Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Persimmon Homes supports Vale & Downland Museum redevelopment with donation
Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated £1,000 to the Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage to support its redevelopment plans, including a new barn gallery and community art projects. The museum, which celebrates the area’s human and natural history, plans to engage new residents and foster community spirit.
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Oxfordshire expands cycling and walking network with plans for Chipping Norton and Woodstock
The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) aim to reduce reliance on cars by improving connectivity between residential areas, town centres, schools, and public spaces.
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Labour’s Planning Bill slammed as a catastrophic licence to trash nature
Forty leading economists, conservationists, and former government advisors have warned MPs that Labour’s flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill could devastate England’s natural environment and harm economic growth.
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Cricket Future Leaders tackle social media at Oxford workshop
A group of young cricketers took part in a social media masterclass led by Fortitude Communications at Oxfordshire Cricket’s Future Leaders Academy. Held at Cherwell School, the session equipped teens aged 13–18 with digital skills to boost engagement at their clubs.
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Heyford Park apprentice honoured at MK College Awards for construction excellence
Ben Hambridge, a painting and decorating apprentice at Heyford Park, has won the Construction Award at Milton Keynes College’s Apprenticeship Graduation. After switching from retail to pursue a trade, Ben completed a Level 2 apprenticeship while working on-site with Dorchester Living.
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Unicorn School announces new Headteacher and landmark expansion project
The Unicorn School has appointed Alison Woodworth Sturla as its new Headteacher. Formerly Deputy Head at Alfriston School, she brings extensive experience in specialist education.
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Oxford Bus Group celebrates 175 years of combined service at ‘Really Amazing Awards’
The Oxford Bus Group celebrated the exceptional achievements of its staff at the annual ‘Really Amazing Awards’, held at Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History. Six colleagues were honoured for a combined 175 years of long service
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Croudace Homes launches Easter incentive alongside community event
Families enjoyed Easter-themed crafts, including building their own baskets, and searched for hidden eggs across the green space – with refreshments provided by an on-site coffee van.
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BBOWT and RHS launch campaign to protect hoverflies across the UK
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society are urging gardeners to help save hoverflies as these vital, yet overlooked, pollinators face steep population declines.
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Oxfordshire primary admissions see high success rate in first-choice offers
More than 94% of children in Oxfordshire have been offered a place at their first-choice primary school for the upcoming reception year, with over 99% receiving a place at one of their listed preferences
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Vale Council brings solar power to refurbished site near Wantage
A sewage treatment works near Wantage has been refurbished and upgraded with solar power by the Vale of White Horse District Council. Serving 31 properties in Sparsholt, the site received new equipment, improved access, and 22 solar panels.
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New planters bring flowery facelift to Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot
Cornerstone in Didcot has received a vibrant makeover with the installation of colourful planters, thanks to South Oxfordshire District Council and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Volunteers from Didcot Train helped set up the planters, which included seating to encourage social interaction.
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Oxfordshire internship program helps young people thrive in the workplace
Warwick Bourton, a 19-year-old intern with additional needs, is thriving at Bicester-based Oxford Office Furniture through Oxfordshire County Council’s supported internship scheme. During a meeting with his supervisors, he surprised them by selling office chairs, demonstrating his initiative and natural sales skills.
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Wildlife Trust urges public action against Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) warns that the Government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill poses a major threat to UK nature. The bill allows developers to bypass essential environmental protections by paying into a centralized Nature Restoration Fund.
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Heyford Park invites community input on sustainable regeneration masterplan
Dorchester Living is inviting the Heyford Park community, including residents and local stakeholders, to an engaging Masterplan Consultation Day on Sunday, 13 April 2025, to help shape the next phase of its transformation and sustainability-focused initiatives.
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Concerns raised over water quality ahead of Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
Ahead of this weekend’s Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, campaigners warn that the Thames stretch hosting the event has unsafe E.coli levels, with nearly 30% of samples exceeding safe limits despite dry weather.