Edition #2104: Speed Limits, Spider Bites & Ancient Art
16 April 2026
We kick off with crucial updates on A40 speed limits during construction. Plus, spider bites are on the rise and Witney Museum's new interactive displays promise a gripping experience.
Opening Theme
A40 Speed Limit Due To Construction
Oxfordshire Council confirms 50 mph speed limit on A40 due to construction for access project; Major scheme progressing with expected completion by summer 2026; Night closures ongoing and scheduled for April and May.
Motorbike Rider Broke Leg Injunction Crash with BMW
Motorbike rider receives £175,000 compensation for broken leg after crash with BMW. Max Higgs injured when Carolyn Hall pulled out at Church Hanborough junction. Hall pleaded not guilty to careless driving charge.
WASP Campaigners on TV
Campaigners call for water referendum after sewage pollution exposure; Two Oxfordshire activists demand public vote on water privatization following TV docudrama; Referendum call backed by over 10,000 signatures, triggering government response.
Dead Birds in Chipping Norton
Over 25 pigeons found shot dead in Chipping Norton town center; RSPCA investigation reveals prolonged suffering, possible manual killing; Public urged to report information, stricter air gun controls sought.
Reflection with Hilary Ewing
Hilary Ewing reflects on small tragedies bringing unexpected benefits; a fence blow down revealed broken fence panels protecting plants; repair led to removal of eyesore satellite dish. She also draws parallels to biblical story of Joseph, whose trials led to reunion with family and saving lives. She hints at potential positives from Middle Eastern conflicts, and reminds of Easter’s significance.
Drug Offender Wins Judge’s Approval
Former drug dealer praised by judge after turning life around, receiving suspended sentence for past offences, demonstrating rehabilitation and improved lifestyle over three years.
Three Short Items - Drunk Driver, Free Coffee, Pet Food Donations
Drunk driver caught nearly 3 times over limit; Fined £759 and banned from driving for 23 months; Ban may be reduced with drink-driving course.
Museum Reopening with New Interactive Displays
Witney Museum reopens with interactive displays. Grant from National Lottery Heritage Fund ensured museum’s future. Community-led exhibits engage visitors and showcase local treasures.
Cokethorpe Pupils Canoe Challenge
Cokethorpe pupils undertook gruelling 125-mile canoe race; Four Witney pupils finished 16th and 33rd respectively; The challenge taught them resilience and teamwork
Help for Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
A charity launches the Bounce Back for Kids programme to support children aged 3-11 affected by domestic abuse in Oxfordshire. The programme, available in Thames Valley, offers therapeutic activities to help children process trauma and build resilience. One parent describes it as a pivotal step towards recovery.
Blenheim Palace Bust Heads to Rome
Bust of Pope Urban VIII leaves Blenheim Palace for Rome exhibit; Rare artwork on loan for major exhibition marking 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica
Spider Bite Admissions Skyrocket
Spider bites send more Britons to hospitals due to false widow boom; Increase blamed on warmer climates; Admissions double, now exceeding 95 annually.
Potholes Deepen with Rising Oil Costs
Pothole repairs may become more expensive due to rising oil costs. Volatile oil prices, fueled by Middle Eastern conflicts, threaten to increase fixes in Oxfordshire. Council monitoring situation closely.
Editor’s Choice - Travelogue
Noticeboard
Four local deaths reported in The Gazette; Dawn Shire, a former primary school teacher, among them. Condolences extended to families. Listen to editions via memory stick, web or phone.
Quiz
Beatles quiz revealed answers; Questions covered their early songs and history; Last week’s theme was Hamburg, where they honed skills.
Chase Spinoff Winner to Run London Marathon
“Chase Spinoff Winner to Run London Marathon” - Gavin Carter, 51, from Witney, to run London Marathon on his birthday for Deborah UK in support of Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Two Short Items - Green Bins, Blenheim Leadership
Weston Switzer Council’s green garden waste bins go sticker-free; Collections are now tracked via in-cab tech; Residents must present bins by 6 AM fortnightly.
Sweet Shop Turns 15 with Free Shakes
A beloved Witney shake and sweet shop celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special Easter-themed event, offering free shakes and engaging activities, reflecting the community’s support and its contribution to local initiatives.
Cotswold Wildlife Park Best Zoo
Cotswold Wildlife Park named UK’s best safari park. It won with 81% of votes from a consumer brand survey, beating Cornwall’s Seal Sanctuary by 2%. The park offers giraffes, lions, and friendly service in rural Oxfordshire.
Goodbye!
Post-processing details for visually impaired listeners; Returning memory sticks with reversed labels via postal services; Team acknowledgments and farewells