Matthew J C Evans

Wood Green School pupil Jonathan Reynolds is celebrating a GCSE music grade 9, a grade 9 in maths and six grade 8s after earning Grade 8 qualifications in piano and trumpet at age 13. Fellow pupils Laila Buckingham, Emelie Bathgate and Grace Peralaltn also discussed their results and future plans, including A-level study and further education in art. Parents expressed pride in the students' achievements.

Public House Group will launch a monthly farmers market at The Old Coal Yard in Gagingwell near Chipping Norton on August 29, running from 8:30am to 11:30am. The event will feature local food, seasonal produce, crafts, art, children’s activities and second-hand clothing, with further markets scheduled for September 12 and October 17. The Old Coal Yard also hosts a restaurant, movement studio and sauna, and recently attracted a pop-up from Notting Hill’s Canteen restaurant.

John Cleese has called for Jeremy Clarkson to join the next UK cabinet, arguing that farmers need protection from what he described as “blinkered bureaucrats.” The comments came during a debate over badger culling and bovine tuberculosis, following a post claiming that Clarkson’s Farm illustrated the consequences of ending the cull. Clarkson’s Oxfordshire farm had previously been placed under lockdown after bovine TB was detected but was later declared TB-free. More than 250,000 badgers were estimated to have been culled over 12 years, while England has moved away from the practice and is considering vaccination instead.

Harper Beckham is continuing her plans to build a beauty business after the US Patent and Trademark Office provisionally rejected an application for her Korean-inspired skincare brand, HIKU by Harper, citing possible confusion with existing trademarks. She is now seeking US and UK trademark protection for a new makeup brand called Harlo by Harper, which she reportedly hopes to launch next year with guidance from her mother, Victoria Beckham.

Bower Mapson Limited, the developer of Witney’s Buttercross Lane estate, is set to be struck off the companies register and dissolved after director Pauline Mapson applied for its closure. The company reported owing £434,164, including debts to other creditors and participating interests, and Peter Mapson was recently removed as a director. The development has experienced repeated flooding, prompting criticism from residents and local officials. Oxfordshire County Council plans drainage improvements from August 3 to August 28, including a temporary road closure, but the work is expected to be funded by taxpayers. Councillor Thomas Ashby criticized the cost while acknowledging the council’s efforts to deliver a lasting solution.

The Black Horse pub in Salford near Chipping Norton remains on the market for offers above £550,000 nearly six months after being listed, following its withdrawal from a planned Bond Wolfe auction. The property includes the pub, living accommodation, a detached cottage, gardens and a premises licence. It reopened in 2023 after refurbishment by the Lionhearth Group but closed after operating during summer 2025. Companies House records show that the business was operated by The Black Horse Salford Limited before being taken over by dormant company 8 Carlos Place Trading Limited. Despite positive reviews and recognition among the Cotswolds’ best pubs, the freehold property remains unsold.

Cotswold Rainwater Services Ltd., a Witney-based guttering company, has been charged with corporate manslaughter and failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The charges follow the November 2024 death of 34-year-old guttering engineer Andrew Claridge at Hunters Moon House near Longworth, where a post-mortem examination found that he died from electrocution. Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive conducted the joint investigation, and the company is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.

A long-flooded housing estate on Buttercross Lane in Witney will receive a publicly funded drainage upgrade after years of repeated flooding. Oxfordshire County Council plans to install improved drainage in August, following interim relief efforts. Councillors cited inadequate maintenance by the developer Bower Mapson, which is currently in significant debt and recently saw director Peter Mapson removed. While some local officials criticized taxpayers covering the cost, they acknowledged the need for a permanent fix and residents’ patience during delays.

Thames Valley Police issued acceptable behaviour contracts to several youths in Bampton following reports and CCTV evidence of persistent anti‑social behaviour. The agreements, signed by both the children and their parents, set rules for conduct in public spaces and aim to prevent escalation toward criminal activity by encouraging reflection and reducing peer pressure.

A psychic dog named Winston, known for correctly predicting England’s World Cup results, has forecast an Argentina win in the upcoming semi-final, causing disappointment among England supporters. The predictions are part of a light‑hearted campaign by Fortitude Communications supporting the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, a charity promoting men’s mental health in Oxfordshire. The foundation honours former Oxford United player Joey Beauchamp and aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges and encourage open conversations.