Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Taylor Wimpey thanks nurses with sweet gesture on International Nurses’ Day
To mark International Nurses’ Day, Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties delivered over 1,200 Lindt chocolates to nurses and staff at key hospitals, including Southampton General and Queen Alexandra.
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Bowls’ Big Weekend returns with record-breaking 800+ clubs signed up
Bowls’ Big Weekend returns for its fifth year from 23–26 May, with over 800 clubs, including 11 in Oxfordshire, taking part. Organised by Bowls England and Aviva, the event offers free taster sessions to introduce all ages and abilities to the sport.
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BBOWT urges public to reconnect with nature in ’30 Days Wild’ challenge
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is inviting people of all ages to join 30 Days Wild, a nationwide challenge encouraging daily nature-based activities throughout June. From listening to birdsong to planting wildflowers, the campaign promotes wellbeing and environmental connection through simple, everyday acts.
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Swift Box project by Heyford Park builds community and biodiversity
Over fifty hand-painted swift boxes have been installed at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire, in a collaborative project by Dorchester Living, Heyford Park School, and artist Kerry Lemon. Timed with the swifts’ return from Africa, the initiative aims to support declining swift populations.
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Kingham Hill School announces strategic alliance with Dean Close Foundation
Kingham Hill School in Oxfordshire will join the Dean Close Foundation in July 2025, marking a significant step for independent education in the region.
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Wantage care home uses AI to detect pain and transform the wellbeing of residents
Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage is trialling AI technology to improve resident wellbeing. Using the PainChek system, care staff can detect and manage pain in residents who struggle to communicate by scanning facial expressions with a smartphone or tablet.
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Oxford Bus Company reports increased patronage after 3A timetable change
Oxford Bus Company has reported a 22% increase in passengers from Littlemore and Sandford following enhancements to its 3A service. Since February 2025, the route operates more frequently—every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20–30 minutes on weekends—improving access to Oxford, Cowley, and Oxford Science Park.
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Common Futures: Oxford residents called to co-create the city’s next civic landmark
Makespace Oxfordshire has launched Common Futures, a free public events programme inviting Oxford residents to help shape the future of the civic space at 38–40 George Street. Running monthly through 2025, the programme focuses on three themes—Regenerative Futures, Stories of Place, and City Changemakers—based on previous community input.
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Former warden of Keble College to run 10k at 90 in support of SEND education
Sir Christopher Ball, former warden of Keble College and a knight for services to education, will celebrate his 90th birthday by running a 10K in Brathay, Cumbria, on 17 May. He’s raising funds for ten charities, including The Unicorn School, which supports children with special educational needs.
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Persimmon champions sustainability with donation to local Didcot group
Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated £1,000 to Sustainable Didcot, a local environmental group, through its Community Champions programme. The donation supports the group’s initiatives such as repair cafes, clothing exchanges, and community workshops.
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High Sheriff of Oxfordshire launches initiative to amplify young voices
John May CVO OBE DL, the new High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, has launched the ‘Hearing the Young Unheard’ initiative to spotlight the needs of young people. As part of this, a series of Big Breakfast Conversations are being held, including one in Chipping Norton focusing on the impact of domestic abuse on youth.
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Oxfordshire Community Foundation marks 30 years of supporting local charities
Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is celebrating 30 years of tackling inequality and supporting grassroots charities across Oxfordshire. Since its founding in 1995, the charity has awarded over 4,500 grants totaling more than £20 million.
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World PoohSticks championships return to Oxfordshire with Allica Bank sponsorship
The Rotary Club of Abingdon has announced the 2025 World PoohSticks Championships will be held this May at Sandford Lock, Oxfordshire. Sponsored by Allica Bank, the event celebrates the classic game from A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories, drawing over 200 participants from around the world.
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DogFest 2025 and Agria Pet Insurance unite to champion animal welfare
The festival, expected to attract over 150,000 dog lovers, aims to raise funds and awareness for seven rescue organisations, supporting their work in rehabilitating and rehoming dogs.
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Oxford High School GDST team wins major award at global challenge
A team of Year 12 students from the school won the Entrepreneurial Innovator award at the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit in Houston, USA. Competing in the Aerospace and Aviation category, they were the only European finalists.
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Kidney Care UK renews support for the 2025 British Transplant Games in Oxford
The charity, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been a key partner in promoting organ donation and supporting transplant recipients for over a decade.