News
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Wychwood School hosts international rugby stars to inspire the next generation
Women’s Rugby World Cup finalist Shaunagh Brown and England Rugby Sevens player Abbie Brown visited Oxford this week to inspire the next generation of players at a charity school tournament organised by Wychwood School.
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Persimmon Homes Wessex offers affordable flats at Didcot Valley Park
Persimmon Homes Wessex has launched new two-bed flats for sale at the Valley Park housing development in west Didcot, starting from £239,995. Buyers can benefit from the Gen H scheme, offering a 15% interest-free equity loan with just a 5% deposit.
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Giffords Circus marks 25 years with Laguna Bay show at Blenheim Palace
Giffords Circus, the UK’s most glamorous circus, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a dazzling new show, Laguna Bay, touring the Cotswolds and south of England, including Blenheim Palace from 22 May. Set in 1950s America, the handcrafted performance features acrobats, magicians, aerial artists, and the beloved Tweedy the Clown.
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Ferry Leisure Centre opens new indoor cycling studio and upgrades squash courts
Ferry Leisure Centre has unveiled a series of upgrades, including a new indoor cycling studio and refurbished squash courts. The dedicated cycling space, converted from a former squash court, offers both instructor-led and virtual classes for all fitness levels.
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Dorchester Living leads community cleaning to keep Heyford Park green and clean
Over 25 Dorchester Living team members recently took part in a community litter pick across Heyford Park, helping to clean green spaces, pathways, and shared area, reflecting the developer’s commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and community stewardship.
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Oxfordshire launches annual programme to clean and empty all highway drainage gullies
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a £2.6m programme to clean and empty every highway drainage gully across the county by March 2026, and annually thereafter, to improve drainage, reduce potholes, and enhance road safety.
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BBOWT launches 2025 Nature Photography Competition across three counties
The BBOWT has launched its 2025 Nature Photography Competition, inviting photographers of all ages to capture local wildlife. Entries are open until 31 August across various categories, including birds, insects, flowers, and mobile photography.
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Oxford’s The Store wins national Gin Award, sets new standard in luxury spirits
Oxford’s boutique hotel, The Store, has won “Best in Country” at the World Gin Awards for its house London Dry Gin, crafted with Hawkridge Distillers. The gin, now shortlisted for the world’s best, reflects the hotel’s commitment to authenticity and quality.
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Oxford-based Windle Trust International shortlisted for prestigious charity awards
The charity was shortlisted for the 2025 Charity Awards in the International Aid and Development category for its Accelerated Secondary Education Programme in South Sudan, which provides unqualified primary teachers with a two-year secondary education to improve both teaching quality and access to education.
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New showroom brings 200 years of joinery expertise to Blenheim Palace Sawmills
Allan Brothers, the UK’s oldest timber window and door manufacturer, is opening a new showroom at Blenheim Palace Sawmills near Combe. Set in a renovated 19th-century barn, the showroom will showcase premium timber and Alu Clad products.
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Wilderness Festival announces headline chefs and feasting programme
Wilderness Festival has unveiled its 2024 feasting programme, featuring top chefs including Angela Hartnett, Prue Leith, Tom Sellers, and Imad Alarnab. Highlights include Syrian, Italian, and South African-inspired banquets, a unique BBQ by Rohit Ghai, and an intimate seven-course Chef’s Table experience.
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Taylor Wimpey team raises over £3k for Youth Adventure Trust
The team from Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties has raised money for the Youth Adventure Trust after taking part in the Taylor Wimpey Challenge which saw over 300 employees from 53 teams hike 10 to 50km across the Yorkshire Dales while completing team-building tasks.
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DogFest kicks off 2025 tour with tail-wagging weekend at Ragley Hall
DogFest, in partnership with Agria Pet Insurance, has launched its 2025 UK tour at Ragley Hall with a weekend full of sunshine, canine fun, and community spirit. Highlights included expert talks, have-a-go activities, agility challenges, and the debut of DogFest Plus.
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Thame resident celebrates 102nd birthday, shares secret to longevity
Guida Thomas, a resident of Cuttlebrook Hall care home in Thame, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by family, friends, and fellow residents. The celebration included afternoon tea, live entertainment, and a visit from the Mayor of Thame.
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Major milestone reached for Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme
The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme has taken a big step forward with approval to purchase land. Once built, it will reduce flood risk for over 160,000 residents and create a new wetland corridor west of Oxford.
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Hampton Court Palace Festival returns this June with a star-studded line-up
Hampton Court Palace Festival returns this June with an incredible line-up of legendary artists including Chaka Khan, Gary Barlow, Tom Jones and more. Set in the historic Tudor palace, the 9-night series offers intimate performances, gourmet picnic options, and exclusive VIP experiences.