News
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Global stars set to shine at The Warwick Sessions 2025
The Warwick Sessions returns to St Nicholas’ Park in July 2025 with a stellar five-night concert series. Headliners include Elbow, The Stranglers, Craig David presents TS5, Train, and Beverley Knight & Will Young.
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Persimmon Homes appoints new Managing Director for its Wessex business
Persimmon Homes has appointed Seb Spiller as Managing Director of its Wessex region, covering Wiltshire, Swindon, parts of Oxfordshire and Somerset. Seb, who has spent a decade at the company, previously served as Technical Director and Deputy MD, and began his career as a civil engineer at WYG (now Tetratech).
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Vale Council brings solar power to refurbished site near Wantage
A sewage treatment works near Wantage has been refurbished and upgraded with solar power by the Vale of White Horse District Council. Serving 31 properties in Sparsholt, the site received new equipment, improved access, and 22 solar panels.
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New planters bring flowery facelift to Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot
Cornerstone in Didcot has received a vibrant makeover with the installation of colourful planters, thanks to South Oxfordshire District Council and funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Volunteers from Didcot Train helped set up the planters, which included seating to encourage social interaction.
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South West housebuilder Persimmon retains prestigious five-star rating
South West housebuilder Persimmon has earned a five-star rating in a national customer satisfaction survey for the fourth consecutive year. The rating, based on feedback from over 5,000 homebuyers, reflects that more than 90% would recommend the company to friends and family.
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Big Feastival 2025 brings bigger beats, bolder bites, and family fun to the Cotswolds
Big Feastival will return to the Cotswolds from 22 to 24 August 2025 with its biggest line-up yet. The festival blends world-class music, top chefs, family fun, and late-night partying across two buzzing stages.
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Marco Pierre White launches ‘Crack the Egg’ promo with free kids’ meals this Easter
Families can enjoy a festive Easter meal at Marco Pierre White’s Oxford restaurant from 18 to 21 April 2025 with the “Crack the Egg” promotion, where kids under 12 eat free with every paying adult.
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England team makes history with European Transplant Football Championship victory
England made history by winning the European Transplant Football Championship for the first time, defeating Italy 1-0 in a thrilling final. The tournament, held at Radley College in Oxfordshire, featured six nations, all represented by organ transplant recipients.
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Oxfordshire internship program helps young people thrive in the workplace
Warwick Bourton, a 19-year-old intern with additional needs, is thriving at Bicester-based Oxford Office Furniture through Oxfordshire County Council’s supported internship scheme. During a meeting with his supervisors, he surprised them by selling office chairs, demonstrating his initiative and natural sales skills.
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Wildlife Trust urges public action against Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) warns that the Government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill poses a major threat to UK nature. The bill allows developers to bypass essential environmental protections by paying into a centralized Nature Restoration Fund.
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The Fishes launches spring menu with a plant-based twist by chef Gemma Ogston
To celebrate its new spring menu, The Fishes in North Hinksey, Oxford, has partnered with chef and author Gemma Ogston to introduce vibrant, plant-based dishes, including her signature Rainbow Lasagne. For every lasagne sold, 25p will be donated to FareShare UK.
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Popular country pub The Lamb Inn sold to industry veterans
Specialist property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of The Lamb Inn, a historic 18th-century pub in Crawley, Oxfordshire, to The Cotswold Hospitality Group. Previously owned by award-winning operators Sebastian and Lana Snow, the pub is renowned for its charm and reputation.
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Heyford Park invites community input on sustainable regeneration masterplan
Dorchester Living is inviting the Heyford Park community, including residents and local stakeholders, to an engaging Masterplan Consultation Day on Sunday, 13 April 2025, to help shape the next phase of its transformation and sustainability-focused initiatives.
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Concerns raised over water quality ahead of Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
Ahead of this weekend’s Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, campaigners warn that the Thames stretch hosting the event has unsafe E.coli levels, with nearly 30% of samples exceeding safe limits despite dry weather.
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West Oxfordshire resubmits Net Zero policy for Salt Cross development
West Oxfordshire District Council has resubmitted a revised Net Zero policy for the Salt Cross Area Action Plan (AAP) to the Planning Inspectorate. Initially rejected, the policy was allowed to be reconsidered following a successful High Court challenge by Rights Community Action.
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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.