Crime & Safety
Blenheim Palace hosts nearly 800 runners for special event
The public descended on the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, for the 24th version of the OX5 RUN.
The event sees people run, jog and walk five miles across the historic site in aid of Oxford Hospitals Charity, which funds medical equipment, research, training and facilities.
Donations from the organisation have already helped to create Cancer and Heart Centres in the city and the Oxford Children’s Hospital.
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The event began at 10.30am on Sunday, March 22, with runners set off by 13-year-old Eliza Hammond and six-year-old Elliott Williamson, both young patients.
Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)
Elliot, from Beckley, whose surname was not disclosed, has just finished leukaemia treatment on Kamran’s Ward, which cares for children with cancer.
His dad, Guy, was part of Team Kamran’s, the top fundraising team this year.
He said: “I ran the OX5 run as a small way to give back to the hospital that has done so much for us since Elliot was diagnosed with Leukaemia eight months ago.
“His resilience, bravery, and good humour in the face of all he is enduring is inspirational.”
At the OX5 RUN teams of families were joined by many hospital staff, including the 60-strong Team Haem, Children’s Radiology, Oxford Vaccine Group, AAU, Emergency Department, Team Microbiology, PICU, and many more.
Claire Hughes, events officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “It was a glorious sunny day, with a wonderful sense of community and shared purpose.
Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)
“We are so grateful to all the teams of families, hospital staff and the local business community that came together at this special run.
“There was such a wonderful atmosphere, a real coming together, and we are thrilled at how many people seemed to really enjoy the whole day.”
The event was won by 15-year-old Edward Hare, part of the Beth’s Bees team, in 29 minutes exactly, with Erica Davison, of Team Magnet Technology winning the cup for first female in 30m 58s.
Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)
Local businesses taking part included Penny and Sinclair, Oxford Science Park, Magnet Technology and Breckon & Breckon, who also sponsored the medals.
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Ms Hughes added: “Best of all our runners have worked so hard on their fundraising – and we are on track to raise £100,000 or more to make a difference for our young patients.
“Our special thanks to everyone who took part, and also to Breckon & Breckon for their kind sponsorship of the medals, Blenheim Palace for hosting us, and Get Radio for their music and compering on the day.
“Next year marks the 25th anniversary of this truly local event, and we are hoping that people who have taken part throughout the years will join us for a real celebration of all the OX5 RUN has achieved.”
Crime & Safety
Royal Mint Beatrix Potter 50p coins listed for more than £40k
The collection of seven coins, featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, is currently up for sale on eBay.
Despite millions of Peter Rabbit-themed coins being produced, certain versions can attract significant interest online — especially those that are in pristine condition or from limited releases.
Beatrix Potter gold proof coins, like the 2020 Peter Rabbit Gold Proof 50p and the 2016 UK 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter 50p Gold Proof, are especially in demand.
Dealers generally value them between £1,800 and £2,200.
These gold proof coins are significantly more expensive than the ordinary silver proof or the brilliant uncirculated ones, which typically retail for under a few hundred pounds.
Factors such as the number of coins minted, their condition, market demand, and any minting errors influence a coin’s price.
While some coins have managed to secure substantial amounts online, experts suggest collectors focus on recently sold prices, rather than current asking prices.
Professional appraisals are also recommended to accurately determine a coin’s worth.
The Royal Mint has previously said that while some coins can be valuable, many listings reflect sellers’ expectations rather than guaranteed market value.
The Beatrix Potter collection has become one of the most sought-after series among UK coin collectors in recent years.
In summation, while a Beatrix Potter-themed 50p coin may sometimes be worth a substantial amount, various factors significantly influence its market value.
Prospective buyers and collectors are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when participating in online auctions and trades.
Crime & Safety
Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner triumph over neighbours
The married Spice Girl and former F1 boss live at the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire and have been locked in a number of planning battles with neighbours.
Most recently this has been over plans for a horse walker at her stables.
The celebrity pair own a horse racing company called OMBI and have built new stables for 14 horses at their Oxfordshire pad.
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They have employed a full-time trainer, and their horses are all named after Geri’s solo career hits.
But plans for the walker on land adjacent to their main home were met with anger by neighbours – with a number of objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.
Among the concerns were over the height of the building and visual impact, inadequate screening, lighting, and lack of a storage relocation plan.
Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
But planning official Forrest Childs approved the application on Thursday, March 26.
He said in his decision notice that development of this nature in the open countryside “can be acceptable in principle where it supports an existing rural enterprise and does not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area”.
Mr Childs added: “Given that the site already operates as an established equestrian holding, and the proposed horse walker represents a functional and proportionate addition to support the existing use, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”
Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.
They were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.
Last year they were also granted planning permission to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears that it would be a ‘blot on the landscape.’
One anonymous neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker to support the private equestrian use of the adjacent equestrian barn and other equestrian activities, we object to the plans as currently presented.”
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In a statement on behalf of Geri and Christian Horner, a planning agent said the structure “will be largely screened from all angles once the existing new hedging matures”.
The applicant also referenced DEFRA’s code of practice for the welfare of horses.
The planning agent added: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.
“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible.”
Crime & Safety
Banbury makes bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028
Cherwell District Council is working alongside Banbury Town Council and the Quays Consortium to prepare a formal expression of interest for the new national competition, which aims to celebrate the cultural and heritage contributions of towns across the country.
David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “I’m proud to confirm that alongside our partners we will be submitting an expression of interest for Banbury to be recognised as the UK Town of Culture 2028.
“This competition is our opportunity to show the rich, diverse and historic heritage that makes Banbury so special and unique, and to leave a lasting legacy for the future.
“From our outdoor market, thriving community initiatives, popular festivals, grassroots arts and wellbeing projects, to youth sporting programmes, culture is already at the heart of Banbury, and this bid will help us shine a spotlight on the town, its people and its stories.”
The UK Town of Culture 2028 winner will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and activities.
Banbury’s expression of interest will showcase its distinct identity and outline how the programme could broaden resident engagement, increase access to arts and heritage, and involve communities in shaping the design and legacy of the programme.
The council is engaging with partners such as Banbury Museum, The Mill Arts Centre, cultural organisations, businesses, and community groups to strengthen the bid and realise the town’s cultural ambitions.
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