Edition #2113: Homes on the Horizon, Recycling System Up for Review

Opening Theme

10000 More New Homes along A40

Over 12,000 new homes planned along A40 in West Oxfordshire; Residents fear gridlock; Witney MP pushes for improved public transport and rail link.

Review Sought of the Recycling Centre Booking System

Oxfordshire recycling centres require booking, causing trouble for elderly. Councillor demands review after concerns about access and potential increase in fly tipping. Survey shows mixed reactions from residents.

Plans to reform policing in England and Wales have come under fire

Matthew Barber criticizes proposed police reforms for risking chaos by undermining local accountability and increasing centralization under Home Office control.

Unitary Councils Set to Reshape Services

Oxfordshire councils prepare for major reshuffle. Three unitary council options considered. Changes expected to improve efficiency.

Freeland Villagers Mark Completing Purchase of Historic Chapel

Villagers in Freeland celebrate purchase of historic chapel for community hub, buying it for £165,000 with local contributions; £78,000 already set aside for refurbishment, £132,000 still needed to complete the project by next spring.

Churchill Is “Too Divisive” to Feature on £5 Notes

Banknotes no longer featuring Churchill due to perceived divisiveness. Research found him seen as elitist and backward-looking. Nature suggested as lesser divisive option for future banknotes.

Conservationist in Water Bike Effort

A 90-year-old conservationist embarks on a cross-River Thames route using a water bike to fund afforestation research; restoration site near Bob Finmere being developed.

Carterton Community College Told Significant Improvement Needed

Carterton Community College facing significant improvement as inspectors find areas needing attention or urgent enhancement; lacking student engagement, curriculum addressing knowledge gaps not observed.

Summer Speeding: Mobile Vans vs Fixed Cameras

Mobile speed cameras account for a high number of speeding tickets in Buckinghamshire; Oxford’s mobile cameras catch more offenses than fixed ones during summer months.

Two short items: Naked Man & Parking Restrictions

A naked man wearing a rubber head mask walked along the Thames; He was spotted by passersby at Pink Hill Lock near Eynsham; Despite his unusual appearance, no crime was committed and the incident was merely logged.

Reflection with David Sarbots

John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ criticized by Christians for its anti-heaven stance; Song calls for unity but fails to reflect reality; David Abbots reflects on the power of imagination to improve the world.

Editors Choice

The Battle of Waterloo on its 211th anniversary; Napoleon’s 72,000 men faced Wellington’s 68,000; Wellington won but sustaining high casualties

Deaths

The Witney Talking News covered local obituaries this week. Among them were Christopher Horley, Linda Godfrey, Peter Claude Betts, Barry Leslie Taylor, and James Wally. No specific details or reactions were shared.

Quiz

This week’s quiz focuses on June, featuring multiple-choice questions about Roman mythology, American history, literature, music, and WWII. Participants learn about Juno, Juneteenth, Orwell’s 1984, Elvis Presley’s debut, and D-Day.

Triathlon at Blenheim

Gold medalist Johnny Brownlee sets new biathlon record completing 10 sprints in one weekend. He ran 50km, cycled 200km, swam 7.5km in 12 hours, 24 minutes. This challenge highlighted the importance of community and support over individual performance.

Co-op Funding Grassroots Projects

Co-bop launched a £350 million fund for grassroots projects. Community groups can apply for funding to improve access to food, mental wellbeing, youth opportunities. Since 2016, Co-bop has supported over 40,000 causes.

Greggs Has New Bigger Shop in Town

A new Greggs opened in Witney with expanded space and new jobs. The shop offers a wide range of food and drinks, including Greggs’ first chicken roll. Evening visitors can enjoy hot meals and pizza.

Blue Cross Helps Out in Guinea Pigs Rescue

Over 200 guinea pigs were saved after being found in poor conditions at an abusive home; they are currently cared for by Blue Cross Rehoming Centre with many more arriving due to a surge caused by financial difficulties faced by pet owners.

Noticeboard

Several birthdays celebrated including Mrs. Judith Humphreys on June 19th; Upcoming festivals include the Burford Festival from June 11th to 23rd, featuring a dragon parade on June 21st, and the Charlbury Beer Festival on June 27th with World Aunt Sally championships.

Goodbye!

This week’s Talking News provides guidelines for returning USB memory sticks and lists team members. It also includes an ending joke about a boy injured by falling books.

TNF Soundings Radio Listings

A chapter covering various radio highlights for each day of the week. Highlights include documentaries, plays, and music performances.

TNF Soundings TV Listings

BBC One’s World Cup coverage dominates this week’s listings.