Launton scenes in August 2026 Two New Rubbish Bins Installed We have new bins in the village - provided by the Parish Council - and with lids on so rubbish won’t blow around. There is a third bin to be installed at Sycamore Road.
A Supertrim Bin at The Bull bus shelter cost £208
The Futuro Bin at The War Memorial cost £468
Afternoon Tea Party for Breast Cancer Now on 14 August raised over £1,500
We would like to thank everyone who supported the event and for the great donations of raffle prizes . We were pleased that we raised £1,502.21 for such a good cause - it was a great success and we were very grateful for all the local support and donations.
Thank you from Edwina Caton, Karen McNulty and Doris Curtis The cover shows Jane Ebberson and grandson Charlie watching the bales being collected near Yew Tree Close playground in early August during the long hot summer of 2026. Cover designed by Matt Hill. Photo from Paul Ebberson.
The Editor writes . . .
Our front cover this month shows villager Jane Ebberson with her grandson Charlie watching the big round straw bales being gathered at the field near Yew Tree Close. The hot summer features on pages 20-21 with photos from the Island Pond Wood showing volunteers raking and removing the cut grass from the soon-to-be wildflower meadow areas, with an explanation on page 35). Page 39 features the glorious hanging baskets at The Bull Inn that have brought a splash of colour through the summer. The same page also records the week-long closing of Bicester Road with photos from Ella Rayner, and page 33 reports on the traffic data from Telraam during the closure - and tries to work out the real level of “rat run” traffic through the village. Looking forward, the FoLPH Open Meeting on 17 September is on page 28, an update on work on the Hall renovation on page 25, and a flyer for the Woodland Wellbeing event of FIPW (19 September) on the back cover. And further ahead, page 35 alerts to a get-together on 24 September for all who want to help decorate the village Pallet Trees this Christmas. The Parish Council Report (pages 4-8 ) has more on the Hall renovation and a report of discussions on traffic issues in the village. The Village Players report (page 34) on their donation of £2,143.97 to the Parish Hall project, and Page 2 features a report on a fundraising Afternoon Tea Party for Breast Cancer Now organised by three villagers. There are also photos of two of the new rubbish bins installed by the Parish Council. Finally, there are obituary notices for Tricia Fox (page 24) and Greta Walker (pages 26-27) . Please support our advertisers, and mention Launton Lines when you use them.
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: Vacant | Distribution: Shirley Johnson | Advertising: Tom Sowler
Contact the Parish Council We now have a new clerk, Krizia Gurung. You can 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 The Hall is closed for renovation at the moment. For more information contact Joan Packer at 07922 042 133 Parish Hall Committee: The Parish Council has 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 September 2026 for entry in the October 2026 edition of Launton Lines.
4 September | Sponsored by Mary Brydon. Remembering my friend Laelia, with love from Mary 9 September | Sponsored by Maureen Roberts to celebrate the birthday of her mother Iris Baker 21 September and 18 October | Sponsored by Shirley Cannon Remembering Mum and Dad - Eddie and Helen Cannon on their birthdays, September 21st and October 18th. We love and miss you both so much. Nellie, Terry, Michael, Val and all the family
LAUNTON PARISH COUNCIL
Notes from the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 6 August 2026 at 7.30pm in the Grange Farm Conference Room Councillors present: Mr Glyn Austin, Mrs Jackie Hackett (Vice Chair), Mr Simon Turner, and Mrs Jaqueline Webber (Chair) Apologies: Mr Andy Briant In attendance: The Clerk, Miss Krizia Gurung, CDC Cllr Dr Timothy Faltermeyer and 14 members of the public
Welcome to the new Clerk and RFO Cllr Webber welcomed Krizia Gurung to her first full meeting of the Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 4
Council following her appointment as Parish Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer. Reports from District and County Councillors CDC Cllr Dr Timothy Faltermeyer attended the meeting and reported on the following: OCC’s 25-year Movement and Place (MAP) Plan for Kidlington and surrounding villages, which aims to improve local transport, infrastructure and public spaces. The public consultation is open until 14 September 2026, with drop-in consultation events being held in Islip, Yarnton and Kidlington. Work is continuing to remove illegal waste at Kidlington. A substantial layer of soil has been found over the waste, meaning it is approximately 10 metres deeper than originally anticipated. Parishioners raised concerns about lorries parking in the area. Cllr Faltermeyer asked that any concerns be submitted to him via the Parish Clerk and the Council agreed that a separate meeting would be beneficial to discuss the matter further. Governance and Consultations The Council reported that no applications had been received for the two vacant Councillor positions. An advert has now been created and will be published on the Launton Parish Council website and Noticeboards. The Council also discussed the Launton Emergency Plan and the potential use of the Parish Hall as an emergency facility during periods of extreme weather. The need to identify and support vulnerable residents was highlighted, and the possibility of establishing a local welfare support group, similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, was discussed. Finance The Finance Report is available with full details of all transactions on the Parish Council website. The Council also approved a grant of £480 to Friends of Island Pond Wood (FIPW) towards grass cutting. 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 Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 5
four new applications this month. If a villager has concerns or comments about a planning application, they are welcome to come along to Parish Council meetings to bring them to the attention of the meeting. Villagers are also welcome to contact Councillors or the Clerk to make comments. Guidance on how the Parish Council can respond is on the Council website at https://www.launton-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications/ Parish Hall Cllr Webber reported that work on the Parish Hall had commenced. The Hall had been cleared; the false ceiling and walls had been removed and installation of battens for the insulation had begun. Plans for an external heat pump for the heating and cooling system are currently being prepared in consultation with the original architect and building contractors. These plans are expected to be submitted to Cherwell District Council shortly. Cllr Hackett also raised the outstanding installation of the weather bar to the new kitchen door, which is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. A metal (cast-iron or steel) ladder was discovered in the loft of the Hall, and a parishioner confirmed that it belonged to the Church and should be returned. The Parish Hall Advisory Working Group continues to progress applications for small grants. Communications have also been submitted to FCC, the Council's main grant provider, for approval before publication. We still need volunteers to join the Parish Hall Management Committee to help managing the Hall! If you think you could help out, please contact Jaqueline Webber (jackie.webber@launton-pc.gov.uk) for more information. Highway and Traffic Issues The Council received a progress report from the Launton Speedwatch Group. During July, three Speedwatch sessions were carried out, with 31 vehicles recorded exceeding the speed limit. Of these, 29 were reported to Thames Valley Police. The group currently has 11 volunteers, which is limiting the number of sessions that can be carried out. Volunteers are welcomed and if interested Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 6
in joining, please reach out to the Clerk who can pass on details to the Speedwatch team. The Council discussed the possibility of applying for Quiet Lanes following the Parish Transport Representatives meeting. Cllr Dr Faltermeyer advised that OCC is currently running a Quiet Lanes pilot, with other areas already participating. The Council agreed that this could be a good opportunity for the Parish, but further information is required and further engagement with OCC will take place. The Council reported that the village Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) had not retained historical data as previously believed. The devices did not contain data cards. Parishioners were invited to discuss possible traffic-calming measures, including speed cushions, mini roundabouts, chicanes, no-right-turn restrictions, width-restriction bollards and moving weight restriction signs further down the road to give HGV drivers earlier notification. The possible impact of traffic-calming measures on local shops and pubs was also discussed. Cllr Webber confirmed that the Council was aware of parishioners’ concerns about traffic speeds and parking and had been seeking a meeting with OCC to discuss these issues. The comments and suggestions raised will form part of future discussions with OCC. The Council also agreed that it had no objection to a proposed gathering on the green open space at The Glades. Due to the dry conditions and potential risk of fire, barbecues must not be held on the grassed areas. If required, a barbecue may be held on a suitable driveway. Village upkeep The Council discussed an overgrown and damaged hedge and trees blocking the ditch behind the Bus Shelter Library. It was agreed that the hedge and trees required clearing, although ownership of the land would need to be established before any action could be taken. The Council also considered the condition of the wooden bus shelter on Bicester Road. The ivy has now been removed, but repairs to the wooden structure, together with cleaning and staining, are required. Cllr Hackett agreed to obtain quotations for the work. The Council agreed to approve a new plaque on the back of the War Memorial to recognise Mrs Greta Walker’s work in acquiring the memorial, together with her husband, Mr Gerald Walker. It was noted that Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 7
this would also provide an opportunity to add Mr and Mrs Deeley’s name to the plaque. The Council is also investigating cleaning the War Memorial and awaiting quotations. It will also look into how the missing name(s) on the Memorial might be added as part of this work. Greencore issues associated with 23/03433/REM - an update. Parishioners raised concerns about the lack of fencing around the wide ditch associated with the Greencore development. The ditch is currently filled with water, and parishioners were concerned about the potential safety risk. The Council agreed to discuss the matter further with Greencore, with the aim of arranging for temporary fencing to be installed. Other Updates The Council reported that issues over the grassed area at the bottom of West End had been resolved, with positive feedback received regarding the grass mowing around the turning circle. The Environmental Enforcement Officer from Cherwell District Council had visited the site at the end of Station Road following a report of flytipping. After several visits, it was reported that the Officer had not identified any action that his department could take regarding enforcement. The Council also agreed to renew the EWR (EastWestRail) licence. A decision regarding the allocation of any funds received for the renewal will be made at a later date. Agenda and dates of the next meetings The next meeting will be on Thursday 3 September 2026 in the Grange Farm Conference Room, Grange Mews, Grange Farm, Station Rd, Launton, OX26 5DX. The what3words location of the entrance door is ///pirates.bulldozer.homes, The meeting starts at 7.30pm. If you’d like to chat with a Councillor before the meeting, do come along after 7.15pm. Suggestions for agenda items for the 3 September meeting need to be with the Clerk by 27 August. 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 2026 Issue 309 | Page 8
Launton Watercolour Art Group
We are holding informal painting sessions through September while the Parish Hall is closed for renovation, to keep in touch. Our long term aim is to resume classes in the Parish Hall when that becomes available. Here is our September programme: Tuesdays Sept 1, 8, 15 - informal get together for paint and chat in the Village Coffee Shop, 2-4pm; Tuesday Sept 22 meet at 2pm in The Bull (pub at the crossroads) for an informal painting session, and a briefing on future meetings. If you are interested in teaching, tutoring or demonstrating watercolour painting to the class please let me know: email Paul.Ebberson@gmail.com Here is a picture by David Meeks
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Ride & Stride 2026 Saturday 12 September sees the annual Oxfordshire Historic Church Trust cycle ride where several members of St Mary’s church walk or cycle around Oxfordshire to raise funds for St Mary’s church and the Trust. The money raised is split between St Mary’s and OHCT on a 50:50 basis. This year, along with the usual determined crowd a group of the younger members of the congregation will do their own version of the event visiting the Bicester churches under the close supervision of their parents. The usual merry band of cyclists will also be venturing out on behalf of St Mary’s. That’s Tom, Neil, Wendy and Chris, so please sponsor them on one of the forms doing the rounds or online when they appear in any sites linked to St Mary’s Church. If you are feeling particularly energetic and would like to take part in this event then please reach out through St Mary’s at www.achurchnearyou.com/church/284/whos-who/46/ or www.facebook.com/stmaryschurchlaunton Chris Frost
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News From st mary’s ChurCh serviCes aNd eveNts iN september 2026 You are most welcome to join the Services and Events listed here, all in St Mary’s. 5 September 2.00pm St Mary’s Fayre 6 September
8.00am BCP Holy Communion 11.00am Family Service
12 September 10.00am Ride&Stride 13 September 6.00pm Patronal Evensong 20 September 11.00am Holy Communion / Confirmation 21 September 2.30pm
Fellowship Group meets in St Mary’s
27 September 11.00am Morning Worship Please refer to the St Mary’s Church Launton Facebook page for any necessary amendments / additional information, or contact: The Team Vicar Revd Sarah revsarahmortimer@outlook.com 07876 188 519 or the Churchwardens Joan Packer j.packer779@btinternet.com 01869 241694 Chris Frost chrismefrost66@gmail.com 07775 066 962
Late summer updates The FELLOWSHIP GROUP now has a revised date for the first meeting, and will meet again on Monday 21 September 2026 The COMMUNITY CAFÉ will aim to meet again in September so please watch out for details of the venue If you have any queries, please refer to Celia on celiamanderson@aol.com or 07710 224574 Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 11
150 Years Ago: from The Bicester Herald, 1 September 1876
The following is a short version - extracts only - from a long report of the show.
LAUNTON FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW The second show in connection with the Launton Floral and Horticultural Society took place on Tuesday August 29 . . . This year the show was on a larger scale, and was held on the Tuesday in the feast week, on which day, we glean from the rules of the society, it is to be held annually. The show was held by the kindness of the Rev JC Blomfield on the rectory grounds adjoining the gardens . . . The field was open at two o’clock, and soon the tents were filled with visitors, who kept increasing till the evening. The admission charge was 6d, and we hear upwards of £8 was taken at the gate. The other tent erected was for refreshments (including tea) supplied by Mr W Gessey of The Bull Inn. The Bicester Brass Band was engaged and
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played at intervals during the afternoon . . . At about six o’clock the band adjourned to the rectory lawn (which had been thrown open during the afternoon), where dancing and other amusements were carried on very energetically. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves - some walking round the gardens, others engaged in the lively game of kiss-in-the-ring, while others looked on at those engaged in “tripping the light fantastic toe.” Soon after eight o’clock the grounds were cleared, the company expressing themselves pleased with the pleasant day which had been afforded them. The weather (which in the morning seemed to indicate signs of storms) was fine and favourable. Several of the visitors adjourned to the village, which was very lively. There were stalls standing, and there was dancing in a shed at the Black Bull Inn. The show and meeting was, on the whole, a success.
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House maintenance Repointing Internal and external decorations Patios Decking Fencing
For a personal service, call Peter N Southam 01869 278333 07721 633 220
peteroofer@aol.com
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LAUNTON ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY An easy way to double your MONEY It is not a scam, it is part of our plan. And it is a big part of our quest for The People of Launton to purchase land for our new Nature Reserve, Our Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF). It is called Matching Funds, this is money provided by a donor, grant maker, employer or some other ‘rich dudes’ that equals the funds raised by us. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of you Launton Folks the ELF account now stands at £5,000. Matching Funds will turn that into £10,000 ‘overnight’. The £20 that you spend for an ELF Plot becomes £40. Easy? Yes and no! To gain access to this source of income Our ELF has to be officially recognized as a Charity. Allow me to introduce Launton Environmental Legacy Foundation Trust, the title has been accepted by The Charity Commission. The Trustees, Peter Beasley, Chloe Bradford, Ed Hamill and Michael Jennion, have submitted a Formal Constitution and are now waiting for official approval that we are indeed a charity. A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our ticket to request Matching Funds! There is no accurate way to determine how long we will have to wait for approval. While playing the waiting game we are going to continue raising cash locally for our project. Every pound we raise will eventually turn into two. Let’s see how fast we can raise another thousand pounds. Then our £6,000 will become £12,000. That’s just 50 ELF Plots. Keep our project rolling! Buy some plots (Still only £20) today! Cash or Cheque (to Launton Environmental Legacy Fund) to any of our trustees, or via BACS (Launton Environmental Legacy Fund, Sort Code 30-54-66 Account 62684760) Enjoy what is left of our glorious (or overly glorious) Summer Continued on page 16
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Continued from page 15
And now an up-date on our People’s Emergency Briefing At The BULL INN on Sunday 9 August there was a local screening of a 50 minute film that was compiled by an organisation called The National Emergency Briefing. They set out to present a clear, evidence-based account of the risks facing the UK and the scale of response required to cope with and mitigate the problems relating to The Climate Crisis. It was well received by all 30 people in attendance, including the Vicar and Our Parish Council Chairperson. If you were unable to attend, or would like to see this film, it is not too late. I have downloaded a copy of the film and I am prepared to organise a screening for small groups. If you or a village group that you are involved with want to see it, I can organise what they refer to as a Private Screening. It is well worth seeing! Ed Hamill Founder and Chair of LES | September 2026 launtonenvironmentalsociety@gmail.com
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Election for Oxfordshire County Council for the Launton and Chesterton Division
Following the resignation of Will Boucher-Giles as Councillor for Launton and Chesterton, there will be a by-election on Thursday 3 September. The Polling Station in Launton will be in the Sports and Social Hall as the Parish Hall is closed for renovation work. The Polling Station will be open between 7am and 10pm. The verification and counting of votes will be at Chesterton Community Centre, and the result should be announced on Friday 4 September. The nominated candidates are listed below, in alphabetical order of last name, with their party affiliation. Sandy Lewis Dallimore | The Conservative Party Gregory Michael Fish | The Labour Party James Henry Dean Hartley | The Liberal Democrats Ian Richard Hodgson | Reform UK Meri Mosharrafa | The Green Party
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August in the Island Pond Wood: raking up the
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mown grass from the flower meadow areas
Photos by Paul Ebberson. See page 35 for more information
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St Mary’s Fayre Arts and Crafts Show Saturday 5 September 2pm - 4pm Entry Form Name Address School Year (Children’s classes) Contact phone number Competition Class number Description of entry St Mary’s Fayre Arts and Crafts Show Saturday 5 September 2.00pm - 4.00pm Competition classes – all with the theme of ‘What makes me happy’ Flowers (Gold Cup adults, Hackling Cup children) 1a Adults 1b Young adult (year 7-11) 1c Children (nursery/reception) 1d Children (year 1/2/3) 1e Children (year 4/5/6) Photography (Patsy Stephens Cup) 2a Adults 2b Young adult (year 7-11) 2c Children (nursery/reception) 2d Children (year 1/2/3) 2e Children (year 4/5/6) Crafts (Jenny Brind Cup) Students from Launton school will design a greetings card from Launton to be distributed to local care home residents. Entries will be submitted through the school. RULES & INFORMATION FOR ST MARY’S FAYRE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Entry is free Judging will take place at noon on 5 September, no late entries (after 11.30am on 5 September, the day of the Fayre) will be accepted and the judge’s decision is final All entries must be accompanied by an entry form Entries can be dropped off at St Mary’s church on Friday 4 September 6-8pm and Saturday 5 September 9.30-11.30am Entries to be collected on Saturday 5 September from St Mary’s church by 4pm. Any items left after this time will be disposed of at the organiser’s discretion Trophies Gold Cup, Hackling Cup and Jenny Brind Cup – Launton residents and/or members of St Mary’s church are eligible Patsy Stephens Cup – all entrants are eligible Photography - maximum of two entries per class per person For further information, please contact Paula on 07713 069 259 Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 23
Patricia Mavis “Tricia” Fox 11 May 1946 - 7 July 2026
Many of you will have known Tricia. She moved to Launton with her husband, Chris, in the late 1990s and quickly integrated into and became part of the village community. She was a larger than life personality many of you may remember from the various parties and other gatherings organised by Tricia and Chris often in support of cancer related charities during their time at Freeman House in West End. “Once met; never forgotten” she was rarely seen in public not sporting some form of leopard print attire and/or accessory which theme was enthusiastically adopted at her funeral where attendees were encouraged to wear at least one form of visible leopard print (Amazon stocks of leopard print ties are believed to have reached critically low levels). Tricia’s life was subsequently celebrated at the Village Coffee Shop by many from the Village as well and other friends and family. Tricia’s family wish to say “Thank you” to all of you who helped celebrate her life. Many of you have already shared memories of Tricia at her “muchloved” website (https://patricia-mavis-fox.muchloved.com) where donations to Cancer Research in her memory can still be made. Thank you for your contributions there as well. Diagnosed with breast cancer initially in 2009, which recurred in 2022, Tricia fought on and was never more proud than when she and Chris received a letter from the King and Queen in December 2025 in recognition of their 60 years of marriage. She passed away peacefully on 7 July 2026 at Wyndham Hall Care Home to whom her family are very grateful for the excellent care she received in the last few weeks of her life. Tim Fox
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Parish Hall Rescue Project
There has been a lot of work inside the Hall, and now work outside means people can see progress from the street. Photos from August show, clockwise from top right: Builder’s fencing and the project banner; Insulation panels in place inside; The concrete floor has been removed; Work on repairing the outside rendering; Clearing some of the failed pebbledash; The bricked-up window in the gable end waiting to be opened.
Photos from Robert Cornford / FoLPH
Come to the FoLPH Open Meeting on Thursday 17 September - see page 28 for a full update and to give feedback.
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Greta Walker, 21 May 1932 – 17 July 2026 On Wednesday, 12 August, friends and family from Launton and beyond gathered at St Mary’s Church to bid farewell to Greta Walker, one of Launton’s longest-residing residents. Born Greta Rosemary Hazel, in Quainton, on 21 May 1932, Greta came to Launton in 1966 with her firstborn son, Robert, middle son, David, and husband, Gerald, who, with his father Roland, owned and farmed Launton’s West End Farm. Greta soon struck up friendships with the residents of the village and joined such local organisations as The Wives Club, whose activities included a passionate fundraising effort to help the Oxford Health Authority raise money for a ‘body scanner’, as these machines were known at the time. In 1972, Greta and Gerald had their third son, Richard, which completed the expansion of the Walker family until the birth of their only grandson, Tate, in the early 2000s. At the end of the 70s, following the retirement of Postmaster, Percy Harding, Greta joined Ann Harding as joint Post Mistress in the Station Road Post Office. At around this time, property developer Laing’s declared their intention for a large housing estate on the site that is now The Island Pond Wood, which villagers fought vigorously with Greta being a central character in the successful Laings In Launton Never campaign. In the early 80s, when her father, Dick, came to live with the family in their West End home, Greta became a councillor on Launton Parish Council. Around the same time, she also ceased working for Aylesbury’s Citizens Advice Bureau and moved her attention to her new job as manageress of a card shop in Sheep Street, Bicester. Before her move to Launton in 1966, Greta had spent her early years in Quainton, where she attended the village school. At the age of 14, she walked down the school path for the final time and entered the working Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 26
world. Her first job was as a shop assistant in Aylesbury, which she enjoyed greatly, with an employer for whom she would hold a lifelong fondness. As she moved into adult life, she trained for a telephonist position with the General Post Office and went on to work at the Aylesbury telephone exchange, where several colleagues would become dear and lifelong friends. Years went by, and free from work, home building, and mothering, Greta enjoyed a full and busy life. Theatre visits and lunches with friends were a great passion, as was nature and travel. Holidays would see her enjoying motoring trips to the Lake District or to France. And accompanied by her closest friend, Freda, holidays afloat took them on river cruises and sea voyages, with the fjords of Norway being a favourite destination. Her passion for gardening and birds was lifelong, and continued during her autumn years as, in her small courtyard garden, with help, she continued to tend her flowers, and feed and enjoy the company of wild birds. Greta’s long and full life ended peacefully at home on 17 July 2026. R.I.P.
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Friends of Launton Parish Hall
Open Meeting Thursday 17 September 2026 7.30pm in The Boardroom at Grange Mews Come and find out about work on the Parish Hall in this second stage of Save Our Hall: About the insulation, The new heating system, The PV cells and battery storage, Taking out the suspended ceiling and the proscenium wall, Replacing the concrete floor with an extended wooden floor, Opening up the roof space, Restoring the gable-end windows on Bicester Road, Patching up, waterproofing, and painting the outside walls, Installing two new disabled toilets.
That’s lots to find out about. Catch up on how it’s being paid for, including grants from
FCC Communities Foundation National Lottery Community Fund Doris Field Charitable Trust Friends of Launton Parish Hall Bring along ideas for future fundraising events. If you have some time to give, FoLPH needs a Secretary and a Treasurer, and the Chair will stand down next year. Come and join this big Launton project. The Boardroom at Grange Mews is at OX26 5DX. The what3words location of the entrance door is ///pirates.bulldozer.homes Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 28
100 years ago: from The Bicester Advertiser September 1926
Friday 3 September RIFLE CLUB A Rifle Club has been formed at Launton and the movement is being well received. A strong committee has been appointed, and an outdoor range is to be erected to comply with War Office regulations. It is hoped to eventually have an indoor range, but so far no suitable building is at present available. The hon secretary is Mr J Ancil, who was for some time during the war sergeant instructor at the School of Musketry. Friday 17 September PETTY SESSIONS No Light Harry Foster, Launton, pleaded guilty to riding a bicycle without a light at Bicester on August 7th. This case was adjourned from the last Sessions for defendant to appear. PC Jacobs said he was on duty in Sheep Street, Bicester, on August 7th, in company with Sgt Russell, when he saw the defendant riding a bicycle without a light. He shouted to defendant to stop, and he made use of an obscene remark and rode on towards North Street. PS Russell immediately went in pursuit of defendant and stopped him. Witness came up and found that Foster had no lamp on his bicycle. Witness asked defendant why he did not stop, and his reply was that he thought it was his pal. Defendant: I was not riding when Sergeant Russell caught me up? Witness: I do not know. Defendant said he had arranged to meet a friend in Sheep Street. When he was called upon to stop he did not know it was a policeman, and afterwards apologised to Sergeant Russell. Fined 5s. Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 29
St Mary’s Fayre and Arts & Crafts Show Saturday 5 September 2026 2pm-4pm Come Join the Fun Enter our “What Makes Me Happy” Competitions! We’re filling St Mary’s Church with colour, creativity and pure joy and we’d love you to be part of it. This year’s theme is “What Makes Me Happy”, and we’re inviting everyone, of every age, to help transform the church into a vibrant celebration of the things that make life wonderful. What You Can Enter
Flower arrangements bursting with colour Photography that captures your happiest moments Check the entry form on page 23 and pick the class that suits your creativity.
How to Enter Bring your entry (with the form from page 23) to the Church Friday 4 September, 6-8pm, or On the day of the Fayre, 9.30-11.30am Whether it’s a single flower stem arranged beautifully or a photograph that makes you smile every time you see it, we can’t wait to welcome it. Or Simply Come and Enjoy the Display Even if you’re not entering, come along and soak up the happiness. The church will be filled with: Beautiful flower arrangements Creative photography A delightful gallery of greetings cards made by children at Launton Primary School It’s going to be colourful, joyful, and full of community spirit exactly what St Mary’s does best. Donations - thank you in advance. We’d love to receive your donations - cakes, plants, produce (chutneys or jam), tombola items, and toys in good condition. Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 30
Donation of Cakes at St Mary’s Fayre
Deliveries of cupcakes and tray bakes may be made: To the Church on Friday 4 September between 6pm and 8pm; To The Old Rectory on Saturday 5 September from 10am It would be most helpful to label your container with your name and phone number and attach a breakdown of ingredients, as below. Also please indicate that your donation is for Refreshments or for the Cake Stall. Please complete this form by ticking the relevant ingredients, detach and include with your contribution. Many thanks for your donation. Ingredients Flour
Tick
Ingredients Flour
Eggs
Eggs
Fat
Fat
Oil
Oil
Sugar Other
Sugar Other
WE ARE NOW BICESTER’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED & RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS BICESTER’S ONLY INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR
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Private Chapel Of Rest
Jaguar Fleet of Funeral Cars
Perfect Choice Funeral Plans
Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 31
Tick
Launton WI reporting . . .
On the hottest summer’s evening of the year the WI held their annual BBQ in one of the members’ garden. Members enjoyed a glass of Pimms or a soft drink on arrival. As it was so hot and the gardens are so dry, the committee decided to cook using the ovens in the kitchen rather than risk using open charcoal or gas barbecues. The committee had been very busy preparing the lovely salads etc, and of course the selection of amazing deserts. To finish the evening we had a very enjoyable game of bingo. A big thank you to all the committee members who worked in the heat to prepare such a feast. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 10 September where the speaker will be Corinne Mitchell talking about Composting, and how to grow healthy plants. While the Parish Hall is closed for renovation we meet in The Hummingbird Centre, at 7.30 on the second Thursday of the month. Our meetings are open to visitors and to guests of members, and all are welcome. Julia Alderton
Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 32
Traffic reporting from Telraam for August 2026
The month of August saw two road closures in the village: Station Road and then Bicester Road each closed for 5 days. How did this reflect in the traffic data? As the recorder is based (on Bicester Road between The Poplars and Sherwood Close) the Station Road closure will not show up much in the data. A clarification: in Telraam, LV’s (Large Vehicles) are vehicles larger than a car up to HGVs - anything between a Transit van and a 44 tonne artic. The closure of Bicester Road for Monday 17 - Friday 21 August. Here is the data for cars and LV’s for the first week of August (1-7 August) compared to the week of 17-23 August when Bicester Road was closed. A>B is traffic travelling towards Bicester: B>A is traffic travelling towards the crossroads. Time period
Cars A>B
Cars B>A
Cars Total
LV’s A>B
LV’s B>A
LV’s Total
August 1-7
14,592
15,494
30,086
1,909
3,653
5,562
August 17-23
5,122
5,891
11,013
520
888
1,408
For the five days the road was closed (17-21 August), the data is even more striking: Time period
Cars A>B
Cars B>A
Cars Total
LV’s A>B
LV’s B>A
LV’s Total
August 17-21
2,503
2,492
4,995
360
521
881
Because of the location of the recorder on Bicester Road, data for A>B shows movements between the road works and Bicester, and B>A shows movements on Bicester Road up to where the road was closed. Anyone walking on Bicester Road during the time will know that there were plenty of vehicles ignoring the signs, coming into the village and then turning round to retrace their tracks. So there will be a bit of double counting here, But you could see the figures during the 5 days as being the basic village-based traffic, about 1,175 a day, compared with about 5,351 movements a day from June and July. So the through traffic - the “rat run” - would be about 4,100 a day. Or is there something wrong with my thinking or my maths?
Update for August Here is the regular update. Month Cars HVs June 138,601 21,931 July 138,658 25,869 August 104,711 16,689
Robert Cornford
Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 33
Launton Village Players reporting Frozen, the Disney West End Musical Frozen, the West End Musical was raising money for the Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH) and will go towards improving the Hall’s facilities. We are thrilled to announce that £2,143.97 was raised and will be donated to FoLPH. The five shows sold out several weeks before the first performance and, although there was a heatwave icy Arendelle was gloriously created. Our many thanks to all who made the show happen and to all of our audiences for their wonderful support. LVP Pantomime 2027: Puss in Boots Work has already begun on our 2027 pantomime Puss in Boots. The script is being finalised, music is being written, costumes are being sorted and planned, and the set is being designed and built. Puss in Boots is written and directed by Julia West with original music by Steve Webber and Ash Foster. Show dates will be during the winter half term break on Wednesday 17 February, Thursday 18 February, Friday 19 February, and Saturday 20 February. All shows will be performed in the Cooper School Performance Hall - our usual Panto venue. The story is about a very clever cat and includes the usual mayhem and fun along the way. Tickets will be on sale from Ticketsource from Thursday 1 October, so book yours early and don’t miss out on LVP’s fortieth pantomime! Any profits from Puss in Boots will be donated to The Firefighters Charity. If you would like more information about LVP or their productions please do contact us on info@launtonvillageplayers.org.uk or look on our website www.launtonvillageplayers.org.uk The LVP Team Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 34
Launton Christmas Trees
With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it was time to have a get together to look at making a few more Christmas decorations for the village Christmas trees. We have set a date for Thursday 24 September from 10.30 to 12.00 at the Village Coffee Shop at the bottom of West End. We will be checking last year’s trees in the next month or so, but in the meantime, we have all agreed that we need more decorations for this year, so if you fancy making a few more, that would be great. Come along, have a chat and a cuppa (and perhaps a slice of delicious cake), bring your knitting/crochet/sewing and hear the plans for Christmas 2026. For more information or to be part of this project, please contact lesleydlcw@hotmail.com Lesley, Mary and Cathy Why rake all the cut grass in the Island Pond Wood?
The centre page spread of this issue has nine photos of a very active working party in the Woodland on Tuesday 11 August, where (on a very hot day) volunteers moved the grass from the areas planned for wildflower meadows to dumps inside the treeline of the woodland. The grass had been cut on 9 August, so two days later it was dry and very light to rake. But why not just leave it to dry out on the ground? All the areas that were cut are planned to become wildflower meadows, created with the century-old management of an early summer cut for hay, followed at the end of the summer with another flower-rich crop of hay for use through the winter. We need to take the cut grass off the ground to stop the growth of nutrients in the soil (wildflowers like poor soil!). It will take quite a few years for the plan to work, and the area may need seeding with a native wildflower seed mix from other meadows in the area. And it provides some outdoor exercise for the working party. Robert Cornford - a member of the working party Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 35
Launton Historical Society reporting . . .
At the end of July we visited the Bus Museum at Long Hanborough. It was a hot day at the bus museum, but the big sheds were airy. Plenty of seats, obviously. Right alongside Long Hanborough station platforms, the museum is full of colourful buses from across the years - 140 years. Such enormous steps to get on them, was it always like that? Going into the big bus shed, a rural scene. A farmyard, with straw, sleeping cats, chickens. And in the midst, a beautiful blue bus, a coach, crumbling away. This display shows how the museum comes across its exhibits, abandoned, facing decay. The museum restores these buses and you can watch the restorers at work (the restoring shed is up some steps). Back in the big shed, there’s an old country bus, quite unlike the buses we know, with its livery and again with such enormous steps. There’s a horsedrawn bus, complete with an excellent horse, very solid. Eats maize, oats and beans. Passengers inside the bus have a good view of its rear end. There are many buses, all with different livery, and on the walls around them are bus stop signs, driver schedules, timetables, posters, a huge amount of detail. There’s a play area for kids - with a bus. Alongside the big bus shed are the Morris Motors Museum with a Bullnose Morris and the Historic Cycle Collection with 50 cycles including penny farthings and boneshakers, candle bicycle lights. I reserved those for another day in favour of heading for the small and friendly café for a cold drink. Even if you’ve never thought too much about buses, this bright, beautifully presented museum makes a good outing. On 24 September at 7.30pm the Historical Society reconvenes in the Hummingbird Centre to hear Joseph Rogers talk about Tithe Barns, and we will hear about our local tithe barn as well as others in Oxfordshire and beyond. All are welcome. Gwen Skinner Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 36
Memories of an ex-Launton Boy The ex-Launton Boy is at present in hospital, recovering from sepsis, so has had to give the September issue a miss. This is the first issue since August 2013 that he has missed. We wish him a speedy recovery.
The St Mary’s Church Porch Window Repair An Update We would like to say thank you again for all the interest and support we had in the Spring at the coffee mornings to raise funds to start the work on repairing the broken porch window. On 22 May a Conservator visited the Church and spent nearly 2 hours collecting information about the window. We were told the Report would be with us “in 2-3 months”. Recently I contacted the Conservator and he said the Report should be with us in a few weeks. He advised not applying for a Faculty (similar to planning permission but through the Church of England) until we have the Report and we know what we are recommending. Your support has helped us reach this stage and we hope to soon have the Report, and then we can apply for a Faculty. We will also apply for a grant to build on the funds raised so far to actually get the repair work done once the Faculty is granted This will take time but each step is moving us closer to the actual repair. We will aim to keep you informed when the next step happens through Launton Lines and the St Mary’s Facebook page. Thank you again for all your interest and support, it’s been truly amazing. Celia Evans (PCC secretary) Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 37
Diary Dates: September 2026
Send details of your events to launtonlines@launton.org for a FREE listing here, in print and online on www.issuu.com
Tue 1 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Watercolour Art Class meet-up at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm-4pm Wed 2 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am-12noon | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 3 By-election for Oxfordshire County Councillor for Launton and Chesterton Division, Polling Station at the Sports and Social Hall, open between 7am and 10pm (see page 18 for list of candidates) | Back to school today: the new year starts with children back for classes. Half term is 26-30 October | Parish Council, Public Session 7.15; Council Meeting 7.30pm, in The Conference Room, Grange Farm Mews, Station Road | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm Fri 4 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm Sat 5 St Mary's Fayre at The Old Rectory front garden and St Mary's Church, 2pm - 4pm Sun 6 St Mary's Church, BCP Holy Communion , 8.00am. Family Service, 11am | Quiz Night at Sports&Social, 8pm Tue 8 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Midweek Working Party in Island Pond Wood, meet at the pond, 10am | Ceramic Poppy-making Workshop, The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm-4pm, booking essential | Watercolour Art Class meet-up at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm-4pm Wed 9 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am-12noon | Over 60s Club Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Doors open 1.30pm, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 10 WI Meeting at The Hummingbird Centre, speaker is Corinne Mitchell on Composting, and how to grow healthy plants, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm Fri 11 SCOTS meets at The Bull from 6pm Sat 12 Ride & Stride fundraising event; Riders and walkers will be passing through St Mary's through the day - do come and urge them on Sun 13 St Mary's Church, Evensong, 6pm | Brill Show - The 170th Anniversary Village Show, Brill Memorial Hall, 2pm 4pm | Quiz Night at Sports&Social, 8pm Tue 15 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin | Poppy Painting Workshop with Cream Tea, at The Village Coffee Shop, 10.30am - 1.30pm | Watercolour Art Class meet-up at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm-4pm Wed 16 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 12noon | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 17 Friends of Launton Parish Hall (FoLPH) Open Meeting, Grange Farm Mews Conference Room, 7.30pm (see page 28) Fri 18 Book Club meets at The Village Coffee Shop at 1:30pm | The Bull Inn Sounds for the weekend, Malish playing tonight from 7.30pm Sat 19 Island Pond Wood Autumn Event, Wellness in the Woods, 12noon - 4pm | Vale Brewery Open Day with food van, from 12 noon, Lugershall Road, Brill | The Bull Inn Sounds for the weekend, Rabbitface playing tonight from 7.30pm Sun 20 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO LAUNTON LINES FOR THE OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE | St Mary's Church, Holy Communion, 11am | Marsh Gibbon Farmer's Market at the Village Hall, 10am-1.00pm | The Bull Inn Sounds for the weekend, Bang Tail Feathers playing tonight from 7.30pm | Quiz Night at Sports&Social, 8pm Tue 22 Rubbish Collection: recycling (blue) and garden (brown) bin | Watercolour Art Class meet-up at The Bull Inn, 2pm-4pm Wed 23 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 12noon | Over 60s Harvest Lunch Meeting, Sports & Social Hall. Bar opens at 12.30, meeting ends about 3.30pm | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm Thu 24 Launton Christmas Tree Decorations Project meets at The Village Coffee Shop to review stocks and make some more, 10.30 - 12noon | Historical Society meets at The Hummingbird Centre with Joseph Rogers talking on Tythe Barns, 7.30pm | Quiz Night at The Bull Inn, from 7.30pm Sun 27 St Mary's Church, Morning Worship, 11am | Tue 29 Rubbish Collection: garbage (green) bin Wed 30 Knit and Natter at the Village Coffee Shop, 10am - 12noon | Rummikub Group meet at The Village Coffee Shop, 2pm
Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 38
Bicester Road is open again after five days
Bicester Road was closed for a working week to connect the water main, and to make a new access for the new houses. Photos from Ella Rayner
The hanging baskets at The Bull have been a glorious reminder of the colourful summer. Many thanks to Sue for all her hard work. Photos from Robert Cornford Launton Lines September 2026 Issue 309 | Page 39
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.