- Oxford News By HANA
- Posts
- Oxford News By Hana Edition 4
Oxford News By Hana Edition 4
Your county needs you!
Mark Skipworth
May 01, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 4
Oxford Outlook: Your county needs you!
ON this glorious May Morning, as Oxfordshire goes to the polls, there will no doubt be the customary voter-apathy that surrounds the election of our local politicians. Such indifference is grossly misplaced, for in relation to our county council, in which all the seats are being contested today, its services touch all our lives.
More than 80 per cent of local government services in Oxfordshire are provided on a county-wide basis by the county council, including adult and children’s social care, some education services, fire and rescue, and public health, not to mention roads and transport, trading standards, even libraries and museums.
In this week’s Oxford newsletter, a BBC report highlights the rollout of 20mph speed limits across the county’s towns and villages. Residents are divided over whether they promote greater public safety or have instead proved a colossal waste of time and money. Love them or loathe them, these new restrictions are to be found in more than 200 places right now.
For roads to get a 20mph limit, the BBC report explains, a degree of local support has to be demonstrated, not least the backing of both the parish or town council and the area's county councillor. The rollout emphasises once again the importance of keeping local politicians accountable - and, forgive the lecture, this must start with voting in council elections. Like the ones we have today.
The words of George Bernard Shaw come to the fore at election times. We all know the adage that electorates get the governments they deserve. But as Shaw once observed, governments, too, get the electorates they deserve.
Footnote: We’re staying up! Or should that be: we’re not going down, depending on your glass half-full/half-empty outlook on life? It’s been a tough, old season, to say the least. Yes, Oxford United have struggled, often looking as if they might crumble in this gritty and relentlessly physical league, the highest division of the English Football League. Still, they came through. It’s with a sense of relief rather than a cause for wild celebration that we can look forward to next season’s top half finish. I’ll raise a (full) glass to that!
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
A typical day in Oxford – ambitious architecture paired with a prosaic Pret
Make Oxford an even better community - share Oxford by Hana with friends and family for a more informed and better run city - local news and views you can use - forward this link for instant sign up
Databox
Congestion concerns grow – 74% of residents say congestion in Oxford has worsened over the past year, with 61% also reporting longer car journey times in and around the city.
Cycling Decline – The number of weekly cycling trips in Oxfordshire dropped by 7% from 2022 to 2023 and is now 21% below the 2019 baseline. This decline underscores the need for enhanced cycling infrastructure and promotion.
Traffic Filter Projections – The upcoming traffic filter trial is expected to reduce total traffic flows by around 20% across the city inside the ring road and approximately 35% in the city centre during peak periods. Additionally, average bus journey times are projected to improve by 6.5% across the Oxford SmartZone
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Lovers of the Radcliffe Camera take in the glory of the building
Hyper-local news articles
Local elections 2025: Oxfordshire candidates split over 20mph
BBC News · April 30, 2025
Oxfordshire's implementation of a 20mph speed limit in residential areas has divided opinion, with supporters citing safety benefits and opponents raising concerns about traffic congestion and enforcement challenges. A recent consultation showed that over three-quarters of Banbury respondents opposed the limit, while proponents like the Liberal Democrats and Green Party argue it has reduced accidents and promoted walking and cycling, especially among children.
Bang? No. False alarm
Oxford man loses hope of being reunited with seized grenades Oxford Mail - April 30, 2025 Armed police detained a Marlborough Road resident after they discovered his collection of ornamental German and Soviet grenades during a raid, but he was later released without charge as the items were deemed safe. Despite support from local councillor Naomi Waite, the man remains frustrated and has given up hope of recovering his valued collection, acquired over years from antique shops. |
Giant VE Day logo displayed in Henley-on-Thames park
BBC News · April 28, 2025
A large, environmentally-friendly VE Day logo measuring 15m x 30m has been spray-painted on Mill Meadows in Henley-on-Thames, created with the precision of a GPS-controlled mini robot to celebrate the historic occasion. This vibrant tribute honors the Allies' victory over Germany on May 8, 1945, marking an important moment in history.
The staggering number of Romanians on student loans, a deserted Oxford business college with 10k students - and why it could cost taxpayers BILLIONS
Mail Online · April 26, 2025
Oxford Business College is embroiled in a significant scandal involving student loan fraud, with allegations of inadequate English competency and questionable recruitment practices leading to the Education Secretary's decision to ban its 10,000 students from accessing loans. As investigations reveal systemic vulnerabilities in the UK student loan system, concerns grow over the sustainability of taxpayer-funded education and the potential for wider implications across similar institutions.
Posthumous degree for Oxford's first indigenous Maori female student
BBC News · April 30, 2025
The University of Oxford has posthumously awarded an MPhil in Anthropology to Mākereti Papakura, its first indigenous female student, over 100 years after she began her studies in 1922, recognising her groundbreaking research on Māori customs.
Didcot man arrested after GP 'criminal damage' incident Oxford Mail - April 24, 2025 Thames Valley Police arrested a 22-year-old man from Didcot on suspicion of criminal damage after an incident at The White Horse Medical Practice in Faringdon, which led to the closure of its main GP waiting room. The practice is cooperating with authorities and urges anyone with information to come forward. |
Warning on new text scam for garden waste payments Oxford Mail - April 25, 2025 South Oxfordshire District Council has issued a warning about a scam message asking for payment for garden waste permits, clarifying that they do not use text messages for such requests. Residents are encouraged to delete and block suspicious messages and stay vigilant against various scams, including those related to parking fines and unsolicited offers. |
There’s a joke in at least one of those boxes. Honest
The UK's Weirdest Comic Con, Coming Back To Oxford In August Bleeding Cool News - April 29, 2025 Caption, the UK's most unconventional comic con, will return to Oxford on August 16-17, 2025, for a special "REBIRTH" event, celebrating indie comics in a non-profit, inclusive atmosphere. With a focus on accessibility and community, the festival encourages natural networking between creators and fans through workshops and a shared sales table, making it a welcoming space for all. |
Oxfordshire bakery wins three gold medals at Best Loaf awards
BBC News · April 24, 2025
Tonatiuh Erreguin, a former fine-dining chef in Mexico, now leads Imma The Bakery in Stoke Row, South Oxfordshire, where her award-winning sourdough has earned accolades, including Britain's Best Loaf in 2024. With a dedicated team, she produces 250 to 400 handmade loaves daily, emphasizing the importance of affordable bread as a staple for the community.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark? No, it’s Radiohead
Radiohead reimagined at Oxford's Christ Church Cathedral BBC News - April 28, 2025 Join London Concertante at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford this Sunday for "Radiohead Reimagined," where artistic director Chris Grist presents a unique orchestral take on the band's iconic music. This concert promises to bridge classical and rock genres, offering an immersive live experience that highlights Radiohead's ethereal sound and cultural impact. |
Oxford named best city staycation spot for 'culture and history' Yahoo News - April 29, 2025 Oxford has been named the 10th best staycation spot in the UK, celebrated for its rich culture and history, with an average accommodation cost of £101. With a pleasant spring climate and significant online buzz, it's the perfect destination for a peaceful weekend retreat. |
Oxford cardinal says next Pope 'should be a man of encounter'
Bbc ·
Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe emphasises the need for the next pope to embody humility, compassion, and a deep understanding of modern complexities, advocating for a leader who can unite diverse cultures, listen to marginalised voices, and inspire hope while staying true to core Christian teachings. He envisions a pontiff capable of guiding the Church through contemporary challenges with an emphasis on open dialogue and renewal.
Flying Scotsman and Pendennis Castle coming to Oxfordshire
Oxford Mail · April 30, 2025
This spring, the iconic locomotives Flying Scotsman and Pendennis Castle will reunite at Didcot Railway Centre from May 12 to June 2, marking a historic moment as both engines, once owned by railway preservationist Sir William McAlpine, have not been together in decades. Celebrated for their remarkable performance, these legendary trains represent significant milestones in British railway history.
Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)
Museum near Banbury is named among the UK's very best
Oxford Mail · April 30, 2025
Compton Verney, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has been shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, recognizing its impressive visitor engagement in 2024. Chief executive Geraldine Collinge highlighted the vital role of museums in people's lives, while Art Fund director Jenny Waldman praised the finalists for their strong community connections and responsiveness to contemporary issues.
Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Appoints Majid Jafar to its Advisory Council
Uhhospitals · April 29, 2025
Mr. Majid Jafar has joined the Advisory Council of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre, aiming to develop 40 new drugs for rare diseases over the next decade, fueled by his personal commitment through the Loulou Foundation. Led by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, the Council seeks to address the needs of nearly half a billion people affected globally, with Jafar's leadership and philanthropic efforts poised to accelerate progress in this vital area.
Sport
Oxford United
The Yellows pulled off an impressive 2-0 win against Sunderland last Saturday. The victory secured United’s Championship survival, thanks to goals from Nelson and Helik. It’s been a bumpy ride but the Kassam faithful can now sleep softly – albeit, perhaps, with one eye open on the challenge of next season. The Championship is unforgiving. No other European second tier league has anything like it. Getting promoted from it is a tough task but staying in it is arguably even harder. Raise a glass of fizz to The Yellows.
Property news
Director Tim Burton selling £4.5m Oxfordshire mansion Oxford Mail - April 30, 2025 Tim Burton, the iconic director known for his gothic films like "Beetlejuice" and "Edward Scissorhands," is selling his Grade II Listed mansion, Mill House, in Sutton Courtenay for £4.5 million. Nestled on 17 acres along the River Thames, this historic 1741 home features eight bedrooms and exquisite Georgian architectural details. |
Ellen DeGeneres buys new home after selling Cotswolds mansion Yahoo News - April 29, 2025 Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have sold their Cotswolds mansion due to flooding issues and relocated to a luxury home on higher ground in Oxfordshire, featuring a sustainable drainage system. Their new property, described as a distinctive "Grand Designs" home, was purchased discreetly for a price similar to their previous residence. |
Railpen hires life sciences expert to boost Oxford-Cambridge development work Pensions Expert - April 25, 2025 Emma Goodford has been appointed by Railpen to spearhead life sciences and innovation leasing in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, focusing on developing top-tier properties that align with national economic goals. With a significant investment of £1.5bn planned for sustainable workspaces and research facilities, Railpen aims to establish a thriving innovation cluster in collaboration with government initiatives to boost regional growth. |
Topping out held at The Daubeny Project UK Property Forums - April 29, 2025 The first building of The Daubeny Project at The Oxford Science Park has reached its topping out milestone, marking a significant step towards providing cutting-edge lab and office spaces for science and technology firms. Attendees celebrated the achievement on April 24, with a focus on sustainable development and collaborative problem-solving in the project's execution. |
6.3 million homes in UK currently at serious risk of floods Oxford Mail - April 30, 2025 The UK's Climate Change Committee has warned that the government is unprepared for increasing climate-related disasters, with potential heatwave deaths soaring from 3,000 to 10,000 annually by mid-century. Emphasizing immediate action on climate adaptation, experts call for resilient infrastructure, updated housing standards, and robust flood defense spending to protect lives and unlock economic opportunities. |
Revolution or repetition? Savills - April 29, 2025 The UK government is advancing its industrial strategy with the "Invest 2035" initiative, focusing on sustainable economic growth and innovation in the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor, projected to boost the economy by £78 billion. Key developments include a new growth commission, AI investment zones, and streamlined planning reforms aimed at enhancing infrastructure and collaboration among local authorities. |
Maslow Capital provides £29m for PBSA development in Oxford The Intermediary - Latest UK mortgage news - April 28, 2025 Maslow Capital has secured a £29 million development finance facility for a 189-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation project in Oxford, developed by Prima, Real Living, and Cantay Estates. Featuring premium amenities like a games room and gym, the project aims to address the increasing demand for student housing in key UK cities. Read more at The Intermediary - Latest UK mortgage news (2 mins) |
What’s on in Oxford this weekend?
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
This newsletter was partly curated and summarised by AI agents, who can make mistakes. Check all vital information.
For any issues or inaccuracies, please notify us here
View our AI Ethics Policy