Matt Drake

The Witney Gazette presents five recent death notices for Dorothy Jones, Kath Keslake, Margaret Elizabeth Davis, Basil Hopkins and David John Johnson. The notices include dates and circumstances of death, ages, surviving relatives and brief tributes, with links to the full notices and information on submitting condolences or placing a notice.

The Witney Gazette presents three recent death notices: Ronald 'Pete' Corney, who died peacefully aged 93; Mavis Rose of Witney, who died aged 89; and Colin 'Coke' Moss, who died aged 83 at John Radcliffe Hospital. The notices record their deaths, family relationships and tributes, and direct readers to the full notices or to submit condolences.

Thames Valley Police has appointed Darren O’Callaghan as Assistant Chief Constable for Crime and Criminal Justice. Bringing 31 years of policing experience from roles including professional standards, child protection, major crime and intelligence, O’Callaghan said he would build on the force’s recent improvements, strengthen investigative capability, support victims, prevent harm and protect communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire businesses and individuals that have engaged with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business since April 2022 are urged to enter the 2026 Enterprise Oxfordshire Business Marketplace and Celebration event before entries close on August 10. The free awards recognise achievements including business leadership, start-ups, growth, innovation, sustainability and social responsibility, with the event taking place at Oxford Town Hall on November 4. Oxfordshire County Council will select the overall winner, while guest speaker Mark Franklin will address business mindset challenges. The event is part of Enterprise Oxfordshire Business’s wider support programme for the county.

Pearces Coaches has announced a series of family day trips departing throughout August, including new Cotswolds mystery tours on August 12 and 26. The tours will visit undisclosed villages and scenic locations, while the wider schedule includes the Imperial War Museum, a three-museum London itinerary, Bournemouth, theme parks and the Black Country Living Museum. Managing director Luke Marion said the company was pleased to introduce the mystery-tour format.

Residents in Woodstock are being asked to comment on potential parking restrictions around Brook Hill and Green Lane following complaints about parking problems. Oxford County Council and the local county councillor aim to improve road safety and accessibility, with feedback requested by 5pm on August 28. If residents broadly support the proposed measures, a formal consultation will take place later in the year.

FarmED, a regenerative farm and educational centre at Honeydale Farm near Chipping Norton, is featured in Lucy Williamson’s book Soil to Gut: How to Regenerate your Health with Food. The book links farming practices and food choices with soil, environmental and human health. FarmED manager Ian Wilkinson argues that industrial monoculture degrades soils, increases reliance on chemical inputs and leaves farmers vulnerable to rising costs and commodity markets. Williamson presents soil restoration, biodiversity and nutrient-dense food as essential to long-term health. She will discuss the book at a FarmED event on August 5; the book is due to be published by 5m Books Ltd on July 31.

Witney Neighbourhood Police Team will attend Witney Play Day at Burwell Recreation Ground on August 6 from 11am to 3pm. The free event will offer family activities and opportunities for residents to discuss local policing and community concerns with officers. It is organized by the Oxfordshire Play Association with support from local councils, Witney Town Hall Charity and Cottsway.

The Witney Gazette lists four recent death notices and funeral announcements: Thomas Lawrie McMath, Florence MacCurrach, Peter Lewis and Doreen Margaret Farmer. The notices include brief biographical details, dates of death and information about a remembrance gathering for Peter Lewis, with links to the full notices.

Seventy-one-year-old Oxfordshire violinist Jenny Hellyer says her hearing and ability to play music have improved after Specsavers hearing expert Syd Smith helped her select Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable hearing devices. Her mild-to-moderate hearing loss had affected both musical performance and conversations. Smith also encouraged people experiencing hearing difficulties to arrange a free hearing check, noting that many delay seeking help for several years.

Blenheim Palace has reopened its Orangery in Oxfordshire after a £2 million renovation completed in 2024. The restored space, whose new timber-and-slate roof reflects Sir John Vanbrugh’s original design, can accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 250 standing guests for conferences, dinners, anniversaries and other bespoke events. It includes a private terrace overlooking the South Lawn and Duke’s Italian Garden, with catering based partly on produce from the palace’s kitchen garden.

Oxfordshire County Council is seeking residents’ feedback on its draft SEND Strategy for 2026–2029, developed with the Local Area Partnership and informed by consultation, engagement events, inspections, and contributions from families and education, health, and social care providers. The strategy aims to improve inclusion, early support, community participation, and preparation for adulthood for children and young people with SEND. The survey takes about 20 minutes and closes on August 3.

More than 25,000 people in Oxfordshire participated in health and care research studies last year. Oxford University Hospitals involved 9,885 participants across 488 studies, the University of Oxford involved 10,915 people in 28 studies, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust involved 2,427 participants in 52 studies. Additional participants came through GP practices, care homes and other community settings. Health leaders said the research supports new treatments and improvements to NHS, public health and social care, and encouraged residents to register for future studies through the Be Part of Research website.

Blenheim Estate Homes is offering buyers at the Hill Rise development in Woodstock a three-month mortgage holiday, with payments deferred until 2027 for those completing purchases in 2026. The low-carbon development, built in collaboration with Pye Homes, will eventually provide up to 180 homes, including 50% affordable housing. Its properties feature A-rated EPCs, solar panels, air source heat pumps and intelligent ventilation systems, and the project won a 2024 Housing Design Award.

New group ticket prices at Blenheim Palace are available throughout 2026 for parties of 15 or more, offering access to the palace, park and gardens along with optional themed talks covering history, architecture and conservation. Visitors can use the free multilingual Archie app for personalised tours, and group bookings receive support from a dedicated partnerships team, complimentary entry for one tour leader and free coach parking. The site remains cashless, and a new film‑focused visitor experience is scheduled to open in spring 2027, with related pricing to be announced.

Two recent death notices report the peaceful passing of Andrew Frank William Pledge at 67 and William “Bill” Williamson at 98, both remembered as devoted family members. Readers are directed to full notices and options for leaving condolences or submitting additional announcements.