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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 16
Oxford News By Hana Edition 16
Oxford Outlook: Troubled waters
Mark Skipworth
July 24, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 16
Oxford Outlook: Troubled waters
And so it was that the hosepipe ban came to pass, and Thames Water saw that it was good.
Thanks to the ban, which came into effect earlier this week, more than 1m people in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and many parts of Berkshire and Wiltshire have been deprived of their hosepipe to water the garden, wash the car or fill a paddling pool. They risk a fine of up to £1,000 if found to be using the implement – at least for the foreseeable future.
According to a BBC report in this week’s Oxford newsletter, the water company blames a lack of rain and increasing demand for the need to restrict supplies.
But to critics of Thames Water – myself included – the hosepipe ban can be more accurately put down to a crumbling infrastructure and a scandalous lack of investment.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the ban, now is the time to investigate its plethora of permitted exemptions. Worried about the welfare of fish or other aquatic animals in your garden pond? You’re free to use a hosepipe to fill or maintain it. Also excepted is the use of a hosepipe to water food crops on your allotment if a watering can proves to be inadequate.
And many customers on Thames Water’s Priority Services Register are exempt, including anyone suffering a chronic or serious illness, in need of a stair lift or “with restricted hand movement”. Look on the company’s website at the “Legal notice of temporary usage ban” where you’ll find a full list of all the exceptions to the prohibitions.
What’s this I see on the list? A hosepipe to clean out the Augean stables? If only.
* As we enter the summer “silly season” for news, what better story to kick it off than the plan to repair and preserve Folly Tower in Faringdon. Built in the 1930s, the 30m tower is thought to have been a birthday gift from the wonderfully eccentric Lord Berners, who lived nearby, for his companion Robert Heber-Percy. Berners himself is legendary for dyeing pigeons in vibrant colours and entertaining Salvador Dali at his house, two of many exotic anecdotes about the composer and aesthete. The tower is now owned and run by a trust, and was opened to the public in the 1980s. Berner’s wit is nowhere better displayed than on an inscription to be found at the tower, which reads: “Members of the public committing suicide from this tower do so at their own risk.” Priceless.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its exact founding date is unknown, though there is evidence that teaching took place as far back as 1096.
The Bodleian Library is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious libraries. Founded in 1602, it is the second-largest library in the UK with a collection of more than 12 million items.
Blackwell’s in Oxford, established in 1879, is one of the world’s most famous bookstores. Its Norrington Room holds the Guinness World Record for the largest room selling books.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Oxford News
Thames Water hosepipe ban begins for 1.1m customers
BBC · July 22, 2025
A hosepipe ban affecting 1.1 million residents in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire has been implemented by Thames Water due to low rainfall and high demand, with violations resulting in fines up to £1,000. Critics highlight the need for investment in water infrastructure, while Wessex Water maintains that no ban is necessary in its regions, amid calls for major reforms in the water industry.
Abingdon Reservoir judicial review dismissed by High Court
BBC News · July 23, 2025
Thames Water has received judicial approval to move forward with the £2.2 billion South East Strategic Reservoir Option near Abingdon, a major initiative designed to secure water for 15 million people amid rising demand and climate challenges. Despite opposition from local groups concerned about ecological impacts, the High Court's ruling clears the way for one of the UK's largest reservoirs.
Why do we need sleep? Oxford researchers find the answer may lie in mitochondria Ox - July 18, 2025 A study from the University of Oxford published in Nature reveals that sleep may be triggered by electrical stress in mitochondria, which can leak electrons and produce harmful byproducts, prompting the brain to induce sleep for cellular restoration. This research offers a new understanding of the biological necessity of sleep, linking it to energy production and metabolism, and suggests implications for conditions like mitochondrial diseases. |
Donald Trump with JD Vance (Jeff Dean/AP).
Protesters threaten to ruin JD Vance's Cotswolds holiday Oxford Mail - July 21, 2025 JD Vance's summer holiday plans in the UK have ignited controversy, as an anti-Trump coalition, including pro-Palestinian activists and climate groups, has vowed to protest his visit. A spokesman declared Vance "every bit as unwelcome" as Donald Trump, recalling a past incident where protests forced him to cut short a trip. |
Repair plan for Faringdon's 1930s Folly Tower
BBC News · July 22, 2025
A plan has been proposed to repair and preserve Folly Tower in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, an historic Grade II listed structure built in the 1930s as a gift from Lord Berners to Robert Heber-Percy. Owned by the Faringdon Folly Trust and open to the public since the 1980s, this 30-metre tower is one of about 30 folly towers in the UK, celebrated for their aesthetic charm rather than functional purpose.
Oxford attempted murder investigation after man stabbed BBC News - July 21, 2025 An attempted murder inquiry is underway in Oxford following the stabbing of a man in his twenties, who is now hospitalised in serious but stable condition. Thames Valley Police have established a scene watch and confirmed that the incident appears isolated, with the victim and offender known to each other. |
ZEZ U-turn sparks calls to rethink Oxford congestion charge
This is Oxfordshire · July 23, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council has opted not to increase the daily charge for the Oxford Zero Emission Zone amid the cost-of-living crisis, while a proposed temporary £5 congestion charge on key city roads moves forward, offering various permits and discounts to minimise impact on residents and small businesses. Councillor Andrew Gant emphasised that most of the city will remain accessible without the charge, despite criticism from local representatives about potential contradictions in the council's approach.
Eight Oxford academics elected Fellows of the British Academy Ox - July 21, 2025 In 2025, the British Academy welcomed 58 new UK Fellows, 30 International Fellows, and four Honorary Fellows, including notable scholars from Oxford. This year's cohort, representing diverse fields such as ancient history and modern Chinese literature, underscores the Academy's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing contemporary challenges through rigorous scholarship. |
The King opens Oxford Islamic studies wing named in his honour BBC News - July 17, 2025 The King inaugurated the King Charles III Wing at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, celebrating its 40th anniversary and underscoring the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in tackling global challenges. As a patron of the centre, he praised its commitment to objective scholarship and mutual respect, reflecting on its evolution into a leading institution for Islamic studies since its founding in 1985. |
The Oxfordshire man who drives to Ukraine to deliver aid
BBC · July 19, 2025
Matt, a dedicated carpenter from Oxfordshire, has been delivering vital aid to hospitals in Sumy, Ukraine, every six weeks for the past three years, collecting medical supplies and uplifting treats while building strong local connections. Despite concerns for his safety amidst ongoing conflict, Matt's humanitarian efforts—supported by friends Anna and Iryna, who have raised £1.5 million for Ukraine—focus on bringing hope and essential support to those in need.
Four face 2027 trial over 'RAF Brize Norton aircraft damage'
Cotswold Journal · July 18, 2025
Four individuals, linked to Palestine Action, face conspiracy charges related to a June 20 incident at RAF Brize Norton that caused £7 million in damage to two aircraft. The case, which includes allegations of a “terrorist connection,” is set for trial on January 18, 2027, at the Old Bailey.
Oxford churchyard rapist named as illegal immigrant criminal
This is Oxfordshire · July 23, 2025
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has spotlighted a "public safety crisis" regarding illegal immigration, referencing the case of Khaliz Alshimery, a convicted rapist, and raising concerns about crime rates among asylum seekers. Meanwhile, Alshimery's barrister announced plans to appeal his conviction, highlighting ongoing debates around border security and migrant-related offences.
Oxford stadium decision delayed due to ancient woodland
BBC News · July 23, 2025
Oxford United's plans for a new 16,000-seat stadium near Kidlington have been delayed as Cherwell District Council postpones their decision to assess the implications of newly designated ancient woodland. Both the club and MP Anneliese Dodds expressed disappointment over the delay, emphasizing the stadium's importance for the club's future and the potential negative impact of further hold-ups.
Oxfordshire teacher banned for sexually inappropriate behaviour
BBC · July 18, 2025
Karl Smith, a former head of computing at The Warriner School, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after a TRA panel found he engaged in inappropriate behaviour with students, including private messaging and making suggestive comments. Following an investigation prompted by concerns raised in November 2022, Smith acknowledged his misconduct and its impact on the students involved.
How Gen Z is saving the UK's street markets
BBC News · July 23, 2025
Young market traders like Jayden Roberts and Lenny Kibble are revitalising Oxford's Gloucester Green market, with a notable 40% increase in young members of the National Market Traders Federation over the past three years. The rise of youthful entrepreneurs reflects a shift in the industry, as initiatives like the Young Traders Market competition inspire confidence and creativity among the next generation.
Property news
Ellen DeGeneres is privately selling her house in the Cotswolds according to reports. (Image: Archive)
Ellen DeGeneres 'selling mansion and pub' in Cotswolds Yahoo News - July 20, 2025 Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are privately selling their first UK mansion in the Cotswolds for £15 million, seeking the "right buyer" after facing challenges like flooding at their initial residence. Despite these hurdles, the couple has been spotted enjoying local attractions, including Jeremy Clarkson's pub. |
Oxford Leisure Park revamp ‘crucial link’ for 3,000 homes
This is Oxfordshire · July 23, 2025
Firoka and the Pioneer Group have unveiled ambitious redevelopment plans for the park on Grenoble Road in Littlemore, featuring new science labs, a cinema, restaurants, and revitalised green spaces, alongside the restoration of the historic Priory Pub. With community input shaping the project, it promises to create thousands of jobs and enhance local education in STEM fields while addressing previous concerns over the loss of existing leisure facilities.
What’s on in and around Oxford this weekend?
Plenty of love and joy on display for Chipping Norton's Pride. (Image: Ed Nix)
Historic Cotswolds town gears up for major Pride event
Evesham Journal · July 22, 2025
Chipping Norton’s Pride festival returns this weekend for its third year, celebrating inclusivity with the theme "From Chippy with Love" through a vibrant day of entertainment, food, and market stalls. Chairman Sean Vassen emphasises the event's significance in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and combating prejudice amid ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Jeremy Clarkson changes opening times of his popular Cotswolds pub
Cotswold Journal · July 22, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson's pub, The Farmer's Dog in Asthall, has quickly become a local favorite since its reopening last August, known for its Hawkstone beer. In response to a fan request, Clarkson announced that the pub will now be closed on Mondays to give staff a well-deserved day off, with updated hours from Tuesday to Sunday.
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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