Edition #2082
23 October 2025
Intro Music
Free P&R with Temporary Congestion Charge
Oxfordshire County Council offers free park and ride bus travel for 3 months due to temporary congestion charge. Up to 2 adults and 3 children get free travel with valid parking ticket. Council aims to reduce traffic and improve bus services.
A40 Right Turn Ban at Barnard Gate
A40 road safety measures gain county council approval; Right turn restrictions introduced experimentality; Local councils applaud new scheme’s aim to reduce road accident risks.
Pony & Trap Racing on A40
Pony and trap racing on A40 threatens public safety; Council and Police team up to enforce restrictions; Public consultation in November to support potential new powers
Teacher Hit Crossing A40
Teacher calls for safer crossing after life-changing injuries in A40 collision; Miss Daniels’ leg severely injured, convinced she’d lost it; She campaigns for immediate improvements after inadequate police response
Tobacco Seized by Trading Standards
Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards seize nearly 20,000 illegal cigarettes and 15 kilos of tobacco in Operation CC. High-value contraband worth £10,000 confiscated. Investigation ongoing with potential criminal prosecution.
“Mr Big” Guilty of Drugs Shipment
Man guilty of masterminding £6 million drug shipment, Sean Hatfield found guilty, Sentencing on November 6th
Surprising Win at Wine Festival
Unexpectedly, Bulgarian wines emerged as the top sellers at the Witney Wine Festival, stealing the show from English and other international varieties. Over 300 attendees enjoyed live music and pizza while sampling 149 wines, leading to early excitement for next year’s event.
Bampton Food & Gift Fair
Bampton Autumn Fair attracted crowds; Third-year event featured local artisans and food; Community support highlighted.
Editor’s Choice
Quiz & Noticeboard
Last week’s quiz focused on common phrases; This week’s quiz concerns Iceland; Noticeboard announced four deaths and upcoming AGM.
Protection Against Flooding
Oxfordshire residents advised to prepare for flooding despite dry summer, Environment Agency warns against complacency, Climate change impacts evident in wet winters and dry summers.
Winter Flood Risks
West Oxfordshire District Council warns residents about upcoming flood risks during winter. Council urges early action to minimize flood risks. Local flooding campaign aims to inform residents and reduce risks.
Hosepipe Ban Extended
Thames Water extends hosepipe ban across Oxfordshire due to severe summer drought; Despite recent rainfall, reservoirs need more time to recover; Customers urged to use water wisely to protect rivers and wildlife.
Water Restoration Fund Projects
Water company fines fund environmental projects across Thames Valley, with £1M+ allocated for cleanup projects. Fines resulted from pollution incidents between April 2022 and October 2023, with Thames Water facing a record fine. Projects aim to repair sewage damage and support nature restoration.
Spooktacular Cogges Farm Fun
Halloween activities kick off at Cox Manor Farm from Oct 22 to Nov 2. Families can enjoy a Witch’s House tour, disco, bouncy castle, and ghost trail. The farm closes Nov 2, reopening for Christmas market on Nov 29-30.
Spooktacular Firestation Fun
Two Oxfordshire fire stations host Halloween events. Chipping Norton’s event includes games and spooky fun, while Ardley Road’s offers haunted house tours and simulator rides. All proceeds will benefit firefighters’ charity.
(Spooktacular?) Blenheim Fun
Blenheim Palace offers spooky Halloween activities. A UNESCO heritage site hosts family-friendly crafts, animal encounters, and circus workshops. Kids can learn magic tricks and participate in treasure hunts.
Chistmas Events at Garden Centres
Oxfordshire garden centres announced festive events for Christmas. Activities include breakfast with Santa and dog-friendly events. Centres aim to create magical experiences for visitors.
Royal Visit to RAF Brize Norton
Princess Anne honoured historic RAF squadron in Oxfordshire On its 110th birthday, the squadron received awards and recognition The visit marked ongoing commitment despite NATO tensions
Reconfiguring Asylum Seeker Hotel?
Calls mount to end asylum seeker housing in Witney Hotel; Hotel owner plans to convert ground floor for additional suites despite local opposition; Conversatives urge prompt hotel restoration as valued community venue.
Blenheim Clock Tower Restored
Blenheim Palace’s 18th century clock tower fully restored after facing challenges; Rare Langley Radley timepiece revealed; Restoration team praised for overcoming weather obstacles.
Employment Support for Disabled Residents
A new scheme supports disabled residents in Oxfordshire to find and retain employment. Tailored support available to around 2000 residents over 5 years. Scheme aims to reduce economic inactivity, currently around 14% of residents.
Goodbye
TNF Soundings Radio Listings
A weekly radio listing featuring historical plays, operas, mystery dramas, and factual programmes about science and history. A notable programme includes an exploration of John Strauss II’s life and influence.
TNF Soundings TV Listings
This week’s chapter covers diverse TV programmes airing from 25th to 31st Oct. Saturday features The Simpsons, documentaries on Cornwall’s mines and Atlantic Tuna, rugby and football matches. Sunday has interviews, films, and fishing while Monday offers shopping secrets and quiz shows, plus dramas Blue Lights and Once Upon a Time in Space.
TNF Soundings Blind Baker’s Apple Cakes
A blind baker shares her recipe for apple cakes using windfall apples from ancient trees. The recipe includes self-raising flour, soft brown sugar, butter, dates, Brazil nuts, eggs, and vanilla extract. The cakes bake at 165°C for 25 minutes and are delicious.
Reflection
Water companies heavily criticized for prioritizing profits over ecology. Environmental concerns overshadowed by focus on material goods. Beauty underappreciated; religion offers perspective on its importance.