News
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Hillier launches exclusive ‘Crown of Christmas’ poinsettia to support The King’s Foundation
Hillier Garden Centres has unveiled the exclusive ‘Crown of Christmas’ poinsettia for 2025, with £2 per sale supporting The King’s Foundation. The limited-edition pink variety highlights Hillier’s horticultural expertise and sustainability leadership. Available from November 2025.
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Oxford Hoops celebrates 30 years and pushes for permanent home
Oxford Hoops marks 30 years and seeks a permanent home to support its expanding squads. With 300 players and rising costs, the club hopes a dedicated venue will secure its future and allow further growth across Oxford.
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Last tickets remaining for free festive character visits at Westgate Oxford
Westgate Oxford has limited free tickets left for its festive character meet and greets, including The Grinch and The Snowman™ & The Snowdog. December also brings choir performances, late-night shopping, gift-wrapping, dining experiences and fun festive activities across the centre.
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Bill’s unveils festive Christmas menu packed with seasonal specials
Bill’s Christmas menu returns with festive dishes, sharers and seasonal cocktails, available until 05 January. Highlights include indulgent mains, Chrimbo Classics for £10, kids eating free on Boxing Day and a special New Year’s Eve set menu.
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Famous Oxfordshire figures inspire pun-filled names for county’s fleet of gritters
Oxfordshire has unveiled a pun-packed list of names for its 30 gritters, inspired by iconic locals, musicians, writers and landmarks. From Sir Winston Chur-chill to Radiospread, the new names celebrate the county’s culture while highlighting the essential work of winter road crews.
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Nile Rodgers & Chic announced for 2026 Hampton Court Palace Festival lineup
Nile Rodgers & Chic join a stellar 2026 line-up for Hampton Court Palace Festival, performing alongside Sophie Ellis-Bextor, David Gray, OMD and Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics. The festival returns in June for intimate concerts set within the historic Tudor palace.
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Alanis Morissette completes lineup for Blenheim Palace Festival 2026
Alanis Morissette completes the line-up for the debut Blenheim Palace Festival in 2026, joining Katy Perry, Neil Young, Michael Bublé and more. She will perform on 28 June with special guests Skunk Anansie at the stunning Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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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.
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World’s first children’s hospice Helen & Douglas House unveils branded bus after competition win
Helen & Douglas House has launched a newly branded Oxford Bus Company electric bus after securing the runner-up spot in the 2025 Brand the Bus competition, winning a £20,000 advertising package to support its work and Christmas fundraising appeal.
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World Soil Day highlights hidden contamination across Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire’s construction boom is revealing widespread contaminated soil, with specialists like Maylarch Environmental working to identify and safely manage asbestos and other hazards. New testing and remediation methods ensure redevelopment meets strict environmental and public-health standards.
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Nut Tree Inn and Galvin Green Man launch exclusive January menu exchange
The Nut Tree Inn and Galvin Green Man are joining forces this January for a two-night menu exchange, offering collaborative four-course dinners in Essex and Oxfordshire that showcase signature dishes, seasonal ingredients and the talents of two award-winning British pub kitchens.
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The Feathers unveils limited-edition festive menus and New Year’s Eve celebration
The Feathers in Woodstock unveils its festive menus and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration, offering seasonal dishes, champagne, live music and a Michelin Key setting perfect for a cosy and luxurious countryside Christmas.
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New pottery painting studio opens at Yarnton Home & Garden
Yarnton Home & Garden has launched the Potting Shed Studio, a new pottery painting experience. Visitors can personalise mugs, vases, and festive items, creating unique keepsakes while enjoying a fun, creative day out for all ages.
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Whitley Stimpson appoints senior tax expert Mike Shearan
Whitley Stimpson has strengthened its tax advisory team with the appointment of senior tax specialist Mike Shearan, who brings almost three decades of experience. The move forms part of the firm’s continued investment in both expert talent and trainee development.
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Oxfam launches Christmas personal shopper service for conscious Oxford shoppers
Oxfam is launching a Christmas Personal Shopper Gifting Service in Oxford to help residents find meaningful, affordable and sustainable presents. With many shoppers feeling financial pressure, the initiative supports second-hand gifting and offers tailored advice for thoughtful festive shopping.
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Children’s health charity and toy company bring the healing power of play to young patients in Oxford
Starlight and Ravensburger have delivered over 7,000 therapeutic toys to John Radcliffe Hospital and paediatric teams nationwide. The toys support children’s emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety during treatment, and fill critical gaps where hospitals lack budgets for play resources.