Edition #2057

KSI Surprises 10 Year Old Girl

10-year-old Mimi Ward cycled from London to Paris raising funds for Dravet Syndrome UK; She surprised by YouTube KSI for her achievement; Mimi preparing for another challenge of running 2 kilometers daily in May.

Construction Work Death Remembered

Construction worker Altambala remembered on International Workers’ Memorial Day. Killed in 2008 at Witney’s Marriott’s Walk shopping centre, he was commemorated with wreaths and daffodils. Locals pay tribute alongside mayor and council leader.

Women Among Hidden Homeless

Women’s homelessness in Oxfordshire goes unseen and under-met, charity says. Women makeup 60% of temporary accommodation but face different challenges. Appeal launched for additional £700,000 to meet female residents’ needs.

Vital Pharmaceutical Jobs

Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat MPs called for government protection of the UK’s pharmaceutical industry due to potential US tariffs; They fear job losses and economic harm from such tariffs; The MPs urged for a dedicated task force to safeguard pharmaceutical jobs and companies.

Care Home Chef Shock

Care home chef Debbie Watlington Pope is shocked and honoured by nomination for national Care Catering Award; Recognized for dedication and skill in cooking deserts and pastries

TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings

RAF Falcons At Brize Norton

RAF Falcons to start 2025 season with display at RAF Brize Norton. After months of training and safety checks, they received public displays authority. They plan to demonstrate new maneuvers nationally and internationally.

MP Slams NHS Dental Staff Shortages

NHS dental staff shortages in Witney leaving 57% of residents without care, cost and lack of practitioners cited as key issues, MP calls for practical steps to increase capacity.

Sergeant Balances Family Life

An RAF sergeant shares challenges of balancing military duty and family life; Mother of two handles daily routines alone; Military-linked nursery praised for support and facilities.

Home Residents Gardening

Residents of Bryce Meadow Lodge started a gardening project to grow cress for their egg sandwiches. They successfully harvested and enjoyed the homegrown vegetable, making a small but significant contribution to their routine.

Two Celebrity Stories

Beckham’s plans for Cotswolds home cause neighbor discontent; New barn addition among latest proposals; Value of estate estimated at £6 million

Reflection

The pope’s funeral attracted global audiences and marks beginning of conclave on May 7; David Harper discusses process, personal connection to a potential new pope; Remembering Pope Francis’ values

This Week’s Quiz

Nursery’s Grand Day Out

Toddlers from RAF Brize Norton’s nursery visited RAF base, sat in cockpits, explored aircraft as part of Military Child Month.

Two Short Items

Meet emergency service workers at family day event in Witney on May 10th; Visitors can learn life-saving skills and explore vehicles; Event aims to celebrate heroes and raise awareness of their vital services.

New Shutters for Village Shop

A community fundraised for new shutters for a village shop after two burglaries in 2024. Over £5,000 was raised for security upgrades. The shop’s director praised the community’s support.

Badenoch Criticises Wasteful Projects

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized wasteful projects during Oxfordshire visit; She pledged to regain trust over potholes and acknowledged election defeat; Badenoch warned against voting for right-wing rival Reform, saying it would keep Liberals in power.

Goodbye

VE Day Events

Witney Town Council announces commemoration events for VE Day 80th anniversary. Events include ceremonial town cry, afternoon tea with 1940s music, and community singing. Residents and visitors invited to join.

Intro Music

Farmers Shared Concerns

Farmers in Witney worried about inheritance tax changes; 25 meet with MP to raise concerns; MP vows to support farmers, challenge government policies

Dogs Invited To Explore Gardens

Dog owners can explore Blenheim Palace gardens with their pets in May. The grounds are dog-friendly from May 6 to May 31. Visitors can enjoy formal gardens, walled gardens, and drinking stations for dogs.

Outro Music

Green Light to Convert Barn

Green Light for Barn Conversion into Children’s Home in West Oxfordshire. Plans approved for Peach Care Home Services to use building in Brize Norton as home for 13-18 year-olds. Parish council had concerns about location due to limited amenities and lack of engagement opportunities.

Editor’s Choice

Woodland ranger Joe Middleton’s daily life involves protecting and preserving ancient woodlands in Devon and Somerset; Key priorities include ensuring trees’ survival for hundreds of years and maintaining healthy ecosystems; Middleton finds joy in people enjoying nature while dealing with issues like fly-tipping.

Baby Fox Rescued

Baby fox named ‘Boots’ rescued after getting tangled in construction netting. The 6-7 week old had injuries but is recovering under close care. Complications may arise up to two weeks.

Victory over Sunderland

Oxford United secures Championship survival, beating Sunderland 2-0; Coach Gary Rowett credits team unity; He prepares to run London Marathon for charity on club’s awards night.

Go-ahead for Walking and Cycling Plan

Oxfordshire approves cycling, walking plans for Woodstock, Chipping Norton; Hundreds of improvements planned by 2035; Council aims to encourage sustainable travel choices among locals.

Deaths

Local obituaries announced in Witney Gazette. Several Witney residents remembered including former Royal Oak landlord Gary Duffy. No ages provided for some individuals.

Overly-Bulky Flats Refused

Plans for retirement flats in Woodstock rejected due to excessive bulk, causing potential parking issues and harm to neighbors. Residents and Woodstock Town Council voiced objections.

Last Week’s Quiz