Edition #2100: Solar Showdown & School Saga

Opening Theme

Botley Solar Farm Face-off

Controversy surrounding Botley West solar farm plans intensifies as decision deadline looms; The £800 million scheme faces opposition over loss of agricultural land and rural scenery; Stop Botley West campaign group considers legal challenge following Secretary of State’s final decision

Pipe Burst Halts Learning; Sewerage Pollution inquiry Ongoing

Schools closed due to water shortage, impacting thousands in Witney; Thames Water struggles with repairs; MP acknowledges disruption but praises response

Witney Schools Ranked by SATs

West Oxfordshire’s primary schools ranked by SATs; St. Peter’s Church of England School top with 92% at expected standard, Eynsham Community Primary second at 34% higher standard; Schools celebrate academic achievements and varied opportunities.

Surgical Scalpels Brandished in Oxfordshire

Valentine’s Day turned sinister for Witney couple threatened with surgical scalpel; no physical harm but profound emotional impact; arrest made, sentencing pending.

Pub Firm Liquidated, Riverside Inn Open

Cotswold Pub Partnership Limited liquidated, Riverside Inn in Broadwell remains open. The insolvent liquidation began on April 9, 2025, despite the pub’s trading name restrictions under Section 216 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

Couple Plans Traditional Pub Return

The Hope traditional village pub in Minster Lovell may reopen after being purchased by a local couple; Nodel Bailey and Rachel Milton Bailey intend to restore its traditional English pub atmosphere; Details await planning permission approval.

Reflection with Hilary Ewing

Hilary Wing reflected on preventing tulips from drooping by piercing their stems with a needle and connected this technique to the biblical ‘pierecing’ of Jesus for humanity’s sins.

Two Short Items - Emergency Incident, Protest at RAF

Fire crew and police rushed to incident in Chipping Norton; Details remain unspecified as Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service declined to comment; Incident involved seizure of car for driving with provisional license only

Deer Mercy Killing Leads to Unfair Dismissal

Anthony Brown sacked for mercy killing deer; Tribunal rules dismissal unfair; Mr. Brown to receive compensation

Mammoth Bomber Lands Amid Iran Strikes

A massive American B-1 Lancer bomber, capable of carrying up to 34 tons of weapons, landed at RAF Fairford amid US warnings of increased strikes on Iran. Piloted by a crew of four, this strategic bomber, nicknamed ’the bone,’ can reach speeds of over 900 miles per hour and is equipped with advanced radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The bomber’s arrival sparked protests by Oxfordshire anti-war activists.

RAF Begins Exercise Agile Warrior

RAF begins Exercise Agile Warrior, testing homeland defence capabilities amid Iran conflict; Increased activity expected at RFC Brize Norton; Residents advised of changes.

Haulage Firm Closes After 35 Years

Haulage firm More Cross Transport Services closes after 35 years due to liquidation. The Enstone Airfield-based company, established in 1991, ceased trading on December 29, 2025. The firm’s liquidation is attributed to corporate insolvency, with joint liquidators appointed.

Fire Station Busy Despite Closure Threat

Woodstock Fire Station, threatened with closure, remains busy with multiple callouts; Recent incidents include rescuing an infant and responding to pylon and domestic fires; Station spokesman praises community engagement despite closure threat

Quiz

A general knowledge quiz covering assorted topics; Quiz featured questions about comedian creators, music streaming services, national anthems, and chemistry; Answers to this week’s quiz will be revealed next week

Two Short Items - 200 Homes, Solar Farm Plans

Two hundred homes planned for Hornton Village with a mix of affordable and market-rate housing; Village has historic buildings and is an area of outstanding natural beauty; consultation open till March 22nd, residents can comment via email.

Queen Mary’s Historic Oxford Visit

Queen Mary became first woman to receive honorary degree from University of Oxford; Crowds greeted her at train station; She admires curtains made by inmates at Cumnor Hill home.

Witney Civic Heroes Honoured

Witney Civic Heroes Honoured at Special Reception; Volunteer Efforts Recognized Across Community Services; Environment, Youth, and Food Initiatives Celebrated

Eco-Friendly Cabins Underway

£24 million luxury cabin resort underway near Witney; expected opening in 2027. The site was originally a radio transmission station before becoming a motorsport facility. Construction is on track with eco-friendly cabins and nature-focused amenities.

Leave Mark on Historic Palace

Young architects invited to design slates for historic Blenheim Palace restoration; Competition coincides with exhibition celebrating building’s architectural legacy; Winners’ designs will be installed on palace roof.

Blenheim Palace’s Last Rooftop Views Near

Blenheim Palace’s iconic rooftop tour ends soon; Exclusive views and roof restoration project closeout; Last chance for visitors to access platform atop historic landmark.

Top Second Hand Children’s Books

Oxfordshire leads UK in second-hand children’s book sales. Classic and contemporary stories drive demand, with Kingham Oxfam highlighting timeless appeal and charitable impact.

Goodbye!

TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings

A radio highlights show featuring various topics such as music, literature, and history. Key details include an interview with violinist Nigel Kennedy, a vintage comedy episode from Beyond Our Ken, opera performances by Puccini, and discussions on the Iraq war and Scottish landscape.