Edition #2080
9 October 2025
Listen up as we tackle transportation turbulence, from taxi troubles to electric bike enforcement. Plus, celebrate longevity with a centennial resident, and discover Oxfordshire's record-breaking wildlife encounters. And yes, there's more, including pub news that'll have you raising a glass!
Intro Music
Trouble in the Taxi Ranks
Taxis protest council’s traffic calming plans; Reduction in ranks may impact elderly and disabled; Plan includes new zebra crossing and bus stop.
Illegal Electric Bikes
Illegal electric bikes pose safety risks to pedestrians and other road users. Councillors call for better enforcement. Motion urges council and police to address the issue promptly.
Secret to Longevity
A local resident celebrated her 100th birthday, attributing her longevity to a good routine and mental stimulation. Born during World War II, Theo Holwell has led an inspirational life as a teacher and author.
Alleged Spy Charges Dropped
“Spy ring charges dropped in Witney, sparking criticism; MPs demand explanation, citing national security concerns.”
Reduced Street Light Savings?
Street light reduction scheme in Oxfordshire estimated to not save £400,000 annually as expected. Council admits error in projection, cost to be borne by scheme applicants. Residents concerned about potential impacts on safety and environment.
Public Urged to Report Loud Exhausts
Residents urged to report loud exhausts, affecting businesses; Council calls for police station front desk reopening.
Scheme to Target Empty Homes
West Oxfordshire tackles empty homes crisis with new loan scheme, offering low-interest finance for repairs. Council partners with Lendology CC to assess homeowners based on individual circumstances rather than credit scores, aiming to increase housing availability and neighborhood improvement.
Beckham Bags Record Profits
David Beckham cashes in £26 million from record profits; Ex-England footballer’s DRJB Holdings posts £68.3 million revenues; Beckham received £260,000 dividend.
Reflection (Introduction)
Reverend Hillary Wing reflects weekly on spiritual matters, no significant events or changes reported.
Reflection
The first phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan agreed upon by Israel and Thames; Hostages to be released in the next few days; Celebrations in Tel Aviv and Gaza as agreement brings hope during the Jewish festival of Sukkot.
Editor’s Choice
The University of the Third Age (U3A) benefits visually impaired individuals by fostering lifelong learning and combating social isolation. It offers flexibility through online sessions, accessible materials, and opportunities for visually impaired members to lead sessions.
Deaths
Local deaths reported in Witney Gazette. Mark Edward Ateman, 62; Paul James Dry, 80. Obituary list includes names and ages.
Quiz
Round Two
Cotswold Wildlife Park’s animals had a busy year; Range Rover incident captures attention; No major injuries reported.
Record Breaking Breeding Season
Cotswold Wildlife Park enjoys record-breaking year for visitors and breeding; Welcomes 4 greater bamboo lemur babies, an endangered species; New arrivals set to celebrate World Lemur Day on October 31st.
Range Rover Finally Recovered
A Range Rover was recovered from the Thames after being submerged for nine months. The vehicle rolled into the river when its owner left it in drive during a pub visit. The environment agency was notified upon impact, leading to a lengthy investigation and eventual retrieval.
Historic Church Technology Funding
Historic Saint Bartholomew’s Church in Ducklington receives funding for technology upgrade. £1600 secured to install a roaming camera in its bell tower, enhancing online services. Church aims to expand reach and welcome all, with half of attendees traveling from outside the village.
Five Hundred Pints at Cogges Farm
500 pints of beer were consumed at Hornton Abbey Farm’s Oktoberfest event. The popular local festival featured Bavarian dance, German food, and transformed the heritage center into a beer hall.
Bikeathon Raises Care Home Cash
A charity cycling event at Brize Norton’s Bryce Meadow Lodge raised £754 for Alzheimer’s UK, surpassing its target, with residents, families, and community members participating in a day of activities. The event was organized in support of care assistant Ian Longborough’s half marathon fundraising.
Villagers to Buy Middle Barton Pub?
Villagers in Middle Aston strive to save their historic pub, the Fox Inn, by raising funds to purchase it from its current owner. After securing ‘asset of community value’ status and raising £9,000, the campaign aims to reach £160,000. Led by Richard Brown MBE, residents hope to reopen the pub, maintaining it as a community asset for future generations.
Twenty Years of Hook Norton IPA
Oxfordshire brewery celebrates 20 years of historic IPA. Hook Norton marks two decades since it first brewed its flagship IPA to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. IPA now a mainstay in brewery’s range, beloved by customers and critics.
Pub to Fetch Half Million Pounds
The Black Horse pub in Salford, named among the Cotswold Gentlemen’s top 50, is set to be auctioned for £500,000. Closed after summer 2023, it comes with living accommodation and gardens, offering immediate reopening potential.
Veterans at Community Lunch Club
Community Lunch brought veterans and civilians together in Carterton. The event, held at Carterton Methodist Church, was in its 3rd year. Group Captain Louise Hinton of RAF Brize Norton presented a £1000 check and praised the event as a way to connect the veteran community with the wider public.
Noticeboard
Oxford Food and Drink Festival happening for 10 days in Broad Street, offering street food and live entertainment; Music lovers can enjoy concerts in Abingdon and Burford; Oxford’s role in World War II discussed at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.
TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings
Radio highlights and audio described TV programmes for the week starting October 11th.