Oxford News
UK pub group with Oxford site announces major shakeup
The company, which has pubs The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, The Victoria Arms in Old Marston and The Prince of Burford in Burford has seen a leap in profit.
Alice Bowyer has been promoted to managing director of the company’s managed house division, following a decade with the group.
She began her career at Butcombe as an executive chef and has held roles including group executive chef and director of food and drink.
Jayson Perfect, chief operating officer of Butcombe Group, said: “Following a record-breaking financial year, including 23 per cent profit growth in our managed pubs and inns, this new structure ensures we are well positioned to build on that momentum.
“Alice’s new role reflects not only her exceptional track record within the business but also the breadth of leadership and strategic insight she brings.
“Alongside this, the promotions across our team demonstrate our continued commitment to recognising and developing talent as we grow.”
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Alice Bowyer, Managing Director of its Managed House Division (Image: Butcombe Pubs and Inns)
Ms Bowyer will now lead the division’s next stage of development with a focus on delivering a more integrated guest experience and ongoing commercial growth.
The company has also announced other senior promotions.
Maria Bishop has been named head of drinks and retail, while Jasper Prickett becomes head of food.
The Butcombe Group operates 118 pubs and inns stretching from Mayfair to St Aubin, Jersey, and employs more than 1,800 people.
The group also owns Butcombe Brewing Co.
The brewery is based in Wrington, Bristol, and is known for its award-winning beers, including Butcombe Original, Tall Tales Pale Ale and Goram IPA Zero.
Oxford News
Jeremy Clarkson among famous men backing cancer treatment
English actor and broadcaster Peter Duncan, 72, who has written and directed pantomimes for Oxford Playhouse, is urging health authorities to approve focal therapy more broadly across the UK.
Mr Duncan, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, called the treatment “life-changing” after it successfully targeted the cancerous part of his prostate with minimal side effects.
Jeremy Clarkson is some of a few famous faces who have received focal therapy for prostate cancer (Image: PA)
Other public figures who have received focal therapy include Jeremy Clarkson and former prime minister Lord David Cameron.
Mr Duncan said: “I was originally offered a radical prostatectomy which would have removed the whole prostate, but I was lucky enough to be treated with focal therapy which was better for me and a less invasive option.
“It was a complete success, and I’ve only experienced very minor after-effects, allowing me to continue with my life as before.”
The treatment is backed by Prostate Cancer UK, which is urging the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to review and approve the treatment for wider use on the NHS.
Peter Duncan received prostate cancer therapy accessed by Jeremy Clarkson (Image: Alistair Wilson)
Amy Rylance, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Without a timeline from Nice, we simply don’t know how long men will have to wait for approval on the NHS.”
A recent report from Imperial College London found focal therapy is as effective as radiotherapy or surgery but carries a much lower risk of incontinence or erectile dysfunction.
One in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Oxford News
Criminal broke into Oxford home and slept in owner’s bed, court hears
Richie Reeves broke into the home in Westminster Way on January 12 this year.
Oxford Crown Court heard how the 33-year-old, of Bristow Close, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, spent the night there and then stole some pants and socks before leaving.
As well as this, Reeves was sentenced, on August 6, for stealing bank cards in various locations and then using them to buy things for himself.
Reeves stole a bank card, wallet and cash belonging to John Keen in Oxford on January 17.
READ MORE: Oxford University student from China found dead at accommodation
Richie Reeves (Image: TVP)
He also stole bank cards belonging to Gordon Boland and Aya Zemzam in Milton Keynes in April.
Using the bank cards, the total he spent was £586.87.
Judge Maria Lamb said: “You broke into a young man’s home. You slept in his bed and helped yourself to his belongings.
“The feeling of intrusion to that young man must have been very significant. You were a rough sleeper and entrenched in substance misuse.
“You are now beginning to realise the impact of your offending on other people. It has had an enduring impact. You are now seeking to turn things around.”
Reeves was jailed for a total of 16 months.
The judge added: “I hope you build on the work you are doing already.”
Oxford News
Second weapon unveiled by police to combat e-scooters and e-bikes
It was reported earlier this week that Southampton’s officers had started using DeterTech’s SmartTag spray.
This can be fired from a handheld canister over distances of up to 10 metres, coating riders, clothing and bikes with an invisible marker.
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The spray is only detectable under ultraviolet light and carries a unique forensic code linked to the specific canister used, allowing investigators to match a suspect to a particular incident weeks or even months later.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary says the technology gives officers a safer tactical option when dealing with motorcycles, e‑bikes and e‑scooters being used in crime or anti‑social behaviour, reducing the need for risky pursuits or close confrontation.
The move comes amid growing complaints about riders using powered two‑wheelers on pavements and in public spaces, and follows similar trials by Dorset Police and other forces to tag offenders rather than chasing them through busy streets.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire shop to permanently close with all products now £1
Thames Valley Police has told this newspaper this week that a second spray is being used in Oxfordshire and across the region.
The DNA tagging spray from SelectaDNA acts in a similar way and is also being used to combat e-bikes and e-scooters.
TVP, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, has already seized more than 100 illegal machines in recent operations and warned that privately owned e‑scooters used on public roads risk fines, penalty points and confiscation.
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