Edition #2083

Listen up, folks! Flood preparation is top of our agenda as Witney gears up, while Oxfordshire's solar spat heats up. Plus, pub closure threats, GP waiting time woes, and Jeremy Clarkson dominates the news. 🤖 Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate. 🙋 The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team. Chapters [00:00:00] Intro Music [00:00:21] Preparations Underway for Flood Season Flood preparation underway in Witney after previous incidents; Council acting early with awareness campaigns and practical steps; Residents urged to maintain ditches on their property [00:03:51] Group Warns Developers Will Take Advantage 'Group warns about solar farms in Oxfordshire; Secretary approves giant Lincolnshire project despite concerns; Renewable energy clash over community benefits and local landscape. [00:06:50] Plans Lodged for 19 Carterton Homes Plans for 19 new homes in Carterton moved forward. A mix of housing types and 35% affordable homes proposed. Previous application for 41 homes was refused in 2017. [00:08:43] Doctor Accused of Controlling Behaviour A doctor is facing a tribunal over allegations of controlling behaviour towards a woman in Salford, with hearings held and adjourned in Manchester. The incidents are said to have occurred between June 2019 and September 2020 with no further hearing dates yet announced. [00:10:48] Witches Stocks & History at Stake Centuries-old Oxfordshire pub faces closure, villagers campaign to save historic pub used as village stocks, descendant of alleged witch involved. [00:14:20] Witney MP Visits HMP Bullingdon Witney's MP visits Oxford Crown Court and Bullingdon Prison to highlight underfunding and challenges. Drones used to smuggle illegal items into Bullingdon. MP emphasizes staff's hard work and will raise issues with ministers. [00:16:09] Reflection Richard Bowler discusses seasonal affective disorder and Christian traditions around Halloween and All Souls Day. Shorter days and darker nights may affect people with seasonal effective disorder. Christians promote AllSouls Eve over Halloween, focusing on light and remembrance of deceased loved ones. [00:20:53] Reflection (Thanks) A talking newspaper shares local news stories with visually impaired listeners. [00:21:02] Fake £20 Note Warning Fake £20 notes circulate warnings issued by Thames Valley Police. Local residents urged to check cash and report suspicions. Health chiefs urge Oxfordshire residents to receive winter flu and COVID vaccines to protect self and community. [00:24:33] Nearly £200K Awarded £199,871 awarded to Thames Valley crime prevention groups. Funding supports early intervention youth support and road safety initiatives. Groups awarded £446 to £10,000. [00:26:44] Record GP Waiting Time GP waiting times in Oxfordshire reach record high, Liberal Democrats call for emergency package, Concerns raised over Conservatives' and Labour's handling of NHS [00:29:21] Hospital Service Helping Domestic Abuse Victims Oxfordshire hospitals pioneer domestic abuse support; Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) embedded in clinical teams; Service extended due to success, raising awareness during awareness month. [00:33:09] Nosediving Oxford Bus Company Profits Oxford Bus Company's profits plummeted by 97% due to investment in new buses and jobs. Revenue decreased to £48.2 million, although it includes an extra 6 months trading. The company employed an additional 62 people, aiming for a net-zero operation by 2045. [00:36:49] Jeremy Clarkson Hosting Bonfire Night Clarkson's pub hosts bonfire event with Jeremy Clarkson; Traditional celebration includes giant bonfire, live music, on-brand fireworks; Popular pub expects guests from afar for the occasion. [00:39:53] Noticeboard [00:56:30] Us Secure 2 Wins From 3 Oxford United secure victory against Sheffield Wednesday in Championship action, beating them 2-1. Will Lancashire and Cameron Brannigan scored for United, who had earlier lost to Wrexham. The victory lifts United to 19th in the table after 12 games. [00:59:50] Jeremy Clarkson for Doncaster North MP Jeremy Clarkson tipped to replace Ed Miliband as MP for Doncaster North; Clarkson hints at political career, favoured odds on replacing current MP; Clarkson also tipped for 'I'm a Celebrity' [01:02:09] Jeremy Clarkson's Farmers Dog Delays Clarkson Waits for Pub Changes; Still Pending After 11 Months, Council Silent On Delays [01:03:48] Three Short Items Witney Library set to reopen after comprehensive renovations; Offers improved facilities and community spaces; Opening on December 6th at 9 AM. Trees removed from River Windrush to reduce flooding risks; Volunteers led project secured £25,000 funding; Battery in recycling bin caused major fire; West Oxfordshire Council warns against disposing batteries improperly. [01:08:09] Animals Stuck Into Pumpkins Giant tortoises, among other animals, enjoyed their Halloween treat of pumpkins at the Cotswold Wildlife Park; The animals enthusiastically participated in festive activities; Their keepers provided the pumpkins and enrichment activities to encourage natural behaviors. [01:10:02] Goodbye [01:11:25] TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings