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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 48
Oxford News By Hana Edition 48
Take the high road
Mark Skipworth
March 26, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 48
Oxford Outlook: Take the high road
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I never met Owen Brazell but judging from the many fine public tributes paid to him in recent days by those who knew him, he was much admired and greatly loved.
Owen, you see, died in an horrific crash on Oxfordshire’s notorious A420 last week when his Subaru car collided with a lorry near Kingston Bagpuize.
The 68-year-old Faringdon resident was a prominent figure in the world of astronomy and led a fulfilling life as chairman of the Abingdon Astronomical Society and president of the international Webb Deep-Sky Society. He gave regular talks at other astronomical societies and was also a volunteer at Kelmscott Manor, country home of William Morris.
Owen, it has been reported, was driving to a gathering of amateur astronomers in Norfolk on the morning of the fatal accident.
Tributes have since poured in from all over the world, highlighting his expert knowledge and caring nature. “His loss will be felt greatly by the UK astronomy community and especially so by those of us who considered him a friend. Take your place in the stars Owen and rest in peace,” said one.
Fellow astronomers spoke of the impact he had on them as mentor throughout his decades-long involvement in the field. “I wish I could have thanked him while he was still with us,” said one, while a third added: “You are now among the stars you so loved to see. It was great to have known you.” And perhaps the most poignant of all: “Never forgotten.”
I mention these not out of sentiment – though they are very moving – but because this kind, impressive person who had so much to offer future generations should not become yet another cold statistic in the safety record of one of Oxfordshire’s deadliest roads.
When it comes to who is to blame for this tragic incident, it’s a fair bet the elders of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) will be doing their utmost to abrogate responsibility. It’s not the A420 that’s unsafe, they repeatedly tell us whenever there’s a nasty accident – rather, it’s the way it’s being driven by careless road users.
What nonsense! In the late 1990s, OCC took back responsibility for the Oxford-Swindon section of the A420 after it was “detrunked” by central government and reclassified as a “major local road”. And so this busy, noisy route is very much the responsibility of the county council.
With its mix of commuters, freight and local vehicles, it is demonstrably not fit for current traffic levels. And with more housing, business parks and warehouses scheduled for development along it, the traffic is only going to get worse.
The question is: what further tragedies will it take for council elders to make road safety a top priority on this overstretched and in parts dangerous rural A-road?
* Driving within sight of RAF Fairford the other day, I saw at first hand Britain’s strategic defences. I’m referring, of course, to the double yellow lines which appear to be newly painted on the narrow country roads surrounding the airbase, home of America’s fleet of “defensive” B1s and B52s currently bombing Iran. With luck, these no-wait road markings should deter any enemies from stopping to spy on US military hardware. After all, they wouldn’t want a £70 parking fine, would they? Or, for that matter, have to contend with Britain’s elite squad of traffic wardens!
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
This week we focus on something that’s become a hot topic: apprenticeships.
It’s dawning on a number of young adults that university isn’t necessarily the best route forward for them.
Punitive student loan repayments (including laughable interest rates). The fact that many so-called universities are not worth the grade inflation that young people have enjoyed in recent years.
That’s why many are now looking at apprenticeships: earn while you learn. So, how does the city of Oxford fare? Brief data follows.
Apprenticeship starts per 100,000 of population (England)
Oxford 558, miles lower than the national local authority average of 981 in 2025.
Apprenticeship achievements per 100,000 population (England)
Oxford 292, way less than the national authority average of 538 in 2025.
On the face of it, Oxford is performing poorly when it comes to apprenticeships. But beneath the data, there is perhaps a truer analysis. Oxford is relatively affluent and highly educated. University still appeals – and is accessible – compared with attractive apprenticeships in many other parts of the country.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
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Crash on ‘dangerous’ Oxfordshire road claims life of well-known astronomer
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Owen Brazell, a beloved figure in the UK astronomy community and chairman of the Abingdon Astronomical Society, tragically died in a collision on Oxfordshire’s A420 while en route to a star party in Norfolk. Tributes from colleagues highlight his profound knowledge, mentorship and friendly nature, underscoring the significant impact he made on fellow astronomers throughout his decades-long involvement in the field.
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World Happiness Report 2026 shows complex picture of social media and happiness
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Emergency UK incident of American bomber from Cotswolds airbase
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On March 24, a B-52H Stratofortress from RAF Fairford declared a general emergency due to suspected depressurisation but safely landed shortly after at 9:38 AM. The base, recently authorised for U.S. operations against Iranian missile sites, is also home to newly arrived B-1 Lancer bombers.
Teenage Oxfordshire boy charged with terrorism offences
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Blenheim Palace backs £600m Puy du Fou historical theme park plan
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Oxford tops QS World University Rankings in four subjects, named overall top for Humanities
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Sport
Oxford Outlook: The U’s
A 2-0 defeat away to in-form Southampton on Saturday was no disgrace for Oxford United. The Saints are praying for a Championship playoff place, while the men in yellow are at the other end of the table, staring at relegation.
All is not quite lost yet. The U’s remain in the drop zone but are only one point from safety as things stand. Yet they have just seven games left and one suspects other results will have to go in their favour if they are to survive.
United need to fight hard in April and May to justify that new stadium complex in Kidlington. There’s a bit of a breather due to an international break, so their next match is at home against Hull City on Friday 3 April.
The Sports Desk
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Chinnor rugby team reveals plans for new 5,000-seater stadium
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Chinnor RFC is planning to build a new 5,000-seater stadium to replace its current ground, pending planning permission, with funding from a "family benefactor". This development aims to enhance the club's infrastructure and community engagement, positioning Chinnor to compete at higher levels in English rugby.
Property news
Ellen DeGeneres makes decision on Cotswolds life
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Cotswolds pub visited by King Charles for sale at almost £1m
Oxford Mail · March 25, 2026
The Royal Oak, a charming pub in Tetbury, is on the market for £925,000, featuring a restored bar and restaurant spaces along with six en-suite letting rooms. With its historical significance and strong community ties, this well-established inn presents a unique investment opportunity in the picturesque Cotswolds region.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Conde Nast magazine reveals best hotels in Cotswolds
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Oxford: Talk on Antonia Hunt’s WWII story of survival
Oxford Mail · March 24, 2026
Join us at the Florence Park Community Centre on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:15 PM for an inspiring talk by Charlotte Ellis who will share her grandmother Antonia Hunt's gripping story of survival in Nazi-occupied France, as detailed in her book "Little Resistance." Discover tales of romance, danger and resilience from a time when courage was paramount.
International sensation Postmodern Jukebox coming to Oxford
Yahoo News · March 22, 2026
Postmodern Jukebox, the innovative music collective known for transforming modern hits into vintage jazz and swing, will take the stage at Oxford's New Theatre on May 20 as part of their The Future Is Vintage UK tour. Founded by Scott Bradlee in 2011, the group emphasises human creativity amidst the rise of AI in music and will perform in 20 cities across the UK, including Bristol and Manchester.
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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