Witney Talking News

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Edition #2115: Justice in Flags, Culinary Transformations and Legal Resolutions

2 July 2026

Police respond to a gas pipe warning. A Methodist minister contemplates ordination amidst safety concerns over flags on lamp posts.

Opening Theme

Gas Pipe Warning Sparks Police Emergency Response

Man threatened to blow up property, sparked emergency response; Trinder, 38, admitted threats; sentenced to 12 months suspended prison sentence with alcohol treatment requirement

Reflection with Reverend Sue Jacobs

The speaker reflects on their ordination as a Methodist minister after an intensive retreat and connection in the church which included walking to Hope Valley Cliff during cooler weather. They also attended a conference where newly ordained ministers were welcomed by the president of the Methodist Conference who spoke about having hearts for justice before participating in one of many ceremonies at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Council Wins Court Battle to Get Flags Off Lamp Posts

Activists agree not to raise England’s flag after court wins; Oxfordshire County Council stops activists from flying the flags due to safety risks.

New Survey Seeks Input on Quality of Town Markets

Public invited to share market feedback; Survey focuses on local markets’ quality; Results aim to improve market experiences

Post Office Couple to Quit after Rent Dispute

Post office in Woodstock at risk of closure due to rent dispute; Popular couple running it refuses to renew lease after council’s controversial rent hike; Community launches petition, expresses concern over potential loss of vital service.

Asylum Seekers Removed from Hotel in Barracks Bid

Asylum seekers removed from hotel; Government closes Oxford Witney Hotel, plans to move refugees to former military barracks; Locals criticize lack of consultation on arrangements.

Fleet of RAF Planes to Be Moved

RAF Brize Norton’s planes temporarily relocated due to airfield closure. Atlas and Globemaster fleet to operate primarily from Boscombe Down and Bournemouth Airport, with Voyager Fleet using multiple airports. Move expected to last from July to late November.

Eight Charged with Drug Offences after Raid

Eight individuals face charges following a significant drug raid involving numerous officers in Oxfordshire where cocaine, heroin, and cannabis were seized.

Family Bakers Open Cafe at Brewery Site

Blake’s Kitchen family bakery opens new location at brewery site; transformation includes handmade cinnamon buns and quality cafe experience.

Firefighters Worn of Dangers of River Swims

Firefighters warn about river swim dangers; Hot weather increases risk of cold water shock; Fatalities in Europe spur caution and supervision.

Three Short Items - Missing Person Found, New Benches Installed at Lake, & Have Your Say

Drone helps locate missing person; Stolen car with cloned plates found; Thames Valley Police hosting ‘Have Your Say’ events.

Lib Gems, Regain Majority on County Council

The liberal Democrats have regained their majority on Oxfordshire County Council after Ben Higgins returned to politics as one of its members.

60 Mile an Hour Speed Limit Reductions Examined

Oxfordshire County Council reviewing speed limits on rural roads to enhance safety; Consultation ongoing for more road changes; Goal to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

Eleven Local Roads to Be Quiet Lanes

Oxfordshire County Council plans Quiet Lane requests for several local roads with car bans; Shepherd’s Pit Lane in Stanton St.John will be first to trial this new traffic control approach.

Remembrance Walk to Support Hospice

A remembrance walk is organized to support those who have experienced loss by taking place at Cogs Manor Farm for attendees dressed as if remembering lost loved ones.

Churchill’s Boxes Set to Go under the Hammer

Four boxes with direct ties to Sir Winston Churchill are up for auction; expected to fetch over £215,000 at Christie’s. The collection includes a prime ministerial dispatch box from WWII used by Sue Winston (‘Seda’) of approximately 1940 and containing key wartime documents as well as other noteworthy items like a cigar-humidor initially given to Roosevelt.

Abandoned Puppies Will Find Loving Homes

Seven abandoned Shih Tzus now live with loving families thanks to Blue Cross Care.

Editor’s Choice - A Tale of Two Captains

England’s footballers win over the Democratic Republic of Congo inspired by Captain Harry Kane; England cricketers lose out in a historic Test match at Trent Bridge with captains Ben Stokes and Ashes hero turned cricketer Joe Root retiring, amid controversy against New Zealand captain Daryl Mitchell.

Quiz

A quiz airs answers from a previous week’s questions regarding British Prime Ministers following Brexit with Andy Burnham identified as likely new PM and various UK records noted alongside historical facts about Wimbledon tennis champions.

Noticeboard

Music events announced for upcoming dates; obituary notices include seven individuals who passed away recently.

Age UK Warns a Serious Impact of Loneliness

A UK raises concerns about the severe effects of loneliness among older individuals in Oxfordshire, with one in five experiencing significant isolation affecting both their mental and physical well-being.

RAF Base Honors Military Service

Armed Forces Day ceremony at RAF Brize Norton celebrates contributions from serving members, veterans, and families; highlights strong relationship with town on display in photo.

Pavement Parking Will Be Debated by Counsellors

Plans for fining drivers who park on pavements have advanced in Oxfordshire; Council leader Nether Thomas, backed by Gareth Epps, seeks to amend rules countywide, with minimal cost to the council; Ban aims to benefit disabled individuals and those with mobility issues, as pavements need to be kept clear for safe passage.

Chippo, down under

Chipping Norton, Australia, named after its English twin; Its prominent historian, William Long, lived briefly in Chippy Norton, England; The town hosts an annual horse race, the Chippy Norton Stakes.

Goodbye!

Main subject: Talking newspaper readers’ team credits; Outcome: No significant news covered; Further angle: Upcoming joke tradition.

Closing Theme

TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings

A review of a vintage comedy series, ‘Brothers-in-law’, highlights its inclusion in a radio special for the upcoming week.