Before and After
The site of the October Woodfest in the Woodland on 14 October. Photos show before (top) and after (below) the working party got to work on 10 October. Photos by Mike Jennion
See pages 24 and 25 for more photos of the October Woodfest, and for a report of the afternoon. The front cover shows the winning sunflower in the FoLPH Spring Fair competition, with the winning owner Florence Maw (right) and her brother Hamish. See page 47 for a report. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by Mary Brydon.
The Editor writes … Apologies to our readers, but this issue will be a few days late. I’m still finding it difficult to focus on the detail for more than a couple of hours at a time, and our contributors have been working overtime, so this issue is back to 48 pages, and I had to fit in the additional 4 pages right at the end. But ... I still hope that this will be the last issue that will be a little later than planned. I was able to be at the October Woodfest: indeed I was part of the working party that prepared the site (see page 2 opposite for “Before” and “After” photos) and the centre pages (24-25) for a report and more photos. Our cover this month chose itself - the winner of the 3.3 metre “Grow a Sunflower” project started at the Spring Fair at the Parish Hall: there are more photos and a report on page 47. On page 19 is an invitation to join the Community Choir for the Carol Concert on 9 December., and - further ahead - pages 34-35 covers the 2024 Launton Pantomime Rapunzel. Page 35 also has news of the plans to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sports & Social building. Greta Walker shares (pages 28-29) memories of growing up in Quainton during the Second World War, and pages 32-33 brings news of the Bicester Hygiene Bank. There is all the normal content (Parish and Cherwell Council reports, and reports from all village organisations) as well. Robert Cornford
Launton Village Support: Contact Details Group email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE Numbers: 9:30am to 5:00pm
07522 231 100 - Janice | 07305 303 889 - Jane Olds (Launton Parish Council) 01869 241755 - Lesley | 07921 392 201 - Abi Dowman 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry Pharmacy Runner
Launton Lines
A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2023 Launton Lines email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2023-24 Chair: Jon Spinage | Secretary: Toby Aspel | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill | Treasurer: Carina Collins Associate Editor: Kathy Gilbert | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker
Contact the Parish Council Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, OX26 3XD email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Phone | 07305 303 889
To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 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 November 2023 for entry in the December 2023 issue of Launton Lines. 7 November | Adrienne Susan Thomas. Birthday memories for her 79th year. Greatly loved and missed by all her family and friends. With love from Roger, Sarah, Benjamin, grandchildren and great grandchildren 14 November | Kathleen Ayris, much loved wife, mum and nana, always in our thoughts. With love from all the family 20 November | Happy 13th birthday to Florence with love from Nana [ Brydon] 30 November | Happy 16th birthday to Esme with love from Nana [Brydon]
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 4
Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5 October 2023 at 7:30pm in Launton Parish Hall
Councillors present Mr Andrew Briant, Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman), Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman), Mr Richard Walker, Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies Mrs Abigail Dowman, In attendance The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; District Councillor Gemma Coton; 3 members of the public East West Rail Ms Sa’id sent a written report regarding the A1 Compound. It was currently being used as a base for the track team while the track construction and signalling works were being carried out; the compound will remain until next year, but it is unclear when it will be dismantled. If anyone has any queries, please contact East West Rail directly at publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk or at the 24 hour helpline at 03457 11 41 41 Reports from District and County Councillors Councillor Coton reported that the Local Plan consultation had been launched and would continue until 3 November. CDC was awaiting an update from EWR about the London Road railway crossing. No report had been received from Councillor Corkin, but the Clerk had attended a meeting with him to discuss traffic calming issues. Governance The Parish’s fixed assets, including the dog bins, benches, rubbish bins and bus shelters are currently being inspected by the Councillors. Finance The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website together with the quarterly budget monitoring report. Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 5
Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk in the Agenda and Minutes section). If a villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments. Guidance on how the Parish Council can respond is on the Parish Council website: www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications Parish Hall The Council is still awaiting the Lease document for signing. An application to the CDC Village and Rural Community Halls - Rural England Prosperity Fund will be submitted shortly and a business plan is being prepared for this and other grants - including the national Community Ownership Fund. Gigaclear has made an appointment to install broadband in the Hall on 24 October. More information about how to access the internet in the Hall will be available in due course. Highway and Traffic Issues The pavement on Bicester Road by the entrance to The Glades has now been swept by the CDC street sweeper as it was covered in gravel residues from the Thames Water issues earlier in the summer. The locations for new speed indicator devices are being considered. One will be sited at the entrance to the village on Bicester Road (where the EWR portable sign was placed earlier in the summer), one will be on Blackthorn Road outside the Mulberry / Timbers development and it is hoped that one will be sited on Station Road, but we are still waiting to confirm that location. Speedwatch The team made four one-hour outings in September and recorded 38 vehicles exceeding the speed limit (including 25 between 4pm and 5pm on 19 September on Bicester Road by The Spinney). However, one of the main purposes of Speedwatch is to deter drivers from speeding through the village, and the monitoring, with the team in Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 6
their hi-vis jackets, is definitely having an effect. The team will continue to highlight the new speed limit in the next few weeks. Our Speedwatch Co-ordinator would love to hear from you if you are able to help - don’t complain about the speed - come and join the team! Contact speedwatch@launton-pc.gov.uk for more information. Possible New Defibrillator The Department of Health and Social Care recently advertised for funding for defibrillators. The Council has agreed to apply to the fund for a new one for the Parish Hall. Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 2 November in the Parish Hall, starting at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm. We are trying to reduce our printing and paper use, so if you would like hard copies of the agenda or any of the meeting papers, please let the Clerk know well before the meeting. The agenda and papers will be available to view via the data projector during the meeting. Suggestions for agenda items for the 7 December meeting need to be with the Clerk by 23 November and items for the 4 January 2024 meeting by19 December 2023. If you’re not signed up to our mailing list to receive news from the Parish Council, you can find a signup form at the bottom left hand menu of the Parish Council website at www.launton-pc.gov.uk/
The Parish Council and the Parish Clerk has a new contact number. You can now call or text on
07305 303 889 Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 7
The October report from our CDC Councillors Local Plan Update Thank you to everyone who put their comments in for the local plan consultation. The consultation closes on 3 November and please put your thoughts in if you haven’t already. You can do this by going on the Cherwell District Council website - https://www.cherwell.gov.uk and searching for the Local Plan. Full Council 16 October 2023 The Full Council Meeting took place on 16 October. At this council three motions were passed unanimously which were: To look into a community forum, inviting local residents and representatives from local climate-action groups, with the aim to best map out the future agenda of Cherwell’s climate response. To develop a retrofitting action plan for council-owned housing, showing how it will become carbon neutral by 2030. To look into a briefing on Cherwell’s sport and leisure facilities. Housing Drop-In Sessions Cherwell’s housing team has organised dedicated events to help people with housing concerns. They take place the last Thursday of each month (Thursday, 26 October and Thursday, 30 November) from 10am to 12noon at Unit 56 (near the old Debenhams) Castle Quay, Banbury, OX16 5UN. They can answer queries on: General tenancy concerns Landlord harassment Tenancy deposit protection Eviction Tenancy fees Leaving your accommodation Rent increases Tenancy agreement clauses Get in Touch Please get in touch with any questions or issues on Cherwell’s work and services. Our emails are gemma.coton@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or julian.nedelcu@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or phone us on 01869717712. Gemma and Julian Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 8
News from the Launton School PTA The Rags2Riches collection of 303.7kg of clothing raised £151.85, with many thanks to the local community for making donations. The whole school enjoyed taking part in the Harvest Festival in St Mary’s, with school families donating much needed supplies for the Bicester Food Bank.
Launton Watercolour Art Group
The Watercolour Classes will run on all Mondays in November (6, 13, 20, and 27) in the Parish Hall from 2pm. We have space for some new members at £8 per session.
Here is a painting by the class tutor, David Meeks. If you would like to join the class, email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 9
Harvest Time at St Mary’s
The church was dressed for Harvest time (photo right) and at Harvest Festival
services (photo left) showing produce generously donated from the whole community during the Harvest celebrations in October at St Mary’s. These gifts were subsequently collected by volunteers from the Bicester Food Bank. Thank you to all who made this possible.
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 10
News from st mary’s ChurCh serviCes aNd eveNts for NovemBer 2023 You are most welcome to join the November Services and Events listed All Services in St Mary’s except the Act of Remembrance
Services 5 November 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am All welcome. Remembrance Family Service 6 November 2.30pm Fellowship Group meets in Church 11 November 10.50am Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial 12 November 6.00pm BCP Evensong with Act of Remembrance 15 November 11.00am Holy Communion 19 November 11.00am Morning Prayer 20 November 2.30pm Fellowship Group meets in Church 26 November 11.00am Holy Communion Please check on the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton to see the latest information, or contact one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer Celia Manderson
j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735
CHURCHYARD CLEARUP Thank you to all who came along and helped out with the clear up your time and efforts were very much appreciated!
Ride & Stride 2023 Please see the full report from Chris of this year’s event on pages 12-13. Needless to say, we are so impressed with the Team of gallant cyclists and are so grateful for the money raised to support local Churches
The Community Café will reopen after half term on 31 October and will run until 12 December Volunteers are needed to help run the Café. For more information, please contact Celia for a chat. (her contact details are above) Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 11
Ride & Stride 2023 The Oxfordshire Historic Ride & Stride took place on 9 September where a group of would-be Chris Froomes cycled to churches in Oxfordshire raising sponsorship funds for OHCT and St Mary’s. This year (as with the previous 10) I was joined by Tom Bailey, Robert Bradshaw (2nd time) and making his debut, Neil Poole. We got our wish for a dry day but the 32° heat was draining. Although Ride & Stride officially starts at 10am we set off an hour earlier to try and get some miles in before the heat really built up. Unfortunately, this meant that we were unable to sign in at St Mary’s from where we set off. Following early visits to churches at Marsh Gibbon and Edgcott, we ventured to Brill where the opportunity was taken to stock up on calories at the local shop. This was most welcome after dragging ourselves up Brill Hill in the (almost) Midday sun. We pulled up to Stratton Audley church at 1pm to be greeted by an anxious vicar, worried that the bride was running late, and a nervous photographer who had lined up the perfect shot for the bride’s arrival.
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Robert had thoughtfully phoned ahead and arranged to meet up with his wife who took a quick photo of the Riders & Striders and we looked on in amusement as the bride arrived from the opposite direction than expected. So much for the perfect shot. By the time we reached Weston-on-the-Green at 4.30pm only Tom and I remained. As we entered the church, I made straight for a halffilled jug of orange squash which had probably been there since the church opened that morning. At this point I was starting to feel a bit less than great with the tartrazine rush failing to kick in. We took the decision to bail out early and headed for home. A large ice Cola (me) and a pint of lager (Tom) at the Lion in Wendlebury hydrated us enough to make it back to Bicester. Altogether we managed a hard fought 80 miles, visiting 16 churches on the way. By the time the last of the sponsorship money has been gathered in, we will have made around £650. Thank you to all for your generous sponsorship. Chris Frost
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 13
150 Years Ago: The Bicester Herald, 1873
Friday 31st October Robbery at Launton On the evening of October 13, the iron gate on the footway to the entrance to Launton churchyard was taken away. A reward of £1 was offered by the Rev J C Blomfield for the conviction of the perpetrators of the unlawful act, which is as ungrateful as it is illegal, seeing that the path was a great improvement and one of public benefit. It is strikingly good as some in the parish of Launton and glaringly bad, with the high stiles and muddy approaches. Friday 7th November The footways at Launton were referred to in last week's Herald. We this week hear there are now signs of progress, inasmuch as the footpath across Baker's meadow, between Bicester and Launton, and which has been for some time in a very slushy and neglected state, is to be repaired by the co-operation of the parish authorities and the owner of the field. We hope other much needed footway improvements will follow in Launton. It is a settled point that awarded public-footways are as much public property as public carriage roads, and that local authorities are as much bound to keep them in a good state. Such being the case, neglecting them is a serious neglect of public duty. Friday 21st November A donkey, the property of John Reeves, higgler and fiddler, a lame man of Launton, was, on Saturday afternoon, November 15, found in Mr Parrott’s, the beerseller’s, yard in Launton, injured. It was thought the donkey had been maliciously stabbed in the stomach. The bowels were protruding, and it was thought best to kill the suffering animal. It is not known whether the injury was wilful or accidental. The donkey was in the habit of laying about in various parts of the village. A subscription is in progress to raise the cash to purchase another donkey for John the fiddler. Dog Killed on the Railway A valuable retriever dog called “Major,” the property of Mr Painter, farmer, Launton, was killed on the railway by a passenger train at that station on Saturday morning November 15.
100 Years Ago: The Bicester Advertiser, 1923
Friday 2 November PETTY SESSIONS More Farmers in Trouble The following farmers were summoned for failing to give notice on the 2nd occasion of dipping sheep…. Frederick Sharpe, Launton, Frank Ginger, Launton, William Honour, Hungrill Farm, Launton… Supt Fairbrother said, as at the previous sessions, he did not wish to press the cases. In the case of Frederick Sharpe, defendant said that he had told the constable. The Clerk said PC Quelch said he asked defendant about Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 14
the first dipping, and defendant replied “I have put the date of the first dipping on the second notice”. Sharpe – When I told you I was going to dip my sheep the first time why did you not tell me you give a written notice? The Constable - The regulations were pasted up. The Bench dismissed the case, as defendant had given verbal notice… Messrs Ginger, Honour, Nicholls, Smith and Herring wrote explaining their absence, and were each fined 2s 6d… Thomas Faulkener and John Faulkener, farmers, Launton, were each summoned for failing to give notice to have their sheep dipped ... cases were adjourned from the last sessions, as defendants did not put in an appearance. John Faulkener said he gave notice on the first occasion. PC Quelch said he called on the defendant on Saturday the 5th. And asked him why he had not sent notice of his intention to dip, and he replied he did not think it mattered. Defendant - Did my wife tell you in Bicester market on the Friday that we were going to dip on the Saturday? PC Quelch said he did not recollect it. Defendant said it was no use making a song about it. He had got to pay. Fined 2s 6d. Thomas Faulkener pleaded guilty and was fined 2s 6d. Friday 16 November CHANGE RINGING On Armistice Day, two peals were rung on the bells of the parish church, Launton. Before matins, a muffled peal of 720 Grandsire Doubles was rung in 25 minutes, the ringers being: treble, J Heritage; second, F Sharpe; third, J Marriott, (conductor); fourth, R Castle; fifth, J Massey; tenor, E Heritage. Before Evensong, an open peal of 720 Grandsire Doubles was rung in 24 minutes. The ringers on this occasion were: treble, J Heritage; second, E Heritage; third, J Marriott; fourth, H Foster; fifth, F Sharpe (conductor); tenor, T Marriott. Friday 30 November PETTY SESSIONS Licensing. Mr Henry Carter, of the Bull Inn, Launton, applied for an extension from 2 till 6, on the occasion of point-to-point steeplechases at Launton on December 5th. - Superintendant Fairbrother said he considered an extension from 4 till 6 would be sufficient. The races would be in progress from 2 till 4. – The Chairman: What about putting vehicles up in that time? - The Superintendant: They can used the yard. - The extension was granted from 4 till 6. Continued on page 16 Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 15
100 Years Ago, 1923 Continued from page 15
Discharging a Firework Sidney E Jeacock (16), printer’s apprentice, Launton, pleaded guilty to discharging fireworks at Launton on November 6th. PC Quelch said he was patrolling in the village of Launton at 7pm on November 6th and when at the cross roads he saw the defendant light a firework and throw it across the street. Witness asked him why he threw it, and defendant replied “I’m sorry”. Fined 1s.
Storm Babet hits Launton
The apple tree (on page 17 opposite) was old when I moved into Launton in 1959. It’s now gone with a puff of wind!!!!! The last time one of the trees (in the orchard behind my house) came down was in the big storm in 1987 that also brought down the enormous Corsican Pine tree by the path to The Closes which took out the transformer so Launton was without power for a few days. This time it is only the apple tree, and I will be able to pick the large apples that were at the top.
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Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 275 | Page 17
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 18
Launton Community Choir Christmas Concert This much-loved community Christmas event, this year entitled Jingle all the Way, will take place at St Mary’s Church on Saturday 9 December starting at 5pm. This is a carol concert for the whole of our community and if you enjoy singing please come and join us at rehearsals which will take place at St Mary’s during November. Whatever your ability there will be something for everyone - yes, you can just sing the tune! The running order will include traditional carols, readings, musical performances, and also some contemporary fun songs that we all associate with this festive time of year. The concert will be very much for families so please come and support with your nearest and dearest if you are not joining the choir, and spread the word so we can raise the roof of St Mary’s with you all this Christmas. Tickets are £10 for adults (accompanied children free) which will include refreshments. All proceeds raised will be donated to the church. Tickets will go on sale (cash only, please) in November at Costcutters and The Bull Inn. We will serve mulled wine and mince pies: donations of mince pies will be gratefully received at the Church on the concert day afternoon or during the week before in the porch at The Lodge, 8 West End. Please label your container/plate with your name and address if you would like it returned. If you would like to sing with us, or for further information, please contact Nicky Roberts on 07812 890656 or nickyrob66@sky.com
Wheelchair available in Launton The family of a former editor of Launton Lines has given a wheelchair to be available for short-term use by residents of the village, if recovering from an accident or operation or needing some support with moving around. If you think you could use it, contact the following: Editor@Launton.org or phone 01869 241883 Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 19
Heard on the Crossroads Where to go for sausages? Since the Blue Texel closed earlier in the summer people have been wondering where else they can go for quality meat. One of the facebook posts at the time said, “So it’ll be back to Lidl and Aldi”. But if you care about the quality of what you eat, returning to the cut-price supermarkets won’t be something you’d do. There has been a series of expeditions to look for a replacement - for quality sausages and tasty chops, for succulent steaks and free range chicken. We’ve visited a number of places, and top of the list so far has been Boarstall Meats, which is actually in Brill. The address is Touchbridge, Brill, HP18 9UJ, and to find it go on the Thame Road (B4011) and take the first left after the right turn to Boarstall. So far people report on super sausages (Honey and Mustard and Traditional both have thumbs up), lovely Barnsley chops, really tasty Bavette Steak, and bacon to die for. They have barn chickens, and can supply free range if you phone ahead to order. And - we’re told - it’s where The Bull now go for their meat. Give it a try! The shop is open Thursdays and Fridays 8am-5pm and Saturdays 8am-1pm. Is 20 really plenty? There has been a lot of talk about the 20mph limit across the village. Apart from the perpetual comment “If only it was enforced …” and “20 will mean 30 when 30 meant 40…” we have noticed some slower traffic through the village. It looks like the biggest problems have been in Station Road where there are so many cars parked solid along the road around Sharpes Cottages and in the run up to the crossroads that it is difficult for vehicles to pull in to let those coming in the opposite direction to pass. There has been some gridlock over this in those locations, when cars are lucky to travel at 2mph let alone 20. The other unexpected impact has been that pedestrians actually expect traffic to be at 20, when it’s not. This can lead to some near misses. And finally, some people seem to think that enforcing a 20 limit will result in an increase in dangerous overtaking as frustrated drivers are Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 20
driven to get past what they see as an unnecessary block on their progress. Most people seem to think that it’ll take about a year for drivers to get used to it and then stick to the limit. Let’s hope so! Golly ... look in the gulleys The recent rain has shown just how blocked most of the road drains are in the village. The main gulleys on Launton Road were cleared earlier in the year, but those in West End and Station Road are still clogged. Let’s hope there is not too much rain over the winter to fill the roads, and the drains and the sewers. Pothole heaven People have been waiting patiently for the resurfacing - or could it be rebuilding - of the main roads passing through the village. It does no good to make promises that can’t be kept. You only have to travel into and back from Bicester on the Red Rose 17 bus to realise how appalling the road surface is under the bus.
FoLPH Events calendar
Saturday 25 November | Boogie Woogie Bellas See the back cover of this issue. A very talented group of local ladies - 2 from the village - will entertain us for the evening. Don’t miss it! Registered Charity Number 1199171 Tickets - £10 from Costcutter. Saturday 6 January 2024 | Twelfth Night Event Plans are very much in the early stage for this but get the date in your 2024 diaries. Saturday 6 April 2024 | A Spring Fair at the Hall. We are waiting to confirm a date with Will and Emma Deeley in the Spring for The Sixth Tythe Barn Quiz. This is always a great event in the Fourteenth Century Tythe Barn. More info on FoLPH Events will be in Launton Lines and Facebook. The next FoLPH Open Meetings will be on Thursday 18 January and then on Wednesday 27 March, both at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Do come to catch up with this exciting stage in the plans for the Parish Hall. We could have a signed lease by then, and a timetable for the work. All FoLPH meetings are open to everyone. Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 21
Launton WI Report for October 2023
On 12 October we met as usual in the Parish Hall for our monthly meeting. The speaker was John Tyler and his subject was Volcanoes and Dragons. He came to tell us about his trip to Indonesia where he went to spend time photographing insects and Komodo Dragons. He began his talk by filling us in on facts about Indonesia: for example did you know that Indonesia is made up of 13,000 islands which stretch for 500 miles? Indonesia was created by tectonic plates moving, which created heat that melted rock, resulting in volcanoes. Indonesia has approximately 300 volcanoes. During his trip John visited several islands, took spectacular photos of the insects that he came across and the various habitats that they preferred. His main objective however was to try to photograph Komodo Dragons. To this end he spent several weeks in the Komodo National Park, and was told to take food for his trip so decided that three weeks supply of custard creams would probably travel best. Komodo Dragons live alongside the local people who protect themselves with sticks and by building their houses on stilts. The Dragons can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh 15 stone! They are typically more active in the cooler hours; they lurk in grass near tracks and are very quick and light on their feet. They drool toxic saliva and can smell a dead animal seven miles away. Sadly, they are another creature that is affected by climate change. So, you can tell that we learnt a lot about the dragons! It was a very engaging talk with a lot of super photos. Our next meeting is on 9 November, when the talk is Why Farming?. We meet at 7.30 pm in Launton Parish Hall on the second Thursday of the month, and all new members are very welcome. Theresa Meacock Shortly after our monthly meeting, Launton WI gathered again to host South Ploughley’s Group Meeting in the Sports and Social Hall (and a big thank you to Dave for his help). We were pleased at the turnout, from our members and the visitors from Langford Village, Wendlebury, Bicester, and Weston-on-theGreen, as well as Hilary Dix, Chair of Oxfordshire WI’s Membership Support. There was a buzzy, friendly atmosphere in the hall, meeting new people and seeing old friends, and then a chance to catch up with news from each WI before tucking into a splendid buffet. Our members really did us proud and all Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 22
Photos by Eleanor Shakespeare (left) and Gaye Cornford (right)
our visitors commented on what a great spread we put on. Food was followed by the Woodentops, a trio from south Oxfordshire, who entertained us with a fun and light-hearted mix of music and jokes. We ended with the raffle and competition - the latter won by our Secretary, Hilary, with her grandmother’s musical jug which played Daisy Bell - and led to a spontaneous singalong. All in all, an enjoyable evening. The buffet table The Woodentops in full flow
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 23
News from the Island Pond Wood: the October Wow! What an amazing event we had for our October Woodfest. We had a great turnout and the weather was in our favour; although rain clouds were hovering in sight they held off. We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to support us! It was so lovely to see so many happy faces enjoying the woodland. We’d also like to say a big thank you to our stall holders: Copper Pot Catering, Ed with LES, Friends of Launton Parish Hall, The Hummingbird Centre, Muddy Feet Forest Schools, Paul and his Apple Press and Juice, Peekaboos, and of course entertainment from Launton Village Players.
Photos by Ian Jones
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 24
Woodfest held on the afternoon of 10 October Thanks (in alphabetical order) to those who donated raffle prizes: Blenheim Palace, The Bull Inn, Canine Captures, The Cattleshed Candle Company, Coles Books, Costcutter, The Garden Room, Imagex, Jewsons, Jump Inc Bicester, The Launton Arms, New Pond Farm, Tesco, and Vue.. And of course thank you to everyone who Photos, clockwise from top left: The Village Players; the gazebo made us some cake to sell: we sold out before village across the pond; the IPW close of play! team behind the Woodfest; Paul We decided to pay for this year’s Woodfest and the apple pressing; a from our own funds, so after all costs were Peekaboos activity session settled we made £115 to go into Woodland funds so we made some money at the same time as seeing many people having a good time. As we look ahead to the winter we’re now focusing on some exciting work to come - hedgerow coppicing, tree thinning and another new pond. Keep your eyes peeled for volunteer work sessions and next year’s schedule of events. And see pages 2 and this spread for more photos from the Woodland, and pages 38-39 for a report with photos on the work of the Vale Conservation Volunteers. The IPW team Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 25
Bicester Green: an update There’s been so much happening at Bicester Green lately that it’s hard to know where to start or how to summarise it all. Our team has expanded, we’ve brough in Bev, our new Centre Manager, Richard, our new Bicycle Manager, Jon our Senior Bicycle Mechanic and the previous Centre Manager is still around in a slightly different role. So, a few new faces, some fresh ideas and lots of activity. It’s nuts! A promotional display for Nothing We’ve a full rack of sale bikes but Footprints showing the saving from buying as a result, so come and take a plastic free (see story on page 27). Photo from look if you’re in the market Bicester Green
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. Saturday Classes at a new venue in Grendon Underwood
Agility Class, starts at 12 noon
Thursday Classes in Arncott Village Hall
Puppy Foundation Assessment, under 6 months, starts 6.45pm Bronze Award, for dogs age 6+ months starts at 7.30pm Rally Obedience, for any dog with some obedience training starts at 8.30pm
Hoopers classes, The Bark Park, Launton, Mondays from 11am
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for a winter set of wheels or a new commuter, and look over the shop brimming with electricals and our wooden makes (perfect gift ideas for a birthday, or dare I say it… Christmas???). And we’re now a dropoff point for old candles and tea lights (including holders), as well as printer cartridges (no laser though, thank you), and spectacles. Coming soon you’ll be able to buy candles from The Recycled Candle Company, who knows some of the candles you dropped off for recycling previously might be used to make a new one that we stock?! One of the biggest secrets though seems to be our addition of a Zero Waste shop, courtesy of the amazing Nothing but Footprints. On Sheep Street, in Bicester, you can now buy rice, pasta, grains, seeds, nuts, baking goods, pick and mix(!), snacks, cereals, stock powder, household cleaning products, kitchen essentials and even beauty products, the list goes on ..., all plastic free. To avoid unnecessary plastic packing, simply bring your containers to Nothing but Footprints who are located with us at 16 Sheep Street and stock up, if you forget your containers, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with paper bags or preloved containers. As if reducing all that single use plastic wasn’t incentive enough, you’ll save yourself a good few pennies too. We recently had the community stall at the Friday Market and on our table we had these two jars, each with £3.20 worth of walnuts, the main difference being that £3.20 at Tesco gets you 100g, but at Nothing but Footprints you’ll get 210g, now that’s nuts! It’s the same for the seeds, grains, snacks, sugar, rice and so on… coming in the New Year will be herbs and spices and you’ll be staggered at the savings. Doing something probably won’t cost the earth, but doing nothing might. So come and visit us all at 16 Sheep Street, Bicester. www.bicestergreen.org.uk facebook.com/GreenBicester Celia Cornforth Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 27
Wartime memories from Greta Walker part 1 In the July 2023 issue of Launton Lines John Stephens wrote about his memories of the second world war as a child growing up in south London. Following this we had an email from Greta Walker (who has written about Launton in the past times) with her memories of growing up during the war in Quainton, just across the border in Buckinghamshire. Launton Lines sets out to be a record of Launton, and welcomes contributions from people living in the village on any subject. We had planned to include Greta’s piece in the August issue, but the Editor’s hospital stay put an end to that, and there was a lot of catching-up to do in subsequent issues. Now, here is Part 1 of Greta’s piece - slightly edited: Part 2 will follow in the December issue. How dreadful and frightening it (wartime) all was, and how wonderful Mr Churchill was, keeping our spirits up!
I was born in 1932. When the war broke out, I was 6 years old. I lived in Quainton in Buckinghamshire. My grandad was the village baker and shop keeper. I lived almost next door to my grandparents and spent almost all of my spare time with them. School was halfway between their shop and my home. Grandad had a very large garden, a yard, and a garage. When the news came on the radio, I used to leave the house and hide in the garage so I would not hear the latest news which was mostly bad and very frightening. Later, during the Blitz, after dark when we walked to the top of the yard, we could see the glow of the fires in London In the village there was a black barn opposite the Swan and Castle which said that London was 40 miles from this spot. My dad worked at Calvert brickworks, and he cycled to work and back every day. He remembers also seeing the glow of the fires. Grandad had brothers across London. He was a Londoner, born in Acton, where his father was also a baker. His brothers were also bakers with shops in different parts of the city, so there was fear for their safety in the bombing. My grandparents had moved to Quainton from London in 1908 with Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 28
my Uncle Fred, a baby in arms. My mother was born in 1912, and her sister 1919. Grandad was an old soldier from the First World War. He was in the marines and had fought at the battle of the Somme. Grandma kept the business alive in the 1914-18 war with the help of a schoolboy and an older cousin, who sometimes came and stayed. Grandad’s families were from London. They often came to lunch on a Sunday, and I remember that one Sunday in the period before war was declared in 1939 there was almost a fight that I found frightening between my grandad and his sister Emma’s husband Denis Cleary. He was a high-ranking policeman at Bow Street Police Station, and showed sympathy for Hitler and Oswald Mosley’s blackshirts which did not go down well with the old soldier grandad - hence almost a fight. Cleary, before the war started, left the police and moved to Ireland with his family. I believe that Grandad’s sister Emma was buried in New York. Greta Walker
Report from the FoLPH Open Meeting on 19 October 2023
The most important news was a piece of “not news”: the final copy of the engrossed lease for signing seems to have Registered Charity Number 1199171 gone to ground - possibly held up in the legal system, or possibly held up in the current postal problems. We had thought that the lease was finalised when the Agreement to Lease was signed - but the copy for signature has gone walkabout. There is a crucial date for funding application in early November which we could miss unless the solicitors manage to find it. The two recent events (Afternoon Tea and What3Words Treasure Hunt) added just under £550 to FoLPH funds which now stand at over £37,000. We are planning, a joint event with the Parish Council to mark the signing of the lease (once it is tracked down) and the launch of Sponsor a Tile.. The FoLPH website is nearly ready, and we have a JustGiving page ready to launch. The next Open Meeting will be Thursday 18 January 2024 at 7:30 in the Parish Hall. Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 29
The Launton Environmental Society Reports: Don’t play The Blame Game...You’ll lose!
The 6.375 number that first made its appearance in May is especially important. It is important because it is a target, it comes from the 51 billion tonnes of greenhouse gasses that we humans send into the atmosphere every year. We have got to reduce it, for some people it will be relatively easy. For others it is going to be exceedingly difficult. That 6.375 tonnes are an average. The Global Average. It is a mean number; it implies that half the people in the world send less than that into the atmosphere and the other half more than 6.375 tonnes. That is not the case. It hides the truth; it is an easy number to hide behind. The poorest 10% of people account for only 0.3%. In fact, the poorest 50% of people in the world are responsible for only 7% of lifestyle consumption emissions. They don’t have much, and they don’t have to reduce much. However, the richest 10% are responsible for 49% of emissions. And the richest 20% are responsible for nearly 70% (68.5%) of those 51 billion tonnes. Who has more emissions to reduce? Who should take most of the blame? (see the mushroom diagram on page 27, opposite.) Where do you fit in the above numbers? How big is your Carbon Footprint? Most people don’t want to know. It's easier to just blame it on the other guy. Look at China. Blame it on China; admittedly, quite an easy one to blame. But not the only one! We in the UK would be doing well to hit the 6.375 target, currently the UK average is 9.3 tonnes of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent). The truth is that we will not solve the global warming problem ourselves. We will not solve it without China, AND we will not solve the problem without everyone doing their bit. We won’t solve the problem without YOU. So don’t play the Blame Game. Don’t hide behind that 6.375 number. Don’t be afraid to know what your Carbon Footprint is, although sometimes the truth hurts. But doing nothing about that 51 billion tonnes will hurt more. It will hurt your children more than it hurts you. You can face up to your carbon footprint. Log in to the World Wildlife Fund’s website (footprint.wwf.org.uk). They are a world-wide charity, working for the planet not for profit. They will show you the four areas that make up that total (Home, Food, Travel, Stuff). It is your Carbon Footprint so it is up to you to decide how much of those 51 billion tonnes, you want to reduce. Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 30
As mentioned on these pages last month, Launton Environmental Society LES is here to help you: together we can turn things around. Don’t play the Blame Game - it is useless. Instead, use LES. The next meeting (probably virtual) will be on Wednesday 29 November, and then one in mid-January in the Parish Hall. Ed Hamill, Founder of Launton Environmental Society
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About the Bicester Hygiene Bank
The Hygiene Bank is a national charity that started 5 years ago and now has 200 ‘projects’ around the UK. All are staffed by volunteers and collect donated unopened personal and domestic hygiene products which
House maintenance Repointing Internal and external decorations Patios Decking Fencing For a personal service, call Peter N Southam 01869 278333 07721 633 220 peteroofer@aol.com Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 32
are then distributed to our Community Partners, locally-based organisations who work with people living in poverty or deprivation. Currently, Bicester Hygiene Bank has five Community Partners, but this scratches the surface as there are many who could use our help. I am currently looking for storage that is accessible, secure, and dry so that we can accept more products then increase the number of organisations that we can help. It’s a real chicken and egg situation. To demonstrate our impact so far though I calculated a couple of weeks ago that Bicester Hygiene Bank has distributed 263kg of hygiene products to 4 CPs since April 2023. There are lots still to distribute now after collecting donations from Bicester market in October (see photo on page 28, opposite) and also some very generous people in Launton! If anyone would like to give a donation, we have a just giving page see below. I have also listed the various product drop off points around Bicester, together with Launton WI (who collect for us), and via Lesley Thompson in Launton. Hygiene product donation drop off points are in the following places: Boots, Sheep Street, Bicester Boots, Bicester Shopping Park Bicester Pharmacy, Buckingham Road Perch Eco Business Centre, Elmsbrook, Bicester Tesco Superstore, Lakeview Drive, Bicester Anna Willmore | Coordinator, Bicester Hygiene Bank Website: https://thehygienebank.com/ Donate: https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-hygiene-bank-bicester Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 33
Launton Village Players: The 2024 Pantomime Rapunzel
Our rehearsals for Rapunzel are now underway and we are very pleased to welcome several new cast members and friends. The script is with the cast, songs are being sung and routines gradually starting to be learnt. The set is being designed, costumes made, lighting designs beginning to be discussed as well as arrangements for Front of House being thought about. All profits will be donated to Bicester Autism, a charity providing muchneeded support and opportunities to families and carers of autistic children, those with ADHD or those awaiting a diagnosis of autism or ADHD. Tickets are now on sale through TicketSource: www.ticketsource.co.uk/lvp. You can also call on 07864 715 708 for cash or cheque purchases, or for help buying online. As tickets are available to buy before Christmas they would make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family! Performances will be in Cooper School Performance Hall, and the times and prices are here. Date Weds 14th Feb Thurs 15th Feb Fri 16th Feb Sat 17th Feb
Performance Times 7:30pm 10:30am*
2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm
7:30pm 7:30pm
Adult (18+) £12 £12 £14 £14
Child (1-17) £6 £6 £7 £7
Babes in arms Free Free Free Free
* Our Thursday morning show will be a “Relaxed Performance”, for those who might require a more relaxed theatre environment. The show is exactly the same, but we hope to make the following adaptations: House lighting will be kept on at low levels throughout (apart from one scene which you will be warned about). Music will be turned down and there won’t be any very loud bangs. Auditorium doors will be open so you can come and go as you please. The foyer will be available to use as a chill out space. A visual story will be made available before the show. The main characters will be introduced before the show begins. The cast and crew will have an open attitude towards audience noise and movement. Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 34
We are offering a variety of Family discounts again: these will be listed on TicketSource and are available for all shows. In addition, we are also offering an Early Bird discount - book your tickets before 1 January 2024 and get a further 10% off your ticket using the code EARLYBIRD when you checkout your tickets. Rapunzel is a well known story, and will include all usual pantomime elements: audience participation, slap stick, and magic. Our story is set in Brushington, and trouble begins when the baddie, Mother Gothel, kidnaps baby Rapunzel. Time passes, and our heroes search every year to find the missing princess. We meet fairies, butterflies and knights. Will Rapunzel be found? Come along and find out! This is a family pantomime, and is suitable for all ages. Last year we were lucky enough to receive two awards from NODA (National Operatic and Drama Association) and four awards from the ODN (Oxfordshire Drama Network). Don’t miss out - come and enjoy Bicester’s biggest and most magical Panto!
Launton Sports & Social: an update on events
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the LPFA clubhouse. We plan to mark this with a series of free or heavily subsidised monthly events throughout the year. We are kicking this off on 3 December with a children’s pantomime - Cinderella, performed by Chaplins Pantos. We are only charging £5 per child with tickets available in advance via Eventbrite.co.uk. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the performance. Further events in 2024 will be advertised in Launton Lines and on social media. These include a fantastic tribute act - Like the Beatles on 11 May and a Family Day on 6 July with live entertainment in the evening from Backstreet Noise. The LPFA and Sports & Social are run by volunteers on behalf of the community. The bar with its discounted prices is open to everyone - there is no membership required - so come up and see what we have to offer. To book the hall just email lpfabookings@gmail.com or drop in and see us. LPFA Committee Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 35
Launton Historical Society reports
In September, Stephen Barker spoke about The Ox and Bucks (Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire) Light Infantry on the Somme in 1916. The Ox and Bucks Light Infantry regiment fought in France as part of the 48th South Midland Division. In the Battle of the Somme, the regiment had five battalions, with one battalion being about 1,000 men. The 1st and 2nd battalions comprised regular soldiers, who had joined the army as a paid job. They enlisted for 7 years if they signed up before 1914. The 3rd and 4th were territorials, parttime soldiers who were not obliged to serve overseas. The 5th and 6th were ‘Kitchener’ battalions. Lord Kitchener, the Secretary of State for War, had foreseen that the war would be long, and called on 100,000 men to enlist - ‘Your King and Country needs You’. He achieved that in two weeks. The 4th Ox and Bucks arrived at the Somme on 18 July 1915. Two days later they went to the trenches, and two days after that Private Whitlock, from Banbury, was the first British soldier to die on the Somme, from shelling. The Somme was a series of battles. The one that lives on in our memories was the Big Push, 1 July 1916. The intention, agreed by Britain, France, the Russians, and the Italians, was that this would be a war-winning simultaneous strike on several fronts to end the war. But the plan for the French second army to
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support fell through, the French being called away to fight at Verdun. Today the French speak about Verdun in the same way we speak of the Somme. 1 July 1916 was the worst day in British military history. 20,000 died and 60,000 were injured. The Ox and Bucks did not go over the top on that day. The 1st/4th Ox and Bucks (including my Uncle Howard) engaged in the battle of Pozieres on 19-23 July. The Germans had been holding the village, there was hand-to-hand fighting which was unpleasant and not described to those at home. 80 were killed (including Uncle Howard) and 240 wounded. The 2nd Ox and Bucks fought at Guillemont and Beaumont Hamel. in appalling conditions. The battles of the Somme produced no major breakthrough. There was a material reduction in the German ability and willingness to fight, but at a very high cost. All British and Empire men who died were buried together. In October we heard Tim Healey talk about Apples! (more on that next month). On 30 November Marie Louise Kerr will speak about Romans in Oxfordshire, and she will bring some artefacts. Meetings normally start at 7.30pm on the last Thursday of the month, in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. Gwen Skinner
Grange Mews News October 2023
Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease We have recently finished refurbishing a first floor office in one of our Grade II curtilage listed buildings and attained a B rating for EPC. This 400 sq ft office is now available to lease. There is a ground floor meeting room, free of charge by arrangement, for all tenants for any visitors or meetings and in particular for those who have any problems with mobility. We can offer a favourable electricity price till October 2024 due to a long standing management contract. Hummingbird are again setting the scene for Christmas with their “Light the Light” and we welcome them here for an expanded presence at Grange Mews on 9 December. This is an early plug for the event.
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
Vale Conservation Volunteers in the woodland
The first visit to the Woodland this autumn by Vale Conservation Volunteers, supported by Kate Neal, was on 18 October, and focused on clearing an area by the picnic table (see photos opposite). In November they will build a dead hedge with material recovered and start laying the hedge by the Reflection Area. The group has booked four visits over this autumn/winter to help clear overgrown vegetation in the wood. The VCV are very focused on their activities, and it is amazing what a mixed group of 9 oldies can achieve in 4 hours on a wet day in October. There is a great sense of achievement knowing you have made a difference and enjoyed working with a group of like-minded people. If you would like to join in please get in contact with us. Website: https://www.vcv.org.uk Email: VCVmanager@gmail.com Phone or text: 07837 380 802 Mick Jennion
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Photos from Mick Jennion
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Launton School reports: Animals
We have been learning about animals and we know that there are different groups of animals such as mammals. Most mammals have hair or fur but some do not, like the walruses. Birds have wings, fish swim in the sea and amphibians go in and out of the water. A frog is an amphibian and we have nearly all seen one. One of us has seen a tadpole and we know that they grow into frogs. We know about insects and we can name one called the dragonfly. We know that a snake is a reptile. Fish have gills so that they can breathe under the water. Some mammals live in the water and they do not have legs. The whale looks like a fish but it has lungs to breathe and that makes it a mammal. Dolphins are also mammals which look like fish. Some of us have seen animals in the wild and others have visited zoos to see animals. Some people have animals like a cat or a dog in their homes. We liked learning about animals because they are interesting. Ben, Molly, Ryan and Sophie - Year 2
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Launton Village Players: Update on events Christmas Carols We will be singing carols ‘round the village’ this year on Friday 15 December from 7pm. Look out for December Launton Lines where we will list the locations and approximate timings of where we will be singing. We will be raising money for Alzheimer’s UK. Fund raising for stage blocks Over the next 12 months, LVP will be holding some fund-raising events, specifically to raise money to replace our ageing stage blocks which we use for our Summer Shows: they were made by the team way back in 1996, and are starting to show signs of wear and tear. To allow us to continue putting on Summer and Autumn Shows, we want to purchase new ones. LVP has always donated money to other charitable causes from our shows - not only is this one of our charitable objects, but it is also very important to many of our members who give so much of their time to make our shows a success. We hope to continue to do this, so as well as researching grants that may be available to LVP, we will also hold fund raising events. Many thanks to Liz and Howard Hill who kickstarted our efforts with their “Games in the Garden” event in September; this was a lovely afternoon with games galore, prosecco and local ale, and raised a wonderful £300. Thanks also to Jenny Walker and The Village Cafe who raised £50 by their charity cake scheme during their last week at the Launton Arms. Our next event will be a Race Night in the Bull Inn on Friday 10 November 2023 at 8pm. Thank you to all at The Bull for hosting us. To bet on a horse will only cost £1, so save your £1 coins, and you can also buy a horse. Do come along and enjoy a sociable evening and join in the fun. 10 November is also the November SCOTS night. Find out more about LVP: by email on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk, or on our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk., or on Facebook. We look forward to hearing from you! The LVP Team Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 41
Memories of an ex-Launton Boy
This month the ex-Launton Boy remembers that history was his favourite subject at school, and then recalls the world events he lived through while living in the village as he became aware of world events. Then he scans over some of the global conflicts he has lived through (many will have a slightly different list) and comes right up to date with the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Oh my God! How many times must the wheel turn full circle before it lands on the right track? I talk of course of all the terrible strife going on in Europe, the African continent and now, yet again, the Middle East. My favourite subject at school, and remains to this day, was and is history. There is so very much to be learned in history, and yet, here we are again, living in a world of terrible and barbaric conflict. Countries are generally led by supposedly well-educated and extremely knowledgeable people. Well, you could have fooled me! I have said on many occasions about how I, in my early childhood
R J WAKELIN Painting & Decorating Specialist
INTERIOR - EXTERIOR PRIVATE - COMMERCIAL
Contact Mobile: 07947 822794 email: rjwakelin@outlook.com Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 42
years whilst still attending Launton School, became very interested in what was going on in the world and our nation’s part in it. Try as I do, I cannot remember Clement Atlee as our Prime Minister but I can just about remember Winston Churchill’s second tenure of office, followed by former Foreign Secretary, Sir Antony Eden. I am too young to remember the reporting of the Korean War, but funnily enough, one of my Branch members of the Royal Engineers Association actually fought in the Korean war, which officially has never yet ended. We have an ongoing truce with North Korea. Although I do not remember the reporting of the Korean war, I quite distinctly remember as a young boy, petrol-rationing as a result of the tactically brilliant but politically disastrous Suez crisis in 1956. From Britain’s perspective the military aspect of the operation was brilliantly executed in conjunction with French and Israeli forces. However, Uncle Sam looked at it as British Imperialism raising its’ head once again, and threatened to call in the massive loan we owed (having virtually been bankrupted by WWII) if we did not immediately withdraw from Suez. The then short-lived Prime Minister, Sir Antony Eden, had to resign over the matter, all of which I remember so very clearly. And as previously written about, this was all taking place at the same time as the Hungarian uprising against the USSR, which itself was an extremely bloody, though short-lived campaign. And through all this time, leading up to and including the Cuban crisis between Nikita Khrushchev and JFK with Russian nuclear missiles on the doorstep of the USA, we were all living under the Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 43
“4 minute warning” scenario. I am sure we came pretty close to an all out on several occasions until Russia eventually installed Gorbachev as their top honcho. There was a man who saw the world and Russia for what they really were and what they sanely and acceptably could become. He had seen the light! But then, having thought we’d seen the absolute last of ethnic cleansing, we had the break-up of Yugoslavia and the reintroduction of ethnic cleansing in most areas of the many conflicts. Clearly, lessons not learned! Many of our guys and gals serving in the armed forces have come back from there, operating in a peace-keeping role, severely traumatised suffering with PTSD. I know because in my capacity as a SSAFA Caseworker, I’m regularly dealing with some of them. Thankfully, several of the main players during the break-up of Yugoslavia have found themselves in the War Crimes Courts of The Hague and are now in long-term if not life-time imprisonment. But still lessons are not learned, for we have had Iran and Iraq trying to annihilate each other; and now we have Saudi Arabia backing rebels in the Yemen and civil war in the Sudan. We have the terrible and illegal situation where Russia has invaded the sovereign state of Ukraine, having initially invaded the Crimea over which the West did absolutely nothing. The West is now fighting effectively a proxy war in Ukraine by supplying Ukraine with military hardware and training Ukrainian troops. What is it with Putin, ex-head of the KGB? Like William Rees-Mogg wants to take our country back to Victorian ways and values, Putin wishes, I’m sure, to re-build the USSR. And our illustrious government in the meantime is busily reducing the size of our own armed forces to the extent that has never been this small since before the Napoleonic wars. We were not ready militarily for WWI and we were not ready militarily for WWII ... Lessons have not been learned! Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 44
China is expanding and building artificial land into the South China Sea, claiming international waters to be their own, whilst at the same time having their eyes on Taiwan (formerly Formosa). Napoleon said, “Let China sleep, for when she awakens, the whole world will tremble”. And now, having themselves been victims of ethnic cleansing through the holocaust, we have Israel indiscriminately bombing, maiming and killing innocent Palestinian civilians, men, women and children. I personally believe that as long as the Likud party is in government in Israel, we will never have peace in the Middle East. They have deliberately encouraged their own people to make incursions into the West Bank, building their own domestic dwellings, effectively driving Palestinians out. That said, Hamas terrorists (and terrorists are what they are) do not represent ordinary Palestinian people, either in Gaza or in the West Bank, and Israel has every right to go after them after the atrocities they have committed, but not at the expense of yet another form of ethnic cleansing, i.e. indiscriminately targeting innocent civilians. The only solution is for a ‘Two-State’ solution, whereby they each respect the other’s right to exist as a sovereign nation and to do so peacefully. The Muslim faith, and the Jewish faith just like the Christian faith, preaches love. Maybe history needs to be taught in a different way, worldwide. It is usually the winners of historic conflicts and campaigns who actually write the history books, almost inevitably as they see it. I do not recall ever having been taught in any great detail of the consequences of such events from the loser’s perspective, and maybe it is that which is the reason for people generally, and politicians in particular, not learning lessons from history. Don’t you just wish you were back at school? Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock MInstRE | The ex-Launton Boy | November 2023 Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 45
Diary Dates: November 2023 In the current situation, it can still be difficult to be specific about village events. Listed are those we know are planned - but check with organisers nearer the date if you plan to attend. November 2023 Thursday 2 Parish Council Meeting, Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm. Launton Parish Hall Friday 3 Final day for comments on Cherwell Local Plan to 2040 Saturday 4 Island Pond Wood Working Party, Coppicing, 10am Sunday 5 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion (BCP), 8am; Remembrance Family Service, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 6 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | St Mary's Church Fellowship Group Meeting in the Church, 2.30pm Tuesday 7 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 8 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.30pm, ends about 3.30pm Thursday 9 WI Meeting: Emma Harmer speaking on Why Farming? Parish Hall, 7.30pm Friday 10 SCOTS Meeting, The Bull, from 5.30pm | Race Night for The Village Players, The Bull, from 7:30 Saturday 11 Act of Remembrance at The War Memorial, from 10.50am Sunday 12 St Mary's Church, Evensong with Act of Remembrance, 6pm | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 13 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 14 Rubbish Collection: garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Island Pond Wood Working Party, 10am | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Saturday 18 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org Sunday 19 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 20 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm | St Mary's Church Fellowship Group Meeting in the Church, 2.30pm Tuesday 21 Rubbish Collection: recycling and garden bins | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Wednesday 22 Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports and Social Hall, starts at 1.30pm, ends about 3.30pm Saturday 25 Boogie Woogie Bellas, a show for FoLPH, Parish Hall, from 7.30pm. Tickets from Costcutter Sunday 26 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Weekly Quiz at The Bull, 8pm Monday 27 Watercolour Art Class, Parish Hall, 2pm-4pm Tuesday 28 Rubbish Collection: Garbage bin | Community Café, Parish Hall: 9am-11am; 2.30pm-4.30pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Thursday 30 Launton Historical Society AGM and with Marie Louise Kerr on The Romans in Oxfordshire, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | Page 46
The FoLPH Spring Market Grow a Sunflower
The front cover of this issue of Launton Lines shows the winning plant in the competition that started at the Spring Fair outside the Parish Hall on 30 April with a seed and a small pot and ended in October at 3.3 metres in a garden in Sycamore Road. It was grown by Mary Brydon for her granddaughter Florence who is standing in this photo by the plant in late August. Below left is the full flower head which was 60cm across. The runner up sunflower was grown on the Launton Allotments by Andy Bourne of The Glades: it was 3.2 metres high, and 55cm across. Many of the plants didn’t make it through the spring (slugs, snails, too wet, too cold) and some suffered in the hot spells, and then there was the wind at the end of the summer. Let’s hope people will be ready to try again next year.
Launton Lines November 2023 Issue 276 | 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 Launton Village Facebook Page and Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage Launton Lines is delivered free to every address in the village. It is funded by advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXIII Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion. Neither the Committee nor the Editors are responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.