Edition #2058

Intro Music

VE Day pt1

VE Day commemorations honour local RAF veteran, Dennis Bishop, who recalls fallen friends and urges unity. 80-year-old flew from RAF Brize Norton in Airbus A400M during preparations for VE Day flypast.

VE Day pt2

A formation of aircraft will fly over Buckingham Palace on VE Day. 27 aircraft from 99 Squadron will participate, with precise timing. Nicola Lofthouse, the squadron’s commander, emphasizes the importance of remembering the historical event and honoring those who served.

RAF Parachute team

RAF Parachute team performs their first public display of the year. The Falcons, UK’s premier military team, jumped from an RAF Atlas A400M at 10,000 feet. They entertained schoolchildren and guests at RAF Brize Norton in Carterton.

Fly tip blaze

Massive tire dump blaze in Broadwell kept firefighters busy all day; Large pile of disused tires ignited, unknown cause; Smoke reduced but fire remains contained, householders warned.

Lib Dem victory

Liberal Democrats secure historic majority in Oxfordshire County Council elections, winning 36 seats; Conservative seats halved to 10, Labour maintains 12; Liz Leffman, Lib Dem leader, elated and plans clean air initiatives, better public transport, and sustainable policies.

Low poll turn-out

Low voter turnout in Oxfordshire elections attributed to apathy and hot weather. Average turnout 35.6% with some seats below 20%. Liberals disappointed in government changes.

TWU upgrades

Thames Water faces scrutiny over sewage works upgrades, with locals questioning inflated costs; Campaigners argue company is passing on neglect-induced expenses to households; Company defends expenses, citing increased operating costs and need for infrastructure investment.

US group bid for TWU

A US private equity firm KKR’s acquisition of Thames Water faces criticism in Parliament. Lord Seéchard raised concerns about KKR’s record and its potential impact on Thames Water’s customers. KKR aims to reduce Thames Water’s debt while assuring customers no asset sales or breakup are planned.

Reflection

Pope Leo elected as new leader of Roman Catholic Church; Cardinals debate and vote on successor; Anglican Church considers new Archbishop of Canterbury

Editor’s Choice

“Pocket parks” transform small, unused urban spaces, as seen in Birmingham’s 4 new green spaces. The National Trust works with communities to create these vibrant spaces. Oxfordshire has at least one pocket park created from an old, overgrown site.

Quiz

木兰花为英国最古老的树;它位于格卢塞伯爵shire;上周的问答由林业信托基金设定.

Noticeboard

The Whitnicker reads eight death notices; notable birthdays and a heatstroke warning issued by Thames Valley Police.

Transplant games

Kidney Care UK continues partnership with British Transplant Games in Oxfordshire; Games bring together over 1000 transplant recipients; Event positively impacts younger participants and raises organ donation awareness.

London marathon

Marathon runners raise £10,000 for Mulberry Bush charity. Four runners completed London Marathon amidst global news chaos. Funds to support children affected by trauma.

Penguins visit home

Penguins visit Carterton Care Home for International Penguin Day; Residents delighted by Pringle and Widget’s presence; First penguin visit for MHA homes, but animal visits are common.

Children visit care home

Children from Windrush Primary School helped Witney retirement village residents be active on National On Your Feet Day. They walked together, chatted, and had a picnic. Both residents and staff enjoyed the event despite finding the children’s energy challenging.

Solar park completion

A 20-acre solar park completed near Woodstock generates more green energy than the UNESCO World Heritage site consumes. This marks Blenheim Estate’s first major renewable energy project, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2027. The park provides sheep grazing and school visit opportunities.

Solar farm objections

Solar farms controversy erupts as community opposes largest project in Europe; Group argues panels belong on roofs, not farmland; PM announces plans for solar panels on new homes, but Botley West project remains undecided.

Cornbury horse trials

Equestrian event returns to Oxfordshire; 5-day Cornbury House Horse Trials in September offers dressage, cross-country, and show jumping; Local produce market and farm-to-table event highlight featured

Oxford United

Oxford United finished the season with a comeback draw against Swansea City, securing a 93rd-minute equaliser despite being behind three times. The team’s resilience and fighting spirit were praised by manager Gary Rowett, who acknowledged that their season had been a rollercoaster.

Charlbury walking map

Charlbury’s new walking map encourages visitors to explore its countryside, scenic spots, and independent businesses; The map guides pedestrians on circular routes around notable landmarks; Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership aims to inspire sustainable travel choices.

55th wedding aniv

A Carterton couple marked their 55th wedding anniversary at Homestead care home. Sheila O’Ddwyer, living with Alzheimer’s, celebrated with her devoted husband John. They reflected on their love story, from meeting in Dublin’s Metropol ballroom to settling in Witney, with three children.

Police operation

Operation Pandilla targeting County Lines dealers yielded 95 arrests and over £69,000 cash seized. It involved multiple police forces and resulted in weapon and drug seizures. The initiative was praised for its collaborative effort across policing borders.

Two Short Stories

Death of racing stable assistant sparks inquest, Thomas Chaytor found dead in his bedroom, Full inquest to be held in June

Conclusion

TNF Soundings Radio Listings

TNF Soundings TV Listings

BBC Audio Described programmes for week starting 10 May 2025, featuring rugby, Doctor Who, nature documentaries, and more.

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