News
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Bluebird Care Oxford rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC
Bluebird Care Oxford has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission after a December 2025 inspection. Inspectors praised its compassionate, person-centred care, strong leadership and the positive impact on customers’ independence, wellbeing and emotional support.
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Oxfordshire doubles pothole repair crews after winter weather damage
Oxfordshire County Council has increased the number of pothole repair crews after freezing and wet weather led to a surge in road defects. Extra teams and resources are being deployed to tackle backlogs and improve road safety across the county.
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Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2026 longlist unveiled
The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2026 longlist has been revealed, spotlighting twelve exceptional young writers from around the world. With seven debut titles featured, the list celebrates emerging literary voices across fiction, poetry and short stories.
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Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons appoints three Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele as Culinary Director
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons has announced the appointment of three Michelin-starred French chef Arnaud Donckele as Culinary Director, ushering in a new era for the Oxfordshire destination with a renewed focus on terroir, sustainability and refined French artistry.
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Submissions open for RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize 2026
Henley Festival is inviting emerging visual artists to apply for the RISE Emerging Artist Prize 2026, offering cash awards and the opportunity to exhibit at the festival’s RISE Gallery.
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Mental health charity Response launches Challenge28 fundraiser for February
Response has launched Challenge28, inviting people to complete 28 miles in February to raise funds and awareness for children and young people waiting for mental health support.
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Peace named Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025
Peace has been chosen as Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting young people’s awareness of global events. Research by Oxford University Press also highlights the growing influence of AI and the importance of slang in children’s social lives.
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Eynsham mums help families save thousands through children’s clothes swap
Eynsham mums are tackling children’s clothing waste through a successful Kids Clothes Swap Shop, helping hundreds of families save money while keeping thousands of baby and children’s garments in use across West Oxfordshire.
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Candlelight’s Valentine’s Day concert to bring romance to Oxford Town Hall
Candlelight® returns to Oxford Town Hall this Valentine’s Day with a romantic string quartet concert featuring iconic love songs and film scores, performed in an intimate candlelit setting designed to create a memorable and atmospheric evening.
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Witney and West Oxfordshire Foodbank partners with M&M Zero to tackle rising food costs
Witney and West Oxfordshire Foodbank has teamed up with local zero-emission firm M&M Zero to help manage rising food costs and improve transport efficiency as demand for emergency food support continues to grow across the area.
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Public consultation on Oxfordshire fire service future extended to January
The deadline for public feedback on proposals to reshape Oxfordshire’s fire and rescue service has been extended to the end of January, giving residents and businesses more time to help influence future fire station locations, staffing and emergency response across the county.
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Crazy Bear to celebrate Burns Night with Scottish menu and live bagpipes
Crazy Bear is marking Burns Night with a Scottish three-course lunch and live bagpipes at its Stadhampton venue. The celebration will combine traditional cuisine, whisky and ceremony to honour Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.
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Headline chefs revealed for Blenheim Palace Food Festival 2026
Blenheim Palace Food Festival has revealed an impressive chef line-up for 2026, featuring Raymond Blanc OBE, Sabrina Ghayour and Matt Tebbutt. The Summer Bank Holiday event promises world-class cuisine, entertainment and family-friendly fun.
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Beard Construction raises record £170k for local charities in 2025
Beard Construction has celebrated a record-breaking year of charity fundraising, with colleagues raising more than £170k in 2025. The funds will support five charities across the south of England, helping thousands of people in local communities.
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Watlington care home wins Care Team of the Year at Caring UK Awards 2025
A Watlington care home has been named Care Team of the Year at the Caring UK Awards 2025. The Sanctuary Care-run home was praised for its dedication, community spirit and outstanding quality of care.
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Westgate Oxford helps shoppers beat the January blues with events and winter offers
Westgate Oxford is brightening January with styling events, giveaways and seasonal offers. From free hot chocolate to dining discounts and cinema screenings, the centre is encouraging guests to enjoy the winter months with plenty of reasons to smile.