Edition #2068
17 July 2025
Intro Music
Plans To Replace Stable with Homes
Plans to replace a decaying stable block in Stanton Harcourt with 7 new homes are set for approval. Despite nearly 40 resident objections, planning officers recommend approval for comprehensive redevelopment.
Leisure Project Progress Despite Row
Sports and leisure facilities project in Witney nears groundwork completion despite delays and resident complaints. Modifications caused delays originally scheduled for November 2021, with work pauses coinciding with splash park closures. Progress now resumes, with paddle courts and community cafe soon to open.
Two Short Speeding Stories
Two motorists exceeding speed limits in West Oxfordshire caught and fined. One driver recorded at 101 mph on A30, another at 60 mph in 40 zone. Both admitted charges, handed fines and driving bans.
Speeding Car on Wrong Side of A40
A speeding car drove on the wrong side of the A40, causing a road closure last Tuesday; Police chased the car but the driver evaded them, abandoning the vehicle later; No arrests have been made and Thames Valley Police are seeking witnesses.
Two Short Theft Stories
Bike thefts plague area; Burglary series targets Sandford St Martin;Police warns bicycles and motorbikes at risk.
Scammer Turns Up To Collect Cash
In a courier fraud incident, an impostor posed as a bank staff, convincing a Finstock resident to withdraw cash, which they later collected from the victim’s home; Thames Valley Police are seeking witnesses and footage from around School Road during 130-215 PM on July 1st.
Reflection
Water scarcity hitting UK; farmers struggle as crops suffer, reservoirs lacking; drought reminder prompts mariner poem reflection on sin, punishment, and redemption.
Pensioner Dies After Four Car Crash
Four-car crash on A44 kills an 85-year-old pensioner, two others critical. The incident took place between Enstone and Chipping Norton; investigation ongoing. It’s the second fatal crash on Oxfordshire roads in two weeks.
Sharp Increase in Dangerous EBike Use
Electric bike use surges dangerously in Witney; Police warn riders speeding and breaking traffic laws; Illegal modifications pose added threat
Phantoms, Strange Beasts, & Princesses
The annual Witney carnival parade drew large crowds dressed as Disney characters and West End musical themes. Over 100 attendees enjoyed music, activities, and diverse food options despite the heat. Local groups such as RAF cadets and the Rotary Club participated.
Ed Davy Tells SEND Families Not To Worry
Oxfordshire County Council abolished the dedicated cabinet role for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) causing concern among parents. Sir Ed Davy, Liberal Democrat leader, urged the government to protect SEND children and families during his visit to West Oxfordshire. He and fellow LibDems proposed five reforms, including improving early intervention and funding for transport.
Great Grandfather Killed Crossing Road
Great grandfather died crossing road, killed in collision with Jaguar, tribute paid by neighbors, police appeal for witnesses.
Oxfordshire Man Found Guilty of Grooming
Man found guilty of grooming 15-year-old boy but acquitted of assault; Met boy in Banbury and exchanged explicit messages; Sentencing August 8.
Quiz
A quiz recapped last week’s answers about flowers and seeds, and introduced next week’s food-related questions excluding one on NATO phonetics.
Swimming Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Witney swimming club marked its 50th anniversary with hundreds celebrating at Cokethorpe School. More than 30 volunteers and performers joined the event, open by Witney’s mayor. The festival-like atmosphere included games, cabaret, and music.
Council Support Kickstarts Career
A local swimming club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a party; A band played and enjoyed cake. A young woman with dyslexia secured a hospitality job via a county council program.
Editor’s Choice
Dispute over Burford Priory leads to steward John Prior’s murder in 1697, Earl Abercorn acquitted of murder, true motive behind Prior’s death remains uncertain
Noticeboard
Electrical Safety Checks for Blankets Offered in Oxfordshire; Listeners Representative Needed; Eight Deaths Reported in Witney Gazette
Jeremy Clarkson’s Best Farm Shop
Middle Squat Farm Shop named UK’s best; Jeremy Clarkson’s diddle squat farm shop scored 81 out of 100; High social media presence and ratings contributed to victory.
Jeremy Clarkson on Prostate Cancer
Jeremy Clarkson shares his health check experiences, warning men about prostate cancer risks. He criticizes his former doctor for neglecting his health due to other celebrity clients. Clarkson’s Farm co-star Alan Tichmarsh reveals he had a quadruple heart bypass, worrying fans.
Clarkson’s Hawkstone Fastest Growing Company
Hawkestone, Jeremy Clarkson’s firm, named fastest-growing in South West. Sales tripled in past three years, now in 1500 UK pubs. Clarkson’s photo shows him inspecting his lager in a windswept, scruffy outfit.
Thames Water Confirms Hosepipe Ban Coming
Thames Water announces hose pipe ban for Oxfordshire residents from July 22 due to prolonged dry weather and low reservoirs. The ban covers one million customers in certain postcode areas. Water usage is up 30% on hot days, leading to restrictions
Limas Keeping Cool at Wildlife Park
Lemurs and other animals at Cotswold Wildlife Park cooled off with frozen treats during an Oxfordshire heat wave.
Dive Into Feast of Sounds at Best Festival
Oxfordshire’s music festival season begins following Glastonbury, with Riverside Festival, Truck Festival, Wilderness Festival, Fairford Property Convention, and Alex James’s Big Festival showcasing various genres from July to August.
Palace Launches Nature Challenge
Blenheim Palace launched ‘Bee on the Lookout’ challenge for young explorers. It involves nature trail sightings of bees, butterflies, and ladybirds until summer’s end. The initiative aims to educate children about insects’ ecosystems roles and inspire nature curiosity.