Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Monkey Music to launch new early childhood classes for Banbury families
Monkey Music is bringing its award-winning early childhood classes to Banbury, offering free trials from January 2026. Designed for babies and toddlers, the sessions support development, connection and community.
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Canada’s former deputy PM Chrystia Freeland named next Warden & CEO of Rhodes Trust
Chrystia Freeland, former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Rhodes Scholar, has been appointed the next Warden and CEO of the Rhodes Trust. She will begin the role on 01 July 2026.
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Voting begins to select neighbourhoods for Oxford’s Christmas Light bus
Oxford’s Christmas Light Bus returns this December, and residents can vote to choose its 2025 route. The illuminated bus will tour the city across four evenings, spreading festive cheer with music, treats and community celebrations.
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Free after-dark walking club launches at Leys Pools to support women this winter
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre has introduced a free after-dark walking club to support This Girl Can’s Let’s Lift the Curfew campaign, encouraging women to stay active during winter. Weekly guided sessions with high-vis clothing are open to everyone.
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Inspectors confirm effective progress in Oxfordshire’s SEND services
Ofsted and the CQC have praised Oxfordshire’s progress in improving SEND services, highlighting stronger leadership, better communication and improved support for children and families. Inspectors said effective action has been taken but noted continued work is needed to maintain improvements.
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Audley Shiplake Meadows to host annual Christmas fair
Audley Shiplake Meadows will welcome residents and visitors to its free annual Christmas Fair on 23 November, offering festive treats, carols and stalls featuring local produce and handmade gifts. The event aims to bring the community together in a joyful seasonal celebration.
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Mollie’s launches festive stays and seasonal dining for Christmas 2025
Mollie’s brings festive cheer to its Oxfordshire and Bristol sites with discounted December stays, seasonal diner menus and group feasts. Guests can enjoy cosy rooms, Christmas treats and easy access to local markets, illuminations and winter attractions.
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Oxfordshire approves major changes to household waste recycling centres
Oxfordshire County Council has approved new operating hours and policy changes for its household waste recycling centres, including a booking system, visitor charges for non-residents and updated permit rules. The revisions follow extensive public consultation and will be introduced from 2026 onwards.
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Pulhams Coaches engineering apprentice named Go-Ahead apprentice of the year
Pulhams Coaches apprentice Rebecca MacDonald has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Go-Ahead Gold Awards, recognised for her technical skill, initiative and leadership. The Oxford Bus Group also received further nominations across multiple categories.
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Ask Me: Education launches to improve grief support for young people in UK schools
Oxford’s Nell Davies-Small is helping launch Ask Me: Education, a new campaign urging schools to improve support for bereaved students. With most young people feeling unsupported, the initiative calls for greater empathy, personalised care, and student-led bereavement plans.
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Oxford Bus Group expands free flu jab programme to protect workers amid early flu season
Oxford Bus Group is offering hundreds of employees free flu vaccinations this winter, expanding last year’s successful programme. Staff across all companies can now book complimentary jabs at Boots to help reduce illness and protect colleagues, families and customers.
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Nai’s House launches the 1% Club to protect the mental wellbeing of future generations
Nai’s House has launched the 1% Club, inviting businesses to pledge 1% of turnover to support youth mental health and suicide prevention. The initiative strengthens early intervention and offers members training discounts, impact reports, and recognition for their support.
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Oxfordshire launches ambitious local nature recovery strategy
Oxfordshire has launched its Local Nature Recovery Strategy — a bold, collaborative roadmap to restore biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and reconnect people with nature through a pioneering interactive mapping tool and countywide community partnerships.
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Aureus student honours Armed Forces in ‘Poppies to Paddington’ tribute
Aureus student Roy Hehea laid a wreath at Didcot Parkway for the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ remembrance tribute, honouring Armed Forces personnel.
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Drivers flouting parking rules warned of fines as Oxfordshire launches parking crackdown
Oxfordshire County Council is increasing parking enforcement across the county, targeting unsafe and inconsiderate driving, particularly around schools and in new controlled parking zones.
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Aureus School unites for moving Remembrance Service
Aureus School held a moving Remembrance Service featuring speeches, a formal drill and a two-minute silence to honour Armed Forces personnel and their families.