Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Leys Pools unveils exciting new Active Zone for families
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre is launching its new Active Zone on 05 April, offering an exciting space for children and families. The zone includes a Soft Play area for kids under 12, featuring slides, sensory elements, and an Oxford-themed design.
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Join BBOWT’s Hedgehog Walk with Timmy and Apricot from Timmy Time
BBOWT’s Hedgehog Walk, in partnership with Timmy Time, invites families, schools, and clubs to take on a 3km challenge to support wildlife. Running from 31 March to 13 April, the event mimics a hedgehog’s nightly wander. Participants receive fun resources and top fundraisers earn prizes.
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PayByPhone to revolutionise parking in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse
Saba UK has partnered with PayByPhone to introduce a seamless cashless parking system across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. Replacing Connect, the PayByPhone app offers residents and visitors easy parking payments, session extensions, and additional features.
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Voting opens for Brand the Bus 2025 with over 60 charities in the running
More than 60 local charities are competing in Oxfordshire’s Brand the Bus 2025 competition to win a £100,000 advertising package. Hosted by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, the initiative will see the winning charity’s branding featured on a double-decker bus for a year.
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Botley’s new skatepark nears completion, a game-changer for local skaters
Botley’s new skatepark is nearing completion and is set to open by mid-March. Replacing the iconic Botley Bowl, it features the UK’s first blended bowl, a street section, and a mini ramp, designed for all skill levels.
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Oxford United’s charity launches fundraising campaign for fans and businesses
Oxford United’s official charity has launched Friends of Oxford United in the Community, a fundraising initiative to expand its impact through football. Fans can subscribe for £5 monthly, while businesses can partner for £100, unlocking exclusive benefits and prize draws.
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JR Hospital gets improved bus service as Pulhams takes charge
Pulhams has enhanced the H2 bus service to JR Hospital, increasing frequency and extending the timetable. Now operating every 30 minutes from Witney, Eynsham, and Summertown to the hospital, the service also includes early morning and late evening journeys to Carterton.
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Artificial intelligence boosts swimmer safety at Oxford’s leisure centre
Three Oxford leisure centres have introduced AI-driven Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) to enhance swimmer safety and support lifeguards. Backed by the Royal Lifesaving Society, ALT uses overhead cameras and AI to monitor swimmer behaviour, providing real-time alerts via smartwatches worn by lifeguards.
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Registrations now open for the 2025 British Transplant Games in Oxfordshire
Registrations for the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxfordshire are now open. The event, running from 31 July to 3 August, welcomes transplant recipients, supporters, live donors, and donor families to participate in 26 sports.
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Oxford Bus Company’s Chatty Bus initiative to combat loneliness returns
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s popular Chatty Bus initiative is returning to help address loneliness. As part of efforts to help Oxford Bus Company combat loneliness, the Chatty Bus initiative volunteers will be on board the X32 service on Monday, 24 February, engaging passengers in conversation as they travel between the John Radcliffe Hospital…
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Play2Give launches Easter egg appeal to help local families
Play2Give, a Didcot-based charity, has launched its fifth annual Easter appeal to bring joy to children and families in hospitals, hospices, and those in need across Oxfordshire.
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100th business joins OIEP to support inclusivity and reduce inequality across Oxfordshire
The Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (OIEP) has welcomed its 100th Charter member, Oxford University Development (OUD). Established in 2021, OIEP unites businesses, educators, and community groups to foster a fairer economy.
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Lib Dems condemn Labour’s housing policy change in Cherwell amid planning delays
Cherwell’s Liberal Democrats have criticised the Labour government for reinstating the requirement to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, despite over 8,000 homes already approved but awaiting construction.
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Oxford Bus Company announces major service improvements across key routes
Oxford Bus Company is introducing bus service improvements to help make routes quicker and more punctual in response to changing traffic congestion levels around the city.
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Oxford United makes donation to support homelessness charity Emmaus Oxford
Oxford United has donated £1,000 to Emmaus Oxford, a homelessness charity, through its Dreaming Spires project. The funding supports Emmaus’s Healthy Hearts programme, which offers activities like yoga, football, and swimming to improve physical and mental health.
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Cokethorpe School in Witney appoints Dr Sarah Squire as new Head
Dr. Sarah Squire has been appointed as Cokethorpe’s eighth Head and first Headmistress, succeeding Damian Ettinger, who retires after 23 years. She will assume the role in September 2025, bringing experience from d’Overbroeck’s and Oxford High School.