Edition #2091
8 January 2026
Intro Music
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Storm causes local news delay, Editor explains remote recording process, Various readers contribute despite absence of Alan Lovell
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Oxfordshire’s £51 million park and ride sits empty since its completion in 2024; Council spends £9,531 each month on maintenance; Project faces criticism from locals like Jeremy Clarkson, who calls it ‘a gigantic blot on the landscape’
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Tribute paid to Matthew Goring, 23, killed in suspected hit-and-run near pub; Loved for lighting up rooms, dancing freely; 65-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
The Duke of Marlborough denies strangling his estranged wife on three occasions. The court heard details of alleged incidents between November 2022 and January 2024. The Duke, Charles James Spencer Churchill, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Pony and trap races banned on A40 due to safety concerns; 97% of respondents supported the ban; Council and police will enforce the order, with fines up to £100.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
St. Andrew’s Church in Kingham faces imminent closure due to collapsing roofs. Four roofs require urgent repairs to prevent water leaks, posing a risk to the building’s heritage. A £10,000 grant will aid repairs, ensuring the church remains open and safe.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A man escaped jail after knocking out his partner’s teeth in a drunken assault; The court heard he had admitted to the attack but showed remorse; The victim and her daughter forgave him, saying they wanted ‘a normal happy family’
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Richard, a local preacher, reflects on the recent winter weather. He shares that Christmas is over, and some may struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). He encourages listeners to find joy in simple things despite the long nights.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
250 supporters team up to purchase disused Freeland Chapel for community use. Funds secured for the full asking price plus renovation costs. Plans submitted for conversion into a community hub and cafe.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A serious road accident occurred on the A40 between Witney and Burford; Four people injured, including a pedestrian; Emergency services rushed to the scene, with police seeking witnesses and dash cam footage.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Electric bikes and scooters pose safety hazards and crime concerns in Witney. Recent assaults and near-accidents have been reported. Calls for stricter enforcement and policing escalate.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A man was severely injured in an assault at a music venue in Witney. The incident involved two groups fighting over an implement around 3 AM on December 13th. The victim is recovering in hospital while Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses with possible footage.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A homeless man caused £237 worth of damage to Blenheim Palace’s fence and gate, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, and was sentenced to a 12-month community order.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Sentencing adjourned for man charged with assault and criminal damage. Jordan Jones, 24, of Bampton, awaits sentence for crimes committed between March and October. Court postponed to February 5th due to pending pre-sentence report.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Homes in Oxfordshire Cotswolds were targeted by burglars on Boxing Day, with two incidents linked. Cash and jewellery stolen, police urge neighbours to check CCTV. Homeowner foiled second attempt via live streaming camera.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A Christmas trivia quiz tested listeners on lesser-known facts about holiday traditions, film characters, and music. Participants answered questions enthusiastically. No winners were announced.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Volunteers Jill Horley and Keith Middle honored for revitalizing Chipping Norton’s community newspaper; Duo spent 26 years as non-journalist volunteers; Chipping Norton News nears 500th edition with 1500 print copies through honesty boxes.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Two men seen running with weapons at Merton Close; Police seek their identification but confirm no public interaction; Witnesses urged to provide CCTV footage.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Drunk man caused chaos at Witney shopping centre on Dec 22nd, pushing customers and abusing staff; 38-year-old arrested; Centre’s safety measures praised
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Scientist Stephen Hawking born on this day in 1942; Survived against odds, becoming renowned cosmologist despite motor neurone disease; Lost speech but communicated through device, held Newton’s professorship from 1979 to 2009
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Young drug dealer sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison after guilty plea to multiple drug and driving offences; convicted for supplying heroin and cocaine, judge orders confiscation of drugs and cash; young offender also faces paying £228 victim surcharge.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Witney High Street’s Christmas Market attracts record-breaking crowds; Council optimistic about retail revival after 10 years of online shopping pressure; Market Square enhancement project criticized by local business owners
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Former Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth dies at 65. He served the county for 16 years, earning respect for his accessibility and dedication. Tributes pouring in from colleagues and local MPs.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
A man indecently exposed himself on Deer Park Road in Witney. This resulted in an appeal by Thames Valley Police for witnesses due to its occurrence on a busy stretch during morning rush hour.
Witney Talking News _2091-20260108_180255UTC-Meeting Recording
Oxfordshire’s gritter trucks bear humorous names like Freddie Mercury and John Travolta during the cold snap; The initiative involved public suggestions; The council advises drivers to take precautions.