Edition #2084

Join us for a special episode centered around Princess Anne's visit to Carterton Women's Institute and the potential impact of new councils on Oxfordshire. We'll also discuss attempts to curb dangerous racing on the A40 and a concerning pollutants crisis threatening Oxfordshire's rivers. 🤖 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 [00:00:22] Princess Visits Carterton Women's Institute Princess Anne visited Carterton Women's Institute on its 100th anniversary. She unveiled a plaque, cut a cake, and engaged with members. On the same day, Prince Dean visited RAF Brize Norton, supporting the Women's Institute. Two new councils could be created in Oxfordshire to improve services and save money. [00:05:14] Support for Restricting Dangerous Racing Attempts made to restrict dangerous horse and trap racing on the A40. West Oxford District Council considers Public Space Protection Order until 2028. Pony racing poses risks to public safety and local businesses. [00:08:31] Join Remembrance Event Remembrance event for Thames Valley offers space to remember loved ones. Includes poems, music, and dedications. Teresa Mahon, Sioux Riders nurse, found it helpful for coping with grief. Event open to all, registration required. [00:11:40] Fire Stations Face Axe Three Oxfordshire fire stations could close under new plans, impacting public safety due to reduced fire cover at night. The Fire Brigades Union opposes the cuts, warning of longer response times and difficulty retaining firefighters. [00:15:28] Pollution Crisis Threatens Waterways Widespread nutrient pollution threatens Oxfordshire's rivers. Volunteers found high nitrate and phosphate levels in 172 sites. 81% of measurements in Thames River basin district were unacceptable. [00:18:28] Lifesaving Message for Anglers Anglers warned about carbon monoxide poisoning risks while fishing. Linear fisheries near Witney advises against using fuel-burning gear indoors. Anglers urged to stay ventilated and carry monoxide alarms. [00:21:50] Weeds on Pavements Growing concerns over unmanaged weeds on Oxfordshire pavements following council budget cuts. Weeds hamper mobility and aesthetics, with some councils using controversial herbicide glyphosate. Liberal Democrat councillor Nathan Lay pushes for regular weed clearance in council budget. [00:25:00] Giraffe Rescue on RAF Brize Norton Flight Over 400 toy giraffes were rescued on a special RAF flight in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. The charity event, started in memory of Louise Conway, has raised over £100,000. The flight was also the final mission for squadron leader Graham Court. [00:26:19] NHS Trust Project Recognised Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust's 'Leave the Paper Behind' project was shortlisted for the 2025 Nursing Times Awards, but didn't win. The team was honored to be recognized for their innovative approach to reducing post usage. Separately, West Oxfordshire vets launched a campaign to help dogs cope with fireworks. [00:30:11] Penguins Donate £1000 Penguins swimming event raises £1320 for local charity. Witney Penguins swimmers surpassed Oxford-Bartrim distance, celebrating club's 50th anniversary. Event included attendance of Witney Town Crier and pop-up cafe. [00:33:50] Reflection Remembrance for Guy Fawkes Day, WWI and WWII; Veterans' quick thinking and bravery remembered. [00:38:09] Editor's Choice Cotswold stone quarries once supplied material for renowned buildings like St. Paul's Cathedral; now mostly neglected and overgrown. Search for traces of ancient quarries along Gloucestershire-Oxfordshire border. [00:42:16] Noticeboard & Quiz Local deaths and celebrations announced; Jericho resident Karen Sole, aged 83, and others passed; Green Walks, social groups plan November outings; Halloween-themed quiz answers revealed, next week's questions posed. [00:45:56] Announcement Hearse crash closes road; One fatality reported; Investigation ongoing. [00:46:22] Three Short Warnings Electric blanket safety checks reveal high failure rate in Oxfordshire; Over a third of tested blankets found unsafe. Oxfordshire County Council warns residents about potential fire risks after 338 blankets fail safety checks in recent tests. [00:49:45] Cotswold Wildlife Park Cotswold Wildlife Park's profits tripled to £2.8 million; Visitor numbers increased by 40,000; Pandemics and diseases pose threats to attractions industry. [00:55:19] Burford 2nd Happiest Place Burford ranked 2nd happiest place to live in Oxfordshire. It beat Henley, Woodstock, and Kingham but lost to Banbury. Happiness scores were based on green spaces, schools, housing, pubs, restaurants, shops, and culture. [00:56:26] Two Short Items Thames Valley Police Officer Faces Misconduct Hearing for Alleged Sexual Misconduct, Earlier Charged with Sexual Assault; Hairdresser Shop in Liquidation with Huge Debts [01:00:11] Blenheim Estate Autumnal Beauty Blenheim Palace ignites with autumn colours; Thousands visit the UNESCO site designed by Capability Brown; Pictures capturing the scene showcase beautiful orange and red hues. [01:02:20] Goodbye [01:04:10] Outro Music [01:04:25] TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings