Community & Charity
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Helen & Douglas House named headline charity partner for Oxford Half 2026
Helen & Douglas House has been named Headline Charity Partner for the 2026 Oxford Half Marathon. The partnership will give the Oxford-based children’s hospice more runner places than ever, helping raise vital funds to support terminally ill children and their families.
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Demolition of old swimming pool clears way for Blackbird Leys Community Centre redevelopment
Demolition of the former swimming pool in Blackbird Leys has been completed, clearing the way for construction of a new purpose-built community centre at the heart of the area’s wider regeneration.
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Oxford volunteer marks rehoming of 25,000 hens with British Hen Welfare Trust
The British Hen Welfare Trust’s Oxfordshire team has reached a remarkable milestone, rehoming its 25,000th hen. Coordinator Lucia Singer reflects on 13 years of volunteering, teamwork and the enduring appeal of what she calls “beautiful, intelligent little dinosaurs”.
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Parkers Properties raises thousands for local causes across West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire estate agent Parkers Properties is marking a year of community fundraising, supporting charities, village events and grassroots sport while raising thousands of pounds for local and international causes.
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Meet the Oxfordshire people recognised in the The New Year Honours 2026
Discover the Oxfordshire recipients of the New Year Honours 2026, from leading economists and MPs to scientists, musicians, business leaders, and community champions. See the full list of honourees and their achievements.
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Oxfordshire Community Foundation marks 30 years of local giving
Oxfordshire Community Foundation marked 30 years of local giving with a Giving Tuesday celebration in Oxford. Since 1995, the charity has distributed more than £20 million in grants, supporting over 2,000 organisations and transforming lives across the county.
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Christmas Light Bus brings festive cheer to Oxford hospitals
A festive open-top bus covered in twinkling lights visited hospitals across Oxford this Christmas, bringing music, gifts and cheer to patients and staff. The Christmas Light Bus was a special extension of Oxford Bus Company’s popular seasonal tour.
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Sleigh2Give smashes records with biggest toy collection in its 11-year history
Oxfordshire’s Sleigh2Give Christmas appeal has smashed its own record, collecting an estimated 8,000 gifts in its 11th year. Run by Didcot charity Play2Give, the campaign supported hospitals, charities and families, with surplus toys set to benefit young patients throughout 2026.
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Croudace Homes spread festive cheer at Cutteslowe Primary School Christmas fair
Croudace Homes added festive sparkle to Cutteslowe Primary School’s Christmas fair by sponsoring a bauble-making workshop, giving pupils the chance to create their own decorations while supporting a much-loved community tradition in north Oxford.
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Oxford Coaches recognised in UK Coaching and England Boxing Women in Coaching spotlight
Oxford boxing coaches Suzanne Vjestica-Brown and Harriet Brennan are being celebrated nationally for breaking barriers, overcoming personal challenges and transforming lives through sport in UK Coaching’s Women in Coaching series.
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Oxford triathlete Oliver Conway joins British Olympic World Class Programme ahead of LA 2028
Oxford triathlete Oliver Conway has been selected for British Triathlon’s Olympic World Class Programme after a standout season, including two gold medals at the World Triathlon Grand Finals, as preparations build towards the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
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Oxford Ice Rink skaters win gold in National Figure Skating Championships
Oxford skaters Ellie Coley and William Sandelands have won Gold at the British National Figure Skating Championships and will perform their routine during the Movie Magic on Ice show on 13 and 14 December. Tickets are now on sale.
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Oxfordshire Cricket pursues charitable status to boost community programmes
Oxfordshire Cricket is applying for charitable status to expand its youth, school, and community programmes. The move will unlock funding, strengthen volunteer support, and build on record junior participation across the county.
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Christmas Light Bus routes revealed after more than 1,600 votes
After more than 1,600 votes, the routes for Oxfordshire’s Christmas Light Bus have been confirmed. The illuminated open-top bus will tour the county over four December dates, with festive music, treats at stops and plenty of photo opportunities.
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Oxford Food Hub launches Corporate Partnership Scheme with PQShield as first partner
Oxford Food Hub has introduced a Corporate Partnership Scheme to support its food redistribution work, with PQShield joining as the first partner. The initiative invites Oxfordshire businesses to help reduce waste, strengthen community networks, and sustain vital services for local charities.
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Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea wins a prestigious UK Coaching award
Oxfordshire rugby coach Darren Rea has been named UK Coaching Inclusive Coach of the Year after creating life-changing SEND rugby opportunities, transforming access to the sport for more than 100 children each week across the county.