too.

So was Julia West able to keep up with the recent high script-writing standards? “Oh Yes She Most Certainly Did!”. As the Producer and CoDirector Celia and Martin Evans highlighted on Saturday night however, it wouldn’t be possible without the whole and numerous supporting crew who do their bit to create a really lovely and enjoyable set of performances - from Front of House, to lighting and sound, make-up and hair, publicity and so on. As for my other opening question, did Julia mix it up a little and give The Village Players and us something new and original? I rather think she did! To cast and crew, too numerous to mention all here individually, “Thank you” - we loved it!

Reviewed by Allison Ford-Langstaff Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 11

Launton Plotters 2020 Annual General Meeting The Launton Plotters are holding their 2020 AGM on

Thursday 19th March at 7.30pm

at Launton Parish Hall, Bicester Road, Launton Hall will be open from 7.10pm for rent payment and refreshments prior to meeting There will be an update regarding the East West Rail development.

Community Art Fund Consultation for Launton

There is a sum of S106 money for a public art programme for Launton linked to a planning application in the village from 2011.

It is hoped that if the village qualifies for the money, it would be divided between the school and the village. The Parish Council would like to work with the school to look at projects, but residents of Launton are also invited to give ideas, opinions and input to decide how the money is spent on a village project.

There is a meeting with Cherwell District Council to discuss the funding on Tuesday 3 March at 2pm, in The Parish Hall, to which villagers are invited. Please let Jane Olds know if you would like to come to the meeting, be involved in the project or have ideas to share.

Contact Jane on 01869 247171 or email clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 12

NEWS FROM ST MARY’S LAUNTON

By the time you read this you may well have joined us for our March Service on 1 March with the theme God helps us to love one another looking forward to Mothering Sunday and celebrating Caring

Our April Family Service falls on Palm Sunday when we will start to prepare for Easter with songs, stories and activities 5 April at 11am in the Church

Please do come along and join us All welcome Services are listed on page 8 of this issue

Launton Community Cafe The Cafe is open during school terms.

It will be open on five Tuesdays in March Tuesday 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 There are two sessions: between 9am and 11am between 2.30pm and 4.30pm For information on future plans contact Rev’d Peter Wright revpeterwright@gmail.com or phone 01869 572272 Or come to a Tuesday meeting

Everyone is welcome Come to meet friends and neighbours

ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

“your feet are in safe hands” Sharon Ball S.A.C. DIP.FHPT S.A.C. DIP. FHPP Registered foot health practitioner // www.royalfootcare.co.uk

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 13

Launton WI Meeting Thursday 13 February 2020

Our February meeting in the Parish Hall was conducted by Celia, as our President Helen was indisposed. We started by singing Jerusalem with Gwynne as usual on the piano. Two of our members were presented with Birthday posies and the business, finance and matters of interest followed.

Our social lunch date was agreed and suggestions were invited for our Birthday meeting in April.

We then welcomed Peter Richardson from Preston Bissett Nurseries to speak about Preparing your Garden for Summer. We enjoyed an amusing and engaging talk and learned that the Nursery received the Top 26 Award for Garden Centres and Nurseries in Great Britain and Northern Europe. Peter brought with him an attractive display of plants and shrubs (and some suitable for Valentine’s Day) and proceeded to give tips on growing and caring for them.

Grange Mews News for February 2020 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

As I write this, filldyke February has not finished its work and Launton has so far missed the worst of the flooding elsewhere, but sustained the loss of several mature trees.

I see from my office that Shine and Glow are loading their vans ready for work tomorrow, a great work ethic for a Sunday evening.

We have to announce that Bicester Target will be closing at the end of March.

They have been great tenants and advisors in particular to the air target-shooting fraternity.

They have supplied and advised a wide-ranging clientele and will be sorely missed by their target-shooting clients.

Good News: We can announce that All People have renewed their lease and both they and their clients will be delighted to still be able to obtain great family pictures at Grange Mews.

Enquiries are coming in for office space and we expect to interview interested parties for limited space soon.

We let offices and industrial space and can be found at pacox@grangemews.co.uk and our website www.grangemews.co.uk Phone 01869 252846 or 07711 778 230

The competition “Something beginning with U” was won by Cathy with a portrait of a young soldier (her father) resplendent in uniform, and we made a collection for the Bicester Food Bank.

Our next meeting is our Annual Meeting and will be on Thursday 12 March at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall, and nominations for new members of the Committee will be welcome. There will be a Bring and Buy stall as well. We are always pleased if any new members would like to join us at Launton WI. Sherrie Parrott

Jumpers for Rescue Hens

Every year I rescue a number of hens from The British Hen Welfare Trust. Once they know how many homes are available and for how many hens, they then go and collect them from the factory farms and we then pick up our required number, usually with a small donation for each hen.

These hens, which have been kept inside all their short lives as they are normally not older than a year, don't have many feathers as they peck them out through boredom and they are so pale due to artificial light. It takes no time at all to get them looking like hens again, their feathers grow back and with a bit of sunshine and food they turn into very happy hens that lay lovely eggs!

My hens had a bit of a shock when they arrived in February as the weather was chilly to say the least! Rita Jones to the rescue!! I found a knitting pattern on the internet for jumpers for hens and popped it round suggesting that maybe she had a few odd lengths of wool to rustle up a couple of jumpers for my chilly girls! Next day, Rita stopped me up the road proudly waving a prototype and said, “Would this do?!!” It was spot on! Thank you Rita, for keeping the hens warm until they grow new feathers.

Sharon Firmin There is a photo on page 2.

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Friends of Island Pond Wood AGM, 30 January 2020

Following the usual opening items the committee of Maureen Roberts (chair), Judy Taylor (treasurer) and Gwen Skinner (secretary) were confirmed for another year.

The annual report showed around 350 volunteer hours worked in the wood during some 15 separate work sessions. A significant community event was the planting of an Armistice Memorial tree in March. There were three successful fund raising events in 2019; two pop-up cafes held in the wood and The Launton Lollop whose route included a section in the wood. These events raised enough money to cover the cost of contractor work in the wood during 2020. Thanks were expressed to all those who helped with setting up these events and/or contributed cakes or savouries.

A report from the fishing bailiff, Richard Peverell, told of reduced numbers of permits and generally poor conditions due to the low level of water in the pond.

Gwen commented on the success of the bird boxes installed in the wood during winter 2018/19. Most had been used although many also showed signs Local Osteopath in Launton Hannah is committed to helping you restore your mobility and keep you moving, through hands-on treatment and exercises.

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Grange Mews, Launton OX26 5EG Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 16

of rodent damage, almost certainly squirrels. Judy read a report, prepared by Jenny Jones, concerning flowering plants and butterflies in the wood. Some 114 plants were found although some had clearly been dug up when flowering. Butterflies were also seen in good numbers including some rarities such as a Pale Comma. Further work will be carried out in 2020 to improve diversity in planting and hence increased diversity of insect life.

Bob Roberts next spoke on future projects. There will be some planting of new trees, shrubs and wild flowers which has been held over from 2019 because of the wet. Although volunteer hours were good in 2019 some essential tasks have not been carried out. The wet winter also means that virtually all the paths in the wood are in need of attention and top dressing with wood chip. Taken together this means that much of 2020 will be taken up with repairs and no new projects will be possible until late in the year, if at all.

Bob Roberts Stop Press: Launton Lollop date for 2020 is Sunday September 13 more details later.

The Blue Texel Farm Shop offers a fantastic selection of meats, sausages and much more, as well as a well-stocked deli counter of accompaniments for your winter meals, dinners and parties.

Enjoy the coziness of the winter days ahead..

1 Station Road, Launton, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 5DS | 01869 252619 | www.thebluetexel.co.uk

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 17

Parish Hall Improvement Project March 2020

A delegation from PHIP attended the Parish Council meeting on 6 February to appeal for action on the lease, which appears to have stalled for some months. The PHIP group is particularly disappointed that, after the longdrawn-out process of establishing the facts by the solicitors for the Diocese, just as we thought we were in the home strait there has been extremely slow (and sometimes inaccurate) responses from the Parish Council’s legal team.

It is particularly disappointing that an activity that should have been straightforward has been dogged by slow and expensive legal processes.

The PHIP group was established in 2015 following unsuccessful attempts from the mid 1990s onwards to find a way of “Doing something about the Hall”. As the delegation to the Parish Council explained - it is hard to keep people engaged and enthused with the project for over 4 years when all we seem to be reporting is that progress is being made, and people can see that the Hall is getting older and shabbier as the months pass.

Hijacking a phrase from the recent election, the plea to the Parish Council was to “Get The Lease Done!” and establish a management structure to take on running the Hall when the lease is signed to keep the momentum going.

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PHIP is waiting to hear about the boost to fundraising promised from the profits from The Village Players’ 2020 Pantomime The Snow Queen. The other major fundraiser is the Fourth Grand Tythe Barn Quiz on Friday 13 March (see the back cover). Tickets are on sale in Costcutter - £10 a person with teams of between 4 and 6. Doors open at 7pm, quiz starts at 7.30pm: 50% of profits will go to PHIP, 50% to St. Mary’s Church. There will be soup and breads, and then cakes from village bakers, and a cash bar.

Then PHIP will be putting on another Film Night in the Parish Hall on Friday 27 March : the main attraction will be Cabaret. Come along to your very local movie palace for a night out. Tickets in advance from The Bull Inn and on the door on the night (£5 adults £3 under 16): refreshments will be available. Doors open 7.15 for 7.45 For summer we are planning Strawberry Tea and Games on Sunday 28 June at The Parish Hall on a Sunny (we hope) Summer Afternoon, featuring Strawberries, Cream, Scones, Games, Drinks, and FUN. And, we are confident, the lease package will be done by then!

Robert Cornford | Publicity Officer, PHIP

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Parish Council Elections 7 May 2020 – Could You Join Launton Parish Council?

The Council is a constantly changing body of people; once elected, Parish Councillors can sit on the Council for a maximum of four years. If they then want to stay in the post they must stand for re-election. Parishioners are actively encouraged to apply to join the Parish Council, and it is always good to welcome new members. Ideally, all age groups and a wide demographic should be represented on a Council and we’ve been lucky enough to have this in the past. There are seven seats on the Council, so if more than seven people stand, there will be a ballot and the seven candidates with the most votes get elected.

A Parish Council is the local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the Parish and makes representations on their behalf to other bodies (eg on planning matters). It is the level of government closest to the community, with Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council above it. As it is the authority closest to the people, the Parish Council is invariably the first place people will go with concerns or ideas. For this reason, it is a vital part of any community.

Who can become a Parish Councillor?

Any resident of Launton who:  has occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the Parish area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of nomination and the day of election;  is at least 18 years old;  is a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any other member state of the European Union (this hasn’t changed!).

Also, you’d need to meet at least one of the following four qualifications: 1 you are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the Parish in which you wish to stand from the day of your nomination onwards; 2 your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination and the day of election has been in the parish/community area; 3 you have lived in the Parish or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election; 4 you have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the Parish during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination and the day of election.

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 20

What do Parish Councils do?

Parish Councils make all kinds of decisions and make representations to other local and national bodies, on issues that affect the local community: from working on the Parish Hall project, liaising with the Police and other services, creating an emergency plan, arranging the mowing of the road verges, managing some of the open spaces and campaigning for and delivering better services and facilities, to commenting on planning applications and representing the Parish in meetings with assorted external bodies, working with the County Council on traffic matters and engaging with other local Parish Councils on matters that affect us all.

There are limited powers to make decisions, but Parish Councils do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those other organisations that do make the final decisions.

For more information and a nomination form: Please contact the Launton Parish Clerk, Jane Olds email clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD, 01869 247171 Or come to the March or April meetings and chat with current Councillors.

THE BULL INN Bicester Road, LAUNTON Tel 01869 248158 www.bullinnbicester.co.uk A Warm & Friendly Traditional Country Pub TOGETHER WE HAVE RAISED OVER

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 21

The School Reporters: Space Investigators

“In Year 1 we have been learning about space and we have made our own books where we have written about the different planets. We have drawn pictures to show what they look like. We are going to tell you about our favourite planets.

Jupiter Jupiter is covered in storms and it has a giant red spot which is the main storm. It is the biggest planet.

Neptune This planet is furthest from the sun. It is a very cold planet and looks blue.

Saturn This is the sixth planet from the sun and it has sixty-two moons. There are rings around this planet that are made from dust, rocks and ice.

Uranus Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun. It is a gas giant with thirteen rings. It is a very cold planet.

Earth Our planet is the Earth. It rotates the second fastest of all the planets. It looks blue because of the water on our planet. It has life and is the third planet from the Sun. There are two poles on Earth called the Arctic and the Antarctic.

We liked learning about the planets and making our space books.”

Magnus, Paddy, Sam, Sofia and Zac | Year 1 Reporters, Launton School Some pages from the Reporters’ Space Books are on page XX, facing.

Don’t forget the easter egg hunt on the school fielD

saturday 21 march, 12 noon - 3Pm tickets £3.50 a child from stonelily or £4.50 a child on the gate limited tickets available on the day Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 22

Space Investigators reporting

... and below, from Planet Earth, some spring flowers around Launton, taken by our staff photographer Ella Rayner.

There are more of Ella’s photos on page 2.

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From the Pantomime, The Snow Queen

Top: The whole cast on stage at the finale Middle: The audience song, with the children’s chorus on stage Bottom: Singing Happy Birthday to the audience members

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From the Pantomime, The Snow Queen

Top: The Summer Queen (left, Amanda Houston) and The Snow Queen (right, Lesley Watson-Burn) with The Magic Mirror Middle: Four of the Flower Witches Bottom: The Admiral, his henchmen Flotsam and Jetsam, Kai and Gerda, and some of the chorus

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LAUNTON VILLAGE CLEAN UP SATURDAY 18 APRIL 10.00am – 12.00noon

Please come and join us for the annual village clean up.

Meet at Launton Parish Hall at 10.00am where hi-visibility vests, gloves, bin bags, and litter pickers will be available.

Finish at the Parish Hall with refreshments and cakes provided by Launton WI For more information please contact Jane Olds 01869 247171 clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk www.launton-pc.gov.uk

Cabaret is the feature at next PHIP Film Night The Parish Hall becomes a Picture Palace on Friday 27 March when the Main Attraction is Cabaret, the multi-award-winning vehicle for Liza Minelli and Michael York, with Joel Grey securing a global following, and an Oscar, as the Master of Ceremonies at The Kit Kat Klub in 1930s Berlin.

Doors open at 7.15: film starts at 7.45. Tickets on sale in The Bull, and on the door on the night: £5 adults | £3 under 16s. Refreshments on sale.

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Lau

nt

i’m looking for a cottage or bungalow in launton “I lived in Launton for 16 years and loved it.

Last year I moved to Langford Village, but have not settled and I’d really love to return to Launton – a really friendly village.”

“Is anyone thinking of selling a 2-bedroom house, cottage or bungalow in Launton?

Or would consider selling if they knew there was a ready buyer?”

If you are, contact me by email at jrh511@live.co.uk and let’s talk!

Grand Tythe Barn Quiz Friday 13 March 2020 | Doors open 7.00 | Quiz at 7.30pm

Tickets (£10) from Costcutter Shop NOW Fundraising for the Parish Hall Improvement Project and St Mary's Church Soups, Breads, Village Cakes, Cash Bar Competing for the Wise Owl Trophy

Launton Watercolour Group

We meet in the Parish Hall on Mondays at 2pm - 4pm

This month, meetings will be on 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 March For more information phone 249725 or email johnandpatsystephens@gmail.com Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 28

LAUNTON OVER 60s CLUB REPORT - February 2020 At the start of 2020 we had 39 members after Helen and Joe had joined us. At our meeting on 19 February we also welcomed Marion and Eddie from Bicester. Not everyone can make it for every meeting but on 5 February there were 36 of us in the hall - it was a lovely atmosphere.

Our first Fish and Chip lunch of the year was on 19 February. As usual, it was from the Barberry shop at Bure Place and, also as usual, it was very good indeed. The fact that they deliver it to us, nice and fresh and hot, is a bonus!

After this, we had a cup of tea and then a birthday card and cake were presented to Iris for her 100th birthday on 25 February. We sang Happy Birthday to her and helped her blow out her candles - not actually one hundred of them! We then enjoyed a piece of a larger cake that had also been made by Rita. This was followed by the raffle and bingo.

I think we are on track for another good year of meetings, outings, etc.

Pat Court ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS

HOUSE MAINTENANCE | REPOINTING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL DECORATIONS

PATIOS | DECKINGS | FENCING

FOR A PERSONAL SERVICE CALL

PETER N. SOUTHAM 01869 278333 OR 07721 633 220 peteroofer@aol.com INSURANCE APPROVED Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 29

Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble 26 April 2020 | 9am – 4pm

As with earlier Scrambles, Bicester Heritage is making discounted passes available to residents of OX26 and OX27 for the Scramble on Sunday 26 April 2020.

Adult passes, at a cost of £8.25 each - a 25% discount - (plus booking fee), are for local residents living in postcodes OX26 and OX27 and will be available from now until passes sell out.

All the early-offer passes sold out over the offer weekend, so get your order in as early as possible.

Once the local discount passes sell out, the full price pass will cost £11 each (plus booking fee). Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Parking is also free.

Tickets WILL NOT be available on the gate.

Go to https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/tickets/super-scrambletickets/ then follow the booking instructions to the eventbrite site. Then use the Promotional Code option to add the local discount code of ‘balbo’. Then choose the number of ‘Local Resident Discounted Tickets’ you’d like and follow the instructions.

Gates open at 8.30am. Scramble closes at 4pm Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 30

The March 2020 Communiqué from The Grumpy Old Men of Launton

We have been very exercised recently by anxiety over the impact of the rain that seems to be falling with only brief breaks that allow us to get out to our meetings. The fellowship that comes from sharing views - and occasionally coming close to blows over some topics - is very special bonding. It’s sharing the same space if not the same opinions that really brings us together. We were wondering if this was something that we had developed through evolution.

People who got on with others - who were sociable - were not ejected from the ancestral cave, out into a cold, hard world with fierce animals waiting to take a leg or a head off you. So there would be lots of evolutionary advantages in being the sort of human who could engage with others, who perfected the skills of group activity, who could tell jokes and laugh even when you didn’t really understand the punchline, who could share a bit of mammoth with strangers while trying to work out what made them tick (though, as one of us pointed out, they wouldn’t tick as wind-up clock mechanisms had’t been invented when mammoths roamed the steppes).

The rain has driven us to consider such topics. We think it’s evolution at work, selecting us for the quality of our thoughts. And, whose round was it?

Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Blackthorn 01869 253552 info@thevillageclinic.co.uk Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 31

The Launton Pest House

In these times of a threatened global pandemic and also worry that the era of antibiotics is coming to an end, it is sobering to think about a future with diseases that we had thought could be dealt with by a week-long course of tablets from our GP. Talk of having to go into quarantine or volunteering to self isolate is something we never expected in our lifetimes.

How many readers remember isolation hospitals? And did anyone else have to spend time in one, as I did when a very small child? The last three quarters of a century has witnessed a huge advance in medicine but, in the future, we are faced with maybe having to take precautions such as our forefathers did.

By chance, we are currently looking at a number of documents in the archives at Westminster Abbey, where there is a great deal concerning events in the parish of Launton. In some of these documents there is reference to a ‘pest house’.

This was property in an isolated part of the parish where families would go when a member was laid low with an infectious disease. Later on a hospital for infectious diseases was set up in Bicester for the town and surrounding villages.

On 15 August 1746, in the manorial court records it states the following transaction: “John Jones & others for the Poor to one Cottage Garden Plott & Appurts in Launton”, but it has not been possible to identity this property. Then there is

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correspondence in May 1865 about where the village pest house had been; and in the course of this, there is a small sketch map indicating that it had been in a field to the east of Henn’s Pond in Station Road, at the side farthest away from to road. Information stated that the property had, in 1746, been passed over to the churchwardens and overseers - as administrators of welfare in the village at that time. So it seems that this has identified the cottage given for the poor and it would have been the poorest who would have needed to move away from their neighbours to prevent disease spreading. (Farmers had larger properties where there would have been room to isolate the patient).

Also in the 1865 letters, it was reported: that the cottage was in a very bad state of repair and the garden was not fenced off: “The Cottage has not been occupied for years only during the recent visit of the Scarlet Pox to Launton.” Presumably the building soon went.

On the map of the Enclosure Award in 1814, there is indicated a piece of land called ‘Pest House Garden’ exactly where indicated by the later sketch. (The award was only concerned with the ownership of land, not any buildings that might be on it). Ordnance Survey maps still showed part of the boundary of this piece of land in the 1920s.

Pat Tucker

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We have over 20 years experience in both NHS and Private Practice.

Patients can be sure to receive the best care and advice possible for their feet.

Our podiatrists are HCPC registered and are members of The College of Podiatry.

We also offer home visits on request.

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Phone 01295 273073

A Vet’s Voice: The Pain of Pancreatitis

You probably know that any “…itis” is an inflammation. Hence pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas. Inflammation is a natural process where blood supply increases, tissues swell, cells can become leaky and pain receptors can send signals to the brain about the area. It’s what the body does to help combat disease and to start the healing process after injury. Sometimes, however, it is excessive and becomes a disease in itself.

Pancreatitis, in theory, can be set off by eating something rich or fatty but in practice seems to be a pretty random occurrence, or sometimes it will be triggered after another gastrointestinal upset such as a tummy bug.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes which are normally secreted into the small intestine to aid digestion. The enzymes are very powerful and can cause major damage to the pancreas itself if they end up leaking into tissues where they don’t belong.

The signs of pancreatitis are variable but include abdominal pain, general malaise, vomiting and nausea with poor appetite. It is quite common to

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Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 34

be presented as a vet with a middle-aged cat who “doesn’t seem right�, is picky with food and vomiting every few days. This is a pretty non-specific set of symptoms and could relate to heart or lung disease, liver or intestinal disease, cancer somewhere in the body, or even a urinary infection.

This is where it becomes important to drill down into the diagnostic dilemma to try to localise the area of concern and hopefully the disease itself. Blood and urine tests would be the obvious starting point which may rule out some problems and point towards others. Ultrasound scans, x-rays and more specific tests may be required before a good degree of certainty can be reached.

Treatment for pancreatitis is often primarily supportive - meaning that IV fluids are given to help the circulation function more normal and replace electrolytes lost through vomiting, pain-killers to improve wellbeing and demeanour and anti-nausea medication to encourage a return to eating (the body needs nutrition to heal). Sometimes antibiotics or steroid antiinflammatories can assist also.

Despite all this some animals refuse to eat so a feeding tube can be placed under a brief anaesthetic through the skin of the neck directly into the oesophagus so feeding can be done via syringe. Along with all this we must remember that these are living animals with emotions and feelings. Some pets will only eat once the owner comes in to visit them, some cats will only eat overnight and in the dark when they feel less threatened - this is where nursing care and experience can make a huge difference.

Thankfully, most pets recover from pancreatitis though some can take many days. I hope that your pets never succumb to pancreatitis or any other serious disease and that the newly blossoming daffodils will herald brighter days ahead for you and your pets.

Enjoy your pets Jason Williams | Bicester Vets Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 35

50 Years Ago: The Bicester

MORE THAN JUST MARTIAL ARTS AND LOCALLY BASED IN LAUNTON We have a range of different classes to offer everyone for adults and children

Adult classes Qigong Tai Chi Latino dance (salsa etc) Judo (Senshu judo club) Vinyasa flow yoga Yoga and mindfulness Physio led matwork pilates Physio led chair based pilates (for less mobile) Children’s classes Judo (Senshu judo club) Dance Kids yoga (coming soon) Self defence (coming soon) Call or text Laura Scarlett-McAllister on 07900 866 423 www.dojosportsbicester.co.uk Dojo Sports Ltd, Unit 7c, Grange Mews, Station Road, Launton, OX26 5EG

Advertiser March 1970 13 March PICKLE IN PARADISE An enjoyable time was had last Friday and Saturday when the Launton Players produced their latest play Pickle in Paradise by Sam Bate, to packed houses.

The play was produced by Arthur Gold, the cast included Jack Ancil, Mary Evans, Eira Gold, Trevor Spry, Rosemary Walker, Jean Walker, and Arthur and Edna Whitaker, and the prompt was Hilda Ancil. The set was designed and built by the Players, properties and Stage Management by Jean Castle and Nora Clarke.

The group’s next production it is hoped will be at the end of November, and will be a Comedy Thriller.

20 March LOCAL PREACHER HONOURED Evensong Sunday at St Mary’s Church was conducted by the Rector, Rev J Goddard, with the assistance of Lay Reader, Mr Frederick Sharpe. The sermon was preached by Mr AJ (Jim) Reeves, of Tattershall, Lincolnshire, who is an accredited Methodist local preacher.

His parents are Mr and Mrs FJ Reeves, who also preach. Mrs Reeves (sen) is still an active Congregationalist local preacher and took the morning service at the Wesley Reform Church, Fritwell.

Mr Reeves (sen) was also an active local preacher until a few years ago, but had to give up owing to deafness. They will celebrate their 63rd wedding anniversary on Easter Monday, March 30th. Both are 86 years old and were presented on Monday with a copy of the New English Bible on its first day of issue.

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150 Years Ago: from The Bicester Herald March 1870

4 March MAKING FREE WITH A FELLOW WORKMAN’S KNIFE. Thomas Foster, labourer, Launton, was brought up in custody charged with stealing a knife, value 1s, the property of Charles Simons, labourer, Launton, on January 25.

The prosecutor said that on the 25th of January he was at work at Hungrill Farm, Launton, assisting at thrashing with a machine. The prisoner was there at the time assisting with several others, among whom was John Smith, who asked him to lend him a knife which he did. He afterwards heard Smith enquire of all the men there, including the prisoner, if they had seen the knife. Heard prisoner say he had seen the knife but had not taken it, and he showed him his own knife. The same afternoon the prisoner came to him and said he would try and find it. He returned saying he could not find it. On the 18th of February Richard Butler showed him a knife, which he directly knew to be his. That produced was the same and was worth a shilling.

John Smith deposed that he was at work at Hungrill Farm on the 25th, with the prisoner and others. Witness asked Simons to lend him a knife and he lent the knife produced. After he had used it he put it on the machine, and when he went for it, it was gone. He enquired of all if any of them had it, but all denied having it.

Mr William Shouler deposed: I live with my mother, a farmer, at Wretchwick.

On the 18th inst, I was at Mrs Frogley’s, assisting in thrashing corn. The prisoner was there. I wanted a knife, and I asked him for one. He lent me one, and after I had used it I laid it down against a rick. Butler picked it up.

That produced was the same.

Richard Butler: I am a labourer living at Bicester. On the 18th day of February I was at work at Mrs Frogley’ s with the machine. The prisoner was there at work also. I heard Mr Shouler ask the prisoner to lend him a knife, which he did. After Mr Shouler had used the knife he laid it on the ground. As soon as he had done so I picked it up as I heard Simons had lost a knife. I showed the knife to Simons. The prisoner asked me for it several times, but I refused to let him have it. He said he had bought it of “Poker,” at Bicester Market some time ago. I gave the knife to Simons.

PC Stockford stated that on the 20th instant, from information received he went to Simon’ s house and he gave him the knife produced. On the 23rd instant witness apprehended the prisoner by warrant, and, after cautioning Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 37

him, he said he did not take the knife from the machine. He picked it up from the ground and put it into his pocket as he heard nothing about it. The prisoner said he picked up the knife after the machine was moved.

The Bench sentenced him to twenty-one days’ imprisonment.

[NEW HARMONIUM] The Congregationalists at Launton have purchased a new harmonium for the chapel. It is to be used on Sunday and Wednesday next. In connection with the events the Rev WH Dickenson is announced to preach on Sunday afternoon and the Rev JS Darley in the evening. On Wednesday next there is to be a public tea under the presidency of Mr G Hewiett, of Bicester, at which several friends are expected to speak, and selections of sacred music are to be given by the Bicester Congregational choir.

11 March Swan Killed at Launton. Great indignation is felt at Launton at the malicious killing of a fine swan, the property of J Asby Esq., of Launton House. It is much to be hoped that the perpetrator of this vile act will be brought to justice.

25 March COUNTY COURT William Henry French, ironmonger, Buckingham, v James Butler, labourer, Launton. Thomas Cubbage, blacksmith, Launton, agent for the plaintiff, said the claim was for £8 12s 1d for the rent of a cottage, due 21st of February last. Defendant did not appear. Mr Cubbage in reply to Registrar thought Butler could pay 6s a month, but consented to 4s monthly instalments. 2s 6d was allowed for the witnesses expenses.

THE LATE MR R WOOTTEN’S BEQUEST The late Mr Richard Wootten Esq, of the St Clement’s Brewery, Oxford, and of Launton, farmer, left a bequest on behalf of poor of Oxford and Launton. There has been delay in the administration in consequence of the difficulties, which it is hoped will soon be overcome. The Oxford Chronicle says, “We are pleased to hear there is at length a probability of the proposed recipients of this charity sharing in the bequest of the donor. We understand that at a meeting of the Charity Trustees on the 10th instant, the chairman announced that the Charity Commissioners had sanctioned their approval of the Railway Stock to be transferred to the Charity Trustees by Mr Wootten’s Executors. We are afraid, however, a considerable time must elapse before an election can take place, as, under the will of the late Mr Wootten, the recipients are to be paid weekly, consequently a considerable amount of interest must accumulate Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 38

before any payments can be made. There is also ten per cent probate duty to pay for transfer of shares, which will all have to be paid out of the charity. It is scarcely clear in what manner the Charity Trustees will be able to pay a regular weekly sum to the recipients, as the interest on railway shares does occasionally fluctuate, although the shares are all of guaranteed stock. If the trustees could secure some investment which would ensure a regular weekly payment, it would, doubtless, be more satisfactory. Probably we shall hear that the Charity Commissioners have sanctioned a transfer of the funds, which may enable the Charity Trustees to carry out the intentions of the donor to as far an extent as might be desired.�

[ADVERTISEMENT] Thomas Savin (late of Launton), Baker, Piddington, Oxon, Begs to inform the Public generally that he has taken the business carried on for many years by Mr Thomas Greaves, and hopes by strict attention to business, assisted by experienced workmen, to merit a share of their support.

100 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser 19 March 1920

SACRED CONCERT A successful sacred concert was given by the choir of the Congregational Church on Thursday evening of last week. The attendance was a good one, as was also the programme.

Solos were rendered by the following:- Miss Elsie Jones, Mrs C Jones, Miss E Austin, Miss Ivy Massey, Mrs F Austin, Mrs T Smith, Mr J Laming and Rev T Smith. Trios were given by Mrs F Austin, Mr J Laming and Mr Smith. Anthems by the choir consisted of Onward, Cry Out and Shout, I will Greatly Rejoice, and Consider the Lilies. The accompanist was Mrs F Austin and the conductor Rev T Smith. The concert was greatly enjoyed by those present.

Mrs Elsie Palmer

Sad to report the death of Mrs Elsie Palmer aged 89 years. Formerly of Sycamore Road, Launton, Elsie latterly lived with her son, in Bicester until her passing on 27 January 2020. The funeral was held on Wednesday 19 February at 12 noon, at Oxford Crematorium.

I thank all her Launton friends, especially Norah. We were friends for over 30 years. Thank you all. May God bless you Elsie, from Muriel Beck.

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Obituary: Isobel A Murray

Mrs Murray died on 18 December, aged 95, leaving her husband, two daughters and three grandchildren; the funeral took place at Banbury Crematorium on 27 January.

Mrs Murray was a quiet, very modest lady, who had suffered a decade of ill health before she died. She was born and brought up in Southampton where her father was a Customs and Excise Officer. She gained a place at Cambridge University to read mathematics, dependant on her agreeing to teach when she had her degree. However, Isobel preferred to work - firstly with the Bristol Aircraft Company in Liverpool, then later at Morris Motors in Oxford, where she was involved with windtunnel testing of radiators and oil coolers. In her leisure time, she sang in a church choir, played hockey and was a good rifle shooter. It was at Morris Motors that she met Donald and they married in 1959.

They designed the family home in Station Road, doing an amount of the work themselves. With two daughters, Isobel became a full time housewife mother, but in later years, with her love of gardening, she did help her friend Joan MacArthur at Green Close Nursery.

The couple both joined the Theosophical Society and attended many summer schools together, and in later life, travelled to Japan and Australia.

Isobel was a very positive person: she could always see a chink of blue sky event at the very wettest of times. In fact, on the day of her funeral there were grey skies and several torrential downpours; but on the way back to Launton there were a few minutes of late sunshine before dusk. “Look,” we said, “blue sky for Isobel!”

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MEMORIES OF AN EX-LAUNTON BOY

This month the Ex-Launton Boy is deep in stripping wallpaper and his mind drifts back to other uses of wallpaper in his youth, then to the arts and crafts he learned at school and how they have been useful to him over the years. Then he wants to encourage grandparents to pass on these life skills to the very young.

I really must slow down you know. Here I am, recently having celebrated my seventy second birthday and I am putting in more hours than when I was in full-time work.

So there I was, stripping off the wallpaper from our third bedroom (which I adopted as my office), prior to re-papering and painting and re-arranging so as to accommodate both my office and a single bed with flying wardrobe and bookshelves when, as is often the case, a thought dropped into my head.

You know, it’s one of those moments that I’m sure we all have from time to time when, for some peculiar reason, a thought that comes from goodness knows where or why suddenly slams into the back of the brain and, depending on its nature, one finds ones self with a stupid grin on one’s face.

Now this room has been long overdue a good sprucing up. The paintwork was quite tired and faded and the wallpaper came, I believe, from the Ark. Julie and I have been here for about twenty five years... I know, disgraceful isn’t it, but better late than never.

Anyway, the thought slammed into Heating Plumbing Servicing the back of my brain while scraping away at this awful blue, heavy-duty Domestic Oil and Gas Servicing wallpaper, was one of those that brought a stupid grin to my face. It Installation and Maintenance was one that took me back to the classroom at Launton Junior Gas Safe Registered School all those many years ago. I Oftec Registered don’t know whether school children still carry out this practice “A local Business today or not, but when we were kids, we used to, to some extent, be from Launton” quite competitive about it. I am of course talking about the covering Phone: 07483 864 571 of our ‘best’ books with highly decorative wallpaper.

Email: simonnashserv@aol.com

Simon Nash

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The girls tended to be very floral about their selected book covers whereas we boys would resort to using ordinary brown wrapping paper, lest we be considered to be a bit of a sissy. Whether the surplus wallpaper was considered to be appropriate or not depended very much on how up-to-date our parents were with their ideas of home decoration. We didn’t realise it then of course, but it turns out that it was all part of developing our own individual personalities. But whatever designs were adopted, after a while for many of us, it wasn’t in itself quite enough, we had to embellish them a little bit more with revelations of the heart. Remember? The drawing of a heart, or even lots of hearts within which were one’s own initials at the top beneath which there was the letter ‘L’ and beneath that again, the initials of the one for whom one’s heart burned during that particular term. And of course, there was the diagonal arrow piercing the hearts of ‘everlasting’ love which, more often than not, was never reciprocated.

When I think back to my days at Launton School I remember that we did from a very early age quite a bit of artistic design work, some of which was put to practical use domestically at home afterwards. There was quite heavy usage of those yucky wax crayons, especially when it came to making Chinese lanterns as ceiling decorations for Christmas. And what about those raffia tablemats we made with all different colours of strings of raffia strewn all about the place during the manufacture of these superb works of art?

Strangely, I don’t recall their ever having been used domestically at home.

That said; things changed somewhat at senior school for both boys and girls where we were enabled to stretch our individual talents in other directions.

For the girls it was sewing and cooking. I can see the needlecraft teacher in my mind’s eye and I believe she was called Miss Waite. I can see her now trundling down the corridor like an almighty juggernaut. The domestic science teacher was Miss Creswell who had a very short fuse and when it was lit, it really was a case of stand well back for when she exploded it was as if one was being subjected to an almighty earthquake. The thing was that the girls could wear the school uniform skirts that they made and of course, the dish or cake of the day would be taken home for human consumption. We boys, in our final year, were given the opportunity to take up cooking classes.

I recall I made and baked and iced very successfully a superb Christmas cake that went down very well with the family. I never felt the urge to familiarise myself with the sewing needle and cotton though.

For us boys it was woodwork and metalwork. The woodwork teacher was a young Mr Baker (Joe to us lads, although I believe his name was John). He taught us many skills, much of which led me into my apprenticeship as a Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 42

carpenter and joiner. Our first piece as I recall was making a garden dibber, planing a piece of timber to a taper at one end and forming a mortice and tenon joint at the handle end. A useful gift for dad as a keen gardener! My final piece in my final year was a mahogany sewing box with folding lid and tapered legs and a sliding inner tray which my mum loved. It is now back in my possession, as is the fire poker with a heart-shaped handle that I made in metalwork under the guidance of the Welsh Mr Jones who also ran the school chess club - but that I never took up.

On Wednesday afternoons we had agricultural science with Mr (Chuckie) Whetton, which meant crossing over the road to what we called the Annex where there was a gardening patch onto which we were let loose with various gardening implements to learn the art of grafting, i.e. undertaking hard physical work as opposed to grafting saplings. Chuckie had been around since the Ark; he even taught my dad when he was a school kid.

Our mixed classes indulged in pottery under I think, Mr Stevens (an odd fellow) and art with Miss Hennas (whom we used to refer to as Hen House, knowing how unkind children can be). I was always considered to be quite an artist, but never followed it up after I left school, which I greatly regret, for my brother Cliff who, by his own admission was not all that keen on school, preferring to be mucking about on the farm, has turned out to be quite a pleasing amateur artist. If I am honest, I am quite envious of his latent talents.

The thing is, all those experiences at school helped to prepare us for life ahead. As an examination invigilator at a local Academy here, it concerns me that children seem not to be put to the challenge as far as learning such basic skills these days, and haven’t been for some time now. Is it any wonder that for example, child obesity is on the rampage when their parents haven’t a clue as to how to cook food from basic raw ingredients? Clothes get thrown out because the art of mend and make do have disappeared into the ether.

The cost of these ‘imposed’ short-cuts resulting from the disappearance of basic skills training from the school curriculum can be financially debilitating for many families these days. For grandparents, or even very active great grandparents who may have time on their hands, wouldn’t it be great if they could take their grandchildren (or even their own adult children) to one side and train them in the skills they themselves learned! And all without a mobile phone or I-Pad! Keep well and stay safe.

Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | March 2020 Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 43

Diary Dates: February 2020-March 2020

MARCH 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

1 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm 2 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm 3 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm | Community Art Fund Project Consultation Meeting, Parish Hall, 2pm 4 Over 60s Club Meeting and AGM, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm 5 Parish Council. Public Session 7pm, Council Meeting 7.30, Launton Parish Hall 6 7 8 Congregational Chapel Communion Service, 3pm | St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm 9 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm 10 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm 11 12 WI Annual Meeting, Nominations and election of Officers and Committee. Parish Hall, 7.30pm 13 SCOTS Night at The Bull from 5.30pm | PHIP and St Mary's Grand Tythe Barn Quiz, The Tythe Barn, 7pm for 7.30 start 14 15 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm 16 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm 17 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm 18 Over 60s Club Meeting and Meat Draw, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm 19 Launton Plotters AGM, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Doors open 7.10pm 20 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE APRIL 2020 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Hummingbird Centre Gala Masked Ball, The Tythe Barn, 7pmmidnight 21 School Easter Egg Hunt, Tickets from StoneLily or on the gate. Launton School and field, 12noon-3pm 22 Mother's Day | St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm 23 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | 24 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm 25 26 PHIP AGM, open to all, Parish Hall at 7.30pm followed by an open Committee Meeting

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Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

27 PHIP Film Night, Cabaret, Tickets at The Bull, or on the door. Parish Hall 7.15pm for 7.45 start | Discounted Resident Passes go on sale today for Bicester Heritage Scramble on 26 April 28 29 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm 30 Watercolour Painting Group, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | Launton Historical Society, Speaker Robert Harris, The Heroines of the Air Transport Auxiliary. Grange Mews Board Room, 7.45pm 31 Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30-4.30pm | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm

APRIL 2020 Wednesday 1 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall. Doors open 1.45pm for refreshments at 2pm, closes about 3.30pm | Home Guard Living History Group, Parish Hall, 8pm Thursday 2 Parish Council. Public Session 7pm, Council Meeting 7.30, Launton Parish Hall Friday 3 Last day of school before the Easter Holidays. School returns on Monday 20 April Saturday 4 Artisan Food Market, Parish Hall, 9am-12noon - includes pop-up coffee shop Sunday 5 St Mary's Church, Palm Sunday, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Family Service, 11am | Bingo at The Playing Field Hall. 8pm-9.45pm Monday 6 Tuesday 7 Community Café closed for School Holidays: reopens Tuesday 21 April | Launton Health Walk, starts at The Bull, 2pm

To list your own events, go to www.launton.org/calendar

WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR

A caring traditional 24 hour service Provided by Mr Hancock and his team personally 

Private Chapel Of Rest



Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars 

Perfect Choice Funeral Plans

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 46

CONGRATULATIONS I

Mr and Mrs Julian Jones celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with members of their family. Julian is a Launton Lad who met his wonderful wife Kath in South Wales where they got married at Noddfa Welsh Baptist Church, Pontycymmer on 5 January 1960.

They lived in Launton for the first 40 years of married life, starting off in a cottage in Station Road, until Julian built the bungalow, 19 West End. They then moved into Restholme, Bicester Road, before finally moving into a bungalow in Bicester.

They have 2 sons and 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter.

CONGRATULATIONS II

On Tuesday 26 February, in the afternoon Community Cafe, there was a cake and celebration for the 100th birthday of Iris Burden. Iris has lived in Launton since 2009 and has made many friends. She is a regular at the Cafe, and told us that when visiting her son in Blackthorn she and her late husband saw a copy of Launton Lines which persuaded them that Launton was the place for them to settle. In a future issue we plan to tell a little more of Iris’ exciting life.

Launton Lines March 2020 | Page 47

Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton. It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which also manages the Launton website www.launton.org and the Facebook page www.facebook.com/launtonvillage Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson.

Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on the Issuu.com publishing website. © MMXX 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.