Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Oxford North to host IF Oxford interactive family science event and Creation Theatre experience
Oxford North partners with IF Oxford to host Zone ONE, an interactive family science event and Creation Theatre experience on 24 October 2025. The free evening features experiments, theatre, and art celebrating creativity, innovation, and discovery.
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Oxfordshire man paddles across Channel for huge charity challenge in memory of niece
Garsington’s John Bartlett raised £15k for childhood cancer research by paddleboarding across the English Channel in memory of his niece, Pearl. The challenge, part of the #PearlPower campaign, supports research into kinder, more effective treatments for childhood cancers.
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Government backs Oxfordshire Youth Support with £634k funding boost
Oxfordshire County Council has received £634k from the government to strengthen youth support across the county. The funding will help develop a sustainable model for youth services, supporting vulnerable young people.
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Oxford bus driver overcomes illness and injury to complete Oxford Half Marathon
Oxford Bus Company driver Mark Temple fought illness and injury to complete the Oxford Half Marathon, raising £420 for Sobell House Hospice. Finishing in 1:32:15, he now plans to cycle from Liverpool to Oxford in his next charity challenge.
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Oxford health professional recognised for supporting children with long-term conditions
Oxford health play specialist Laura Clay has been recognised nationally for her innovative use of play to help children with juvenile arthritis manage their treatment and anxiety, earning her the runner-up spot in Starlight’s 2025 Health Play Awards.
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Silverstone’s Lap of Lights returns for 2025 with festive wonder and motorsport magic
Experience Christmas at Silverstone as Lap of Lights returns, transforming the Grand Prix circuit into a glowing festive adventure. Drive under 7,000 LEDs, skate the Ice Trak, and enjoy winter treats in this one-of-a-kind motorsport celebration.
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Oxford University Press launches AI and Education Hub as pupils struggle to spot AI misinformation
Less than half of UK pupils can identify accurate AI content, with many wanting clearer guidance from teachers, according to new Oxford University Press research. In response, OUP has launched an AI and Education Hub to support schools in developing AI literacy.
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Oxfordshire County Council considers enhanced partnership to improve bus services
Oxfordshire County Council will consider strengthening its partnership with local bus operators through a proposed Enhanced Partnership Plus, designed to improve services, reduce costs, and address congestion while avoiding the risks of franchising or municipal ownership.
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Kids Eat Free is back at Bill’s this Halloween
Kids eat free at Bill’s this Halloween from 27 to 31 October. Up to two children dine free per adult, with a fun menu, Toffee Apple Pancakes, and a new spooky storybook – the perfect half-term treat for families.
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Oxfordshire County Council approves new road safety projects under Vision Zero programme
Four new road safety schemes have been approved by Oxfordshire County Council as part of its Vision Zero programme, aiming to eliminate fatalities by 2050 through speed reductions, junction changes, and improved pedestrian crossings across key routes in the county.
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Magical new Santa’s Grotto Experience coming to Yarnton Home & Garden this Christmas
Yarnton Home & Garden has unveiled plans for a brand-new Santa’s Grotto Experience this Christmas, complete with reindeer food-making, a private visit with Santa, and a Present Room filled with gifts.
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City Sightseeing Oxford and Black Oxford Untold Stories marks Black History Month
City Sightseeing Oxford celebrates Black History Month with guided tours led by historian Pamela Roberts, exploring the stories of black scholars who shaped Oxford’s history. Tours take place on 10 and 18 October, departing from Broad Street.
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Oxford Bus Company to operate shuttle bus service for Oxford Half Marathon
Oxford Bus Company will operate a special shuttle bus service on Sunday, 12 October, to support runners and volunteers participating in the Oxford Half Marathon. Services will run from Pear Tree, Redbridge and a temporary Unipart Park & Ride to University Parks from 7.00am.
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Millets Farm named among the UK’s best pumpkin patches for 2025
Millets Farm Centre has been named one of the UK’s best pumpkin patches for 2025, ranking joint second in a national survey. The Oxfordshire favourite scored highly for affordability, popularity, and social media buzz as pumpkin picking season begins.
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Big Open Weekend of free family activities returns to four Oxford leisure centres
The Big Open Weekend returns to Oxford on 11 to 12 October, offering free swimming, skating, and family activities across four leisure centres.
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Free Park & Ride travel announced as part of major Oxford bus network improvements
Oxford Bus Company will offer three months of free Park & Ride travel and introduce major service upgrades across the city, including new routes, improved frequencies, and better links to hospitals, following the introduction of Oxford’s temporary congestion charge.