Edition #2053

Intro Music

Introduction + homes

Housing scheme for 78 homes refused due to strong local opposition, Council ignores residents’ concerns about development’s scale and impact, Spitfire Homes’ representative fails to address objections

Loans for houses

Council launches loan scheme for empty homes; Targeting 1128 long-term vacant properties; Aiming to tackle housing crisis and revitalize neighborhoods

Cookery classes

Oxfordshire nurseries offer cookery classes for toddlers; Classes aim to instill lifelong cooking enjoyment for well-being; Toddlers use mini kitchens, learn basic skills, and take homemade treats home.

Memory loss help

Oxfordshire NHS launches new service supporting individuals worried about memory loss. Those concerned can access a one-to-one advisor through GP referral. The service assists in memory strategies and planning for the future, benefiting those with mild cognitive impairment or waiting for memory clinic appointments.

Road resurfacing

Road surfacing programme begins in Oxfordshire; £740 million for 100 roads; Aims to improve roads for years while minimising disruption.

GWR trains

Rail services in Oxfordshire face criticism due to punctuality and cancellation issues. Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways rank below average in passenger satisfaction. Both scored 84 out of 100, with complaints and delays above industry averages.

Best village

Wootton, an Oxfordshire village, named 16th best in the UK for its scenic landscapes and stylish pub; Telegraph praises its ancient church and community spirit; Village’s proximity to Blenheim Palace enhances its appeal as a tranquil retreat.

Littering problem

Oxfordshire residents urged to combat littering habit, with over 65% of littering drivers discarding food waste; young drivers most likely to litter, with nearly a third of 18-24 year olds admitting to doing so. Research commissioned by National Highways supports the Great British Spring Clean.

Reflection

Editor’s Choice

17th Century Paper Cutouts Discovered Girls at Sutton House School Crafted Intricate Designs Volunteers Rediscover Treasures Originally Found in 1980s

Quiz + noticeboard

Screening test for babies

A new screening test in Oxford detects pre-eclampsia earlier, potentially saving mothers and babies from life-threatening complications. Up to 8% of pregnancies are affected by this pregnancy complication, leading to small birth weight babies or organ damage.

Housing benefit freeze

Housing benefit freeze will hit children, warns new report. Children’s poverty expected to rise due to increasing housing support shortfalls. Over 900,000 children anticipated to be affected.

Firm supports childrens school

Oxford firm Knights volunteers at Mulberry Bush School for trauma-affected children. Staff regularly help with gardening and painting. Their efforts appreciated by school staff.

NHS staff survey

Majority of Oxfordshire NHS staff struggle with conflicting demands; Musculoskeletal problems reported; Trust outperforms national averages in eight areas

Hedge planting project

Volunteers create native hedge at Leafield village hall car park for environmental and safety improvements, attracting diverse wildlife and involving a wide age range of participants.

Scheme for authors

A new initiative promotes local Oxfordshire authors in independent businesses. This scheme, one in 200 UK, launched initially at four locations across the county. Its founders aim to help authors overcome barriers to self-publishing.

Smash and grab crimes

Smash and grab crimes up in Oxfordshire, targeting unattended vehicles with visible valuables, police urge precautions to prevent thefts.

TVP awards

Over £203,000 granted to community groups by Thames Valley Police to tackle antisocial behaviour and vehicle crime, benefiting 17 projects. Successful applicants will attend a presentation event in Milton Keynes on May 2nd.

Firefighter remembered

Sub Officer John Witney remembered 38 years after fatal acetylene cylinder explosion; Remembered at Oxfordshire fire station; Recall prompts new safety procedures.

Two Short Stories

Number plate thefts rising in Chipping Norton area; used for fuel thefts; Police warn residents to secure plates. Man in his 80s hospitalised after serious three-vehicle crash; Articulated lorry involved.

Driver avoids ban

51-year-old driver avoids disqualification for failing to stop after collision, fined £515 and loses 7 points on license, crash on B4636 in August last year

DWP payment changes

DWP benefit payment dates altered due to Easter bank holidays. Payments moved to 17th or 20th April for those due on 18th or 21st April. Payment dates will return to normal on 23rd April.

Conclusion

Listening options detailed; Postage reminders given; Credits acknowledged.

TNF Soundings Radio Listings

TNF Soundings TV Listings

Television programmes for the week starting Saturday 29th March and ending Friday 4th April 2025 compiled by John and read by Diane. Nadia makes a butter bean pie, lifeboat crew saves a surfer, BBC 2 spends evening with Eric Clapton.

tnf-soundings_cabin-conversations-about-easter-egg-hunts_2024-10-15

Easter origins traced back to Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre; Proverb ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket’ originated centuries ago; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hid eggs for their children, popularising Easter egg hunts.