Three December events recorded in photos One of the recent stunning sunsets - this on 16 December Photo from Ella Rayner
Launton Ladies FC enjoying a Christmas drink at Launton Sports and Social evidence that the bar is not only a lads’ space The Village Players carol singing in The Bull on Friday 12 December as they sang around the village Photo from Bob Roberts The cover shows one of the tallest Launton Christmas Trees fully dressed with handmade decorations and lights, by the entrance to the Island Pond Wood. The tree is flanked by Nova and Luna also dressed in seasonal glitter. See pages 22-23 for a full report and more photos. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo by Amy Bradford
The Editor writes …
Our front cover this month features one of the 90 or so Christmas Trees created by a team from recycled pallets then dressed with hand-made decorations by another team. Many trees (like this one) had lights funded by the Parish Council. It all added to the Christmas pleasure in the village. There is a report on the project on pages 22-23. and on page 19 there is a QR code for any late donations to the Island Pond Wood. On page 20 is a photo and report of another Parish Council initiative - a large dog poo bin installed by the Yew Tree Close playground. Page 8 also has a report and photos on Working Parties in the Woodland. This month we have historical reports from 200 (page 11), 150 (pages 10-11) and 100 (page 33) years ago, and a report from the Historical Society (pages 17-18) that includes the Quiz from the December meeting, with page 39 listing the answers. Page 32 introduces the reopening of the Community Cafe on 13 January. Ed Hamill for LES reports (page 14) on the success in “selling” plots to raise money to expand the area of nature reserve in Launton, and children from the school report with photos on pages 38-39 on The Festival of Light, and on Christmas Jumper Day. This issue introduces two new regular features. Page 24 has the first of articles about the natural beauty of Launton from Ian and Anna Jones, and on page 25 Pip Tomson contributes Tips for Dogs - Pip started advertising (page 15) last month. We have a new advertiser on page 11, Stuart Toomey Kitchens. Please support our advertisers - we need them to keep Launton Lines going.
Robert Cornford Launton Lines
A monthly newsletter for Launton. Published around the first of each month by the Launton Community Communications Group © 2026 Launton Lines
email: launtonlines@launton.org website: https://launton.org/launton-lines/ The Launton Lines Committee 2025-2026 Chair: Vacant | Secretary: Kate Greig | Editors: Robert Cornford, Matt Hill Treasurer: Carina Collins | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Jenni Walker
Contact the Parish Council Andy White has resigned as Parish Clerk, but you can still contact the Council by email at clerk@launtonpc.gov.uk or on the Council’s mobile at 07305 303 889.
To book the Parish Hall Contact: Joan Packer Phone: 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: The Parish Council has now established a new Management Committee
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Would you like to sponsor an evening’s floodlighting at St. Mary’s Church in memory of a loved one, to give thanks for the birth of a child, or to celebrate a baptism, a birthday, or a wedding? A minimum donation of £10 is suggested which can be Gift Aided. Please contact Joan Packer on 01869 241694 by 20 January 2026 for entry in the February 2026 edition of Launton Lines. 4 January [1992] | Joan Foster [Mum]. Happy memories of a loving caring best mum where family meant everything. A dedicated teacher at Launton school, a true friend, and a person who encouraged Launton community to work together to make it a better place. We love you and never forget you, from Wendy, Caroline and James Foster xxx 9 January | Sponsored by Maureen and Bob Roberts to celebrate the birthday of Bob's aunt, Eileen Bennett, a family favourite. 20 January | Sponsored by the Squire family in loving memory of Marjorie Squire who died on this day in 2003 24 January | Sponsored by the Squire family in loving memory of David Squire who died on this day in 2023
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 4 December 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. Councillors present: Mr Glyn Austin, Mr Andrew Briant (Vice Chairman, 6 November), Mr Simon Turner (Chairman), Mrs Jaqueline Webber Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 4
Apologies: Mrs Jackie Hackett In attendance: 6 members of the public. Reports from District and County Councillors There were no reports from either County or District Councillors. Governance and Consultations The new Clerk, Andy White, has resigned and Simon Turner has again been appointed to be Acting Clerk until a new permanent Clerk or locum can be found; advertising the vacancy will begin shortly. Jackie Hackett and Jackie Webber are continuing to update the Emergency Plan and will be joined by Glyn Austin. There are still vacancies for two Councillors, details of which may be found on the Parish Council website. Finance The Finance Report for the 4 December meeting is available on the Parish Council website. Planning All planning applications, which include the links to Cherwell’s Planning Portal, are put on the Parish Council website when they are received (www.launton-pc.gov.uk - in the Agenda and Minutes section). There were no new applications this month. If a villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments. Guidance about how the Parish Council is able to respond is available on the Parish Council website at https://www.launtonpc.gov.uk/planning-applications/ Parish Hall The Advisory Working Group has assisted the Parish Council with applying for two grants, with a third application pending. Some grant applications for the Parish Hall are also being submitted by FoLPH. The group continues to meet regularly, sometimes twice per week, and has arranged for an energy assessment of the Hall to be carried out by ESOx. Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 5
Quotations are still being sought from local builders for the refurbishment work. If you would be interested in joining the Parish Hall Management Committee to help with the management of the Hall, please contact Simon Turner (simon.turner@launton-pc.gov.uk) for more information. The planters have been installed outside the Parish Hall; the whole area looks rejuvenated, with particular thanks going to Jackie Hackett for all her work on this. Village matters The Greencore development site off Station Road and their arrangements for the security of the site and neighbouring landowners’ properties were discussed; the Council will contact Greencore in the hope of getting the problems satisfactorily resolved. After receiving initial responses from Oxfordshire County Council, there will be further engagement with them about highway issues in the village. Booking slots at Household Recycling Centres from 16 January From 16 January 2026, everyone needs to book a time slot to visit any of OCC’s Household Waste Recycling Centres. People can book 30 minutes before a visit (subject to availability) or up to two weeks in advance. More information at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/hwrcbooking Agenda items and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 8 January 2026 in the Grange Farm Conference Room, starting at 7.30pm - please note the unusual date and venue. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor, do come along after 7.15pm. Suggestions for agenda items for the 5 February meeting need to be with the Clerk by 22 January and items for the 5 March meeting by 19 February. 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 January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 6
Launton Watercolour Art Group The Watercolour Group normally meets on Mondays in the Parish Hall between 2pm and 4pm. In January 2026 we have a brief break, and our first meeting of the year is on Monday 19 January in the Parish Hall. Here are two seasonal works from our tutor, David Weeks. If you are interested in attending the watercolour art group, please email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com
Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 7
Island Pond Wood Working Party report
In the last three months the village woodland volunteers assisted by Vale Countryside Volunteers and Bicester Green Gym have been clearing undergrowth around the main pond and the side wood. Our goals are to raise the tree canopy to allow the understory to develop and to clear the ditches to identify why the wood floods during periods of heavy rain and does not drain away quickly enough. In early October Tim Jenkins, while dredging half of the pond, created 3 scrapes that should help capture excess water and allow everyone to continue walking through the wood throughout the winter. If you are able to join our midweek working party we meet on the second Tuesday of the month by the pond at 10am for a little fresh air, exercise, banter, and halftime cake and refreshments. Mick Jennion
THE BULL INN Launton THE WARM HEART OF LAUNTON A BIG BULL-SIZED THANK YOU. SINCE TAKING THE REINS AT THE BULL INN, WE'VE BEEN BOWLED OVER BY THE WELCOME WE'VE RECEIVED. HONESTLY, WE WEREN'T SURE HOW WE WOULD BE RECEIVED BECAUSE YOUR PUB IS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU, BUT YOU’VE BEEN BRILLIANT. FROM FRIENDLY FACES POPPING IN “JUST TO SEE WHAT'S CHANGED” (WE SEE YOU), TO NEIGHBOURS OFFERING ADVICE, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND THE OCCASIONAL STRONG OPINION ABOUT WHERE THE DARTBOARD “SHOULD” GO, LAUNTON HAS SHOWN US EXACTLY WHY THIS VILLAGE IS SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE. YOU ARE WARM, WITTY, AND WONDERFULLY SUPPORTIVE, AND CLEARLY NOT AFRAID TO TELL US WHEN THE ALE’S RUNNING LOW: OUR KIND OF PEOPLE WE’RE EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE, PROUD TO BE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY AND DETERMINED TO KEEP THE BULL INN A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS AT HOME . . . WHETHER HERE FOR A QUIET PINT, A LIVELY CHAT, OR SIMPLY TO ESCAPE DOING THE WASHING UP. THANK YOU LAUNTON. HERE’S TO MANY GOOD TIMES AHEAD AT THE BULL!
CHRIS, SUE, AND THE TEAM AT THE BULL INN
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NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN JANUARY 2026 You are most welcome to join the Services and Events listed here. All are in St Mary’s,
4 January 8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am Family Service - Epiphany 7 January 2.30pm
Fellowship Group resumes in St Mary’s note the change of day
11 January 6.00pm
Evensong
18 January 11.00am Holy Communion 19 January 2.30pm
Fellowship Group meets in St Mary’s back to regular Monday
25 January 11.00am Morning Prayer It is always advisable to refer to the Facebook page for St Mary’s Church Launton for the most up-to-date information in case any last minute changes have been necessary. Or please contact The Team Vicar Revd Sarah revsarahmortimer@outlook.com 07876 188 519 or the Churchwarden Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694
We plan the return to The Morning Community Café on 13 January 2026. Please see page 32 for more information or contact Celia on Celiamanderson@aol.com or 01869 571735 Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 9
150 Years Ago: from The Bicester Herald January 1876 Friday January 7 At LAUNTON, a Horticultural Society is formed Mr CR Killby is the secretary. The show for 1876 is to be held on Tuesday in the feast week. The schedule gives nearly 150 prizes to be competed for. LAUNTON One of the pleasant diversions in the monotony of school-life was experienced by the scholars attending the Congregational Day and Sunday Schools, on Wednesday last, January 5, when, through the exertions of Miss Chandler, the schoolmistress, and the kind contributions of friends, a rare treat was provided for the juveniles. After the scholars had partaken of tea in the school-room, the teachers and friends sat down to a similar repast. In the evening a large Christmas tree, heavily laden with useful and fancy articles, was lit up; and the contents were distributed amongst the children. Recitations were given by some of the children for prizes, Miss Nellie Shouler obtaining the first. Rewards were also given to those boys who had attended the Sunday School most regularly. Friday January 14 PETTY SESSIONS Game Law Charge John Marriott, alias “Pettit,” and Ezra Jeacock, labourers, of Launton, were summoned for being on land, in the occupation of Mr CR Killby, farmer, of Launton, in search of conies on Friday, December 24, at Launton. Marriott did not appear, and PC George Stockford proved service of summons. Jeacock acknowledged that he was guilty of the charge. Mr RK Foster, farmer, Wendlebury and Launton, said that on the day in question, he saw a man busily engaged pulling something out of the hedge, and put his arm down a hole. Afterwards he saw Jeacock go to the other man; but whether he had a ferret or rabbit in his hand, witness did not know. He could not tell at first who Marriott was, as he had been so knocked about in the face; but when he looked up he identified him. He afterwards found a stick, which they had, apparently, been putting into the burrow. Mr Killby remarked, in answer to the Chairman, that he did not wish to prosecute the case against either of the defendants; but that he only wanted them to know that they must Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 10
not do it again. The Chairman told Jeacock that, as it was the first time he had been before them on that charge, they should deal leniently with him. He must mind not to come before them again, or they would be more severe, and they advised him not to go trespassing, as it might lose him his character, and lead to everything that was bad. They would let him off as lightly as they could with a fine of 6d, and 3s costs. Jeacock, who had nothing to say in extenuation, paid the money. Marriott, who had four previous convictions against him, was ordered to pay a fine of 10s, and costs, 10s, or 14 days’ hard labour. Marriott's mother afterwards paid the cash.
200 Years Ago: from Jackson's Oxford Journal 7 January 1826 Notice is hereby given, That a meeting of the Creditors of Joseph Ellis, late of Launton in the county of Oxford, farmer, who was lately discharged from His Majesty’s Gaol of Oxford, under and by virtue of an Act of Parliament made and passed in the first year of the reign of his present Majesty, for the relief of Insolvent Debtors in England, and of the Act to amend the same, passed in the third year of the reign of his said Majesty, will be held on Friday the 27th day of January instant, at Twelve o’clock at noon precisely, at the Crown Inn, Bicester, in the county of Oxford, to approve and direct in what manner, and at what place or places, the real Estate of the said Insolvent shall be sold by public Auction. [Historical note: these were the ‘good old days’ when people were imprisoned for debt and had to stay incarcerated until the money was paid off. ] Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 11
The Launton Community Choir Christmas Concert:
Rocking’ around the Christmas Tree “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” was a wonderful evening, the singing in the Church was amazing, and the children sang so well on Away in a Manger. Thank you to all who sang in the Choir and to Nikki Fine for leading us, as well as to everyone who braved the weather and supported us. It was a festive evening of carols, Christmas songs and readings. It was joyous to sing Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bell Rock as well as the more traditional carols such as Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Thank you to our accompanists, Nikki Fine on the piano, Steve Webber on keyboard, John Nelson and Eleanor Morrison-Moore on the guitar and Diana Glover on the organ. There were mince pies and mulled wine as well as soft drinks served and thank you to everyone who donated these as well as items for the
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raffle. Thank you to the team who checked tickets sold raffle tickets, and generally looked after our audience. The evening raised £852 for St Mary’s and was a wonderful start to the Christmas celebrations at St Mary’s. Thank you. St Mary’s Team
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Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 13
LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY THANK YOU Launton . . . . . . On behalf of our Launton elf (That is short for Environmental Legacy Fund) for making our First Funding Campaign such a wonderful success! Anyone who thought that introducing a vast project like acquiring a new Nature Reserve by a small village such as ours, when everyone is in a self propelled frenzy, preparing for Christmas, would be a mad idea. Not so! This place never ceases to amaze me! The people in our wonderful Community Spirited Village engaged wholeheartedly in our Down Payment / Christmas Campaign by raising over £1,400 in just 25 days. Even raising £1,000 would have exceeded my wildest dreams. But it wasn’t just the money that was so uplifting. It was the Interest, the Enthusiasm, and the Thinking about our future and the future of our children and their children that was so amazing. Thank You all so much! We have got off to a really Great Start, but there is a long long way to go and a lot of things need to be done to make our New Nature Reserve a reality. We still need your help. Our next scheduled MOP meeting is on Thursday 15 January 2026 at The Parish Hall at 7:30pm. We will share that time with the First Village Meeting of the Launton Environmental Legacy Fund. We are looking for volunteers to take a more active role in moving this project along. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful project, please do join us! Together we will get it done! And Quickly! Also, The Fund Raising continues. Call this the start of our Second Fund raising efforts - The Down Payment/Easter Campaign. Here is your opportunity to cut your Carbon Footprint (Chocolate is one of ‘the baddies’) and help restore balance to Mother Nature at the same time. And doing this ‘little bit’ for only £20. You can still make use of the Just Giving QR code found in many locations throughout the village. It is what I call, Intelligent Consumerism. Thank you again and wishing you and your family a happier 2026. Submitted by Ed from LES (launtonenvironmentalsociety@gmail.com) Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 14
Launton Village Players Carol Singing around the village
Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you to everyone who supported the LVP Carol singing around Launton Village. We raised £280.16 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Thank you to all who came out to listen and who gave so generously. The Launton Village Players hope you have had a wonderful Christmas full of festive cheer and wish you a very happy and healthy 2025.
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Launton Historical Society reporting . . . and a quiz At the last meeting of 2025 we had a fast AGM (4+ minutes) and a quiz put together by Pat. We assembled in teams, so as not to face this alone. The winners got 19 points, well done to them. Here are the questions - see if you do any better!
1. From the seven letters in the name LAUNTON, how many words of four or more letters can you find? (Each letter can only be used once, so e.g. NANA isn’t allowed.) (1 point for every word) 2. Launton is about as far from the coast as is possible in Great Britain but how high is it above sea level (in feet)? 3. What is the date over the door of this building (the Parish Hall)? 4. In the most recent election, Launton was put into the new constituency of Woodstock and Bicester. Before that it had been in the Banbury constituency since 1974 and prior to that to that, since 1885, it had been part of a constituency named after which town? 5. A young man from Launton was one of the 26 victims of a terrible railway disaster which took place on Christmas Eve 1874 at Shipton-on-Cherwell. Was the accident caused by:(a) the very bad weather that day, when ice had affected the operation of the signals? (b) metal fatigue had caused a wheel to fracture? (c) railway staff at Oxford station had failed to couple up the carriages properly? 6. In the First World War, the majority of Launton men who served were members of two local territorial regiments. a) What was the name of the cavalry regiment? b) What was the name of the infantry regiment? 7. In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen had discovered x-rays, and they were soon used medically. The Bicester Herald reported that Albert Green, who ran the Launton Post Office, had been taken to the Radcliffe Infirmary with a needle embedded in his thumb, for an x-ray, prior to treatment. In which year do you think this happened? 8. Skinner Road was named after a former Launton rector, Robert Skinner, appointed in 1631. He was made Bishop of Oxford in 1641, but was imprisoned for 18 weeks in the Tower of London by the Puritans and was deprived of his bishopric. After the Restoration, he was appointed bishop to a diocese within a 60-mile radius of Launton. He died in 1670 and was buried in his cathedral. Where? Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 17
9. Historically, which parishes are adjacent to Launton? (1 for each parish) 10. The old Oxford-Cambridge railway line is currently being updated by EastWest Rail. When the line was originally opened 175 years ago, excursion tickets via Bletchley were on sale from May to September of that year: First Class 6 shillings; Second Class, in “new covered carriages’’ three shillings and six pence. What was the attraction? 11. In which year was the first meeting of Launton Historical Society held? The answers are on page 39. In about 4 months time, we start to book speakers for 2027 (2027!). If you have a story to tell (with a bit of historical content) and you don’t mind talking to our friendly group, do get in touch. In January we will hear Stephen Goss talk about Oxfordshire in the Cold War. February brings Deborah Hayter talking about how enclosure shaped the Oxfordshire landscape and in March, Frank Collingwood will speak about the Bus Museum in Long Hanborough, which is apparently not solely about buses but has a lot of social history and also covers bicycles. We will continue to chat over hot drinks and wine and we are looking forward to Mary’s seasonal baking. 7.30pm in the Parish Hall on the last Thursday of the month and all are welcome. Happy New Year!
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Launton WI Reporting . . . on our December Meeting
Our final monthly meeting of the year was entitled Floral Festive Fun. Lucy Cross, who has worked in floristry, had been asked to demonstrate and share her tips on how to produce an attractive Christmas table decoration using garden foliage. The committee had provided the Oasis and a variety of greenery and, inspired by Lucy, the members picked up their scissors ready to use or discover their creative talents. The mulled wine, Bucks Fizz, homemade mince pies and shortbread, served by the committee, was a welcome addition. The festive theme of the evening ended with Eleanor reading out the entries in the Christmas Cracker Joke competition. Lucy was tasked with picking the best! It had been an evening of fun with friends and foliage. New members are welcome to join us in 2026 when our first meeting will be on Thursday 8 January at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The speaker will be Jackie Allen talking about Packing a Suitcase. Lynne Harper The winning joke was from Jackie Webber: “Why was the snowman looking through the bag of carrots?” “Because he was picking his nose!”
The Launton Christmas Trees around the village and the Post Box Toppers have been created in memory of our friend and fellow Launtonite, Isobel Jennion. If you have enjoyed the Christmas Tree trail (see pages 22-23), please consider donating to the Island Pond Wood using this QR code. Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 19
A new dog bin at the end of Yew Tree Close A new large dog bin was purchased and has been installed at the end of Yew Tree Close on behalf of Launton Parish Council. The work was finally done on 10 December last year. The current small bin was often overflowing and an unpleasant sight and smell for everyone. The dog bin at the bottom of the playing fields has been removed at the same time as contractors would not empty it in the winter months due to flooding. This resulted in that bin overflowing and often being left as a health hazard for many weeks. Please use the new bin! Jackie Hackett, Councillor Launton Parish Council
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Launton Christmas Trees
The Launton Christmas trees have been taken down and stored, hopefully to be reinstalled for Christmas 2026. They were a huge success, and we hope you enjoyed them as much as we enjoyed making them. We have a lot of thank yous to say: firstly to all the wonderful volunteers who made the trees, made the decorations, decorated and installed the trees, looked after the trees whilst in situ and those who are now storing them. Thank you to the Parish Council for the grant for lights and other sundries. Thanks to Tim Payne who made 200 wooden decorations for Launton School and children from Church and Primrose Child Minding to decorate, and to Fiona and Graham Rollo for varnishing the wooden decorations. We include this separate thanks from Bob Roberts to the Tree Team (it seems they all had nicknames!) “After a supremely successful and enjoyable project, the time has come for thanks to the team that made 90+ pallet Christmas Trees. They are Cliff the Ironmonger (retired), Ed the Smooth(er), Paul the Artist, Chris the Van Man, Kate the Apprentice, Derek the Professional and Mick the Wrecker. Let’s not forget Rob the Scanner for checking our sites to make sure we didn’t cut off the village internet when we installed the trees. Many thanks to all from Bob All the gear and No Idea.” We would also like to thank local businesses and families who sponsored trees and we hope that you would consider supporting these businesses (see below, in alphabetical order). 8th Day Cleaning Heathrow Plumbing Sight Technology Services Support Ltd Launton Saddlery Benjamin Clowes Take Your Lead (thanks New Barn Stud for checking on the trees Fabrication Oxford Equine Vets while out dog-walking!) Bicester Glass Peter Cox The Tythe Barn Fair Weather Dog Ros’s Alterations Training Club The Village Players Royal Foot Care Garth Park Kitchen Tropic Skincare Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 22
Together with the 48 tree sales, the sponsor money and the donations to the fundraising page, we have raised an incredible £2,208 (as of 19 December 2025). So last of all, a BIG thank you to all of you who supported us, donated and gave words of encouragement. As they say, “We couldn't have done it without you!” Happy New Year to all of our supporters. Over and Out! The Launton Christmas Tree Elves
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PAWS WITH PIP TIPS FOR DOGS Helping you pick the right dog for your lifestyle 1. Do your homework. Research a dog’s natural characteristics, instincts and needs. It's about so much more than aesthetics and cuteness. 2. Try not to bow to pressure just because the children want one. Ask yourself honestly whether you have the time, patience and finances to meet a dog’s physical and emotional needs for years to come. 3. Avoid buying dogs off websites. Instead, consider an established rescue charity or a responsible breeder registered with the Kennel Club. 4. If you’re buying a puppy then always ask to meet the real mum in her home environment and don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. A good breeder will welcome them. 5. Never expect a dog to simply slot into your world. Dogs don’t speak English so communication takes learning on both sides. Investing in positive, rewardbased training can help you understand your dog’s behaviour, build a strong bond, and set you both up for a nourishing and happy life together.
Pause your busy life and improve communication with your number one fan through positive, compassionate dog training. Pip Tomson is a Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT), broadcaster and founder of Paws with Pip. Email: pip@pawswithpip.com Website: www.pawswithpip.com Instagram: @paws_withpip
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Jeff the Postie at Christmas Thank you to everyone who donated to Jeff’s collection for Christmas 2025.
We have written all your names in the card and raised a whopping £155 which we gave him in Blue Diamond Vouchers, plus a biscuit tin and some biscuits to keep him going! And here is a photo of Jeff in uniform in The Village Coffee Shop picking up his Christmas boxes.
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A Road-Trip Like No Other Part 1: Convoy 51 from Upper Heyford to Lviv, Ukraine It was just after 6am on Thursday 20 November when my wife dropped me off at Upper Heyford to meet our crew of 12 volunteers, all set to deliver much-needed evacuation vehicles to Ukraine. We were convoy 51. I’d met most of them the evening before. My vehicle was a trusty 15-year-old Hilux with a mere 130,000 miles on the clock. My co-driver was Jack, from Los Angeles. The rest of our crew comprised of a blue Renault (once a campervan) driven by Tara, a bright young American who had never driven a manual vehicle before, with her friends Ollie (a part-Ukrainian Lancastrian) and Tommy (our official trip photographer, hailing from Wimbledon). Then came the silver Land Rover Discovery, christened “the Cornish Cruiser”, driven by Ian (Cornish by birth, Somerset by residence) with Svitlana beside him (a Ukrainian who, like many others, had come to the UK at the start of the war). Further back was a donated 4×4 Ford, driven by Richard and Graham. Finally, bringing up the rear, a second Hilux: the recovery vehicle, packed with spare parts, jump leads, tools, basically everything you’d need if your convoy turned into a mobile scrapyard. We didn’t drive in tight formation, but stayed connected via walkietalkies and WhatsApp, rendezvousing regularly for fuel, comfort breaks and generally making sure no one got left behind. To co-ordinate the whole convoy we had a guiding hand in Jake, from Driving Ukraine, who floated between vehicles. He’d done this run many times, knew exactly where we’d break for fuel, where we’d stay that night, and even booked the hotels on the way. Setting Off We kicked things off with bacon-and-egg sandwiches cooked in the house where the others had stayed overnight at Upper Heyford. Fuelled and fortified, we got the obligatory safety briefing, distributed walkietalkies, loaded the vehicles, and were on the road by about 7.30 Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 27
I drove the Hilux down to Dover, the insurance required a named driver for the UK leg of the journey. Once we’d crossed on the ferry (a first in a long time for me, usually I take the tunnel) we switched to “any-driveron-the-continent” rules. Jack and I quietly decided that the Hilux was ours until Lviv, our destination in Ukraine. We’d swap at the wheel, but keep hold of the vehicle. Jack had this joke with his kids that he was born in Dover, so he took a photo of the Dover sign. I wasn’t going to be outdone: I was born in Maidstone, and we drove past the Maidstone turnoff that same afternoon. As we crossed France, Belgium, the Netherlands and into Germany, the carefree travel mood slowly wore off. Fast roads, heavy traffic, rain, headlights and alternating lanes - and then, about an hour from Dortmund, a huge traffic jam that kept us crawling until around 9.30pm Jack did not enjoy that stretch. His tell-tale sign? He politely but firmly declared “Spotify Radio Silence.” The morning after we had a slight problem getting out of the car park. No ticket, barrier frozen, German instructions taunting us on the intercom, my schoolboy O-level German was totally useless. Jake our great leader solved it by approaching the barrier in another vehicle, like a man who’d done it before. We escaped through the now open entry barrier! Meet my co-driver A little before we left England Jack and I had had a video call, me at home in downtown Launton, Jack in Los Angeles, freshly back from Italy where he’d been visiting his daughter. It turned out that he’s a script-writer and producer in Hollywood, yes, that Hollywood. I couldn’t resist googling him. Sure enough, there he was: name plus “script” gave up his résumé. His big hits: the two (yes, two) Ace Ventura films. I’d never seen them. So, the next evening, Lesley and I watched the first, and though Lesley found it full of schoolboy humour, I could see the appeal. The second, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, I watched solo; it was equally daft, but oddly joyous in a “mildly absurd ’90s comedy” way. Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 28
Meeting Jack in person the night before departure, at the pub in Heyford Park, he struck me as unassuming, friendly enough. I figured if we were about to spend 1,318 miles together, we’d better get along. And we did. Into Poland, Ukraine, Rain, Snow, and unexpected Road Signs We spent the next night in Katowice in Poland, again after a long and tiring drive. There was really only time to have a quick meal together and go to bed, as we had to be up early again the next morning, ready to go at 7.00. I had parked the Hilux on the street that evening, so the problems of the day before in Dortmund were not repeated. However, in my desire to re-park directly outside the hotel the next morning, so we could just drive off from there, I managed not to see a road sign’s pole in my rear mirror. Luckily I was only moving at a snail’s pace, and felt just a mild thud, and heard the shout from one of our crew, so that the damage to both Hilux and road sign was so minor as to be totally imperceptible, unless you had seen what had just happened. We drove off, for a second morning with a ‘minor’ incident to my credit. We arrived at the Ukrainian border midmorning, and had a pretty uneventful time, first of all exiting Poland, even with my driving history from the previous 2 days. We then travelled the few yards across No Man’s Land to the Ukrainian border, where we needed to have the vehicles checked against Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 29
log books, and a relatively simple check of goods going in. Less than 3 hours after we had arrived at the border, we had crossed into Ukraine. With hindsight I still would have climbed on to the Hilux roof for a photo opportunity. However, without any health insurance as of 20 minutes, being now in a war zone, some may understandably question this decision. Lviv and the Reason for our Journey Jack drove the final stretch from the Ukrainian border into Lviv. The light faded, rain turned to sleet, and we shuffled along carefully. We arrived in Lviv at around 5pm, greeted by Maksim from the Ukrainian side of Driving Ukraine, which has a vehicle workshop there. We were all given plaques, and I put up the Launton Christmas Tree. This time went all too fast, and soon we were back in the vehicles, off to our hotel, for a final meal and evening together. The next morning we were greeted by 8 inches of snow. We all went off to The Field of Mars in Lviv, where the dead soldiers from Lviv are buried. Each plot, of which there were hundreds, had a Ukrainian flag, and a bench beside it. Each grave had been lovingly tended by mothers and relatives. Photos, flowers, and mementoes. Many tearful mothers could be seen clearing the snow off the graves, it was a sombre, sobering sight. After this, we lightened the mood with a final gathering at a coffee shop, and we were all presented with Ukrainian vehicle number plates with our names in Cyrillic lettering. A nice and fitting way to end the formal part of this journey. Part 2 of David’s report in the next issue Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 30
The official plaque presented to all drivers The Launton Christmas Tree in the workshop in Lviv
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Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 31
Launton’s closely guarded secret????
Last month we tried to shed light on what could seems to be a hidden activity when we wrote of an opportunity to meet up and socialise. We offer a selection of teas, coffee and biscuits and ask only for a small donation to cover our costs. This pop-up morning Café is run by a small group and meets between 9 and 11 in the Parish Hall on Tuesday morning during term-time. We offer a friendly place for the village community (with or without grandchildren) while also welcoming pre-schoolers and their carers or parents. There are plenty of toys plus baby weighing scales available to monitor progress. Over the years we have noticed the benefits to all: the older visitors enjoy the convivial atmosphere while the youngsters blossom in learning to play and share together, forging friendships prior to starting school. If you like the sound of this, that it might be something you would like to explore and be a part of, please do come along when we next meet on 13 January 2026. In the meantime, if you would like further information you could contact any of the following: Maretta (249132) Hilary (214989) Celia M (571735)
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100 Years Ago: from The Bicester Advertiser, 1926
Friday 8 January RADCLIFFE INFIRMARY The [Launton ] contributions for the last quarter amounted to £11 3s and 2d and the total for the year was £42 16s, an increase of £5 18s on the last year. WEDDING The marriage took place quietly at the Savoy Chapel on Wednesday of Richard Charles, only son of the [sic] Frederick John Staples-Brown, JP, of Launton and Bampton, and Katherine, widow of Hubert Hildith Jones, second lieutenant, 3rd Battalion of the Borders Regiment, and daughter of the late John Davidson Wilson, of Oasten House, Chester-le-Street, and Mrs Wilson. The bride, who was given away by her mother, wore a saxe-blue georgette gown, with a hat to match, and carried a bouquet of mauve orchids. Master Edward Williams was the page. The best man was Lord Rathercreeden, brother-in-law of the bridegroom. Among those present at the service and afterwards at a luncheon given by Mrs Wilson at the Savoy Hotel were: Mrs TR Davey (sister of the bridegroom), Lord and Lady Rathercreeden, Mrs H Baumgartner, Mr and Mrs Dakyns, Miss Huntingdon, Mr and Mrs Aneurin Williams, Miss Ursula Aneurin Williams and the Hon Sylvia Norton. Later in the day the bride and bridegroom left for their honeymoon in Italy. SERVICE OF SONG There was a large attendance at the Congregational Church on Tuesday evening when the choir gave an excellent rendering of a cantata Pilgrim’s Progress. Mr W Malins was the conductor. FOOTBALL Bicester Reserves scratched their match at Launton, only five or six players being available. The team was completed at Launton and a friendly game was played. Launton won by eight goals to none. Friday 22 January CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH A welcome to the new minister, the Rev DA King, was given last week, when a large company sat down to tea. Short speeches were given by Mr W Fenemore, Mr Jones and Mr H Sansome. The Minister afterwards presided over a meeting, when an excellent musical programme was given. [Historical note: This was Richard Staples-Browne’s third marriage. His first wife, Sylvia Huntingdon, and their new-born baby are buried in a large grave close to the church porch. His second wife was from New Zealand (Maggie Papakura) and they had divorced; she was posthumously awarded a degree in anthropology in a ceremony at Oxford University a few weeks ago.] Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 33
Launton Village Players 2026 Panto
We are now counting down the days to our first performance and tickets are selling fast, particularly for the daytime shows, but there’s still time to buy yours and come along and enjoy our story of “Treasure Island” - get your tickets at www.ticketsource.co.uk or call 07864 715 708. Performances will be in Cooper School Performance Hall, the times and prices are: Date
Performance Time
Adult (18+)
Child
Weds 18 Feb
7.30pm
£12
£7
Thurs 19 Feb
10.30am* and 2.30pm
£12
£7
Fri 20 Feb
2.30pm and 7.30pm
£14
£8
Sat 21 Feb
2.30pm and 7.30pm
£14
£8
* Relaxed performance
WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR
A caring traditional 24 hour service Provided by Mr Hancock and his team personally
Private Chapel Of Rest
Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars
Perfect Choice Funeral Plans
Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 34
Our relaxed performance on Thursday morning is suitable for all, particularly anyone who might prefer a more laid back theatre experience. We are also pleased to have British Sign Language interpreter Christine DeBlase joining us on stage again for our relaxed performance on Thursday morning. Remember that we also have 14 additional tickets available for each performance which are only available to purchase on the door. These are situated at the back of the hall and are accessed up a large step. Treasure Island is full of magical characters including Libby the Librarian (who is really a Good Fairy!) and of course several pirates and even some naughty sand devils! All usual elements of a family panto are included; lots of fun and audience participation plus many comic moments! There are free puzzle sheets and glow sticks for the children, and you can join in with the magic, cheer on the heroes and boo the baddie (who really is enjoying himself far too much!). Come along and find out: Is the treasure really that powerful? Can our heroes stop wicked Captain Hook from getting the treasure? Does Polly the parrot find some friends in Launhaven? There’s a bundle of fun, magic, music and colour in our story as well as slapstick and much audience participation. Get your tickets now so you don’t miss out on Bicester’s biggest and best award-winning panto! Profits will be donated to two charities: Dementia Active and Dementia Oxfordshire, which provide support, advice and opportunities to those with a dementia diagnosis and their families in the local area We look forward to seeing you. If you need more information contact us on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk, on Facebook or on our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk.
Thank you for all your support. The LVP team
Still not sure about coming to see Bicester’s best pantomime? See audience comments on some of the previous 39 shows on page 36. Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 35
Here’s what audiences have said about some of our previous pantomimes: “Had everything you could want from a panto and more - brilliant!” “The performers put their all into the show and we enjoyed it very much. The whole experience was excellent!” “Absolutely brilliant show - so professional. Enjoyed every minute. Keep up the good work!” “If you missed it, you missed a treat!” “First time we’ve seen an LVP show and we’ll definitely be back!” “Outshone all the bigger theatre panto productions we’ve seen!” “I smiled and laughed from start to finish!” “Excellent entertainment for the grandchildren. Their first time at a panto and they thoroughly enjoyed it” “A big thank you for doing a relaxed performance. It meant so much to be able to see a play without worrying”
Jen and Dicki Walker Silver Wedding Celebrating 25 years of marriage for Dicki and Jen Walker Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary on 13 January, loved and appreciated by your family. Love Joyce and Gareth, Paris, Chanel, Tate, Eric, and Dan A Message from Mary Brydon Thank you to everyone who donated to the jams and jelly left at 44 Sycamore Road this summer and autumn. A total of £67.47 has been made to the Parish Hall Fund. The weather is not good now to leave outside, but I still have some jams and jellies on the shelves. Please call any time. Thank you again.
Mary Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 36
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Launton School reporting . . . for January Year 6 children playing piano for the Festival of Light
Leaf-shape candle holders with tea lights for the Festival of Light
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Today some Year 5 children are speaking to us about the Key Stage 2 Festival of Light celebration and Christmas jumper day. On Wednesday 10 December we celebrated the Festival of Light. Some Year 4 children performed music on their brass instruments, which included a cornet, baritone, and trombone. They performed three pieces of music, Seven Cs, DC Blues, and Christmas Time. The Year 6 children performed Jingle Bells. They sang and played some instruments, piano, cornet, trombone and hand bells. Both performances were really good and we enjoyed them. Before the festival we had made leaf-shaped candle holders from airdrying clay. Each held a small tea light which we had to light during the festival and then we sang Now Light One Thousand Christmas Lights. We had to hold the candle holder with both hands, so that the tea light was safe. After the song we had to blow our tea lights out and put the candle holders on the ground. We were not to touch the wax, as it would be very hot for quite a long time afterwards. Monday 15 December was Christmas Jumper Day at school. Everyone could wear a Christmas jumper and make a donation to Save The Children, which is a charity started after the Second World War to help children who may have been at risk from famine. A donation made today will help children get the food, education and healthcare they need. If you would like to donate to Save The Children, please follow this link: https://christmas.savethechildren.org.uk/fundraising/cjd250034743 As well as Christmas jumpers, we also had a Christmas dinner in the hall turkey with all the trimmings. It was delicious! Charlie, Layla, Rosie and Rafferty – Year 5
Historical Society December Quiz - the answers 1. Alto, Anon, Aunt, Auto, Loan, Lout, 7. 1910 or 1911. (The item was published Noun, Tolu, Toun, Tuan, Tuna, Ulna, Unto, Annul, Naunt, Talon, Tonal, Tauon. 2. Answer: 208 feet to 270 feet 3. 1930 4. Henley 5. (b) - metal fatigue 6. a) Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars: b) Ox and Bucks Light Infantry
in the edition of 27 January 1911). 8. Worcester. 9. Marsh Gibbon, Twyford, Godington, Stratton Audley, Caversfield, Bicester, Ambrosden, Blackthorn 10. The 1851 Great Exhibition held at the Crystal Palace erected in Hyde Park. 11. 1978 (May 18th). (Attendees included Mary Brydon and Pat Tucker).
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Memories of an ex-Launton boy
The ex-Launton Boy writes this month about a Launton Christmas from his youth, and his first official cigarette. “We three Kings of Orient are, One in a taxi, one in a car, One on a scooter a’tootin’ the hooter, Following yonder star” Such naughty kids we were, very daring with songs like that. . . or so we thought. That said, I hope you had a jolly good Christmas with not too much to eat or drink; food tastes much better when you’re sober. Well, I don’t know about you folks, but by the time Christmas Day arrived, I was just about Christmas dinnered out. Including Christmas Day itself, I attended five Christmas dinners in all, having declined a further three. My! How things have changed over the decades. When I was a kid growing up in Launton, the only day of the year we ate chicken was Christmas Day, which we used to get from our next-door neighbours, the Jones family, who kept chickens at the bottom of their garden. Eventually we graduated to a cockerel on Christmas Day, which went that much further as necessitated by virtue of me and my brother, Cliff growing and having larger appetites. I was into my teens before we graduated further to a turkey, albeit a meat I am not particularly fond of. At these functions I attended over the Christmas period, we had turkey, beef and gammon all on the same plate, each of which we could have any day of the week now, so there is nothing quite so magical about it anymore come Christmas Day. With four different Christmas dinner/dance functions, each with eight people to a table and not the same eight at each, it was interesting to listen to the many childhood Christmas experiences of other people, as well as imparting my own experiences. Of course, with most of these dinners being veteran-related, many of us had very similar childhood experiences, reflective of the 1950’s/1960’s. I’m sure there might have been a few embellishments here and there, and why not, it was the Christmas season after all. I have written about so many Christmases over the years; what more then can I write about, I ask? I remember the very first time my dad offered me a cigarette, much to my mum’s dismay, shock and horror. It was just four days before my fifteenth birthday (or was it my fourteenth?) when, having consumed a delicious Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 40
Christmas dinner of roasted cockerel with all the trimmings (mum was a great cook), followed by Christmas pudding and custard from which I extracted a shiny threepenny bit, as did my brother Cliff from his, my dad stretched his hand across to me and placed beside my Christmas cracker a Players Medium Navy Cut cigarette. Demonstrably aghast, my mum said, “Fred, what on earth do you think you are doing?” to which he responded, “Well, he might as well smoke it in front of me as smoke behind my back!” The truth is, unbeknown to my parents, I had been smoking behind their backs since the age of nine, not that this was anything to be at all proud of. Dad used to smoke Woodbines during the week, then on a Sunday, send me to the off-licence at what was then the Black Bull down West End, which was then run by Major Morse, to get a packet of ten Players Medium Navy Cut cigarettes as his Sunday treat. This was in the days when such errands were deemed to be legal, and what would a nine-year-old otherwise be doing with cigarettes anyway? Come Mondays, we village boys would club together our weekend pocket money and instead of buying sweets, yours truly would go to Major Morse and quite ‘innocently’ purchase a packet of twenty some brand or other ‘for dad’, and a box of matches, whereupon we would scarper off across the fields and smoke these things until we turned green. Afterwards it was a case of “Never, never again”, until next week when we would do it all over again. We used to smoke in broad daylight cycling to Bicester School in the morning and again home in the late afternoon. It is a wonder mum couldn’t smell it on us, but being a smoker herself may well have concealed it. Some of the lads would try having a sly one in the school toilets or in the corner of the playing field, but if they got caught, as some did, it was straight to Mr. Reggie Sims, the school’s disciplinarian for the boys for six of the best, not that such punishment ever stopped them. Having smoked like a chimney when I was in the army, I am happy to say that I stopped smoking twenty-two years ago, by sheer will power with no substitutes whatsoever. So that is one New Year’s resolution I no longer have to make and then break Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Keep healthy and stay SAFE! Tony Jeacock, MInstRE | The ex-Launton boy | January 2026 Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 41
Diary Dates: January 2026
Starting a new year means planning new events. Send details of events at the Sports and Social, at pubs, at sports teams, and from village organisations, to launtonlines@launton.org for a FREE listing.
Thu 1 Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm Sun 4 St Mary's Church, BCP Holy Communion , 8.00am. Family Service - Epiphany, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon 5 Twelfth Night Tue 6 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Charity Poker Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm Wed 7 Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm | Church Fellowship Group meets in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Thu 8 Parish Council. Public Session 7.15pm, Council Meeting 7.30pm, Grange Mews Conference Room - note change of venue | WI Meeting, Speaker is Jackie Allen talking about Packing a Suitcase, Parish Hall, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm Fri 9 SCOTS meet at The Bull Inn at 6.00pm | Live Music at The Bull with Laurence Williams, from 7pm Sun 11 St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Tue 13 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Community Café reopens, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | FIPW Midweek working party in the woodland, Meet at the pond, 10.00am | Charity Poker Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm | Wed14 Over 60s Club Lunch Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Bar opens at 12.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 15 Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm Fri 16 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm Sat 17 Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, Lugershall Road, Brill | FoLPH event, Beetle Drive, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sun 18 St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am-1.00pm | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Mon19 FINAL DATE FOR COPY FOR THE FEBRUARY 2026 ISSUE OF LAUNTON LINES: SUBMIT TO launtonlines@launton.org | Watercolour Painting Group, 2pm-4pm, in the Parish Hall - first meeting of the year | Church Fellowship Group meets in St Mary's Church, 2.30pm Tue 20 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Community Café, Parish Hall, 9am-11am | Charity Poker Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm | Rock Chorus, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Sat 24 Live Music at The Bull with Inter 60s, from 7pm Sun 25 St Mary's Church, Morning Prayer, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports and Social from 8pm Tue 27 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Charity Poker Night at The Bull Inn, from 7pm Wed28 Over 60s Club Lunch Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Bar opens at 12.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 29 Historical Society, Stephen Goss on Oxfordshire in the Cold War, Parish Hall, 7.30pm Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 42
Going for Gold in West End Local couple Anne and Andy Nutt of West End Launton are going for GOLD in January 2026. They were married on 24 January 1976 and moved to Launton in December 1979 Is there a secret to this? There isn’t a secret! It’s all about commitment about the words spoken on that day when as the groom you are committing to looking after and taking care of another man’s daughter. There are no manuals or instructions into this unknown. On that day both made commitments not knowing what lay ahead. Words by both were spoken remembering what both said. Not know what around the corner or what around the bend How the future would pan out we could not comprehend Wasn’t always rosy but we just dug in Knowing not the outcome or how it did begin. But all was soon forgotten and all got back to norm Found was just a ripple develop, not a storm. So on that day commitments made not knowing what’s round the bend Will take that special love and friendship until the very end.
LOVE YOU, AND STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU X X Launton Lines January 2026 Issue 301 | Page 43
Launton Lines is the newsletter for Launton
It is published monthly by the Launton Community Communications Group which manages the Launton website www.launton.org and the Launton Village Facebook Group www.facebook.com/launtonvillage as well as Launton Lines Launton Lines is delivered free to all households in the village, funded by its advertisers and Launton Parish Council. Further print copies are available at £1.00 per copy from Shirley Johnson (01869 369269) Launton Lines is also available online from January 2020 on www.issuu.com © MMXXVI Launton Lines. We reserve the right to edit articles submitted for inclusion. Neither the Committee nor the Editor is responsible for views expressed in readers’ contributions.