Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Oxfordshire accelerates £27.5m developer funding for community projects
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a £27.5 million plan to accelerate spending of developer contributions, unlocking 33 community projects including travel, road, and village improvements across the county.
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Runners raise over £11k for Oxford mental health charity Response
Fifty runners raised over £11k for Littlemore-based charity Response during the Oxford Half Marathon, supporting mental health and housing services for hundreds across Oxfordshire.
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Oxfordshire to strengthen partnership with bus operators to improve services
Oxfordshire County Council has approved an Enhanced Partnership Plus model to strengthen collaboration with bus operators, aiming to improve services, reduce costs, and enhance passenger experiences while avoiding the lengthy and costly franchising process.
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Westgate Oxford hosts family fun this half term
Westgate Oxford is bringing family fun this half term with a new Alice in Wonderland-themed trail, Halloween crafts, and the centre’s first-ever dogwalk. Enjoy free, family-friendly activities, creative workshops, and surprises for both kids and pets.
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Oxfordshire communities to decide on part-night streetlighting under new council policy
Oxfordshire communities can now request part-night streetlighting, with lights turned off overnight only if safety standards are met. The new policy supports carbon reduction and biodiversity, with decisions made locally and reviewed by Thames Valley Police.
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Westgate Oxford launches Alice in Wonderland trail and family activities
Westgate Oxford is hosting a week of free half-term fun with a new Alice in Wonderland trail, Halloween crafts, and the centre’s first-ever ‘dogwalk’ for pets and owners.
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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.