Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Oxford Hoops celebrates 30 years and pushes for permanent home
Oxford Hoops marks 30 years and seeks a permanent home to support its expanding squads. With 300 players and rising costs, the club hopes a dedicated venue will secure its future and allow further growth across Oxford.
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Last tickets remaining for free festive character visits at Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford has limited free tickets left for its festive character meet and greets, including The Grinch and The Snowman™ & The Snowdog. December also brings choir performances, late-night shopping, gift-wrapping, dining experiences and fun festive activities across the centre.
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Famous Oxfordshire figures inspire pun-filled names for county’s fleet of gritters
Oxfordshire has unveiled a pun-packed list of names for its 30 gritters, inspired by iconic locals, musicians, writers and landmarks. From Sir Winston Chur-chill to Radiospread, the new names celebrate the county’s culture while highlighting the essential work of winter road crews.
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Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea wins a prestigious UK Coaching award
Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea has been named UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year after creating life-changing SEND rugby opportunities, transforming access to the sport for more than 100 children each week across the county.
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World’s first children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House unveils branded bus after competition win
Helen & Douglas House has launched a newly branded Oxford Bus Company electric bus after securing the runner-up spot in the 2025 Brand the Bus competition, winning a £20,000 advertising package to support its work and Christmas fundraising appeal.
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World Soil Day highlights hidden contamination across Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire’s construction boom is revealing widespread contaminated soil, with specialists like Maylarch Environmental working to identify and safely manage asbestos and other hazards. New testing and remediation methods ensure redevelopment meets strict environmental and public-health standards.
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New pottery painting studio opens at Yarnton Home & Garden
Yarnton Home & Garden has launched the Potting Shed Studio, a new pottery painting experience. Visitors can personalise mugs, vases, and festive items, creating unique keepsakes while enjoying a fun, creative day out for all ages.
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Oxfam launches Christmas personal shopper service for conscious Oxford shoppers
Oxfam is launching a Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting Service in Oxford to help residents find meaningful, affordable and sustainable presents. With many shoppers feeling financial pressure, the initiative supports second-hand gifting and offers tailored advice for thoughtful festive shopping.
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Children’s health charity and toy company bring the healing power of play to young patients in Oxford
Starlight and Ravensburger have delivered over 7,000 therapeutic toys to John Radcliffe Hospital and paediatric teams nationwide. The toys support children’s emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety during treatment, and fill critical gaps where hospitals lack budgets for play resources.
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Combating loneliness at Christmas with carols for the older generation at The Rivus in Wantage
The Rivus in Wantage is offering over 55s a supportive community during Christmas, with social clubs, festive events, and a carols evening this December to connect residents and locals in celebration.
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Oxford Innovation Space’s Jo Stevens honoured as Institute of Economic Development Leader of the Year 2025
Jo Stevens of Oxford Innovation Space has been named Leader of the Year at the 2025 iED Awards, recognised for her people-first leadership and national impact on innovation-led economic growth across the UK and Ireland.
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The Duchess of Edinburgh celebrates RAW and GAIL’s social enterprise partnership
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited RAW’s Oxfordshire base to celebrate its social mission and four-year partnership with GAIL’s. The visit showcased RAW’s employment impact, youth charity, and circular-economy work through the innovative GAIL’s Hub initiative.
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Charity quiz night aims to raise £100,000 for Oxfordshire causes
A charity quiz night at Tap Social in Botley will support Raise25’s goal of raising £100,000 for twelve Oxfordshire charities. Match-funded tickets, prizes and the chance to meet local charities promise an evening of meaningful community fundraising.
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Oxfordshire among South East areas linked to 84 charity fraud reports
Oxfordshire charities are being encouraged to boost fraud resilience after 84 charity-related fraud incidents were recorded across the South East. Ansvar Insurance urges organisations to review access rights, verify supplier details and audit cloud permissions ahead of Charity Fraud Awareness Week.
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Oxfordshire Libraries offer free food caddy bags to cut Christmas waste
Oxfordshire libraries are giving away free food waste caddy liners this December to help residents manage extra Christmas waste. The council hopes the scheme will encourage more recycling, cut costs and support environmental goals across the county.
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Staff at Oxford United’s official charity benefit from workplace wellbeing workshop
Oxford United in the Community staff received a tailored wellbeing workshop from psychotherapist Rebecca Lisi, equipping them with practical tools to manage stress and support the charity’s Match Fit campaign. The training forms part of a growing partnership under the Friends of the Community scheme.