Edition #2056

Intro Music

Intro & New homes

Oxfordshire County Council plans to build 12 new homes in Aston, comprising 9 market rate and 3 affordable homes; The scheme includes community facilities, but no public comments have been submitted yet; The project aims to provide mixed housing types, community spaces, and improved access.

Plans to convert shop

Plans to convert a shop into a home approved for Witney’s historic Corn Street; Ground floor retail unit to become a 2-bedroom apartment; New gardens, parking with electric vehicle charger to be added.

Two Short Stories

Defibrillators installed in three Co-op stores; Oxfordshire partnership ensures life-saving equipment’s readiness; Community fundraising and engagement credited by Mid-Counties Co-operative.

Two More Stories

Caravan fire prompts police appeal in Leafield; Unrelated suspected arson attack reported in Faringdon the previous Friday; No injuries or arrests made for the Leafield incident

Planning applic Freeland

Villagers oppose developer’s plans for 60 homes in Freeland, fearing traffic congestion, wildlife displacement, and infrastructure strain. 74 objections raised, with concerns about bats, birds, and the dark skies. Supporter sees it as sustainable growth, scheme proposes play areas, orchards, and allotments.

Objections to new homes

Over 40 locals object to housing plans on former football club site One objector claims the land was stolen from the community Supporters argue for more homes and better use of space

Reflection

Church attendance surged among youth, especially during Easter, with similar trends seen globally. The Bible Society survey reflects this. The funeral of Pope Francis is to be held on Saturday.

VE Day exhibition

A new exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day in West Oxfordshire Museum, focusing on local stories and experiences, including the harrowing experiences of Oxfordshire residents serving in the Armed Forces. The exhibition runs until November 18th and is accompanied by a series of events, including a VE Day celebration and a talk on post-VJ Day Eastern Asia.

Mortorcycle stories

Motorcyclist critically injured in A361 crash near Cotswold Wildlife Park. 44-year-old man from Northamptonshire remains hospitalized. Police halt another motorcycle for traffic violations at McDonald’s in Witney.

Grant for charity

My Vision Oxfordshire receives £1000 boost for community engagement projects supporting visually impaired persons; Funds will help provide social groups and befriending services; Goal is to connect people with sight loss to activities and ensure independence despite challenges.

Ambulance efficiency

Ambulance service trials maintenance model to reduce downtime; Collaboration with Ordnance Survey to analyze telemetry and spatial data; Aim to minimize unplanned repairs and improve ambulance efficiency.

Quiz

The quiz covers local history this week, with questions challenging listeners’ knowledge of ancient Greeks, geography, and dates.

Palace kitchens

Blenheim Palace offers visitors a tour of its original kitchens; visitors step back in time to experience life as servants in November 1896; the tour coincided with the launch of an ambitious £12 million roof restoration project.

Palace restoration

Blenheim Palace’s £12 million restoration project highlights roof repairs on World Heritage Day; Aim is to preserve UNESCO site for future generations; Project will create first-ever temporary rooftop view platform

Good news

The Veil of the White Horse and West Oxfordshire ranked high for business startups, with West Oxfordshire scoring 8.98/10 for strong survival rates and high-speed internet. The Cotswolds was named the UK’s best photogenic landscape alongside Lake District and Cornwall, earning a popularity score of 32.0.

Pub awards

Five Oxfordshire pubs shortlisted for national Best Pub award. Nominees span Thame to Witney, showcasing local hospitality. National competition highlights pubs’ significance across the UK.

Editor’s Choice

In 1818, highwayman John Radley and accomplices assaulted and robbed Thomas Hankinson. Radley was hanged, marking a shift in punishments for animal theft. Between 1735 and 1952, Oxford Jail carried out 100 confirmed executions, mostly for highway robbery, arson, and murder.

Noticeboard

Fifteen deaths reported in Witney, including a man who died suddenly while skiing in Italy; Noticeboard also marks local resident’s birthday; Visually impaired voters’ arrangements for upcoming elections detailed.

Gastropub sale

Historic Lamb Inn pub sold for nearly £700,000. Dating back to the 18th century, this West Oxfordshire pub has new owners aiming to preserve its charm while introducing new elements. The former owners expressed pride in its strong reputation and excellent reviews.

Pupils praised by OFSTED

OFSTED praised pupils’ exceptional behaviour at Hailey Church of England Primary School. Inspectors rated the school ‘good’ after finding exemplary classrooms with trusting environments. The head teacher attributed this to staff dedication.

Kaleb Cooper in UK list

Caleb Cooper, star of Clarkson’s Farm, makes UK’s most powerful under-30 list; Cooper’s global fame prompts wider awareness of farming issues; Popular TV show enters fourth season, fifth already filming.

RAF welcomes ambulance crew

AMS and RAF personnel strengthen medical ties in joint visit; The South Central Ambulance Service visited RAF Brize Norton; Co-responder program fosters collaboration between services.

Care homes

After 5 months, residents from flood-hit Prebendal House return home from Penhurst Gardens care home following flooding concerns subsiding. Lyne Elliot, Penhurst Gardens manager, was pleased to host them, valuing their presence. Residents at Southern Down Care Home visited Enstone Garden Club’s flower show, leaving them inspired and uplifted.

Police seize car

Police seize car due to repeated antisocial driving in West Oxfordshire. Thames Valley Police received multiple reports over four days. Car was impounded as a financial deterrent.

Conclusion

TNF Soundings Radio Listings

TNF Soundings TV Listings

This week’s TNF Soundings includes schedules for audio-described TV programmes. Highlights include Women’s 6 Nations, FA Cup semifinals, Doctor Who, and new episodes of Casualty and Grace. Sundays offer London Marathon coverage and a Grace series finale, while Monday brings secrets of supermarket buyers and Trump’s first 100 days