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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 6
Oxford News By Hana Edition 6
Oxford Outlook: A round of Clarkson
Mark Skipworth
May 15, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 6
Oxford Outlook: A round of Clarkson
HE’S done it again! Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter, grabbed national headlines earlier this week after saying he found running a pub to be “more stressful” than running a farm. In the wider context of Broken Britain, I ask the question: can this really be true?
Clarkson, who opened The Farmer's Dog pub at Asthall Barrow near Burford last summer, said he had discovered "so many things" about opening and running a pub that “you wouldn't even consider” including “an enormous amount of regulation on food hygiene and safety” as well as staffing.
The television presenter and journalist has continued to run his farm near Chipping Norton - the setting for his popular TV documentary series Clarkson’s Farm - while operating the pub.
According to a BBC report in this week’s Oxford newsletter, he says he regards the pub as “somewhere where farmers could go, if it's raining on a Tuesday afternoon and they can't work on their farm, they could come and have a pint and meet other farmers”.
Who is he kidding? By any measure, the Farmer’s Dog is a high-profile “destination pub” as evidenced by the scores of visitors who drive miles to its busy car parks every weekend, leaving the establishment with little change from 80 quid for a two-course meal for two plus a few drinks.
Clarkson, rightly, has won plaudits for highlighting the plight of British agriculture in his TV series, which begins its fourth season later this month.
Surely the complications of Brexit and climate change, not to mention the threat of Reeve’s family inheritance tax, pose major headaches for Britain’s farmers every bit as “stressful” as the challenges facing the nation’s precarious pub trade?
Methinks, there is more than a whiff of desire for valuable pre-publicity in Clarkson’s claim. You be the judge.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
THE OXFORD SKYLINE AT SUNSET
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Databox
Overall, adults in Oxford are healthier than the England average, with a significantly higher percentage of physically active adults (71.6% vs 64.5%) and one of the lowest percentages of overweight or obese adults (49% vs 62%).
Life expectancy for Oxford residents is 79.5 years for men and 84.4 years for women - better than the national average.
The rate for alcohol-specific hospital admissions among those under 18 is 30 per 100,000, worse than the average for England.
Oxford City Council health statistics
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
OXFORD SKYLINE FEATURING THE RADCLIFFE CAMERA AND THE UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN
Hyper-local news articles
Jeremy Clarkson says running a pub 'more stressful' than a farm
BBC· May 13, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson, famous for his role on Top Gear and his series Clarkson's Farm, has found running The Farmer's Dog pub in Oxfordshire to be even more stressful than managing his farm, highlighting the challenges of food safety and staffing. Despite the hectic schedule and long queues during its opening, he sees the pub as a vital social hub for local farmers to connect.
Botley Road businesses being 'supported', insists Network Rail
BBC · May 14, 2025
Local businesses in Oxford are struggling due to the prolonged closure of Botley Road for a £161m station upgrade, prompting Network Rail to offer tailored support and assistance with business rate reductions. As some owners express extreme measures to address their financial hardships, the government and Valuation Office Agency are prioritizing solutions to help those affected.
Oxford business owner blames LTNs for sale of last restaurant
BBC News · May 10, 2025
Clinton Pugh, father of actress Florence Pugh, has sold his restaurant Kazbar in Oxford after suffering losses of £1 million over three years, largely due to the impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which reduced turnover and made it difficult to attract staff. Describing the sale as the "end of an era," Pugh's experience highlights the ongoing debate over urban traffic policies and their effects on local businesses.
Botley West solar farm inquiry
BBC · May 13, 2025
A public inquiry into the £800 million Botley West solar farm project, set to be one of Europe's largest, began on Tuesday in Oxfordshire, aiming to generate energy for 330,000 homes. While developer Photo Vault Development Partners champions its potential for meeting UK climate targets, local residents and politicians are pushing for increased community benefits from the project.
Oxford United: U's extend deal to remain at Kassam Stadium
BBC Sport · May 13, 2025
Oxford United has secured an extension at the Kassam Stadium until at least June 2027, with a possible further year dependent on planning permission for a new 16,000-seater stadium. Chairman Grant Ferguson thanked Firoz Kassam for his support during negotiations, highlighting the significance of this agreement for the club's future.
Oxfordshire man who took his own life was 'let down by system'
BBC · May 14, 2025
Cain Donald, a 26-year-old man who took his own life shortly after being discharged from psychiatric care, has sparked calls for improved mental health support systems. His tragic death highlights the need for better oversight and engagement in mental health treatment, as advocates aim to raise awareness and promote real change for others facing similar struggles.
Oxfordshire's 'worst road' resurfaced due to safety concerns
BBC News · May 15, 2025
The notorious A417 road between Faringdon and Wantage, deemed the "worst in Oxfordshire," has been resurfaced after safety complaints from users. Oxfordshire County Council accelerated the project, initially slated for late June, thanks to favorable dry weather conditions.
Moderna opens UK vaccine manufacturing lab in Harwell
BBC News · May 15, 2025
Moderna has launched the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre in Harwell, Oxfordshire, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the UK's pandemic preparedness by enabling rapid vaccine production within 100 days. This versatile centre will also facilitate clinical trials and research on new drugs, including ongoing studies focused on norovirus protections.
Abingdon Abbey set up for 'once-in-a-generation' restoration
BBC News · May 14, 2025
The Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust has secured a £4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the historic 12th Century Abingdon Abbey Buildings, aiming to improve accessibility and preserve this Grade I listed site. To kick off the ambitious three-year project, the trust also seeks to raise an additional £1.2 million in match funding by summer.
Regeneration expert appointed to kickstart Oxford growth drive
GOV.UK · May 12, 2025
Neale Coleman has been appointed Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, a new initiative focused on boosting the local economy through infrastructure development, housing, and job creation in Oxford. The Commission aims to tackle key barriers to growth as part of the broader Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, with an ambitious goal of injecting up to £78 billion into the UK economy by 2035.
Brain injury in young athletes examined in new Oxford study
BBC News · May 15, 2025
Researchers at the University of Oxford are seeking young volunteers for a groundbreaking two-year study examining the impact of head injuries on developing brains, particularly in athletes. Utilizing advanced MRI technology, the study aims to uncover hidden signs of brain damage and improve understanding of long-term risks associated with head injuries, including potential links to dementia.
Read more at BBC News (4 mins)
Oxfordshire GP surgeries get funding to expand and modernise
BBC · May 12, 2025
Nine GP surgeries in Oxfordshire will receive improvements as part of a £100m government scheme aimed at modernizing healthcare facilities, creating 220,000 new appointments annually. Key beneficiaries include Donnington and Summertown Health Centres, with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board overseeing enhancements at 21 surgeries in total.
Asian Hornet warning issued amid confirmed 2025 sightings
Cotswold Journal · May 12, 2025
In 2025, the UK has recorded 13 sightings of the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet, a significant threat to honeybees and local ecosystems. The public is urged to report any sightings during Invasive Species Week (May 12-18) to help prevent its establishment, using tools like the Asian Hornet Watch app or contacting relevant authorities.
Professor Ian Walmsley appointed to lead Oxford Quantum Institute and joins government’s Quantum Strategic Advisory Board
Ox · May 14, 2025
Oxford University has launched the Oxford Quantum Institute to enhance its global leadership in quantum research, led by Professor Ian Walmsley. This initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and aligns with the UK's national quantum strategy, coinciding with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Jail for fraudster who stole thousands from Oxfordshire farm
Oxford Mail · May 13, 2025
Sally Burborough, a 58-year-old bookkeeper from Aylesbury, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison for stealing over £185,000 from the Hayward family, betraying their trust after working with them since 2008. Despite claiming only to have taken £70,000, a court confirmed the total amount stolen, leaving the victim's family grappling with the emotional fallout of the betrayal by someone they considered a close friend.
Oxford planners to permit new community centre and 196 homes
Oxford Mail · May 13, 2025
The Peabody housing association is seeking approval for a new Blackbird Leys Community Centre, part of a major regeneration project that will include 196 affordable homes. The centre, designed with community input, will feature large halls, office spaces, and public areas, fostering a vibrant gathering space while addressing concerns about materials and ensuring sustainable landscaping.
Residents mark 200 years of an Oxford neighbourhood
BBC · May 13, 2025
Join the Jericho neighborhood of Oxford as it celebrates its 200-year anniversary with a month-long series of vibrant events, including guided walks led by historian Mark Davies that explore the area's rich literary and artistic heritage. Residents are encouraged to organize their own celebrations throughout the year, highlighting the community's safety, diversity, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Peggy Seeger loving life in 'iconic' Oxfordshire village
BBC· May 11, 2025
Folk music icon Peggy Seeger, at 89, is gearing up for her final UK and Ireland tour to promote her 25th solo album, Teleology, reflecting on her 70-year career in music and activism. Living in Iffley since 2013, she cherishes her community ties while advocating for green spaces through her film "The Mother," all while preparing to reconnect with friends during this bittersweet farewell tour.
Faringdon: New science and technology plans for quarry site
Oxford Mail · May 13, 2025
De Montalt Life Sciences Limited is seeking approval to transform the former Wicklesham Quarry near Faringdon into a hub for offices and research facilities, aiming to boost local employment and promote sustainable travel. Supported by Savills, the proposal highlights the site's strategic location, affordability of housing, and rich ecological environment as key attractions for investors and potential tenants.
Sport News
Oxford United
Time for The Yellows to get brown. The beach beckons after United secured Championship survival following a gruelling season. They proved good enough to stay up. No mean feat in this league.
After the summer, we will see how plans for a new 16,000-seater stadium pan out. For now, the club has secured an extension at the Kassam Stadium until at least June 2027, with a possible further year dependent on planning permission for the new stadium. In the meantime, raise a glass to the Oxford boys for playing hard, and wish them well on their holidays.
Property News
THE BLAVATNIK SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
‘We’re in the Hamptons of England’: Trump sends wealthy Americans fleeing to the Cotswolds
The Guardian · May 10, 2025
Amid rising political tensions in the U.S., a growing number of Americans, particularly wealthy individuals, are relocating to the Cotswolds, drawn by its picturesque charm and opportunities in luxury living, as evidenced by a record surge in U.S. applications for UK citizenship and heightened interest in British job listings, especially in scientific fields. This trend is further fueled by the appeal of favourable tax exemptions for new residents and a desire for a more tranquil lifestyle away from the current political climate.
Cotswolds rental market exceeds wider south of England, claims agency
Property Investor Today · May 13, 2025
The Cotswolds is emerging as a top buy-to-let investment hotspot, with average rental prices hitting £2,118—surpassing both the South West and South East. However, while listings are on the rise, the drop in agreed lets highlights the importance of precise property pricing in this competitive market.
US talent could head for Oxford and Cambridge UK Property Forums - May 8, 2025 At the Cambridge: Winds of Change event, industry experts discussed the resilience of the East of England's property market amid US trade barriers, focusing on the shift towards flexible office spaces and the importance of infrastructure developments like the East-West Rail. Key speakers emphasized the need for strategic planning and collaboration to navigate challenges while capitalizing on opportunities in life sciences and attracting international talent. |
Fire crews work through night after thatched roof blaze Yahoo News - May 13, 2025 A major fire engulfed a thatched roof property in Kirtlington, near Bicester, on Monday night, mobilizing 17 fire engines and six specialist vehicles. Fortunately, all occupants escaped unharmed, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation but not deemed suspicious. |
36% annual jump in new home registrations in first quarter of 2025 – NHBC This is Oxfordshire - May 13, 2025 In the first quarter of 2025, the UK saw a significant surge in new home registrations, with a total of 29,356, marking a 36% increase from the previous year. Private sector registrations soared by 62%, while regional growth varied, highlighted by a remarkable 102% rise in the East Midlands, despite a decline in London. |
What’s on in Oxford this weekend?
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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