Crime & Safety
UK flights cancelled as Oxfordshire grandad left stranded
Operational data shows that snowstorms and strike action in February led to more than 700 flight cancellations and over 5,000 delays across Europe, with services at the two London hubs among those affected.
Further figures from March 10 record at least 42 UK flight cancellations and 146 delays at airports including Heathrow, as airlines such as British Airways and easyJet struggled with knock‑on disruption linked to airspace closures and operational pressures.
READ MORE: All flights cancelled as low-cost airline collapses affecting thousands
By March 18, a separate storm system and French air traffic control walkouts had triggered at least 210 additional cancellations and more than 2,700 delays across the continent.
Henley butcher and grandfather Barry Wagner was one of those caught up in the chaos, spending close to a week stuck in Dubai.
This was after multiple flights back to the UK were cancelled before he was finally able to return home earlier this month.
Whilst stuck in Dubai, Mr Wagner told ITV: “You just don’t know what’s going to happen. The biggest fear is the debris coming down from the interception is what is most scary.
READ MORE: Thousands of cancelled flights see major U-turn for UK travellers
“You just want to be home. I want to see my family. Want to see my grandchild. You know, just desperately want to be home.”
Having since returned home to Oxfordshire, the grandfather told the Henley Herald: “We are so relieved to be home.
“Dubai was beautiful and felt very safe…until the missiles obviously, but I don’t think I’ll be going back any time soon.
“I wouldn’t want to relive what we went through!”
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Jacqui Gitau, who is also the charity’s lead for Oxfordshire, has been made an MBE for her services to migrant families in the county.
African Families in the UK is a Community Interest Company that was formed in 2015 to support African diaspora families in the UK to get the best outcomes for their children through training and information on education, health and social care.
Through targeted initiatives, the charity aims to bridge the gap on various fronts, including food security, digital divide and other inequalities prevalent in health and education.
The charity also offers parent training and seminars to help achieve its goals as well as hosting activities and events to promote positive cultural practices.
“Oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve got my head around it yet,” a jubilant Ms Gitau said.
She holds a first degree in community family development from Oxford Brookes and a masters degree in childhood studies.
With co-founder Rachel Walton, the duo started out as volunteers meeting in a library in Blackbird Leys, where women discussed the differences in parenting between the UK and their countries of origin.
She arrived in the UK from Kenya with a 17 month old baby and no support. Her husband had to work and she had no family around to help.
Dr Martin Reeves, who leads Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE for services to local government.
Dr Reeves said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change.
“This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Dr Reeves has served as chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023.
He previously spent more than 14 years in the same role at Coventry City Council, where he led the most significant transformation of the city since the post-war era.
The honour recognises his long-standing leadership in public service reform, innovation, and place-based change, including his role in launching Oxfordshire as the first county-wide Marmot place to tackle health inequalities.
Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved.
“Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely.
“He combines insight, integrity, and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.”
The King’s Birthday Honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community.
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