Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Five National Trust places offering free entry in Oxfordshire and beyond this September
Five National Trust properties across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are taking part in Heritage Open Days this September, offering free entry, rare access, exhibitions, tours and archaeological discoveries.
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Bank holiday sewage dumping sparks warnings over Oxfordshire rivers
Raw sewage was discharged into rivers and streams across Oxfordshire over the bank holiday, prompting warnings about water quality, wildlife and public health as the county remains under drought conditions and a hosepipe ban.
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Viral dog sensation Viola Snow is coming to Blenheim Palace for DogFest
Viola Snow, the viral husky with millions of social-media followers, is heading to Blenheim Palace for DogFest in October, with two exclusive Meet & Greet sessions giving fans the chance to meet the internet-famous dog.
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Osney Bridge reopening delayed as Thames Water extends Oxford works
The reopening of Osney Bridge in Oxford has been delayed again, with Thames Water now planning to keep a lane closure in place until 18 September. The latest extension comes as Botley Road prepares to reopen after more than two years of closure.
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Sewage discharged into Oxfordshire rivers as rain follows summer drought
Sewage was discharged into the River Windrush and River Evenlode after heavy rain followed months of exceptionally dry weather, prompting renewed criticism of Thames Water from Witney MP Charlie Maynard.
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Gulp Fiction plans new bookshop and café-bar on Oxford’s Broad Street
Gulp Fiction has applied for a licence to open a larger bookshop and café-bar on Broad Street, with plans for food, drink, live music and literary events at the former Mountain Warehouse premises.
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Guide dog puppies take to Oxford buses as part of training for future careers
Four Labrador puppies have taken part in a special training session at Oxford Bus Company’s Cowley depot, learning to navigate public transport as part of their journey towards becoming guide dogs for people with sight loss.
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City Sightseeing Oxford and Museum of Oxford launch new combined ticket
City Sightseeing Oxford and the Museum of Oxford have launched a new combined ticket, giving visitors and residents a discounted way to explore the city by open-top bus and discover its history at the Museum of Oxford.
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Beryl Cook’s iconic characters to take over Bicester Village
Beryl Cook’s exuberant characters will spill across Bicester Village this autumn as a mile-long installation marks the artist’s centenary, alongside a new three-year partnership supporting creative education for Oxfordshire schools, colleges and community groups.
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Oxfordshire quiet lanes plan faces police objection over proposed 20mph limit
Oxfordshire’s new quiet lanes programme is facing opposition from Thames Valley Police, which has described proposed speed limits on Shepherds Pit Lane as “highly inappropriate” ahead of a key county council decision.
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Abingdon dementia café helps families find friendship and support
A community memory café in Abingdon is helping people living with dementia and their carers find friendship, practical support and reassurance, with some attendees later moving into day care or residential care at Bridge House.
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Oxford rowing and canoeing club seeks to expand Thameside boathouse as useage grows
Falcon Rowing and Canoeing Club has submitted plans to expand its Oxford boathouse, citing increased use and a need for more storage, training space and facilities to support growing junior, beginner and community programmes.
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BBOWT and Freshwater Habitats Trust launch project to protect rare Oxfordshire fen insects
A new conservation partnership will restore and reconnect 11 rare fen sites across west Oxfordshire while using innovative DNA techniques to study threatened insects, including the southern damselfly and three rare soldierfly species.
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New bus routes and timetable changes announced ahead of Botley Road reopening
Bus services across Oxford and Oxfordshire are set for a major shake-up when Botley Road reopens on 20 September, with new cross-city routes, increased frequencies and extended services.
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Two new NHS mental health facilities planned for Oxfordshire as charity backs £343m investment
Two new NHS mental health facilities are planned for Oxfordshire as part of a £343m national investment, with Oxford charity Response welcoming the move towards earlier, preventative support.
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Actor Toby Jones shares passion for nature and farming at FarmED fundraising evening
Actor Toby Jones discussed his passion for nature, wildlife and environmental conservation during a sold-out fundraising evening at FarmED near Chipping Norton, sharing why regenerative agriculture and the protection of local landscapes matter to him.