Edition #2128: Drought, Debates & Dancer Delighted

🎵 Opening Theme

Witney Revamp under Scrutiny

Oxfordshire County Council defends Witney Town Centre revamp amid cost increases and greenery cuts; traders and shoppers face months of disruption; councillor assures that town centre will still be beautiful after completion

Councillor Switches Over Local Concerns

Councillor Phil Godfrey joins Tories over Lib Dem’s anti-car policy and lack of support; He cites lack of backing for Carterton football club’s permanent home and Woodford Way car park issue; He praises Conservatives for listening to residents’ concerns.

Record Low Rainfall Extends Hose Pipe Ban

The drought continues in Oxfordshire as Thames Water extends hose pipe ban into autumn due to record low rainfall and high temperatures. Recent rain is insufficient to recover water levels, with almost three quarters of England remaining in drought. Thames Water is fixing over 1000 leaks a week due to hot dry weather.

Waterways Health under Scrutiny

A free event on October 9th offers residents a chance to discuss waterway health and future with experts. Key topics include development impact, flood risk, and agriculture’s role.

Oxfordshire Projects Combat Weather

Over 50 community projects in Oxfordshire awarded funding to combat extreme weather impacts. Focus areas include heatwaves, flooding, and climate anxiety. Council aims to invest in local expertise and adapt to changing conditions.

Clean Energy for 145,000 Homes Proposed

Huge solar park proposed for West Oxfordshire, aiming to power 145,000 homes and reduce annual carbon emissions by 154,000 tons. Project in early stages, seeking public engagement and feedback.

Carterton Speed Limit Revised

Carterton’s revised 20 mph zone plan met with opposition, leading to changes. Main roads retained at 30 mph, but residential roads still reduced to 20 mph. Local Conservative Mary Simon Watson supports the revised version.

Council Rejects £80m Road Plan

A debate rages over Oxfordshire County Council’s refusal of a £80M new road for Witney. Builders planned 1250 homes but council rejected the road citing flooding and transport issues. Local MP Charlie Maynard and council’s Tory opposition leader Liam Walker urged council to reconsider.

Witney in Pink for Breast Cancer

“Over £1000 raised” in “Witney goes pink” charity event, marking first without founder, Gene Chatto.

Young Farmers Fundraising

Young farmers raised £5000 for mental health charity Yellow Wellies and local Riding for the Disabled. The group celebrated at the Witney Junior young farmers annual general meeting, thanking supporters and presenting awards to several members.

Aldi’s Summer Food Donation

Thousands of meals donated to support families in need; Aldi stores in Oxfordshire provided 19,000 meals during the summer holidays; Local charities benefited from regular food sources.

Estate Agents’ Cycling Challenge

Estate agents cycled 180 miles across four counties to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House in Oxford. Brendan and Lisa Kay led the two-day challenge, which raised over £4,000 for the charity supporting families of hospitalized children.

❓ Last Week’s Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to last week’s quiz — how did you do?

🕯 Deaths

Local death announcements and our condolences to those affected.

Reflection with David Sarbots

David Saarbatz reflects on the movie ‘Pressure’, highlighting the tense decisions leading up to D-Day. The landings on Normandy were depicted, personal connections made to World War II, and the reflection expands to discuss modern connectivity and anxiety.

📌 Noticeboard

Local notices and community announcements.

Editor’s Choice - What We Can Know

Covent Garden Market in 1817 was notoriously chaotic, with brothels, gambling dens, and press gangs; traders later established legitimate stalls, fights ensued, and noise disrupted the city; nearby theaters reopened after devastating fires

❓ This Week’s Quiz Questions

Enjoy this week’s quiz — the answers are coming up in next week’s edition!

Police Invite Residents for Coffee

Thames Valley Police hosts coffee morning to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neuron Disease Association; Event aims to foster community bonding with local officers; Coffee, cake, and conversation promised at Witney’s High Street Methodist Church on October 26th.

📌 Noticeboard

Local notices and community announcements.

Couple Celebrates Diamond Wedding Anniversary

A local couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary today, marked by a heartfelt announcement in the newspaper. Peter and Gillian Kay, known for their charity work, are wished well by their family who express their love with five big kisses.

Oxford Health’s Fall Prevention Tool

A new falls prevention webster launched to help locals avoid falls; Aiming to reduce risks and maintain independence; Already received positive feedback.

Residents Urged to Check Voter Registration

Election preparation is underway in West Stocks with district council urging residents to verify voter registrations; Annual electoral registration canvas aims to update records and ensure newly eligible voters are added; Households will receive mail and emails with instructions, some may need to respond regardless of detail changes.

Winter Vaccine Programme Underway

Oxfordshire’s winter vaccine programme kicks off to safeguard against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Eligible groups urged to get vaccinated due to heightened risks. Booster available from October 1st.

New Cornish Pasty Bakery Bringing in the Shoppers

New Cornish Bakery in Witney exceeding expectations, Record-breaking sales in its first month, Positive reception from locals boosts high street

Vets Warn That Arthritis May Be Missed in Old Pets

Vets warn that arthritis is often overlooked in older pets, with changing habits indicating pain. Beaumont Vets in Headington, Oxford urges awareness of osteoarthritis, a common cause of chronic pain in cats and dogs. Symptoms include slowing down, hesitancy, and longer comfort time.

Wildlife Park Sets New Visitor Record

Cotswold Wildlife Park breaks visitor record with 577,811 visitors in 2025, despite economic headwinds. Park chairman credits good value for money as key factor. Multiple animal births reported.

Angler Dan Lands Very Special Catch

Angler Dan sets new record with £52 carp catch at Linear Fisheries; Second lake record broken in recent weeks; Alligator ‘Albert’ dies at Brize Norton zoo after a decade of breeding success.

Eagle Tavern Honored

Witney’s Eagle Tavern named ‘Pub of the Year’ by Hook Norton Brewery; Owners Paul Spink and his sons thanked staff and patrons for the achievement; Fat Lidl’s bar also operates on Corn Street.

Combe Pub’s Revival Prospect

Derelict pub in Combe could reopen after four years closure. Plans for major renovations and shop facility submitted. Pub to be operated by owners of Bull Gastro Pub in Charlbury.

Fox Inn Takes Best Pint Prize

The Fox Inn in Chipping Norton won the Best Pint award; This marks the third consecutive win for the pub; Locals celebrate their favorite watering hole’s achievement.

Dancer Betty 103, Delighted by Ballet Treat

103-year-old Betty Ferguson enjoyed a ballet performance by dancers from Deborah Manning School, marking a touching return to her early passion for dance. Emotional Betty shared her expertise and encouraged the dancers, showcasing her love for ballet after decades.

👋 Goodbye!

The closing sign-off, including volunteer credits and listener information.

🎵 Closing Theme

📻 Radio Listings

This week’s radio programme highlights provided by TNF Soundings.

📺 TV Listings

This week’s audio described TV programme highlights provided by TNF Soundings.