Witney Talking News

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

[00:00:20]

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[00:07:09]

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[00:32:30] Global warming

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๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

[00:00:20]

A Witney-born grandmother is searching for her missing full sister Patricia, believed to reside in West Oxfordshire. Born in Kilkenny Farm during the 1940s and 50s, she was reunited with a half-sister three months ago and now hopes to find her full sibling to complete her family picture.

[00:02:40]

Long-serving Poppy Appeal organisers retire across Oxfordshire; Volunteers sought to replace them after years of service; Jean Hollis, a grandmother who has led Woodstock's Poppy Appeal for 14 years, stepping down.

[00:03:39]

Design students from Abingdon and Witney College created play equipment designs for Smuga. Their work was commissioned, and some students will be offered work experience. Students drew inspiration from various art movements.

[00:04:56]

A local resident won ยฃ1000 in the People's Postcode Lottery. The winner was randomly selected based on their postcode. Nearly ยฃ1000000 has been raised for charities through the lottery to date.

[00:06:35]

Plans for 260 affordable homes in Witney face uncertain delay despite local opposition

[00:08:27]

The Yellow Submarine Cafe stands out as Witney's top-rated cafe, earning consistent 5-star reviews, and attracting regular customers in its first six months. The cafe employs seven apprentices and trainees, empowering them to develop confidence and future job prospects.

[00:11:26]

Terminally ill patients welcome boost to hospice care; ยฃ4 million investment for new specialist facility; Call for expanded palliative care at home.

[00:13:48]

Volunteer recruitment drive draws crowds; Opportunities available at various charities; Initiative highlights urgent need for volunteers in West Oxfordshire

[00:14:59]

Volunteers gardened at Cogsmanor Farm Museum, replacing a greenhouse and planting rhubarb. The farm holds monthly big digs. Andy Holwell and Robert Hokstable enjoyed volunteering, with visible results expected in spring. The heritage site is grade 2 listed and a scheduled ancient monument.

[00:16:30]

Fundraising drive underway to enhance accessibility and add interactive exhibits at Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton. Aiming to raise ยฃ91,000, projects include interactive fairy and dinosaur zones, hoist for disabled children, and improved animal handling area. Donations encouraged via fundraising page.

[00:18:49]

Road repair spending in the county more than doubled last year. The increase was larger than other local authorities, with ยฃ110,000 spent on projects and ยฃ4.2 million on pothole repairs. A resident worries about the durability of repairs after recent bad weather.

[00:20:17]

Road repairs continue; Mark Morrell highlights Witney's pothole issue; Council spends ยฃ142,282 on repairs, grandmother still awaiting compensation.

[00:22:20]

Cyclist safety campaign reaches ยฃ30,000 milestone. BikeSafe group wants a safer path between Eynsham and Botley. Despite council support, group fundraises and will prepare planning application.

[00:23:42]

Thousands of sheep caused a ramjam on Aston Road as they migrated to new pastures for spring lambing; Farmer Randall Strange led the 2-mile trek lasting half an hour; This traditional method created EWE-turns for around 50 cars, but no incidents were reported.

[00:25:34]

The reflection discusses accepting one's flaws and embracing uniqueness.

[00:25:47] Be yourself

[00:30:20]

Witney's rugby team suffered their first loss in seven games, dropping to 4th place after a 10-18 defeat at Tosteson's. The game saw Callum Godfrey's early try and Rhys Morgan's effort in the first half, along with a late surge, but ultimately Witney's fortunes waned, leaving them tied on points with Newbury Blues. Meanwhile, other sports covered include hockey and motorsports.

[00:32:30]

Local deaths announced: Matthew Caulcott, aged 31, passed away on January 19; Kim Hawkins, formerly Bassett, aged 54, passed away on January 20; Joyce Maine, formerly Dixon, aged 82, passed away on January 17; Pamela Morgan, aged 86, passed away on January 11.

[00:33:11]

[00:41:48]

Two mothers are running for the Witney Gazette's OX5 run to raise money for Oxford Children's Hospital after their sons battled cancer, Zach Durk, 7, battling leukaemia since 2013, now in treatment until September, Bisley White, 11, diagnosed with bone cancer in 2013 and had leg operation in 2020, mothers Tabitha Durkin and Susan White formed fundraising team after overcoming illnesses

[00:44:49]

12 Oxfordshire community groups received cash from Mid-County's Co-op for various projects; ยฃ18,900 distributed, with Clean Slate using it for abuse counseling and Dry Sandford School PTA for playground equipment; other groups also benefited, more grants available.

[00:46:18]

Local hairdresser honoured; Russell Barker wins fellowship with honours; Recognition praised by Prime Minister David Cameron.

[00:47:41]

Hornton Abbey wins fourth National Television Award for Best Drama; Shown on ITV, based on Oxfordshire locations; Talk by military author on Oxfordshire Youth regiments happening at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

[00:49:06]

David Cameron praised Oxfordshire's tourism networking event. Over 150 businesses attended. The event showcased the recently renovated experienceOxfordshire facility.

[00:49:56]

An art sale offers discounted local artwork; The gallery is clearing space for a Feb exhibition; Over 40 years since its inception, West Ox Arts hosts regular shows.

[00:50:54]

West Oxfordshire district councillors voted to increase their allowances by ยฃ150 a year, making the annual cost about ยฃ360,000, a rise of ยฃ11,000. This is the first increase in six years, following a recommendation from an independent remuneration panel.

[00:52:14]

A town adopts a giraffe named Gerald as a nod to a local eccentric's pet camelopardus; The giraffe was available for adoption and coincidentally shares the adoption town's name; Faringdon officially takes legal responsibility for Gerald but will continue to house him at a nearby wildlife park.

[00:54:44]

Rare photos highlight volunteers decoratingHailey Hall in 1970; Youth club members stepped in to paint when funds were low; One volunteer, Leslie Knype, was unexpectedly female.

[00:57:25]

Oxford University's last remaining Bulldog police officers continue tradition, despite force's disbandment in 2002. Lindsay Mills, 75, still proudly wears the iconic bowler hat and uniform. She has guarded prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II.

[01:00:24]

[01:01:31] Outro Music

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00]

[00:00:19]

Volunteer shortages plague West Staffordshire as demand grows; Recruitment fair aims to boost helper numbers; Community responds with elderly support services

[00:03:37]

Witney residents urged to create community bus services to prevent rural route cuts; Council threatens to axe subsidized routes 213 and 214; Proposed service to be funded by passengers, developers, and local employers

[00:05:48]

Buses in West Oxfordshire face potential cuts, threatening community connectivity. Over 400 people have signed a petition opposing the reduction in subsidies. Rural residents risk isolation without the X9 bus service.

[00:07:50]

Oxford County Council faces ยฃ51M cuts, affecting services like mobile libraries and children's centers. Campaigners' efforts failed to prevent reductions. Further cuts of ยฃ11M needed, with council tax set to rise by 3.99%.

[00:09:54]

Public participation in West Oxfordshire District Council boosted; Motion discusses improving engagement and transparency. The council also considers "Yes to Homes" campaign for affordable housing; Community leadership emphasized.

[00:11:11]

Oxfordshire lunch clubs celebrate 30 years of combating elderly loneliness; Bampton Bush club marks milestone with photo exhibition; Exhibition features memories from 1986 to 2016.

[00:13:28]

A woman in her late 60s cycled home after experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. She was unaware she had suffered a cardiac event until after reaching her Freeland home in November 2010. Mrs. Sue Hall, a bell ringing enthusiast, was later treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital and is now an advocate for heart health awareness.

[00:15:59]

A Witney couple will run London Marathon 2016 for children with cancer under 'superhero' personas; Both have beaten personal records, spurred by seven-year-old Zach's diagnosis; They host a charity Bouncerthon beforehand.

[00:17:23]

Father of two, Piers Lewis, will swim the English channel for charity on July 26th, aiming to raise ยฃ20,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. He has prepared thoroughly, including participating in a channel relay last October. The challenging swim, predicted to take 14 to 16 hours, will honour two friends who suffered from cancer during his youth.

[00:19:09]

Two friends plan to walk from London to Brighton for charity, hoping to raise funds for visually impaired ex-servicemen and women. Gareth Davis, who grew up visually impaired himself, was inspired to take on the challenge after meeting a veteran supported by Blind Veterans UK. Davis's best friend Neil Cassidy will join him in a team of seven.

[00:20:38]

A golden retriever puppy, Derek, joins medical detection dogs charity to train in detecting impending emergencies; Volunteer Debbie Roberts fosters Derek for a year to expose him to various social situations; Derek's presence raises over ยฃ20,000 for the charity and they now have a team of 7 speakers.

[00:22:01]

Thousands of wildflowers to be planted along Witney roads, Richard Mackenzie's project approved by Ian Hudspeth, Community groups to create plots honoring Queen's birthday and Oxygen United.

[00:23:22]

The Vale of Whitehorse takes 2nd place nationally for recycling with a rate of 65.6%. It's the district's 3rd consecutive year in the top 3. Locals have embraced new curbside recycling services for electronics and textiles, with over 13 tons and 11 tons collected respectively in less than 2 months. However, contaminated recycling poses challenges as new legislation could send whole loads to landfill.

[00:25:23]

Care home wins prestigious award for superior service, Staff at Ferendune Court Care Home celebrated after winning Best Care Home Group in 2015's National Care Awards, Recognition reflects team's exceptional dedication to resident's happiness and wellbeing

[00:26:41]

Firefighters from Eynsham prepare for Tough Mudder by rowing 36.5km on gym machines in town square on Jan 30. The event is first in a series of training events before the 12-mile obstacle course in Cirencester. Funds raised support Cancer Research UK, Helen & Douglas House Hospice, and firefighters' charity.

[00:27:29]

Tim Partridge reflects on faith's importance during challenging times. The reverend emphasizes personal transformation and community support.

[00:27:44] Be yourself

Rugby player turns preacher's life into a test of faith; He responds to profanity with humor, changing team's habits; Humble lifestyle helps build trust and helps parishioners.

[00:32:17]

A charity walkaround Blenheim Palace raised ยฃ3000 for Swell House Hospice. Around 250 participants braved cold weather to complete the 4.5-mile route. This year's event saw high attendance, as it coincides with the charity's 40th anniversary.

[00:33:31]

David Lennock, a Ukrainian man, after being imprisoned at 14 in a forced labour camp, escaped, crossed the Danube river naked, and resettled in England. After 50 years, he reunited with his family in Ukraine, despite his mother's deathbed. He lived a remarkable life and recently passed away.

[00:40:11]

Witney Royals remain bottom after drawing with Minster Lovell in football. Max Lucas scored twice but his team couldn't secure victory. West Witney retains its lead after a 7-1 win over Ducklington.

[00:43:13]

The quiz recaps last week's answers and reveals this week's questions on witch creatures, historical battles, maps, and pencil types.

[00:44:40]

Grateful for birthday card donation for Mrs. Gertrude Chapman; Forgot name, unable to acknowledge; Immaculus Society meeting on Jan 27th for vision loss sufferers; Chipping Norton tourism group meeting Feb 27th to discuss improvement ideas.

[00:46:19]

[00:47:40]

Carpenter Ernie Clack, a longtime volunteer at the Oxford Bus Museum, has died at 86. Born in Witney, he used his joinery skills to maintain museum vehicles for over a decade. A dedicated employee, he later worked for the West Oxford District Council until his retirement.

[00:49:34]

D-Day veteran Robert Elmore, a tireless community worker and founder of multiple social care organisations, passed away at age 91. He served as chairman of various charitable bodies in Oxfordshire, including a Witney-based dementia charity for 20 years. Initially a surgeon's assistant in World War II, Elmore later became a devout pacifist.

[00:51:28]

Overweight microLight aircraft crashed at Enstone airfield, killing Dr. Ed Morris and Keith Poulton. AAIB report suggests excess weight and pilot's lapsed rating contributed to fatal crash. Local flying enthusiasts devastated by loss of experienced pilot.

[00:54:26]

Refugee aid delivered for Lesbos and Calais camps, with locals donating clothes, food, and money. Collection surpasses expectations

[00:56:43]

David Cameron praised Stitcher's tapestry depicting Witney landmarks; The Prime Minister endorsed Eynsham Hall's refurbishment; He discussed boosting Oxfordshire's tourism with 150 businesses.

[00:58:16]

The Witney Festival of Food and Drink is expanding with a record-breaking attendance last year. Expected this May, it will feature live music, dancing, and family activities. David Cameron and Alexander Armstrong endorse the event.

[00:59:47]

The Royal British Legion's Witney branch raised ยฃ25,000 through poppy sales and other fundraising efforts from 2014 to 2015. The community's support helped achieve the highest amount raised in five years despite challenging weather conditions.

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๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

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[01:05:59] Outro Music

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

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[01:00:44] Outro Music

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

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๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

[00:00:23]

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[00:11:58]

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[01:07:04] Outro Music

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Merry Christmas & Introduction

[00:06:07] Bampton Mummers

[00:07:40] Memories of Christmas

[00:11:28] When the River Thames froze

[00:14:29] Snowflakes

[00:15:51] I keep my snowman in the freezer

[00:16:52] Gold wrapping paper

[00:19:26] Reflection

[00:23:29] Jesus's birthday party

[00:26:51] Sirius including introduction

[00:31:47] Christmas quiz

[00:33:12] Christmas Bells

[00:34:49] Christmas crackers

[00:36:11] Childrens' Christmas thoughts

[00:37:40] Henley's victory Christmas

[00:41:02] An interview with the Prime Minister

[00:53:47] Mistletoe

[00:55:25] The Cratchets' Christmas dinner by Dickens

[00:59:30] Christmas dinner in Eynsham by Molly Harris

[01:00:26] A Christmas message tree

[01:04:19] Saints and seasons

[01:08:55] How Father Christmas has evolved

[01:11:45] Listeners' request - a poem by Gervase Phinn

[01:15:00] Answers to Christmas quiz

[01:16:55] Why worry?

[01:17:58] สผTwas the month after Christmas

[01:19:45] Stille Nacht and closing comments

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

[00:00:22]

[00:03:47]

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[00:07:07]

[00:09:23]

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[00:55:14] Jingle Bells

๐Ÿค– Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate.
๐Ÿ™‹ The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team.

Chapters

[00:00:00] Intro Music

[00:00:23]

[00:03:56]

[00:05:56]

[00:08:13]

[00:10:49]

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[00:31:13] Advent

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[01:03:15] Outro Music