Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Magic Queen set for live show at The Mill Arts Centre Banbury in June 2026
Magic Queen will take to the stage at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, on 06 June 2026, delivering a high-energy tribute show celebrating the greatest hits of Queen and the legendary Freddie Mercury.
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Persimmon Charitable Foundation opens applications for £50k grants supporting young people
Charities supporting young people into education, training and work can apply for one of three £50,000 grants from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation, part of a £300,000 funding programme focused on improving employability outcomes.
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Brand the Bus returns with £100k prize for Oxfordshire charities
Brand the Bus is back, giving Oxfordshire charities the chance to win a £100k advertising package, including a full-wrap electric bus campaign, radio promotion and football club partnership for the 2026/27 season.
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85 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils secure first choice secondary school places
Nearly 90 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils have secured first-choice secondary school places for September 2026, with more than 96 per cent offered a preferred school. The council has opened appeals and waiting lists for families seeking alternative placements.
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Jeremy Clarkson hosts public meeting on Cereals 2026 traffic plans
Jeremy Clarkson reassured residents about traffic controls for Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. Organisers outlined strict routing plans, free parking and bus services ahead of the June 10 to 11 agricultural trade event expected to attract 24,000 visitors.
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Aureus alumni take on 57 mile walk to support former teacher with rare condition
Three Aureus alumni will walk 57 miles over three days to raise funds for the MSA Trust in honour of former teacher Carolyn Saul.
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Oxfordshire County Council seeks new flood wardens to support communities at risk
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking volunteer flood wardens to help monitor risks, report issues and strengthen community resilience as the scheme expands countywide following successful pilot projects.
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Vistry supports young carers and SEND pupils in Oxfordshire with donations
Vistry has donated £1,000 to two Oxfordshire organisations supporting young carers and SEND pupils near its Barton Park development. The funding will support respite activities and contribute towards specialist outdoor equipment for children with mobility needs.
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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.