Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Self-belief charity delivers mental health boost for Oxford and Banbury college students
I Can & I Am is hosting workshops on double-decker buses to boost the confidence and resilience of 240 Oxford and Banbury students. The sessions will support GCSE retake learners and High Needs students as part of Activate Learning’s MindGreen initiative.
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Prue Leith cuts ribbon at launch of Yellow Submarine’s life-changing bakery
Yellow Submarine has opened a new bakery in Witney to support adults with learning disabilities and autism. The launch, attended by Bake Off’s Prue Leith, will provide trainees with vital skills while expanding the charity’s award-winning range of bakes.
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Thames Travel introduces major improvements to X32 service between Didcot and JR Hospital
Thames Travel has boosted its X32 service between Didcot and the John Radcliffe Hospital, with buses now running every 20 minutes on weekdays. The move, supported by Milton Park and Oxfordshire County Council, aims to help commuters and NHS staff.
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Half term and Halloween adventures at National Trust in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire
This October half term, National Trust places across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire are bringing autumn to life with Halloween adventures for all ages.
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Oxford hospitals raise concerns over congestion charge impact
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has warned that the city’s congestion charge could place extra pressure on staff and patients. The trust has urged for support measures, while the county council insists hospitals will remain accessible without paying the fee.
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Merck’s Curiosity Cube brings hands-on AI science to Greyfriars Oxford Catholic School
Oxford pupils will explore AI when Merck’s Curiosity Cube visits Greyfriars Catholic School this September. The interactive mobile lab offers hands-on experiments to spark curiosity in STEM and encourage the next generation of scientists.
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Last night of the Proms brings community together at The Rivus in Wantage
The Rivus in Wantage will live-screen The Last Night of the Proms on 13 September. A free, sociable evening of music and community spirit awaits, with complimentary refreshments and booking required.
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Oxford MP calls newly approved congestion charge as “extremely unfair”
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has criticised the county council’s congestion charge, warning it is “extremely unfair”. The scheme has split opinion between businesses, residents, and travel groups, with legal challenges threatened as the council pushes ahead.
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County council approves congestion charge for Oxford motorists
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a £5 daily congestion charge for six Oxford roads, starting by November 2025. Supporters say it will cut congestion and boost buses, while critics warn of negative impacts on families, businesses and schools.
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Abingdon resident wins Boodles Best Hat Competition at Salon Privé 2025
Abingdon’s Cheryl Prior has won Salon Privé’s 2025 Best Hat competition with a design by Louise Clare Millinery. Her victory capped off an edition of the luxury event that welcomed a record 28,000 visitors to Blenheim Palace.
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Grants awarded to improve community transport in Oxfordshire
Four Oxfordshire organisations will share £64,572 to improve community transport. The grants, from Oxfordshire County Council, will support routes, running costs, and volunteer drivers, helping ensure vital services for people without access to cars.
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Oxford action group threatens legal challenge to congestion charge
A new action group, Open Roads for Oxford, has warned it will launch legal action if the county council approves a £5 daily congestion charge. Campaigners say the scheme threatens local businesses, with strong public opposition already recorded.
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County Council confirms sale of County Hall for transformation into hotel
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed the sale of County Hall, with the landmark Oxford building set to be transformed into a high-quality hotel as part of wider regeneration of the city’s West End.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Oxfordshire County council seeks feedback on OxRail 2040 plan
Oxfordshire residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to help shape the county’s rail future through OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail. The draft strategy outlines ambitious proposals including upgraded lines, five new stations, electrification, and the creation of an Oxfordshire Metro. Feedback is open until 01 October via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.
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Oxfordshire libraries announce annual short story competition for 2025
Oxfordshire libraries have launched their eleventh annual short story competition, encouraging writers of all ages to share original stories. Winners will have their work published digitally as ebooks and audiobooks.