Edition #2099: Floods, Film Stars & Football Frenzy

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RAF Brize Norton Ramps up Activity

RAF Brize Norton increases activity for training exercise; locals warned of noise; exercise simulates defense against hostile agents.

Burst Pipe Causes Major Disruption

Large water bottles delivered to affected households after burst main; Thames Water apologizes for disruption and works to fix pipe; Residents express mixed reactions to water collections

Hugh Grant Backs ‘Dirty Business’ Sewage Drama

Hugh Grant praises Channel 4’s ‘Dirty Business’, a sewage pollution docudrama; The show adapts real-life events, including the tragic story of the Preen family; Celebrities and campaigners demand nationalisation of water companies after watching the series.

Blake Primary Floods: Thames Water Pledges Checks

Thames Water vows bi-weekly checks after school drainage crisis; Blake Primary School in Witney has struggled with blocked drains and flooded toilets; Politicians weigh in, calling for Thames Water’s accountability.

Thames Water Apprenticeships Open

Thames Water offers 145 apprenticeships for 2026. Opportunities include college and degree level positions. Georgina Vane, an apprentice, found the programme a positive hands-on experience.

Volunteers Guard Against Oxfordshire Floods

Oxfordshire expands flood warden scheme countywide. Volunteers sought to monitor flood risks; Council provides training. Existing flood wardens and volunteers praised for crucial role.

Oxford United Stadium Gets Green Light

Oxford United secures planning approval for new stadium, enabling construction of a 16,000 capacity ground, 180-bed hotel, and community amenities. A £5 million investment in infrastructure is planned for Oxfordshire.

Oxford United secured a critical win over West Bromwich Albion in a tense Championship game. Two well-taken goals from Stan Mills and Will Lancashire sealed the victory for the home team. Despite West Brom fighting back with one goal, Oxford United held firm to secure the three points.

Reflection with Richard Bowler

Spring arrives early with pleasant weather and signs such as blooming trees and dry soil, boosting farmers’ moods and preparing for planting season. Coinciding with Lent, self-reflection and letting go of obstacles are encouraged, as seen in disciples’ journey.

Rugby Hero Remembered by Daughters

James Parsons, former England rugby lock, hailed as hero by daughters after death at 82. Tributes recall his kindness and strength.parsons, an alumnus of Dragon School and King’s Canterbury, had a remarkable rugby career, including playing alongside Michael Morpurgo.

SuperTri Blenheim Palace Triathlon Returns

The UK’s largest biathlon is set for Blenheim Palace in June, attracting 7000 amateur athletes. Britain’s elite athletes will compete alongside them, with a prize pool of £60,000 at stake. The event aims to combine elite and grassroots sports, offering various distances for athletes of all abilities.

Family’s Tenth Ox5 Run

The Hammond family celebrates 10 years of running the OX5 race, raising funds for Oxford Children’s Hospital where their cataracts-diagnosed children received care. Eliza and Hattie, now part of team, face further operations but continue to benefit from hospital’s support.

Clearing Up Emotional Confusion

Mental health awareness campaign calls for distinction between mental illness and everyday emotions; Aim is to promote honest emotion expression without assumption of illness; Three areas of focus: mental health act revision, emotional well-being support, careful use of clinical language.

Editor’s Choice - Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge village in Shropshire recalled memories of a history field trip from 20 years ago. Pupils from Tunbridge Wells school, many of whom had never seen factories, visited the birthplace of the industrial revolution. They purchased cast iron doorsteps in the shape of black cats as souvenirs.

Quiz

Deaths

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Gazette Staff Sleep Out

Staff of Witney Gazette participate in sleepout to combat youth homelessness. Three team members raised £844 for charity Counterpoint by enduring a cold, uncomfortable night. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth.

Preschoolers Meet Police Officers and Dog

Young children had fun learning about policing, meeting officers and a police dog at Brize Norton Preschool. The visit aimed to educate kids about the profession’s positive sides. Officer Sgt. O’Hare and PC Curbridge joined by search dog Sky were greeted enthusiastically.

Oxfordshire Pupils’ Secondary School Success

Nearly 90% of Oxfordshire pupils got their first choice of secondary school. High demand led to some not receiving their top pick. Appeals can be made until March 31.

Ken Bettridge Memorial Tree Planting

“More than 35 people plant tree in memory of Ken Bettridge, a champion of community conservation.” “Ken’s passion for nature remembered with planting of wild service tree at Longborough.” “Tree grows as living reminder of Bettridge’s dedication to environmental preservation.”

Goodbye!

The Witney Talking Newspaper team bids farewell, thanking contributors and volunteers; listeners reminded to return memory sticks promptly; a joke concludes the edition.

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