Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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City Sightseeing Oxford bus to play starring role at Christmas Light Festival
A glittering open-top City Sightseeing Oxford bus will headline the city’s Christmas Light Festival from 14 to 16 November, joining a programme of markets, workshops and light-themed events supported by more than 25 local partners.
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Oxfordshire approves new scheme to cut disruption from roadworks
Oxfordshire County Council has been approved to introduce a lane rental scheme, charging utility firms for roadworks during peak times to reduce disruption. The initiative targets key routes and aims to shorten works and improve traffic flow.
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Primary school application process opens in Oxfordshire
Parents of children born between September 2021 and August 2022 can now apply for primary school places in Oxfordshire for September 2026. Officials urge families to list four schools and apply before the 15 January deadline.
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Oxfordshire rugby coach nominated for national award
Oxford’s Darren Rea has been shortlisted for the 2025 UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year Award for creating transformative SEND rugby opportunities across Oxfordshire, now supporting more than 100 children each week.
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Taylor Wimpey sponsors Didcot Primary Academy’s Railway Centre trip
Taylor Wimpey has funded Didcot Primary Academy’s Year 2 trip to Didcot Railway Centre, giving pupils the chance to explore GWR history, ride a steam train and take part in hands-on workshops celebrating the town’s rich railway heritage.
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Celebrate flavours and abundance with Ottolenghi’s 2025 Christmas hampers range
This Christmas, make room for more: more flavour, more colour, more joy. Ottolenghi’s 2025 Christmas range is a celebration of abundance – from hand-packed hampers brimming with festive bakes and pantry delights to new limited-edition treats and a panettone so light it took 25 taste tests to get right.
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Discover stationery to treasure in Holchester Designs’ Seasonal Fruits Recipe Notebook
Discover Holchester Designs’ Seasonal Fruits Recipe Notebook, a beautifully hand-drawn, sustainable stationery piece designed to be used, loved, and treasured – the perfect thoughtful gift this festive season.
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Oxfordshire launches agile highway response teams ‘HART’ to boost maintenance
Oxfordshire County Council and M Group have launched Highways Asset Response Teams (HARTs) to deliver rapid, visible improvements across the county.
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Oxford to benefit from major bus network improvements and free Park & Ride
Oxford’s bus network is set for major improvements from 09 November, , including free Park & Ride travel, more frequent services, and faster connections to hospitals and key areas, as part of the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership.
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Pulhams invests £1.5m in five new executive coaches as part of growth strategy
Pulhams Coaches has announced a £1.5m investment in five new Irizar i6S executive coaches, expanding its fleet to 155 vehicles and launching a recruitment drive for new drivers across its growing Cotswold operations.
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BBOWT honours lifetime of service from wildlife volunteers
BBOWT has recognised Tony Chandler and Rodney Sims for six decades of volunteer service at its 2025 Awards, alongside young and community groups contributing to wildlife conservation across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
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Abingdon Drama Club brings grunge-fuelled fairytale The Snow Queen to the Unicorn Theatre
Abingdon Drama Club’s The Snow Queen reimagines the classic fairytale with a 90s grunge edge. Directed by Alexandra Jenkins, the production runs 15 to 24 January at the Unicorn Theatre, blending music, emotion, and theatrical spectacle.
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Frog photo leaps to victory in BBOWT 2025 wildlife photography competition
Peter Smith’s golden reflection of a common frog has been crowned overall winner of the BBOWT 2025 Photography Competition, which showcased stunning wildlife moments from across the region, including Thomas Roberts’ People’s Choice-winning photo of a great crested grebe family.
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Music tech inspires young talent at Oxford’s Rose Hill Junior Youth Club
Young people in Oxford are learning to create their own music at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club through new tech-driven sessions organised by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service, offering creative and social opportunities for children in a supportive community setting.
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Oxfordshire-based former rugby star to take on world’s toughest row for charity
Henley’s Ollie Phillips joins three adventurers to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic this December, raising funds for MND and sports charities in memory of rugby legend Doddie Weir and others affected by life-changing conditions.
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Aureus School marks culture week with colourful celebration of diversity
Aureus School in Didcot celebrated its second Culture Week with food, music, and traditions from around the world. Students wore traditional dress and football shirts, took part in creative projects, and celebrated the diversity that makes their school community so special.