Edward Burnett

Tony Hadley says he still enjoys performing Spandau Ballet songs despite leaving the band, describing the audience reactions to “True,” “Gold” and “Through the Barricades.” He explains that the songs continue to connect with listeners through romance, football culture and stories of love across divides. Hadley is also supporting a crowdfunding campaign to reopen The Rose & Thistle pub in Haddenham, which closed in 2019.

Oxfordshire County Council has temporarily restricted its household waste recycling centres to accepting fridges and freezers only from Oxfordshire residents, citing a nationwide shortage of specialist recycling facilities and limited storage capacity. Non-residents can no longer book these items for disposal and will be charged £15 if they visit with them. The council is contacting customers with existing bookings, reviewing the situation with contractors and disposal outlets, and reminding residents to book visits and bring proof of address.

Tony Hadley, former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, will headline Jersey’s Weekender Festival in September alongside Matt Goss, Nik Kershaw, Hue and Cry, and Alex James. Hadley is also supporting the Rose & Thistle Reborn campaign to reopen the historic Rose & Thistle pub in Haddenham, which closed in 2019. The crowdfunding campaign had raised more than £109,000 toward its £750,000 target, with Hadley urging people to buy shares to help preserve village and small-town pubs.

Three days of rain are forecast for Oxfordshire from Tuesday through Thursday, bringing temperatures down from around 27°C to 21°C and ending the latest heatwave. The rain follows an exceptionally dry spring and summer that led Thames Water to impose a temporary hosepipe ban across its region. The Environment Agency has warned of prolonged dry conditions across parts of England and possible wider drought if rainfall remains insufficient. Warmer, sunnier weather is expected to return over the weekend.

Thames Valley Police are seeking to identify a man who may have information about a reported assault and theft at Didcot Parkway railway station. The incident took place between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on July 26, and police released two CCTV images in an appeal issued on August 3. Anyone who recognises the man or has relevant information is asked to contact the force online or via 101, quoting crime reference number 43260384416.

The video‑game retailer Game has entered administration with nearly £16 million in debt, leaving creditors unlikely to recover owed amounts and accelerating the closure of its remaining standalone stores. Now owned by Frasers Group, the brand will continue operating only online and through concessions such as the Sports Direct counter in Cowley, while locations like Witney have already shut. The restructuring ends more than 30 years of Game’s presence on UK high streets.

UK homeowners are warned that Japanese knotweed can cut property values by about five percent, with average losses estimated at £13,500. Property expert Jack Malnick advises against DIY removal due to legal restrictions and disposal requirements, noting that improper handling can lead to fines of up to £5,000 or imprisonment. Professional removal typically costs between £1,500 and £2,000 but can reach £20,000 for severe infestations. Legal guidance confirms landowners may be liable if knotweed spreads from their property, and affected neighbours can seek compensation for removal and lost value.

Fire crews continued to tackle a major blaze at the Oaks Caravan Park in Fyfield Wick near Abingdon after it began on Sunday afternoon. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area due to heavy smoke. The Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service issued safety warnings while remaining on site for more than thirteen hours as efforts to control the fire continued.

Police are searching for a 14‑year‑old girl named Alisha, last seen traveling to Banbury, and believe she may be using the train line. Thames Valley Police issued an appeal expressing concern for her wellbeing and urged anyone with information to contact them.

Alex Kingston expressed that she wished she had worked with Jodie Whittaker during her tenure on Doctor Who, praising both Whittaker and Mandip Gill while reflecting on her past work with previous Doctors. She shared the sentiment during a conversation ahead of the OUH Staff Recognition Awards, noting her positive interactions with Whittaker at Comic Con and her fondness for the series.

Firefighters in Oxfordshire warned residents of heightened wildfire risks due to rising temperatures and dry conditions, urging caution with disposable barbecues, hot coals and litter that can ignite fires. Station manager Deb Forder highlighted how quickly wildfires can spread and stressed avoiding garden bonfires because embers can travel significant distances. Emergency services cautioned that large fires can threaten homes and damage farmland, livestock and wildlife habitats.

Mary Berry made a public appearance at Wimbledon alongside several celebrities shortly after participating in the opening of the Audley Shiplake Meadows retirement village in Henley, where she expressed joy about the community. Now living in Oxfordshire, she recently received the BAFTA Fellowship for her contributions to television.

Paul Flack, brother of late television presenter Caroline Flack, died after being found unresponsive at his home in Norwich, with a provisional post‑mortem citing cardiac arrest due to hanging. An inquest has been opened and adjourned pending further enquiries. The death occurs six years after Caroline Flack's suicide, which sparked nationwide discussion over mental health and media pressure. A memorial festival, Flackstock, created by her friends and family, continues to promote mental health awareness and support charities.