News
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Inspectors confirm effective progress in Oxfordshire’s SEND services
Ofsted and the CQC have praised Oxfordshire’s progress in improving SEND services, highlighting stronger leadership, better communication and improved support for children and families. Inspectors said effective action has been taken but noted continued work is needed to maintain improvements.
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Audley Shiplake Meadows to host annual Christmas fair
Audley Shiplake Meadows will welcome residents and visitors to its free annual Christmas Fair on 23 November, offering festive treats, carols and stalls featuring local produce and handmade gifts. The event aims to bring the community together in a joyful seasonal celebration.
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Chancellors offers free health checks for landlords as the Renters’ Rights Act approaches
Chancellors is providing free Landlord Health Checks to help property owners prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act, which brings major changes including the end of Section 21 evictions, periodic tenancies and stricter rent rules from May 2026.
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Mollie’s launches festive stays and seasonal dining for Christmas 2025
Mollie’s brings festive cheer to its Oxfordshire and Bristol sites with discounted December stays, seasonal diner menus and group feasts. Guests can enjoy cosy rooms, Christmas treats and easy access to local markets, illuminations and winter attractions.
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Oxfordshire approves bold 15 year plan OxRail 2040 to transform rail travel
Oxfordshire County Council has approved OxRail 2040, an ambitious 15-year plan focused on electrification, new stations, improved rail links and a more integrated transport network. The strategy aims to support growth, enhance sustainability and improve passenger and freight services across the county.
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Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House celebrates first Green Key Award
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House has earned its first Green Key Award, recognising its commitment to sustainability. Following a rigorous accreditation process, the Iffley hotel celebrates a major environmental milestone while continuing to expand its dining, events and guest experiences.
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Third consecutive Baker of the Year winner bakes daily with Matthews Cotswold Flour
South Oxfordshire baker Tona Erreguin has won the 2025 Baker of the Year, the third consecutive winner using Matthews Cotswold Flour. Judges praised her craftsmanship and community focus, while the historic Cotswold mill celebrated its continued influence among leading artisan bakers.
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Oxfordshire approves major changes to household waste recycling centres
Oxfordshire County Council has approved new operating hours and policy changes for its household waste recycling centres, including a booking system, visitor charges for non-residents and updated permit rules. The revisions follow extensive public consultation and will be introduced from 2026 onwards.
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Vail Williams secures seven new sites to support EMED’s NHS transport expansion
Vail Williams has acquired seven properties totalling 78,000 sq ft for EMED Group as it launches a new 10-year NHS patient transport contract. The strategic sites will enhance EMED’s fleet coverage across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Frimley.
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Crazy Bear unveils a glittering season of Christmas cabaret parties
Crazy Bear Stadhampton has launched 13 festive cabaret nights featuring West End performers, circus artists, samba dancers and a signature English and Thai buffet. Some dates are already sold out, with limited tickets remaining for selected evenings.
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Pulhams Coaches engineering apprentice named Go-Ahead apprentice of the year
Pulhams Coaches apprentice Rebecca MacDonald has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Go-Ahead Gold Awards, recognised for her technical skill, initiative and leadership. The Oxford Bus Group also received further nominations across multiple categories.
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Oxford North celebrates milestone as it creates its 2,000th construction job
Oxford North has created its 2,000th construction job, doubling local employment in under two years and surpassing its regional hiring targets. With strong apprenticeship support and major investment, the development continues to deliver lasting economic and community benefits.
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Escapade Silverstone unveils festive menu with trackside dining
Escapade Silverstone’s Festive Menu brings refined seasonal dining to The Gallery, complete with panoramic trackside views. Running from 01 December to 03 January, it offers indulgent dishes, group dining options, and festive stay packages for a memorable Christmas experience.
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Ask Me: Education launches to improve grief support for young people in UK schools
Oxford’s Nell Davies-Small is helping launch Ask Me: Education, a new campaign urging schools to improve support for bereaved students. With most young people feeling unsupported, the initiative calls for greater empathy, personalised care, and student-led bereavement plans.
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Pearces Coaches launches festive Christmas market trips from Oxfordshire
Pearces Coaches is launching festive day trips to Christmas markets in Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff and Winchester, offering residents a comfortable way to enjoy seasonal shopping. With multiple Oxfordshire pick-ups, the new service expands the company’s leisure travel offering.
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Oxford Bus Group expands free flu jab programme to protect workers amid early flu season
Oxford Bus Group is offering hundreds of employees free flu vaccinations this winter, expanding last year’s successful programme. Staff across all companies can now book complimentary jabs at Boots to help reduce illness and protect colleagues, families and customers.