Edition #2086
20 November 2025
Witney facing severe flooding issues dominates this week's episode, with residents worried about inadequate drainage and the council promising better planning. But it's not all doom and gloom – we've got a revised solar farm plan with increased community benefits, a historic painting headed to auction, and Oxford United's Michal Helik named in the Championship team of the week, despite some defensive blunders.
Intro Music
Witney facing severe flooding issues due to planned new housing developments; Residents worried about inadequate drainage; Council promises better planning for future homes
A revised plan for Botley West solar farm minimizes impacts on historic sites, boosts community benefits by £441,000 annually for 40 years, and creates hundreds of jobs during construction.
Remembrance event for Thames Valley’s Sioux Riders attracts nurse who found grief relief; House prices in Witney nearly doubled in 20 years; World War I medals stolen from veteran on Armistice Day
A noted head brewer leaves Tap Social to open Scarlet River Brewing in Witney; Brewpub opening in December, aims to support ex-service personnel; Tap Social’s senior brewer succeeds departing head.
County council unveils major nature recovery strategy to restore habitats and wildlife. Initiative involves local people and organisations; plan includes interactive mapping tool targeting areas of greatest potential. Over 2000 people supported the strategy.
Costa Coffee reopens after car crash; 3 injured, 6 months of restoration; Community event thanks emergency services and volunteers
Portrait of Duchess of Blenheim set to sell for up to £12,000 at auction in Newbury. Painted by Adriana Verralst, it depicts Sarah Churchill who oversaw Blenheim Palace’s construction. Historic figure famous for proximity to Queen Anne and role in the Battle of Blenheim.
The manager of Witney’s oldest pub speaks about its £20,000 renovation; Challenges include staffing issues and high costs; He hopes for more government support for the hospitality sector.
A plan to convert The Woodman Inn in Northleach back into a pub after previous refusal was validated; The pub was previously refused as it couldn’t function as a pub; Community support revived after initial refusal.
Fish and chip shop in Carterton’s Marigold Square seeks new tenants. After a decade, owners aim to revive the classic business. Opportunity exists to boost sales through extended hours and home delivery.
A series of burglaries in Eynsham has left locals distraught, with high-value jewellery stolen from multiple homes; Police are investigating two incidents from last week, with no arrests yet.
The Feathered Nest in Oxfordshire listed as one of UK’s best places to stay for Christmas; Five-star country inn offers fine dining and dog-friendly rooms.
Oxford United defender Michal Helik surprisingly named in Championship team of the week despite defensive blunders leading to two consecutive losses. A total of 36 shots were fired against Oxford United’s goal in their recent games. Helik was still recognized for his defensive efforts with club-high 111 actions.
Oxford bus workers offered free flu vaccines to reduce staff absence in winter. Hundreds of workers across several companies now eligible. Initiative aims to ensure service reliability during festive season. People urged to use antibiotics responsibly as resistance increases. Thames Water hosepipe ban extended amid ongoing drought despite winter’s approach.
A mental health charity celebrates 60 years of serving Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. It has grown from a small volunteer group to the region’s largest independent charity, supporting people aged 11 and above. To mark the anniversary, the charity invites the public to participate in the Dog Jog Virtual Challenge.
Witney-born actress to star in new Doctor Who spinoff; Oxfordshire talent leads TV show next month; Known for roles in Loki and The Morning Show. Bald man with crooked nose wanted by police after road rage incident; Attacked family in Clanfield near Bampton; Suspect described as white male, bald with crooked nose, aged 50-60.
Clown-themed concert delighted Witney audience; Town Band’s autumn event hailed as best ever; Council and committee praised for support.