Edition #2089
11 December 2025
Intro Music
RAF Brize Norton Break-in Protester on Hunger Strike
Hunger strike enters 5th week for RAF Brize Norton activist protesting UK’s role in Israel-Palestine conflict. Activist Amu Gibb, along with others, await trial for vandalism and trespassing charges. Palestine Action challenges government’s ban on judicial review.
Council Vote Blocks Debate on Fire Station Closures
Oxfordshire Fire Service’s shutdown plan for Woodstock and Eynsham stations was opposed by local council but sent for further scrutiny instead; Tory councillor Liam Walker blamed the county council’s proposal on lack of foresight and responsibility due to increased demand for emergency services.
Firefighters Rally Against Planned Oxfordshire Service Cuts
Freighters protest county-wide cuts to Oxfordshire’s fire service; Plans threaten closure of stations and redundancies; Union warns of potential industrial action and heightened risks
Fire Station Closures Proposed Across Oxfordshire
Firefighters rescued occupants from floods; Bladon resident’s home severely flooded; Defective carbon monoxide detector replaced during rescue.
Steve Redgrave Joins Legal Action Over Thames Pollution
Steve Redgrave supports legal action against Thames Water for allowing pollution in the Thames region; River Action claims 93 sewage sites are unfinished, posing health risks; Redgrave joins locals in filing statutory nuisance complaints.
Cotswolds Mansion Faces Flooding Again
Walkers face challenges due to significant flooding along Witney paths and around Ducklington Lake. Residents raise concerns about pollution and call for bridge constructions to alleviate severe overflows. Ellen DeGeneres’ Cotswold mansion faces flooding yet again, contributing to a substantial decrease in its market price.
Thames Water Revenue Rises Amid Bill Hikes and Debt Talks
Thames Water’s revenue surges by 42% due to bill hikes, sparking customer complaints. The utility is in talks with creditors to avoid nationalisation, after £19 billion debt left it on the brink of collapse.
Calls Grow to Keep Witney Town Centre Car Park
Residents fight to preserve Witney car park; West Oxford District Council plans 71 affordable homes; Petition gains 2000 signatures, but council maintains stance
West Oxfordshire MP Backs Plans to Rebuild Local Railway
West Oxfordshire to see railway revival due to housing boom. Oxfordshire County Council approves Oxville 2040 plan for Carterton to Oxford connection. MP Charlie Maynard calls for urgency in rail service implementation.
New Military Homes Proposed in Carterton
Plans lodged for 265 new military homes in Carterton. The development will include a mix of house types and amenities. Taylor Wimpy hopes it will provide affordable housing for military personnel.
MP Engages Students During UK Parliament Week
An MP educates students about politics during UK Parliament Week. Charlie Maynard visited two schools in his constituency to engage pupils in discussions about the workings of Parliament and his own political journey.
Witney Library Reopens with Community Celebrations
Witney Library reopened after renovations, celebrating with community events and a new mascot bear; Local residents enjoyed new facilities and activities.
New Mobile Vet Service Launches in West Oxfordshire
A mobile veterinary clinic launched in West Oxfordshire for at-home pet care, aiming to make pet healthcare more accessible, launched by two vets who saw the benefits firsthand.
Disabled Puppy Finds Loving Home in Time for Christmas
A disabled puppy found abandoned in a bin has been nursed back to health and found a loving home in time for Christmas. Despite being deaf and half-blind, Dennis was reformed with specialized care at the Blue Cross. He adapted to new cues like tap sounds and has settled in his new home in Derbyshire.
Deaths
Reflection (Thanks)
Thames Water fined for pollution, £200,000 penalty imposed. Recent heavy rains caused untreated sewage to enter River Thames. Environmental groups welcome the fine but urge tougher penalties against water companies.
Quiz Answers
Last week’s quiz on celebratory drinks is answered; Southern Comfort and Newcastle Brown identified; Carlsberg and Bells also revealed.
Noticeboard
Two birthdays celebrated early; Witney residents Beryl Muir on Dec 19th and Kathleen Ball on Dec 31st; Memory sticks provided, yellow one for current news, red one for magazine.
Quiz: Pantomime Themed
This week’s quiz focuses on pantomime characters, ballet composers, and fairy tale figures.
Poems for the Season: Reflection and Renewal
Two poems about Christmas read aloud. First reflects on mature aspect of the holiday, second calls for renewal and change.
Witney Town FC Makes Triumphant Return After Twelve Years
Whitneytown FC, once dormant, is reborn and thriving. Led by passionate chair Paul Foster, the football club returns to division one. The club continues to grow on and off the pitch, attracting crowds and partnering with local businesses. A 2024 community award and free entry home games solidify its impact.
Four Generations of Support for Witney Town FC
Witney Town FC boasts 4 generations of family support, with Rich Wickson among its most devoted fans. He has been printing home match programmes for decades, ensuring that his family’s 80-year legacy Endures.