Edition #2088

Opening Theme

Christmas Lights

Thousands enjoyed Witney’s Christmas lights switch-on event; Organized by Rotary Club with Witney Town Council; Olivia’s winning design illuminated the town hall.

Festive market

Crowds enjoyed festive market at Cogsmanor Farm in Witney; Market attracted over 60 artisan stall holders; Folksinger group MacIver and the Orefos performed live.

Proposed Motel

Plans for 70-room motel in Witney hailed as economic boost. Developer proposes flexible accommodation, diner with drive-through, and boutique hotel feel. Council validates application for consultation.

Flooding in Witney

Buttercross Lane in Witney faced severe flooding due to storm Claudia, causing stress for residents like Kate and Richard Wakefield. After two floods in a week, the MP and West Oxfordshire District Council acknowledged the problem and are working on long-term solutions.

Rescued crocodile

Rescued Nile crocodile Caesar thrives in Oxfordshire zoo after journey from Swedish greenhouse, originally discovered by police in raid. Her story stirred public emotion in Sweden, now she’s boss of Nile group at Crocodiles of the World.

Big catch

Legendary angler Ian Russell caught two monster carp in West Oxfordshire’s Linear Fisheries. He landed 5 carp, including a £46 named ‘Russell’s Linear’ and another weighing £42. His impressive catch was shared on Linear Fisheries’ Facebook page.

RAF Falcons coach

New coach appointed for RAF Falcons parachute team. Flight Sergeant Mark Clayton returns after 2010-2012 stint to lead team in global displays. 2026 season ahead features training, qualifications, and world records.

Solar farm hazzard

Flight school raises concerns over proposed solar farm safety hazards; Solar farm would cover acres with solar panels posing risks to trainee pilots, including emergency landings; Developer assures that safety measures will be implemented.

Reflection

Christmas light displays around Witney and other towns brighten the winter, with origins traced back to 17th century Germany. Light decorations remind of Jesus Christ’s role as the ’light of the world’.

Editor’s Choice

Top security tips for protecting homes during holidays and winter; Involves simple tricks like fake occupancy, using seasonally decorative deterrents, and neighbour watch networks.

Quiz

Last week’s local history quiz focused on British chancellors of the Exchequer; Alan’s questions covered Rachel Reeves, Boris Johnson, Gordon Brown, and budget day changes. This week’s quiz offers cryptic drink brand clues.

Noticeboard

Two new death notices were announced this week by the newsletter. James (Jim) Bassett passed away at aged 89, while Elsie Florence Cook was 98 when she passed. Both funerals are scheduled for St. Giles Church in Standlake and St. John the Baptist Church in Bampton respectively, on Friday, December 12th at 11 AM. Additionally, Mrs. Eileen Chilson from North Leigh will celebrate her 88th birthday on December 7th.

Council workers course

A council support worker is participating in a prestigious Oxford University climate change course, exploring global climate science with a focus on county council’s carbon neutrality pledge. The participant, Dean Harwell, hopes to raise climate awareness among colleagues and communities through learnt knowledge, also highlighting council’s sustainability work.

Local Plan consultation

Residents invited to weigh in on community infrastructure plans. West Oxfordshire District Council seeks feedback on infrastructure needs for local growth. Council aims to address past issues by prioritizing infrastructure alongside housing.

Drain cleaning

67,000 roadside drains cleaned in Oxfordshire; County Council stepped up program amidst concern over flooding; High priority drains cleaned more regularly

Sewage discharge

Sewage discharged into Hanborough Stream in Oxfordshire for 48 hours; Thames Water facility responsible; second discharge site in Faringdon Stream

Mens mental health

Men share mental health struggles in Oxfordshire campaign. Men from diverse backgrounds break stigma around male mental health. Campaign uses portraits and testimony to encourage support seeking.

Diagnostic videos

New NHS videos aim to reduce apprehension for patients undergoing CT scans and gastroscopies. Created by Thames Valley Cancer Alliance and Cancer Research UK, the videos detail these common diagnostic tests to boost patient confidence. Available in English, Urdu, and Polish, the videos cater to diverse communities in the Thames Valley region.

Gifts for cancer patients

Young cancer patients aged 13-24 will receive special gift bags on Christmas day. The ‘Project Youth Cancer’ initiative aims to bring cheer to patients in 45 UK and Irish hospitals. The bags will include treats, vouchers, and stress-relieving lilma 3 devices.

Trauma appeal

Charity launches campaign to help trauma survivors enjoy Christmas. Aim is to bring hope and joy to those facing difficulties during festive season. Appeal seeks donations to support counseling, adoptive services, and community programs.

TVP AI Bobby

Thames Valley Police trial AI assistant ‘Bobby’ for non-emergency queries. Bobby handles general questions, freeing up staff for emergencies. Testing involved community feedback to refine technology.

Food waste bags

Free food waste caddy liners offered across Oxfordshire to tackle festive waste spike. Council member Judy Roberts urges composting and recycling to reduce climate impact. Scheme aims to save council millions.

Budget impact

Budget places heavy burden on local residents, MP warns; Minimum wage increase, but tax thresholds frozen pushing many into higher brackets; Local businesses fear decreasing demand as household budgets tighten

Oxford United win

Oxford United won a crucial game, beating Ipswich Town 2-1 to secure 3 points in the Championship, pushing them up to 19th in the table. Placenta’s goal sealed the victory for Oxford, who started slowly but finished strongly.

Closing Theme

Learn how to access Talking Newspaper editions online and by phone. This week, hear Christmas pieces and upcoming events.

TNF Soundings TV Listings

TV programmes, sports, films, and series highlights for the week starting December 6th, 2025.

TNF Soundings Unwrapping Christmas

Christmas origins discussed, Mithriism predates Christianity, celebrations merge traditions, Scotland bans Christmas, Dickens modernizes festival, Coca-Cola shapes Santa image.