Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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ENT consultant advises hay fever sufferers on weed pollen season
Award-winning ENT consultant Mr Ali Qureishi is warning hay fever sufferers to remain vigilant amid an imminent surge in weed pollen across the UK. Despite a dry spring, symptoms like sneezing and blocked noses may peak in the coming weeks.
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Have your say on modernising household waste recycling centres in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking public input on how to modernise and improve the efficiency of the county’s seven household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Residents can complete a survey on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire until 11 August.
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Oxfordshire road maintenance programme completes phase one on schedule
The first phase of Oxfordshire County Council’s £7.4m surface dressing programme has successfully concluded, covering 938,336sqm of roads across 70 towns and villages. Despite minor weather-related delays, crews completed the works on schedule.
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Oxfordshire man to paddleboard across English Channel for children’s cancer research
John Bartlett from Garsington, Oxfordshire, is preparing to paddleboard across the English Channel in memory of his 10-year-old niece Pearl, who died of Ewing sarcoma in 2017. Alongside his brother Jamie, Pearl’s father, he’s raising funds for #PearlPower, a named fund under CCLG for childhood cancer research.
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The Old Stables in Wantage invites locals to summer party with creative workshops and music
The Old Stables in Wantage will host a free summer party on Saturday, 28 June. This vibrant community event will include a shared meal made from surplus food, live music, storytelling, art workshops, and a makers market featuring local creatives.
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Oxfordshire’s new active travel and cycling champion seeks residents’ views
Councillor Emily Kerr has been appointed Oxfordshire County Council’s new active travel and cycling champion. Representing Oxford’s Bartlemas division, she’s calling on residents to share their views to help improve walking and cycling across both urban and rural areas.
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Thames towpath near Abingdon Road to be closed for essential riverbank repairs
A key section of Oxford’s Thames towpath, between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge off Abingdon Road, will be closed from late June to late September 2025 for urgent riverbank repair to prevent erosion and preserve the route.
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Oxford United backs Dorchester-on-Thames cricket club through Dreaming Spires initiative
Dorchester-on-Thames Cricket Club has received a £1,000 boost from Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative to enhance its 50-year-old clubhouse and support grassroots cricket. In partnership with the ECB, the club is rolling out the All Stars programme for children and creating access to matches for local schools without pitches.
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HARE Oxfordshire Hair Studio named finalist in four major industry awards
HARE, an Oxfordshire-based hair studio founded by brothers James and George Talbot, has been named a finalist in four prestigious hair industry awards, including Best Business Leader and Salon of the Year.
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Oxfordshire County Council addresses national SEND crisis in Parliament
Oxfordshire County Council has submitted written evidence to the Parliamentary Education Select Committee’s inquiry into the national SEND crisis. Despite soaring costs, outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain stagnant.
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Climate Emergency UK ranks Oxfordshire best-performing council for second year
Oxfordshire County Council has been named the UK’s top-performing council for climate action by Climate Emergency UK’s 2025 scorecard. This marks the second consecutive year Oxfordshire has achieved this distinction. The score reflects strong efforts across waste, transport, built environment, and nature recovery.
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Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service issues warning on water safety
Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service has issued vital water safety advice due to rising concerns about people getting into difficulty in the county’s rivers, lakes, and canals, especially during hot weather. The public is warned of dangers such as cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden underwater hazards.
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Oxford Kidney Unit Trust supports 2025 British Transplant Games
The Oxford Kidney Unit Trust has announced its support for the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games, set to take place in Oxford from 31 July to 03 August. The charity has long championed kidney patients and transplant research.
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Emergency repairs restore Oxford Canal after lock gate failure in Little Bourton
A vital stretch of the Oxford Canal is back in use following urgent repairs to a damaged lock gate at Little Bourton by engineering experts The Rothen Group.
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Plans lodged for 72 homes and care home in Kingsmere, Bicester
Countryside Properties has submitted plans to build up to 72 homes and a 75-bed care home in the Kingsmere development south of Bicester. The proposed site, located west of Oxford Road, is part of a larger plan for 1,585 homes and key amenities.
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Estelle Bailey of BBOWT awarded MBE for services to nature recovery
Estelle Bailey, Chief Executive of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to nature recovery. With a 25-year career in The Wildlife Trusts and 11 years at BBOWT’s helm, she has led transformative projects, expanded nature reserves, and championed community-focused conservation.