Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Pulhams launches Helping Hand accessibility card scheme across Oxfordshire
Pulhams has launched the Helping Hand accessibility card scheme across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The free cards allow passengers to discreetly inform drivers of specific needs, supporting those with visible and hidden disabilities while improving inclusive public transport.
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Oxfordshire County Council expands enhanced SEND pathways with £1m annual boost
Oxfordshire County Council has approved funding for 20 new enhanced SEND pathways, increasing total annual investment to £3 million. The initiative supports children in mainstream schools through bespoke curriculums and targeted small-group provision.
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Oxfordshire charities face sustainability test in 2026
More Oxfordshire charities closed than opened in 2025, according to new data. Sector leaders warn rising costs and fundraising pressures are testing sustainability, urging organisations to rethink partnerships, supporter engagement and risk management to remain resilient in 2026.
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Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts expands across Oxfordshire with new opening in Bloxham
A new Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has opened in Bloxham, led by the Martin family. The launch marks the fourth PQA in Oxfordshire and reflects rising demand for performing arts education across the region.
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Oxfordshire local government shake-up risks being a “great distraction,” thinktank warns
A thinktank has warned that Oxfordshire’s proposed local government restructure risks becoming a “great distraction” if not done properly – shifting focus from pressing issues like affordable housing, transport, and public services, leaving local residents unsure of who is responsible for key decisions.
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First plans submitted for South Oxford Science Village with 3,000 new homes
The first plans for South Oxford Science Village have been submitted, proposing 3,000 homes, employment, and community facilities south of Oxford. Savills aims to create a sustainable, 21st-century neighbourhood that blends living, working, and leisure for future residents.
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Fishers Vale officially opens in Marston, delivering 40 fully affordable homes
Fishers Vale, a new affordable housing development in Old Marston, Oxford, has officially opened. The 40-home scheme includes 21 council homes and 19 shared ownership properties, designed with sustainability in mind and delivered through a partnership between OX Place, Oxford City Council, and Lucy Developments.
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Chatty Bus partners with charities to tackle loneliness across Oxfordshire
The Chatty Bus scheme is partnering with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity to host a series of events across Oxfordshire this year. Passengers can connect, share stories, and access local support, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the community.
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FunParx to open 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park at Banbury’s Castle Quay in 2026
Castle Quay will welcome FunParx, a 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park, in summer 2026. Featuring inflatables, obstacle courses, slides and arcade games, the park will create 50 jobs and add a major new family-friendly attraction to Banbury’s canalside leisure and retail destination.
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Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum to showcase county’s military story in 50 objects
A new exhibition at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum will explore the county’s military heritage through 50 objects, from Roman Britain and Waterloo to D-Day and the Second World War.
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Abingdon Drama Club to stage family drama ‘Things I Know to Be True’ at Unicorn Theatre
Abingdon Drama Club presents Andrew Bovell’s Things I Know to Be True at the Unicorn Theatre this March — a powerful and moving exploration of family, love and identity.
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Examining Authority submits Botley West Solar Farm recommendations to Secretary of State
The Secretary of State will decide within three months whether the proposed Botley West Solar Farm is approved, following submission of the Inspector’s recommendations to Government.
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Communities in Oxfordshire invited to apply for Love Your Network grant
Oxfordshire community groups are invited to apply for the Love Your Network grant, offering resources to support local walking, wheeling and cycling routes on the National Cycle Network, with applications open until 14 June 2026.
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Westgate Oxford unveils free half-term family event programme
Westgate Oxford is hosting a week of free half-term fun, including an Alice in Wonderland trail, craft sessions, story times and interactive play on Leiden Square for families to enjoy.
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Frilford Heath Golf Club announces Be Free Young Carers as 2026 Charity Partner
Frilford Heath Golf Club has named Be Free Young Carers as its 2026 charity partner, launching a year of fundraising events to support young people aged eight to 17 who care for family members across Oxfordshire.
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Invitation to Hearing the Young Unheard county conference
Oxfordshire leaders will gather on 04 March for Hearing the Young Unheard, a county conference focused on early intervention, prevention and improving life chances for young people across the region.