Community & Charity
-
Brand the Bus 2025 sees unprecedented public support for local charities
A record number of people have voted in Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s 2025 Brand the Bus competition, supporting 64 Oxfordshire charities. The annual initiative offers the winning charity a fully branded electric double-decker bus, advertising opportunities, and a partnership with Oxford City FC.
-
Oxfordshire firefighters recognised at prestigious Blenheim Palace ceremony
Thirteen Oxfordshire firefighters have been honoured with His Majesty The King’s long service and good conduct medals at a prestigious ceremony at Blenheim Palace, recognising a combined 260 years of service. Additional awards celebrated outstanding contributions, including Andy Ford receiving the Rose Award for his work in road safety education.
-
Gigaclear supports Bicester and North Oxford Cricket Club with gear and broadband
Cricketers in Bicester and North Oxford have received a boost from the Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund, backed by England legend Darren Gough. The club secured funding for youth match balls and free full-fibre broadband for their clubhouse.
-
Didcot Powerhouse Fund awards £100,000 in new grants to 14 local charities
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund has awarded £100,000 in 2025 grants to 14 local charities, bringing total funding over three years to £383,000. Four new charities join returning recipients tackling issues from male suicide to intercultural education.
-
Parents urged to take advantage of free Easter camps for school children
Parents are encouraged to sign up their children for free Easter holiday camps run by Ignite Sport in Oxfordshire. Available to children aged 4 to 16 who receive free school meals, the camps offer football, art, science, and more.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Oxford United boosts Chalgrove Cavaliers with winter training grant
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project has awarded Chalgrove Cavaliers FC a £1,000 grant, enabling the club to purchase eight portable floodlights. This funding ensures 30 young players can train through winter, overcoming previous challenges due to limited access to lit facilities.
-
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…
-
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.
-
Red Roses stars visit Chinnor RFC to inspire next generation of rugby talent in Oxford
Red Roses stars Ellie Kildunne, Maud Muir, and Lucy Packer will visit Chinnor RFC to inspire young female rugby players. As part of the RFU’s Love Rugby initiative, their visit aims to encourage more girls to take up the sport.
-
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.
-
Brand the Bus 2025: Record-breaking charity entries and £100k prize up for grabs
The Brand the Bus 2025 competition by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel has received 27 entries within three weeks of launching. Open to Oxfordshire-based charities, the contest offers the winning cause a £100,000 advertising package, including branding on a double-decker bus, digital ads and more.
-
Oxfordshire charity Be Free Young Carers celebrates 30th birthday
Be Free Young Carers, Oxfordshire’s sole charity supporting young carers, celebrates 30 years of enhancing lives through emotional, social, and recreational support. Operating since 1994, it serves 500 young carers annually, providing trips, counselling, and youth activities.
-
Public voting and entries open for Brand the Bus 2025
Oxfordshire-based charities are encouraged to sign up to Brand the Bus 2025 after Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel launched public voting on New Year’s Day.
-
The Oxfordshire people recognised in the New Year Honours List 2025
The New Year Honours List 2025 has been published, and Oxfordshire is proudly represented with a number of honourees recognised for their exceptional contributions to their fields and communities.