Matt Drake

A team from RAF Benson completed the National Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours, raising £2,500 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Despite difficult weather and terrain, the group aimed to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families. SSAFA, which supports tens of thousands of people annually, welcomed the effort, and donations continue to be accepted through the team’s JustGiving page.

A new interactive exhibition titled Mystery Academy: School for Young Detectives will open on July 18 at The Story Museum in Oxford. Co-designed with local young people, it immerses visitors in detective-themed puzzles, stories and historical objects. Contributions from authors and the museum’s youth Story Curators helped shape the experience, which celebrates both classic and modern detective fiction.

A new VR and mixed‑reality installation, Black Cats & Chequered Flags, has opened at the Silverstone Museum, offering an immersive look into the life and racing career of Alberto Ascari. Produced by the Multiverse Institute for Arts and Technology, the experience places visitors in 1950s racing environments using 360‑degree cinematography and period audio. Museum leaders expect strong visitor interest, and free admission for children is available during the summer period.

Transense Technologies has appointed Bartec USA as its distributor for Translogik tyre inspection tools and TireTask software in the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of its North American expansion strategy. The partnership aims to accelerate adoption of the TLGX series tools and related software by leveraging Bartec’s established market presence. Company leaders highlight growing demand for integrated tyre health and performance solutions as fleets focus on safety, efficiency and cost reduction.

The oncology day treatment unit at Churchill Hospital expanded its Saturday service, nearly doubling the number of weekend cancer treatments and reducing waiting times. Increased staffing, including additional SACT‑trained nurses, enabled more routine treatments to be moved to Saturdays and opened a dedicated clinic for subcutaneous therapy. Patient numbers rose from 112 to 253 year over year, and OUH leadership emphasized the importance of the effort in addressing cancer‑care delays.

A newly formed women’s football team from RAF Brize Norton won the Oxford City Business Tournament after progressing through the group stage, a tight semi-final and a penalty shootout in the final. Players Rebecca, Laura, Emily, Ruby, Nuala and Kaitlyn contributed throughout the competition. RAF Football Association leaders praised the victory as a milestone for women’s football within the service and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand opportunities across RAF stations.

Blewbury C secured an 8-8 draw against Hartley Wintney after Sarah Donne won all four of her matches, keeping the team in contention for the Golf Croquet Advantage League’s Central Division title. The final outcome will be decided in the upcoming match against unbeaten Kites at High Wycombe. Blewbury’s Doubles League side won 5-3 at Winchester, with Brian and Carol Jamieson taking three victories. The club is also preparing to introduce the Two-Shot Croquet variation under the direction of captain Andrew Petit.

A gymnastics club in Oxfordshire is organising a sponsored 640km group walk along the Ridgeway on July 26 to raise funds for new vaulting equipment costing about £1,600. The challenge aims to build community spirit while supporting training needs, with participants including gymnasts, families and supporters. Funds can be donated through the club’s GoFundMe page.

Grundon received the RoSPA Gold Award for its strong health and safety performance in 2025, with the organisation highlighting the company’s high standards and effective risk management. Head of SHEQ Reg Hodson credited employees for maintaining a safety-first culture. The award, part of RoSPA’s longstanding global programme, was presented on June 30.

South Central Ambulance Service staff attended Armed Forces Day in Banbury, engaging with visitors, showcasing an ambulance, and discussing career opportunities. Paramedic Barbara Sullivan and recruitment team member Laura Farrow spoke with attendees, and the service described the event as a valuable opportunity to connect with the community and inspire future recruits.

Oxford University Hospitals reduced carbon emissions by more than 20 per cent over three years through changes in clinical practice, infrastructure improvements and staff-led initiatives. Emission cuts included reductions in anaesthetic gases, inhaler-related emissions and business travel, along with lower fossil fuel usage. Improved monitoring increased reported water emissions by enabling faster detection of leaks. The trust aims to reach net zero emissions by 2040.