Launton Lines Issue 251 September 2021 by Launton_Lines

September 2021

Issue 251

The Street Piano takes shape under Casimira’s brushes

Photos from David Thompson

See story of the piano on page 29, and watch out at Bicester Festival.

The front cover shows a peacock butterfly on a buddleia bush. There have been so many buddleias of different colours all over the village this summer: must have been a good time for butterflies. Photo by Staff Photographer Ella Rayner

The Editor writes … This is the second issue printed by Lonsdale Direct, in Wellingborough: they print colour in four page sections, so there are more colour photos and colour ads - than before. Thanks to all who contribute photos. In this issue I can see social life in the village beginning to pick up beyond Zoom. There are reports of in-person meetings in the re-opened Parish Hall - the Parish Council (pages 6-7), the WI (pages 16-17), PHIP (page 32) and the Community Café (page 34). And there are other events - a Trinity Camerata concert (page 22), the Bicester Heritage Scramble (page 32), another event in The Island Pond Wood and working parties planned there (page 25) and the PHIP Harvest Produce Stall on the back cover. And his is just the visible part of the iceberg of Launton life: a lot more goes on beneath the surface.. Finally, please support our advertisers. They need you as much as we need them to keep Launton Lines publishing. Robert Cornford Launton Village Support: Contact Details

A Support Group for Launton. Group email: village.help@launton-pc.gov.uk PHONE Numbers: 9:30am to 5:00pm 07522 231 100 - Janice 01869 241755 - Lesley 01869 247171 - Jane Olds 01869 242685 - Nick Cherry (Launton Parish Council) Pharmacy Runner

Launton Lines

email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2020-2021 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 To book the Parish Hall Council Clerk | Mrs Jane Olds Contact: Joan Packer Address | 13 Oak Close, Bicester, Phone: 07903 610405 OX26 3XD Parish Hall Committee: Christine email | clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Massey; Audrey Deeley; Lynne Harper; Joan Packer; Simon Turner, Robert Cornford Phone | 01869 247171

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 07922 042 133 by 20 September for entry in the October 2021 issue of Launton Lines.

September 21 | Sponsored by Helen Cannon and family in memory of Eddie on what would have been his 95th Birthday. We miss you every day.

Launton Historical Society The Historical Society is ready to meet up again, and we are planning a programme of interesting talks, possibly a quiz or film, for the rest of this year. If you would like to know more about the past that has shaped Launton, Bicester, Oxfordshire and further afield, please do come along. In order to make our meetings as risk-free as possible we will be meeting in the Parish Hall for the time being. Meetings will be held on the last Thursday of the month, starting at 7.30pm. Our first meeting is on Thursday 30 September, and we are lucky to have Tim Healey speaking about Drovers’ Roads. The following meetings will be on Thursday 28 October, then Thursday 25 November, and we will post more information about these in Launton Lines, on Launton Village Facebook pages and round the village. For more information call or email Cathy Procopiou, 01869 247694 or cathyprocopiou@hotmail.com. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 4

Bicester Festival is on 11 - 26 September With Street Events and Music. It should be great fun. Put it in your diary. Launton Bus Service: updated timetable

The new service - Red Rose 17 - will commence on 31 August 2021, in time for the new school term. It provides an hourly service from Launton to Bicester and (the other way) to Aylesbury. There are special services during Buckinghamshire school terms serving Waddesdon Secondary School. that run through Bucks villages. Below is the timetable from 31 August 2021. RED ROSE TRAVEL TIMETABLE ROUTE 17 Aylesbury, Waddesdon, Kingswood, Launton, Bicester Operational from 31 August 2021 MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (except Public Holidays) AYLESBURY: Bus Station Depart Waddesdon: Anstey Close Waddesdon School Kingswood Crossroads Grendon Underwood: The SwanEdgcott: Grendon Road Corner Marsh Gibbon: Church Street Launton: Bicester Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Arrive Bicester Village: Oxford Road Bus Stop Bicester Village: Oxford Road BICESTER: Manorsfield Road Depart Launton: Bicester Road Marsh Gibbon: Church Street Edgcott: Grendon Road Corner Grendon Underwood: The Swan KingswoodCrossroads Waddesdon School Waddesdon: Anstey Close AYLESBURY: Bus Station Arrive

SDO 0735 0742 0752 0757 0800 0803 0810 0815 0837

0633 0648 0655 0704 0712 -

0740 0755 0802 0811 0819 -

0840 0855 0902 0911 0919 -

0940 0955 1002 1011 1019 -

1040 1055 1102 1111 1119 -

1140 1155 1202 1211 1219 -

1240 1255 1302 1311 1319 -

1340 1355 1402 1411 1419 -

SDO 1455 1510 1515 1520 1523 1526 1531 1541 1548 -

SSH 0755 0802 0811 0819 0835

0850 0859 0908 0915 0930

0950 0959 1008 1015 1030

1050 1059 1108 1115 1130

1150 1159 1208 1215 1230

1250 1259 1308 1315 1330

1350 1359 1408 1415 1430

1535 1544 1553 1600 1615

SDO -

SSH 1455 1510 1517 1526 1534 -

1630 1645 1652 1701 1709 -

1715 1730 1737 17.46 1754 -

1840 1855 1902 1911 1919 1923

SSH 1610 1619 1628 1635 1650

1750 1759 1808 1815 1830

1820 1829 1838 1845 1900

1925 1930 1938 1946 1952 2005

SDO - Operates Mondays to Fridays on Waddesdon Schooldays only SSH - Operates every Saturday and on Mondays to Fridays during Waddesdon School holidays No service on Sundays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Public Holidays Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 5

Launton Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 5 August at 7.30 pm in the Parish Hall Councillors present Mrs Janice Hawes, Mr Kyle Michael, Mr Ed Sanders (Vice Chairman), Mrs Lesley Thompson, Mrs Jaqueline Webber Apologies Mrs Abigail Dowman, Mr Simon Turner (Chairman) In attendance CDC Councillor Sandy Dalliwell; The Clerk, Mrs Jane Olds; three members of the public East/West Rail Unfortunately, Thaina Sa’id was unable to attend the meeting and no report was provided. Report from District and County Councillors No reports had been received Finance The Finance Report is available on the Parish Council website. The Parish’s fixed assets, including the dog bins, benches, rubbish bins and bus shelters will be inspected by the Councillors this month ready for them to report on their condition next month. A Speed and Traffic Monitoring Working Group has been set up to help make recommendations to the Parish Council about the most suitable Vehicle Activated Signs. If you would like to help Councillor Janice Hawes with the work, please get in touch with Janice.hawes@launton-pc.gov.uk or clerk@launton-pc.gov.uk Councillor Committee Representatives Councillor Thompson will continue to represent the Parish Council on the Board of the Friends of Island Pond Wood and Councillors Turner and Sanders will continue to represent the Parish Council on the Parish Hall Working Group. A representative for the Fete Organising Group will be considered next month. 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. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 6

Cherwell District Council has recently sent out a consultation about how they intend to engage with interested parties (such as Parish Councils and householders) regarding their key planning policy documents and, more importantly to villagers, planning applications. One of their proposals was to just use site notices to let nearby properties know about potential planning applications rather than the neighbour notification letters currently sent. The Parish Council has disagreed with this proposal as it was felt that it was extremely important to maintain this level of notification. Village Matters Parish Hall Terms of Reference for a Parish Council Working Group have been agreed. Members from the Parish Council will be joined by representatives from the PCC, the Parish Hall Committee and the Parish Hall Improvement Project Group, but other interested villagers will be welcome to join - if you’d like to get involved in this exciting project, do get in touch with the Parish Council. Yew Tree Field No further progress has been made with the Enforcement Team.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations The Parish Council has recently received a letter from the LordLieutenant about the Queen’s forthcoming Jubilee. More information will be available soon we hope. Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The 2 September meeting will be in the Parish Hall, at 7.30pm. In order to mitigate the Covid-19 effects, we will do our best to make sure that the Hall is as safe as possible, but this will mean that we may not hold the usual open session from 7pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor come along after 7.15pm. Unfortunately, we are not able to hold hybrid meetings at present - please arrive in time to use the hand sanitiser and find your seats! Agenda items for the 7 October meeting need to be with the Clerk by 23 September and items for the 4 November meeting by 21 October. 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/ Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 7

Another Opening, Another Show! Launton Village Players performed their summer show on 14 and 15 August, and although we had some rather wet, drizzly rain on the Saturday morning, the sun then shone on us. The sun certainly “had his hat on” and it was a delightful feeling after such a long break to be able to be part of an LVP performance again. The stage and set looked wonderful with red drapes each side and stars, sunshines and flowers adding to the decorations. Huge thanks to Bob and Maureen Roberts who worked so hard on helping us set up and also for allowing us into their large and beautiful garden. Big thanks must go to all of you who came and supported us as audience, and very shortly once the finances are complete we will be

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able to make a donation to the Hummingbird Centre (and will report the total in Launton Lines). Thank you for all your support and it was good to hear some of your comments from “very enjoyable” to “the highlight of my parents’ holiday in Launton.” Lastly, thank you to our Front of House helpers, and a special huge thank you to the cast and our talented musicians, for all the team work that made this possible. This is the main characteristic of LVP and there is always such a marvellous spirit of “can do” and “I can help with that”. We are now moving on to think about our pantomime for 2022, Dick Whittington. More details will follow in later editions of Launton Lines and on social media. If you would like to join us or find out more about LVP do get in touch and you can contact us through this email: membership@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk Thank you from the LVP team.

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Ezra Richard Jeacock 14 April 1886 - 8 August 1916 Lesley Thompson recently discovered that there are two Commonwealth War Graves in St Mary’s churchyard in Launton. She came across this fact whilst looking at the website a few months ago. Lesley could only find one commissioned headstone, for A Penn of the Royal Engineers 411th Field Coy, who died on 11 February 1917. The other grave was Ezra Richard Jeacock of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry 2nd/4th Battalion, who died on 8 August 2106. This was a family grave and not an officially commissioned headstone. She wondered why Mr Penn had the official stone but Mr Jeacock didn’t. Pat Tucker, secretary of the Launton Historical Society and who wrote a book called The Launton Lads Who Went to War in 1996, was able to give some information about Ezra, but my husband Ken and I soon discovered that Ken is the great grandson of Ezra, a fact that Ken wasn’t aware of before. At the time of death, the family were given the choice of a commissioned headstone or a private memorial. Some families choose to bury their loved one within the family plot, which is what happened with Ezra (ERJ). His wife Lucy was sent the relevant paperwork but she had recently had a baby, Albert Edward Walter in May 1919, so perhaps the paperwork got mislaid. From newspaper information from 1916 ERJ was clearly a very well respected and liked person. He was only 30 when he died and left behind his wife Lucy who was probably in a poor state financially, her children being aged 10, 8, 4 and 2 at that time. Lesley asked if the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) would be able to have a commissioned headstone added to the family plot, but they would only install a commissioned stone if the family one was illegible and Ezra’s name was no longer visible, or if it deteriorated (we presume they would always want these veterans to have a well-maintained gravestone). The CWGC check all the headstones and graves every two years, so they keep an eye out for this deterioration. They make sure that the grave is looked after and the current headstone is still intact, and the name visible. There is a CWGC campaign called ‘Eyes On Hands On’, which calls for volunteers to check the CWGC gravestones in our churchyard and report Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 10

back to them. It is currently suspended, but I will look out for it opening up again and I am happy to volunteer for this role in our village. You can find more here: https://www.cwgc.org/our-work/projects/eyes-on-hands-on/ It seems that Ken’s family history in Launton can be tracked back to the early 1800’s. William Jeacock, born around 1784 married Sarah, born around 1788. William died in 1838 after a fall from his horse: Sarah died in 1842 of ‘dropsy’. William and Sarah had seven children baptised in Launton between 1824 and 1833, so they were orphaned when still young. Sarah was described as ‘baker’s widow’ at her burial, and William was described as a maltster and/or baker up to 1829, then farmer when the children were baptised. Jenny Jones, Pat Tucker and I have looked closely at the gravestones in St Mary’s churchyard. We found William Jeacock’s headstone, he being Ezra Richard Jeacock’s great grandfather – so he was Ken Jeacock’s (my husband), great great great grandfather. Over the past 40 years the inscriptions on tombstones have become much more difficult to read, but Pat now has copies of the inscriptions which were recorded in 1978. In the Launton Chapel graveyard there is a memorial to ERJ’s grandfather, who died two months after ERJ. With regards to the record on the Launton war memorial, ERJ was related to all the Castles and to Frank Austin (this through his grandmother): they were all second or third cousins. So, Ken has a large number of ancestors buried within this parish and can trace his ancestors back nearly 300 years. Sharon Jeacock with Lesley Thompson Photos from Sharon Jeacock, Pat Tucker, and Lesley Thompson

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 11

East West Rail Q and A for September

We’ve asked Thaina Sa’id at East West Rail some more questions people have asked us. Here are the answers.

1 Is there any news on progress on the Jarvis Lane and Grange Farm footbridges and opening

the Rights of Way there. Both footbridges have planned completion date to open as a public right of way in September or October 2021. Until this time there will continue to be heavy plant and machinery in the area carrying out earthworks, making it unsafe for the public to use the area. Rest assured the local community will be updated on their opening.

2 How far up the line to Bletchley have you been working? We are currently working all

along the railway corridor from Bicester to Bletchley. Several major milestones have been achieved across the route, including the installation of 103 precast concrete beams to the new Bletchley Flyover over the May Bank Holiday weekend. More information about the EWR2 project is in our Summer 2021 newsletter. Contact publicinformation@ewralliance.co.uk for a link.

3 What has happened to the badger setts that EWR built? One featured on the May 2020

cover of Launton Lines. 27 artificial setts have been constructed and a further two

Ride + Stride is a late

summer fundraiser and a bit of fun for the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Launton has had a stalwart participant in the past in Chris Frost - the treasurer of the PCC. Unfortunately, this year he is suffering from serious injuries to his ribs, lungs, and collar bone (came off his bike last weekend) so will not be taking part. Any Launton villagers who would like to take up the challenge, and raise money for historic buildings, just email rideandstride@ohct.org.uk or phone 07831 690 524 for details. For a list of churches you can visit go to www.ohct.org.uk/ride-stride Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 12

are planned. All artificial setts are occupied by badgers and breeding has been confirmed in at least six of the artificial setts. On the right is a still from video coverage of a badger carrying their cub out of one of the setts.

4 How many, and what, working vehicles do you have in the Launton A1 Compound? The current works are all in the rail corridor, so we only have skeleton plant in A1 compound - 2 x 20 tonne excavators, 1 x telehandler, and 1 x road sweeper. All other plant is working on the rail corridor or in other compounds.

5 Why has there been a sudden announcement of Charbridge Lane being closed for much of

the autumn? What has brought this about? Initially EWRA had planned to use a road diversion until the bridge work was complete and the bridge was reopened. However, following ongoing discussions with the local highways authority it was agreed that a closure on Charbridge Lane from 17/10/2021 to 17/12/2021 would ultimately reduce the long term impact on the ring road and enable us to maximise our efforts during the full road closure.

And see page 22 for a plan of the Charbridge Lane overbridge with some information on the construction.

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 13

News from St Mary’s Church for September 2021

SERVICES IN SEptEmbER During September we are continuing our steady return to Church by offering Services in the same pattern as before the pandemic. All of these will be in Church and we will still be maintaining a cautious approach. Since 19 July 2021 the major change is that you will no longer be required to pre-book a place but will need to register on arrival and wear a face covering in the Church Please contact Revd Peter or one of the Churchwardens if you have any queries or concerns – details below. Our planned Services for September are as follows 5 September

8.00am BCP Holy Communion In St Mary’s 11.00am Family Service In St Mary’s Please join us to help the children celebrate our Patronal Festival. This is the first time our children will have been in Church for some 17 months.

12 September 6.00pm Patronal Evensong

In St Mary’s

19 September 9.30am Morning Prayer

In St Mary’s

26 September 11.00am Holy Communion

In St Mary’s

In light of current uncertainties, please refer to Launton Church Facebook page for up-to-date information, or contact the following Revd Peter revpeterwright@gmail.com 01869 573177 or 07710 531 921 Or one of the Churchwardens at St Mary’s Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Celia Manderson celiamanderson@aol.com 01869 571735 Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 14

Photography competition from The Island Pond Wood

The Friends of The Island Pond Wood plan to create a new interpretation board for visitors old and new when entering the Wood. As part of this we’d like to get everyone involved and so we are running a photography competition. The top photos will be featured on the board for everyone to see for years to come. To enter, send your photos to chloebradford25@gmail.com by Friday 29 October. There are two categories - child (16 and under) and adult (17 and above). A maximum of three photos can be entered per person. We are looking for a mix of landscape/habitat shots and specific species photographs that showcase what the site has to offer. Successful entrants will be announced on our Facebook page on Friday 19 November and featured in the December issue of Launton Lines. Good luck! Chloe Bradford On behalf of Friends of The Island Pond Wood

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 15

Launton WI Report for August 2021

Our month started positively, as we were able to hold our usual evening Committee Meeting in The Bull once again. Some of us even stayed on for a meal afterwards. Our birthdays for August were Gwen and Wendy who both received a hand-made card. We were all delighted to think August would be our last remote meeting, as we hope to return to the Village Hall for September. Our Speaker this month was Valerie Calderbank, whose early retirement facilitated her developing interest in Astronomy. She talked about ‘Myths and Legends of the Stars’, taking us through the thoughts and beliefs of early civilisations and their influence on both Astronomy and Astrology nowadays. The origins of Leap Year, the development of a number system, and many linguistic features were ROYAL FOOTCARE Professional and affordable foot care in the convenience of your own home

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also pointed out with erudition and humour. She was happy to answer questions, and give some basic advice, afterwards. Just use binoculars to observe the moon, and if something is twinkling in the sky, it is likely to be a star, as planets don’t twinkle! Her enthusiasm and passion were obvious, and she has now written a book, in the hope of making the subject more accessible for others. The Blue Diamond Garden Centre is to be the venue of choice for this month’s social. We shall have lunch together, with the option of a (tempting ?!) wander around afterwards. Our next Meeting will take place on 9 September at 7:30pm, when we shall welcome an excellent Speaker to the Village Hall: Julie Ann Godson. She will talk about ‘1066 - Oxfordshire and the Norman Conquest’. Chris Marsden

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Bicester Green Reporting: Getting Oxfordshire Online

We’re feeling very proud at Bicester Green as we have just been appointed as the hub for the North of the County in the Getting Oxfordshire Online programme, a county-wide project to refurbish donated laptops and devices and redistribute to those most in need in the fight against digital exclusion. The pandemic has highlighted that lack of online access is a serious issue that limits people’s life chances and wellbeing. Getting Oxfordshire Online will refurbish devices donated by the public and local businesses for school children, isolated older people, and others in need. While many of us have spent our locked-down lives on video calls and moved all our shopping online for our convenience, Covid-19 has shed a new light on people who are digitally excluded. Without appropriate devices, adequate data and connectivity, or the digital skills needed to get online, it is estimated that up to 40,000 people in Oxfordshire continue to be isolated even as lockdown measures ease. As part of its pilot, Getting Oxfordshire Online is inviting donations of unwanted laptops, tablets, and phones for refurbishment at newly created hubs in Bicester, Oxford and Didcot. Community partners will then work to give users access to continued on page 20 

Grange Mews News September 2021 Commercial Offices, Industrial Units and Storage for Lease

My notes record meetings with Network Rail, O.C.C. and Ramblers in 2015/16 trying to get footpaths reorganised at the same time as closures both temporary and permanent; however, a few weeks ago EWR representatives visited and realised that the route for a PROW on their drawings is a big problem, so this may take longer in the Grange Farm area than in their report, and in Launton Lines last month. We mentioned Hummingbird last month and visionaries have performed an external transformation and this hummingbird has achieved an arbour to compete with the bower bird itself, what a welcome back. Launton Transport took their first hen party of the season to Bournemouth last week, so the new normal is here. Roxie and “The Brow Barn” are extremely popular, very busy and will be expanding. Mark at Planet Kitchens is very busy too (and I hope he gets our work to the top of the list 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

 continued from page 19 the best deals on data, and deliver the skills training needed to make the best and safest use of the devices. How can I help? You can help by giving us laptops you no longer need. Hubs at Aspire in Oxford, SOFEA in Didcot and Bicester Green now accept donations from businesses and individuals. Laptops will be securely wiped to remove all data from them; they will then be reconfigured before being passed on to those who need them. Before donating, please take a look at our guide (full details on the Bicester Green website) on what kind of laptops we can accept. If for any reason we are unable to use a laptop after you have donated it, it will be recycled. Some devices may be sold to partially fund the refurbishment work. We have received a few laptops and tablets from members of the public, and now our first corporate donation from Instron of High Wycombe, thank you all for your donations. Why not ask your business or organisation what happens to your laptops and devices at the end of their useful time, and help them to become our next corporate donor? Celia Cornforth | www.bicestergreen.org.uk | facebook.com/BicesterGreen

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Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 20

Around the village in August Families enjoying a Bible Story time and Treasure Hunt in St Mary’s churchyard during August, held as a prelude to the children’s return to Church after 17 long months.

“We are looking forward to this return on 5 September at 11.00am when we will be celebrating the life of Mary in our Patronal Family Service. All welcome!” Photos from Celia Manderson

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 21

Two upcoming events in October: Note the dates

Charbridge Lane Overbridge This exploded drawing of the bridge is on the noticeboard by the roundabout. It shows some of the details of the construction, and some stats on the parts of the bridge. Interesting.

Facts and Figures Piles: 68 Pile diameters: 1050mm to 1300mm Depth: 10m Precast concrete shells: 71 (Max weight 13t) Cill Beams: 10 (Max weight 23t) Bridge Beams: 20 (Max weight 28t)

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 22

Gwynne Harrington’s Memorial Service on 23 August Many people gathered on Monday 23 August for the memorial service for Gwynne Harrington, a former teacher at Launton School, and a music teacher for many generations of the village. We will have an obituary for Gwynne in the October issue of Launton Lines. Photo by Robert Cornford

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 23

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the Island Pond Wood

Clockwise from top left: the welcome bear; crowds on the meadow; the craft table; the organising group; Peekaboos activity; the Special Guest; and two pictures of The Friendship Tree. Photos by Ian Jones

Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 24

Friends of Island Pond Wood Host ‘Friendship’ Teddy Bears Picnic The Friends of Island Pond Wood held the first of the planned family events last month on Saturday 31 July. The Teddy Bears Picnic was in-part funded by a £1,000 grant received from Cherwell District Council, SPARK Grant Programme: this grant will be used to fund other future events this year. The monies received were invested in the purchase of a large dome tent, crafts and towards the entertainment on the day. It was wonderful to see so many families (and teddies) attending, enjoying a picnic and taking part in the event. There are some photos on the facing page. The day’s theme was ‘Friendship’ and the committee hoped that this would appeal to our local community and provide something fun for the young children and families. Entertainment included several music sessions from Michelle at Peekaboos Music and Play Club, friendship crafts, origami and even a special guest appearance from Winnie the Pooh! Refreshments were provided by Stansfield and Hoole and a big thank you to all of those who kindly donated cakes for the bake sale. Congratulations to Ava for correctly guessing the name of the Teddy Bear, which was Rainbow. The day was an important event for the Island Pond Woods Committee as the first event we have organised since Covid-19. We were delighted to raise £138 on the day, which will go towards activities and supplies for the next family event planned for Sunday 10 October, 2:00-4:00pm. A big thank you to all of our volunteers for your help in planning and on the day, a special mention to The Bull and The Launton Arms for kindly allowing parking for the event. Upcoming working party group sessions at Island Pond Woods are on Tuesday 14 September and Tuesday 12 October. All welcome, the group will be joined by Bicester Green Gym and will be specifically targeted at removal of the aspen saplings. If you are interested in volunteering at any future events, please get in touch through our Facebook page @IslandPondWood or email fipwlimited@gmail.com Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 25

A Vet’s Voice: Heroic Hamish I saw Hamish the 10-year-old Labrador a number of times over the lockdown period last year. He is a very likeable old dog with a very dedicated owner (who is also coincidentally likeable!). Hamish had suffered from increasing lameness of his front legs for some years. This is very common in older Labs and we had tried many medications, as well as acupuncture and therapeutic laser treatment. It made you feel uncomfortable just watching him walk. We had x-rayed his front legs and confirmed the presence of osteoarthritis in both his elbows. Earlier this year we discovered a couple of things - he (like Brave Bertie) had an underactive thyroid gland, making him lethargic and disinterested. He had also suffered from subtle changes in his back legs previously, but these were now becoming very obvious. He was struggling to walk, sometimes collapsing to the floor and his nerve responses in the back legs weren’t normal. X-rays of his spine showed a suspicious area between his 1st & 2nd lumbar vertebrae where the bones seemed too close together - a sign that the intervertebral disc may have ruptured and be damaging his spinal cord. Hamish’s owner was keen to see all options, so we arranged a referral to a specialist neurologist in High Wycombe. Hamish underwent a spinal CT scan which confirmed our suspicion and he was booked in for spinal surgery the following week. We knew that this lesion had been coming on for some time and that it was definitely progressing. Though there was likely to be some permanent damage, there was still the chance to stop further progression and hopefully give some good improvement in his strength, mobility and quality of life. Hamish was a trooper and the two specialist vets involved in the surgery did an amazing job. The damaged disc material was removed from the spinal canal to release the spinal cord compression, then the two vertebrae were stabilised using a plate and screws. I’m pleased to say that, having seen Hamish six weeks after his spinal surgery, he is doing extremely well. His back legs may never be totally normal, but they are stronger and more coordinated than they were. He can get up and down quickly and easily without having to struggle. Hamish’s owner is very pleased, despite the large “investment” in Hamish’s Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 26

health and well-being. Hamish has become a model patient at his local hydrotherapy centre as he continues his rehabilitation. I’m sure he has made lots of friends and admirers as he bravely takes his exercises in his stride. There are some photos which show the CT of the original disc lesion (page 26, bottom left), then the spine with its plate and screws (page 26 bottom right). There are also photos of Hamish as a young dog with his favourite ball and then him taking the hydrotherapy treadmill in his stride. Finally, there’s a lovely picture of a very well-loved Hamish smiling for the camera! A heroic dog indeed! Enjoy your pets. Jason Williams | Bicester Vets

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Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 27

Road Closures Report correct at 18 August 2021

ALERT: 17 October to 17 December 2021: Charbridge Lane WILL BE CLOSED - details of the diversion will be available on the Parish Council website shortly. (EWR) (See EWRA Q & A on page 13 of this issue) Until 25 March 2022: Station Road, Launton will be CLOSED from beyond Grange Farm for the construction of the new overbridge and road alignment (EWR).  28 August to 2 September: London Road Crossing, Bicester will be CLOSED to facilitate alterations to the signalling system and level crossing (EWR)  31 August to 15 October 2021: Station Road, Marsh Gibbon CLOSED for reconstruction of the bridge (EWR) 28 March - 17 June 2022: Bicester Road, Marsh Gibbon CLOSED for rebuilding the bridge (EWR) These closures are correct as at 18 August 2021. See the Parish Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/road-closures/ for updates Information is correct as we go to print but is subject to changes. Please don’t shoot the messenger!

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Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 28

Bicester Street Piano at Bicester Festival, 11-26 September

Inspired by London Railway Street Pianos, David Thompson has been quietly renovating, and getting decorated an unwanted 1930’s piano made by Chappell of London. Like many pianos these days it was in reasonably good working order, but destined for the skip, as not many people want this large, heavy and loud instrument in their house. So, after choosing from a choice of about 6 available free on both Facebook and Gumtree, David commandeered a van and a couple of friends to go to Abingdon to pick it up. The owner was delighted to hear that it was going to be repurposed, and the piano was brought back to a garage in Bicester to begin rejuvenation and painting. David spent the first couple of weeks building a very solid base for it, to ensure it would be secure when out in the town, and also painting a base layer of sky blue on it. Why sky blue you may ask? Local artist Casimira Mostyn https://www.facebook.com/casimira.mostyn had very kindly agreed to decorate it, with the Bicester Festival theme, of ‘Sea Change’ and she felt this would be a great background for her art. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2106459216171919/ Some 40 or 50 hours or so of work later, Casimira’s work had produced a stunning result: on the bottom of the piano a sea scene from ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’, and on the upper half a beautiful tree, decorated with different birds (see photos on page 2 of this issue of Launton Lines). David said of it, “I am absolutely amazed at what Casimira has done. I was expecting something ‘good’ but this is just awesome, and I’m so pleased that she agreed to do it, especially as it took a large chunk of her time as a professional artist. She has been video diarying her progress, and together with my footage of the rejuvenation I hope to put a video out on the piano’s new life, ‘Saved from the Skip’. This piano, which by the way is named ‘Lisa’ after the piano instructor on the internet website, Pianote, will be transported to its home for the Bicester Festival, outside the Bicester Ex-Services Club, just opposite Sports Direct.” Continued on page 30  Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 29

David went on to say: “I’m hoping to get not only local people playing it but Dr K Boogie Woogie,who you can find on youtube at this url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPCwB6zHKyA He has indicated he would be happy to come, with one and a half million followers on Youtube, and normally 2000 live stream viewers. If he does come he is almost guaranteed to do a live stream from it, which going on previous performances will be amazing.” David is also hoping that the piano may become a permanent fixture in the town, outside under cover but also secure. “The area between Vue Cinema and Sainsbury’s springs to mind. So, if you’re in town, go and have a look, go and have a play, or listen if someone is having a go at playing.”

Quarterly report from Victoria Prentis, MP

Much has changed since I last wrote in April: we have moved to Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown, marking the start of a new phase of caution, managing the risks as best we can. Lots of constituents contacted me about the lifting of restrictions, with some expressing concerns about the further opening up. There is no optimum time to relax restrictions: coronavirus isn’t going away, so we do need to learn to live with it. I continue to receive regular briefings from our local public health officials and feed back to my Ministerial colleagues when necessary. Alongside coronavirus-related casework, I have continued to deal with issues as varied as housing situations, benefits-related claims and overdue driving license applications. While cases are not always straightforward, solving problems for constituents is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Member of Parliament. I was so pleased to get out and visit lots of organisations in the Bicester area with the gradual easing of restrictions. To mark English Tourism Week, I visited Bicester Heritage and the RAF Upper Heyford site. Other memorable visits over the summer included to OYAP Trust where I saw lots of fantastic artistic projects taking place and to Bicester Vaccination Centre to mark its six-month anniversary. More recently, I visited Hardide Coatings, who specialise in coatings for the aerospace, defence, energy and precision engineering sectors. I also enjoyed visiting Saietta Electric Drive, who deliver innovative motor technology to the electric vehicle mass market from scooters to buses. I’m proud that we are known for our modern industry in the area as we continue to grow and attract global business. The lifting of restrictions in July coincided with the resumption of my pub tour. Lots of constituents turned up to the Bell in Lower Heyford and asked Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 30

me questions on a whole host of issues including the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange proposal at Ardley. I have had useful meetings with local parish councils as well as the district and county council about this proposal. I cannot see that this is a suitable location for such a development but will wait to see what mitigation measures are proposed. Last time I wrote, East West Rail (EWR) had launched a public consultation. It was good to see lots of residents participating and providing feedback. While I welcome the proposals put forward to find a long-term solution for the London Road Crossing, I remain concerned that in practice they may not take us any further forward. You can read my full response on my website at: www.victoriaprentis.com/news/response-east-west-rail-consultation. Finally, I was so pleased to see how well local students did in their A-Levels and GCSEs. I know how difficult the past 18 months have been for pupils. I’d like to thank every parent, teacher, tutor, school and college leader for their tireless efforts to support learning in these unprecedented circumstances. Victoria Prentis

LAUNTON OVER 60s CLUB REPORT August 2021

This is my first report since December 2020, and I am really happy to tell you that we had our first meeting since goodness knows when (actually it was 1 March 2020) on 18 August 2021. We started off in style at our normal meeting place - the Playing Fields Hall - with a Fish and Chip lunch and it was so good to see everyone again after so long. The bar was kindly opened for us and we all had a good chat before lunch arrived. We also had a lovely little cake each from Wendy as it was her birthday. We then played Bingo and were pleasantly surprised to be reminded that the jackpot, carried over from previous meetings, now stands at £18.60. It is still waiting to be won! We have 34 members at present, and 30 were able to attend. We remembered those we had lost and welcomed the daughters of two members who joined us for lunch. The meeting was a scaled down version this time just to see how it went but we will be beginning normal meetings on Wednesday 1 September and then fortnightly as before. We meet in the Playing Fields Hall, and for regular meetings start at 1.30pm ready for tea and biscuits at 2pm and then the everpopular raffle and, of course, Bingo.. We will always be pleased to see new members: give me a ring or just turn up on the day. Pat Court | 01869 244900 Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 31

Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP) There will be an Open Meeting of PHIP in the Parish Hall on Thursday 16 September at 7.30pm. Come and hear about progress on lease arrangements, setting up as a registered charity fundraising plans for the future report on finances And start making plans for the work on the improvements.

Bicester Heritage Scramble The next Scramble at Bicester Heritage is offering a 25% discount off tickets to local residents. The date: 10 October 2021 Local Promo code: FlyingBrevets Weblink to the ticket page: https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/?tick et=october-scramble-tickets Tickets are now £14.00 (+£1.10 Fee + Tax) less local discount.

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LPFA / Sports and Social Update

With the easement of lockdown we reopened the hall and bar in time for a hugely popular Euros 2020. All England games were fully booked in advance with our 155 inch screen in the hall proving a great success in addition to the two large-screen TV’s in the bar. Late season cup wins for the Men’s and the Girls Under 10’s football teams set the scene nicely for the season ahead. Training is well underway for all of our teams. After a series of friendly warm-up games, both of the Men’s teams kick off their league fixtures on 4 September and every Saturday thereafter with the bar open as usual. Please come along and support them. We are delighted to be taking bookings again for the hall with many parties, christenings etc in the diary as well as the return of regular users. We are also putting a lot of effort into supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme led by Jardine’s Pharmacies and their scheduling and marshalling of associated traffic and parking to minimise disruption to school drop-off and pick-up. This will continue to be a regular event on Tuesdays from 7 September. We would like to improve the children’s playground facilities and recognise this will involve significant investment. We are discussing fund-raising ideas and will update via social media and Launton Lines in due course. We are a facility run by a committee of dedicated volunteers on behalf of the community. The hall is available for anyone to use subject to availability and the bar is open to the public with no membership required. Prices are extremely competitive and opening times will be updated via the website and social media. The Committee

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Fix My Street

ALL ROOFS, GUTTERS & CHIMNEYS

Did you know that you can tell Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council about highway road defects / fly tipping / overgrown verges and hedgerows etc using this website: http://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk There’s also a phone app which is available for both iOS and Android so you can take a picture and quickly upload it to their system. Don’t leave it for someone else to do, if you see something which needs reporting please do it! It’s far better to have it reported multiple times than not at all.

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Latest news on the relaunch of the all-ages Community Café Everyone is catered for!!!!! We have already heralded the re-launch of the intergenerational Community Café on Tuesdays and we are now happy to report that we have invited an experienced Support Worker (grant funded) to help us from our first afternoon session on Tuesday 7 September. This will run from 2.30 to 4.30pm with some after-school fun and will have all the necessary safety measures in place. However, you may prefer to join the morning session, between 9am and 11am which is particularly but not exclusively a time for carers, with babies and toddlers, to enjoy a quieter get-together while enjoying a chat over a cuppa. We are looking forward to an exciting time as life continues to return to normal after such a long break Whatever your choice, you can be sure of a very warm welcome. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 34

Would I lie to you ...? Some readers might have spotted a bun fight in the House of Commons in July. It happened just before the MPs started their long summer holidays. One MP, Dawn Butler, accused PM Johnson of telling lies. She was asked to withdraw the remark but replied: "It’s funny that we get in trouble in this place for calling out the lie, rather than the person lying". She was then expelled. Parliament’s antiquated rules forbid the word ‘lie’. The MP complaining about Johnson knew she’d be thrown out but did it to publicise Johnson’s persistent lying. Maybe Ms Butler was just frustrated. As well as ‘lie’, there are other banned words. You can’t call somebody a ‘swine’, ‘blackguard’, ‘rat’, ‘hypocrite’, or ‘pipsqueak’. If you know that somebody’s lying, which Johnson seems to do regularly, it must be disappointing not to expose the lying swine, blackguard, and hypocrite that many people think Johnson is. Happily, you can call someone a ‘bully’, so MPs can avoid being expelled and still accurately describe that little rat Priti Patel. It gets worse. Absurdly, you can’t call an MP by their actual name. Instead, they’re ‘the honourable member for…’ wherever they were elected to. If you don’t know where someone is the MP for, you can call them ‘the honourable gentleman’ or ‘the honourable lady’. Members of the Privy Council - normally senior ministers - are ‘the right honourable member’. It’s not the term for Johnson’s private parts. However, the Speaker isn’t bound by this naming convention and can call people what he wants. It would save time if everybody did that. ‘The honourable member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East’ could be called ‘Stuart’! Another oddity is the dress code. It’s been illegal to wear a suit of armour for just over 700 years. Before 1313, wearing armour was fine. Swords in the chamber are also banned. To this day, MPs have a loop next to their cloakroom coat hook to hang their swords on. Honestly. Parliament has a strict dress code - men are expected to wear a shirt and tie with their suit. Sadly, the Prime Minister still looks like he’s slept in his suit, crawled out of a skip after an all-night Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 35

bender, and lost his comb. Women are expected to dress in businesslike clothing. T-shirts with a slogan aren’t allowed. However, one day, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas managed to slip through with a Tshirt sporting a No More Page Three logo, to complain about The Sun. Another off-putting issue is the voting system, which takes ages. Each ‘division’ can take at least 15 minutes. It’s so convoluted that MPs get written instructions: “You can vote for or against a question by … walking through the Aye or the No lobby on either side of the Chamber. ... During a division, the bells ring and the annunciators ... display a green bell. You have eight minutes to get to the lobbies to vote before the doors are locked. To vote, go into the lobby you want: use the entrance behind the Speaker’s Chair for the Aye lobby, the entrance at the opposite end of the Chamber to the Speaker’s Chair for the No lobby, or the doors from each side of the Chamber. Clerks in each lobby record the names of those voting. Give your name to the clerk even if you think they know who you are. There are also two tellers (often whips) in each lobby to record the number of those voting. Pause in the doorway to let them record your vote. The Speaker announces the result of the division as soon as it’s over.” It’s that simple! Why does voting take so long? Because not every MP has her/his own seat. Instead, they squeeze on to green leather benches. This is Britain’s most important law-making body, taking vital decisions, and the MPs don’t even get their own seat. They just crowd into this crumbling, allegedly rat-infested, museum next to the River Thames. It’s hardly surprising that the House of Commons became a Covid ‘super-spreader’ before the first lockdown in March 2020, doing its own version of the ‘how many people can you squeeze into a Mini’ competition. Followed by ‘oops, sorry for coughing Covid all over the right honourable member’. How have they solved the seating problem in other parts in Britain? They’ve built a modern parliament building, where you have your Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 36

own desk and chair. You can vote electronically, and quickly, without leaving your seat. The joys of being modern. Surely something for Westminster to consider! I’ll give you my thoughts in the next Launton Lines. Finally, on the modern theme, before a Bill can become law in the (elected) House of Commons, it must receive the ‘royal assent’ - the (non-elected) Queen’s approval. The last time a monarch refused to give the royal assent was in 1708, under Queen Anne. However, in 2021, it seems odd that an unelected senior citizen living in a castle in Windsor is still part of our law-making process. If only we’d got a written constitution, but that’s how democracy works in modern Britain, without a word of a lie. Danny Cunningham PS: As long ago as 1906, Winston Churchill got around the ‘lie’ rule by substituting the phrase ‘terminological inexactitude’. It means the same thing, but you don’t get thrown out for saying it!

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Memories of an Ex-Launton Boy This month the Ex-Launton Boy muses on the people mentioned in the last two pieces from Greta Walker, and comes up with some surprising insights. Having reflected on my memories on those Launtonians as featured in the July issue photograph of yesteryear members of the Launton Football team as submitted by Shirley Johnson (née Cannon), I would like this month to dwell on those Launtonians or at least some of them, as mentioned over the last two months by Greta Walker, to whom I am grateful for having jogged my memory so interestingly and entertainingly. Greta opened by suggesting that my memories of Launton go back further than hers, and commented that I hadn’t mentioned the Walker family. As it happens, I know I have written of one of my own generation in talking of Billy Walker of West End, more popularly known by his nickname of ‘Osram’ when I wrote a piece on the nicknames of people in the village that I could remember. But she is quite right, I never mentioned Gerald but I think that is because as a child and a young teenager, I knew very little about him other than he lived down West End and that he was a blonde tousle-haired sun-tanned farmer and was single and probably looked upon as the most eligible male Adonis in the village. But then I left the village for six years when I went away to join the army just before my eighteenth birthday. When I came back, much had changed with new housing estates, new people, including Greta, familiar faces either having moved away or more sadly, passed away. I only stayed in the village during my first year of marriage before moving to Bicester for three years, then moving to Devizes in Wiltshire for nine years before eventually moving to Kent in 1984. Of course, during that time I visited the village regularly to see my Mum and Dad, all the while observing a continuing change with even more housing and more new people and fewer familiar faces, so much so that despite spending my childhood and early teens living and being raised in the village, I began to feel that I was an outsider. I think that is probably one of the driving factors that brought me to start contributing to Launton Lines on a monthly basis, in an attempt to not lose touch with my roots. So, with Greta having lived in the village for fifty five years, she has resided there for quite a few more years than I ever did. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 38

I found some of the people Greta mentioned to be interesting, especially when reading of the contributions they made to the village, such as Bob and Jean Aitkin, Mr and Mrs Peacock, and David and Freda Clarke, but I have to say I never knew any of them, so they must have been “new arrivals” at some point, but incomers who got very much involved in village life as compared to those bringing suburbia into the countryside. Now, Connie Burrows I do remember, with her sandy-coloured hair and freckled face, and of course, her husband Bill Burrows with his lumber and logging firewood business. I also remember their son Colin who was a bit older than me and their daughter Heather. The last I heard of her she was living somewhere around the Croydon area but I haven’t a clue as to what happened to Colin. I am ashamed to say that despite digging into the recesses of my brain, I cannot put a face to John Jeacock of West End. Presumably we would have been distantly related, but whether he was more closely related to the Razzle Jeacocks of Sherwood Close than to us of Station Road, I honestly couldn’t say. Nonetheless, it was very interesting reading about him. I have no recall of Sylvia Ravenscroft and although I vaguely remember Sqn Ldr Gold and Mrs Gold (for some reason, I thought it was Gould), not being around the village long enough to become properly acquainted, I do not remember their daughter Pat, but I have read of and heard my sister Elaine speak of her in her married name of Pat Mitchell. Greta mentions Anne Harding, whom I only knew by sight, although of course I knew her late husband John Harding, son of Percy and Mrs Harding who used to run the village shop and Post Office when it was in Station Road, and his sister Janet (Kick) Harding who became Janet Burns. John and Anne converted the hovel which was Jim Marriott’s (church bell ringer man and boy) fruit and vegetable shop which I have previously written of, next door to the shop and Post Office, into their Olde Worlde residence before eventually emigrating to, I think, Spain. My eyes lit up when Greta mentioned the two Bicester Doctor’s Surgeries and the names of Dr Forbes, Dr Mutch, and Dr Tulloch. Dr Forbes was the one who saw my mum throughout her late pregnancy with my sister Elaine, who is ten years my junior. Mum always spoke very highly of him, and believe me, compliments didn’t come easily from my Mum. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 39

Now, Dr Mutch on the other hand was the doctor whom I did my utmost to see if ever I had to visit the surgery for anything. As a young lad I fancied her something rotten, such is youth and the confusion between innocence and a changing awareness going on around. But Dr Tulloch was a ‘no-nonsense’, ‘call a spade a spade’ Scottish doctor who wasn’t averse to telling overweight people forthrightly to do something about losing weight. I was about nine and a half stones at the time, so I never received the sharp edge of his tongue on that score. Of course, I have spoken of Barbara Jeffries (née Jeacock of the Razzle Jeacocks) who to me is the epitome of Launton women of the generation between that of me and my parents - big hearted and very gregarious! Monica Matthews I very well remember, and I recall learning that when a schoolgirl she had a crush on a boy at the same school: that boy was my Dad. I believe her daughter’s name is Sue, though I stand to be corrected, and her son, like me with jet black hair, was Bobby. They lived in the first of the Airey pre-fabricated houses on the left hand side in Sherwood Close. I know I have spoken very fondly of Mrs Freeman in earlier issues. I think she was probably the best loved teacher of all my generation in the village, an absolutely lovely and very genteel lady - and I mean, lady. Mrs Harrington was not teaching at Launton School in my time, but often as not, when Fred Sharpe’s daughter Elizabeth was not back in time from working in London, Mrs. Harrington would play the church organ back in the days when I was a member of the church choir. Another lovely and genteel lady and I am saddened to hear of her recent death. I never knew Miss Bellman, but my younger sister Elaine always spoke very warmly of her. Now on to Jack Ancil. He and his wife, who I believe was a school teacher in Ambrosden, had two sons, Nigel and Michael, both of whom followed their dad into Launton church choir. But Jack, who came from a large family and whose father had fought in the Boer War, had a really good singing voice. I shall always remember at Christmas time Jack singing the solo part of Good King Wenceslas to Peter Allen’s solo of his Page Boy. An excellent tenor and one I would love to emulate as I sing in the Garrison Church choir at Sunday morning services. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 40

Then on to good old George Gregory, chorister and church bellringer at Launton church. He rode his bicycle sitting bolt-upright and used to work at the Bicester Garrison. A lovely man with a great sense of humour! His daughter Carol was a good friend of my ex-wife, but I had no idea that she had passed away. As very young kids we used to play together, living so close by. Her brother Clive was a bit different, and managed to pour a pot of paint over his own head and then get his head stuck inside the paint pot.... or so I have heard. Connie Austin and husband Fred lived with their three daughters, Jo, Marjorie, and Gwen in West End until Mr and Mrs Timms (mentioned last month) moved to a bungalow in Sherwood Close, and then the Austins moved in next door to us at 1 Green View, Station Road. Jo married David Rose and moved down here to Kent, in Sittingbourne area I think. Connie was formerly a Ewers from Blackthorn and for a short while when I was steel erecting after I had left the army, I worked alongside other members of the Ewers family. You could see the family resemblance between Jo, Marge, and Gwen and the Ewers boys. On a slightly sadder note, as already mentioned with regard to Mrs Harrington, I was saddened to read of the recent death of Mrs Pam Richards née Hackling. She was such a lovely lady and her husband, as I recall was also a gentleman of the first order. As I recall, they had a son, David who was the first cousin of Heather and Neil Hackling whose parents built and occupied the bungalow standing next door to the late Mrs Harrington. After I left the army, and steel erecting, and British Leyland and a Bicester milk-round, I fell into Financial Services for thirty six years, starting off with the old Britannic Assurance Company conducting Home Service insurance, and it was always a pleasure calling on the Richards family. May both Mrs Harrington and Mrs Pam Richards rest in peace. Heaven will be blessed by their presence as the village of Launton was for many years. Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock | The Ex-Launton Boy | September 2021 Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 41

Diary Dates: September - October 2021

Maybe this will be the last month that I have to write this piece, as there are signs that events are picking up. Maybe next month.. So this listing shows only events that we are fairly confident will go ahead. Two of the three pubs (The Bull and The Launton Arms) are serving both drinks and food outside and inside. They still request people to wear masks when moving around, and provide sanitiser. The Playing Field Bar is open for drinks and big-screen television (page 33). All the teams at Launton FC are in training and playing matches. Aunt Sally has started in the pubs. The Countryside Craft Centre in West End has a forward programme but a CDC investigation may force it to close. The WI has its 9 September meeting in the Parish Hall (page 16), and a PHIP Open Meeting will be in the Hall on 16 September (page 32). On 16 October there will be another Open-Air Harvest Market outside the Hall (page 44), for PHIP and St Mary’s Church, and on 10 October is the next Bicester Heritage Scramble (page 32). And St Mary’s now has all services in the Church (page 14), with weddings and funerals taking place. Parish Council meetings are back in the Hall: next is on 2 September (page 7). The deadline for the October issue of Launton Lines will be Friday 17 September, a little earlier as we settle down with the new printer. Please send words and photos to launtonlines@launton.org.

Meeting the Challenge

In recent issues, Launton Lines has successfully profiled several local businesses, including Hannah’s osteopathy practice and Kirsty’s therapy business in Grange Mews, as well as Alicia’s activewear range and Jen’s Cattleshed Candle Company. If you run a small business in the village, or live in the village and have a business elsewhere, and want to be profiled here in Launton Lines, please let us know. You can contact Danny Cunningham, who puts together our Meeting the Challenge articles. He’s on cunninghamdanny24@gmail.com He’ll help to create the article and make sure that your business is featured in a coming issue of Launton Lines. We look forward to featuring many more Launton success stories in future issues. Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 42

Launton Dog of the Month

As we’ve been outside and walking a lot more we’ve got to see and know many of the dogs of the village. Launton Lines wants to feature our canine stars in the months ahead. Here is the eighth report. Dog’s Name: Harley Davidson Age: Very nearly 4 years old Gender: Male Breed: Labrador How long in Launton: 3 years and 5 months One interesting fact: Harley is named after the famous motorbike I came from: An Oxfordshire village Habit: He is best friends with our old cat, Ted Favourite food: Anything but flea tablets Favourite game or toy: A tennis ball or sticks of any shape or size Favourite walk: Island Pond Wood

If you would like your dog to feature in this column please email Kathy Gilbert, kathleengilbert533@googlemail.com or phone The Dog Of The Month on 07812 604 032.  Below: there has been a lot in village facebook pages on the Peahen of West End. Here is the Peacock of West End on a roof.  Right: The new Station Road taking shape on the approach to the new overbridge. As it disappears over the horizon, try to imagine it in April 2022 when the road reopens. Photos Jenni Walker and Peter Cox Launton Lines September 2021 | Page 43

A PHIP Event

HARVEST PRODUCE STALL Saturday 16 October 2021 10am - 12 noon Outside - on the front lawn of The Parish Hall Offers of chutneys, jams, preserves fruit, vegetables, garden produce, plants cakes, baked savouries, biscuits, breads ... ... all most welcome. On the day, drop donations at the Hall after 9.30am - or before the day with Joan Packer at 19 Blenheim Drive Thank you for your support Proceeds to be shared between St Mary’s Church and The Parish Hall Improvement Project Contact j.packer779@btinternet.com 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 its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXI 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.