Edition #2093
22 January 2026
Council tax hike, award-winning opticians, beer champion, and pothole petitions dominate this week's headlines,plus an Oxfordshire first: a homemade capybara birthday cake!
Inflation blamed for Witney council’s planned council tax increase; Council to vote on up to 7.5% rise on February 2nd; Leader Ruth Smith cites inflation, staff costs, and projects as reasons.
An Oxfordshire opticians won national branch of the year award after major refreshment, including new consulting room; Manager Jennifer James attributed team effort and customer care for success.
“Fly tipping concern” as changes to Oxfordshire’s recycling scheme “spark fears” of increase. Critics warn of “inevitable” rise due to new booking system. Council denies connection, blames lack of evidence.
Hook Norton’s Hook Mild named Britain’s Champion Beer finalist; Celebrations held at the brewery’s open tap night
Speedwatch Volunteers Mark 2 Years Monitoring Road Safety, Focusing on Schools and Retirement Communities, Celebrating Milestone Despite Tragic Incident Inspiration
Oxfordshire Conservatives launch pothole petition urging county council emergency declaration. Labor and Liberal Democrats blame each other over road maintenance. Potholes rank amber on government quality scale.
Pothole reporting system controversially altered by Oxfordshire County Council, losing thousands of posts from Fix My Street; Users angry, but Council defends change, claiming system is still functional.
Oxfordshire’s fire service faces potential cuts, with unions warning of dozens of job losses. Proposed closures include Kingham, Woodstock, and Henley stations. Union fears communities and firefighters are at greater risk.
Decorated visitor assisted with interior decoration during snow weather. Decorator carried out their plan. Couple used time to plan and prep garden despite snowdrops planting delay. Reflection on planning, nature, and God’s role in life.
Plans for two housing developments in Carterton advance, with Age Concern voicing concerns about one proposal for a ‘garden city’ on farmland; Developments near Heyford Park and Brize Norton also in the works.
Plans submitted for 30 homes on Eynsham’s periphery, including 15 affordable homes for locals. The scheme aims to boost sustainability with nearby amenities and open spaces.
NHS Trust paid over £750k due to radiology errors, affecting patients since 2020, highlighting growing trend and staffing pressures.
Capybara Bell celebrated her 12th birthday at Cotswold Wildlife Park with a homemade cake; This friendly giant rodent had a birthday treat made of her favorite foods; The cake was a hit, with Bell quickly devouring it.
A talking newspaper chapter recaps a local history quiz and presents a new Tolkien-themed quiz for this week. Last week’s quiz, devised by Nigel, covered slang terms, book series, languages, graffiti artists, paintings, and artists. This week’s quiz relates to Tolkien’s works, including The Lord of the Rings.
Four death notices reported; David Burton, 90, Joan Callahan, 87, Patricia Garner, 92, and Hilda Marriott, 95. Services held at local churches. No listeners’ birthdays known this week. Witney Talk Fellowship meeting announced for visually impaired.
Fake £20 notes circulating in Witney prompt alert from Thames Valley Police; Counterfeit notes being used in shops, locals urged to check security features; Police advise use of detection pens, UV lights, reporting suspicious behaviour.
Five defendants denied damaging RAF aircraft worth over £15 million. They pleaded not guilty to charges at the Old Bailey. Trial is set for January 2027.
Thomas Harris sentenced to 5 years for cocaine possession and intent to supply; £39,530 of drugs seized; Harris also convicted for possessing weapons.
High proportion of southeast adults rely on headphones daily, risking permanent hearing damage. 23% can’t leave home without them. Many ignore volume warnings, worsening the issue.
David Thewlis will play Ash Smith, a campaigner fighting sewage pollution in Oxfordshire, in Channel 4’s ‘Dirty Business’. The three-part series, based on a decade-long investigation, will follow two unlikely detectives uncovering the truth about the polluted river. The show aims to shed light on the reality of environmental damage and corporate neglect.
Sobel House Hospice announced as charity partner for Bike Oxford 2026. This will highlight their vital care for adults with life-limiting illnesses and support families. The event marks Sobel House’s 50-year anniversary.
Rick Stein unveils his new TV show ‘Rick Stein’s Australia’. The Cotswold chef explores how culture shapes Australian cuisine. The series premiered on BBC2 in January.
Oxfordshire towns eyed for new M&S food halls; Chipping Norton, Witney among potential locations; New stores aim to offer wider aisles and larger car parks.