Edition #2076
11 September 2025
Kick off with Oxfordshire's leisure centres primed for a major upgrade, then dive into the controversy surrounding Europe's largest solar farm, and wrap up with a celebration of local gardening spirit.
Intro Music
Leisure Centre Boost
Oxfordshire’s leisure centres planned for major upgrade with £35 million investment over five years, with key repairs and improvements prioritized for Carterton, Windrush, and Chipping Norton centres; Council aims to deliver modern facilities, mitigate emergency closures, and improve long-term planning.
Dumping Public Toilets
West Oxfordshire district council plans to close or offload several public toilets due to high maintenance costs, affecting multiple towns if agreements aren’t reached with local councils.
Solar Farm Scrutinized
Europe’s biggest solar farm, Botley West, faces scrutiny in October public hearing. The £800mn scheme spans 15 villages, covering 3450 acres. Controversy surrounding impact on heritage, green belt, and RAF Brize Norton. West Oxfordshire District Council supports renewable energy but wants scheme reduced.
Sainsbury’s Trial Facial Recognition
Sainsbury’s trials facial recognition to combat retail crime; Privacy groups criticise usage.
District Energy Plan
West Oxfordshire council launches Local Area Energy Planning project to enable clean energy transition; Aim is to achieve net-zero emissions and create green jobs; Phase one already initiated by Councillor Andrew Prosser
Thames Water Rescue Plan
Thames Water creditors present £20.5 billion rescue plan focused on improving pollution performance and reducing leaks. They aim to avoid nationalisation and secure regulator’s backing. The plan requires significant new funding and leniency in regulation.
Burst Water Pipe
Thames Water pipe burst floods Witney playground; engineers work overnight to fix it; water pressure may take hours to fully recover
Five New Stations & Metro
Oxfordshire’s radical rail improvement plan aims to create five new stations; Key elements include Western entrance for Oxford Station and Cowley branch line reopening.
Pothole Action Demanded
Potholes plague Witney’s Horley Lews estate; Frustrated resident demands action; Council promises fixes but funds prioritize other projects.
Motor Theft Spate
Motor thefts surge in West Oxfordshire; Two incidents occurred in Charlbury; Police appeal for witnesses and CCTV footage
Two Short Items
Road closure ahead for Witney’s Gloucester Place; Essential electrical work planned for four days; Residents advised to follow diversion signs.
Lido Open for Cold Water Swims
Chipping Norton Lido extending cold water swimming season for first time this autumn. Weekend sessions include sauna and cafe. Details to be announced soon.
Reflection
A reverend shares his experience of learning pottery despite being visually impaired; Main subject: Rev. Charles Harris’ pottery class experience; Key detail: Despite being blind, he successfully created pottery with assistance; Further angle: Encourages others with disabilities to try pottery.
Editor’s Pick
Autumn-themed poetry session featuring Yeats, Stevenson, and Frost; Reflects on seasonal changes and temporal transitions; Concludes with Shelley’s hopeful line about spring.
Weathers by Thomas Hardy
A detailed account of seasonal weather patterns from Thomas Hardy’s poem ‘Weathers’. The poet shares his preference for rain-free weather, describing its effects on nature and people. The poem celebrates spring’s arrival and mentions the reactions of various creatures and humans to different weather conditions.
Deaths & Quiz
Local deaths listed from Witney Gazette; Quiz answers and new questions
Beyonce & Jay Z in Garden Centre
Beyoncé and Jay-Z spotted in Cotswold garden centre, reportedly house-hunting in Oxfordshire, planning consent granted for rural estate.
Sunken Range Rover Drowned
A sunken Range Rover continues leaking oil into the River Thames eight months after it rolled in, causing boat collisions; Neither Environment Agency nor insurance company have shown interest in recovery; Pub landlord and local resident, Peter Newland, expresses concern about pollution
Extra Day of Witney Feast
The annual Witney Feast, dating back nearly 800 years, opens for an extra day on Sunday this month. The funfair will feature old favorites like the Dodgems and roller coaster alongside modern attractions. Witney Town Council aims to attract families with street entertainment, food, and games.
Three Best Pubs
Three West Oxfordshire pubs ranked high on TikTok; The Bull, Royal Oak, and Little Angel praised for atmosphere and food; Locals rave about service and quality on TripAdvisor.
Short Story Competition
The County Short Story Competition returns for its 11th year, inviting budding writers across Oxfordshire to submit stories. Entries will be published as e-books and audiobooks, with winners read worldwide.
Allotments Crowned Best in UK
Oxfordshire community allotments could win national title. Aldi’s competition celebrates hard work and creativity among gardeners. Best entries will win plants from Ivan Ambrose.
RAF Charity Delivers
RAF Benevolent Fund donated £47,000 to RAF Benson and RAF Brize Norton. The funds aid serving personnel and their families. Over 64,000 people worldwide benefited from the charity’s services in 2024.
Young Angler is National Champ
Young angler Max Blackburn crowned national champion at Linear Fisheries, Witney. He placed 10th initially but made a comeback, winning with a total of £374.3 ounces. The event impressed organizers with competitors’ skill and conduct.
Finstock Ale Festival
The Finstock Ale Festival attracted visitors from across Oxfordshire; Over 40 beer and cider varieties were available; The event raised funds for local causes, including a pensioners’ Christmas lunch
Noticeboard & Goodbye
Events this weekend include a free heritage open day at Chastleton House and Gardens on September 21st and a community get-together at Richmond Villages Witney on September 20th, offering music, buffet, and entertainment. Additionally, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust holds its annual public meeting on September 18th.