Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
-
Prime Suspect actor’s widow to run Oxford Half Marathon for Sobell House Hospice
Widow of Prime Suspect actor John Turner is running the Oxford Half Marathon in his memory, raising funds for Sobell House Hospice, which cared for him during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Dame Mary Berry officially opens Audley Shiplake Meadows retirement village
Audley Shiplake Meadows, a new retirement village near Henley-on-Thames, has officially opened with a ceremony led by Dame Mary Berry. The development offers 65 senior living apartments, penthouses and cottages, all with private outdoor spaces and andscaped grounds.
-
Speakers confirmed for landmark World Mental Health Day event in Oxford
On World Mental Health Day, Oxford University’s Kellogg College and Oxfordshire Mind will host a free event exploring the financial cost of poor workplace mental health and how absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover create significant business challenges.
-
South Indian vegetarian restaurant Crispy Dosa opens at Orchard Centre Didcot
Orchard Centre Didcot has welcomed a vibrant new addition to its dining lineup with the opening of Crispy Dosa. The South Indian vegetarian restaurant brings authentic flavours, bold spices and a colourful menu to Didcot.
-
Brits brewing up a storm as Macdonald Hotels reports 10 per cent surge in coffee sales
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has seen a 10 per cent rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels, serving more than 730k cups in a year. Through its partnership with Paddy & Scott’s, every brew helps fund meals for children in coffee-growing communities.
-
Community campaigner takes fight against Oxford congestion charge to Downing Street
Community campaigner Amir Steve Ali has delivered a petition to Number 10 calling on the Prime Minister to halt Oxford’s £5 congestion charge, due to begin in October Critics say the scheme ignores public opposition and risks harming residents.
-
National Album Day research names Oxford the UK’s top city for launching rock artists
Oxford has been crowned the UK’s top rock city per capita in new research for National Album Day 2025, with Radiohead, Supergrass and Foals leading the charge. The city outperformed Manchester, Liverpool and London, reaffirming its place at the heart of Britain’s vibrant rock scene.
-
Oxford’s £185m Schwarzman Centre opens with aim to boost culture and tourism
Oxford University’s new Schwarzman Centre has opened its doors, uniting all humanities departments under one roof. Featuring theatres, a concert hall, cinema, and exhibition space, the £185 million development aims to boost tourism and widen access to arts and culture.
-
Stowe House announces Halloween trails and stargazing for October half term
Stowe House is celebrating half-term with a week of family activities, including a Halloween trail, spooky storytelling, and stargazing with UK Astronomy. Families can enjoy history, creativity, and seasonal fun in a magical setting.
-
St Edward’s School announces plans for new sports centre open to community
St Edward’s School has revealed plans for a new sports centre and outdoor pitches in Oxford, to be shared with local schools and charities. The scheme includes a rowing tank, cricket field, amphitheatre, and athletics track, with work starting in 2026.
-
BBOWT launches £300,000 appeal to protect ancient woodland in Buckinghamshire
BBOWT has launched a £300k appeal to protect Hamgreen Wood, a rare ancient woodland between Bicester and Aylesbury. The site provides vital habitat for Bechstein’s bats and the black hairstreak butterfly, making it one of the region’s most valuable reserves.
-
Flo’s Refill Shop expands its ethical offering with new video campaign
Flo’s Refill Shop in Florence Park has expanded with 305 new products and released a video campaign to encourage sustainable shopping. Profits fund free meals, maternity support, and family events, making every purchase a boost for Oxford’s community.
-
Taylor Wimpey sponsors Milton United FC for 2025/2026 season
Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties is sponsoring Milton United Football Club’s 1st Team training kit for the 2025/2026 season, providing a welcome boost for the grassroots side and strengthening the housebuilder’s ties with the community near its Valley Park development.
-
Two motorists convicted in Oxford crackdown on blue badge misuse
Two motorists have been convicted of blue badge misuse in Oxford, with fines totalling nearly £3,000. Oxfordshire County Council says enforcement will continue to protect disabled residents who rely on the scheme for essential access and independence.
-
Oxfordshire campaign races to save Iron Age hoard before deadline
Time is running out to secure Oxfordshire’s Iron Age hoard, with the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum racing to raise £10,500 before 06 October.
-
Café space available in Brackley’s refurbished Town Hall
Brackley Town Hall’s refurbished café space is now available for a new operator. The Grade II listed landmark offers a prime High Street location, historic character, and modern amenities at the heart of the town’s thriving commercial centre.