Oxford News
Miriam Margolyes to receive award despite calls to strip OBE
The actress, who was born and grew up in the city, is well known to audiences around the world after starring as Professor Sprout in several of the Harry Potter films.
Known for her character actor work across film, television, and stage, she received the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film, The Age of Innocence.
Ms Margolyes was awarded an OBE in 2002 for services to drama, but there were calls for this to be taken back last year.
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The 85-year-old, who is Jewish, had spoken to The Big Issue about Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
She said that it reminded her of the Holocaust and added: “The terrible thing I face is that Hitler won. He changed us, made us like him.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has responded to Ms Margolyes’ remarks and labelled them as “repugnant”.
Previously responding to the uproar in comments reported by Edinburgh Live, Ms Margolyes said: “I’m not antisemitic, I’m anti-killing children,” she said, as reported by Edinburgh Live.
“I am criticising the Israeli government. But I am also criticising the Jewish people in the UK, the community that I belong to, which is not coming out in support of me.
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“I just want people not to kill each other.”
Now, Ms Margolyes is set to be honoured with this year’s Raindance Icon Award at the Raindance Film Festival, which runs in London from June 17 to 26.
The veteran actor will be presented with the prize at the festival’s opening gala on June 17, following the UK premiere of Michel Parandi’s “April X.”
Ms Margolyes recently appeared in Lee Knight’s short “A Friend of Dorothy,” which first screened at Raindance around a year ago before enjoying a strong festival run that led to an Academy Award nomination for best live-action short.
Mr Knight, who directed the film, will present the new Icon Award in what organisers have dubbed a “full circle moment.”
READ MORE: Harry Potter star Emma Watson leaves Oxford University for Italy
In “A Friend of Dorothy,” Margolyes plays a widow whose quiet routine is disrupted when a teenager, played by Alistair Nwachukwu, accidentally sends his football into her garden, with the pair forming an unexpected friendship built on shared loneliness.
Speaking to Variety about the Raindance honour, the ever-frank Margolyes said: “I didn’t quite believe it!”
“Everybody likes awards, but in my secret heart, I think awards are not good for people because they become smug.
“I don’t want to become smug. And there are so many brilliant performers, and everybody sometimes deserves an award. So it’s my turn! I am going to accept it gratefully and hopefully gracefully.”
Oxford News
Paddy Power new customer offer: Get £50 in free bets for World Cup
What is the Paddy Power Sign Up offer?
Paddy Power’s welcome offer gives new users the chance to get £50 in free Bet Builders from a £10 stake.
Paddy Power 1 (Image: Better Collective)
Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Free Bets
- Click through to the official Paddy Power sign-up page.
- Fill out your details (name, date of birth, and home address).
- Deposit at least £10 using a UK debit card or Apple Pay (avoid e-wallets like PayPal for your first deposit).
- Place a £10 cash bet on any World Cup market at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater.
- Once your qualifying bet settles, Paddy Power will automatically credit your account with your 5 x £10 free bet builder tokens.
Paddy Power welcome offer review
Every betting offer has its trade-offs. Here is a realistic look at where Paddy Power wins and where they fall a bit short.
Pros
- Expiry Window: Having 90 days to use your free bets means you are never rushed into making selections.
- Bonus Size: £50 in free bets puts their offer comfortably near the top for the World Cup.
- Super Sub Protection: This is easily one of Paddy Power’s best features. If you back a player to score, get carded, or have a shot on target, and they get substituted off early, your bet automatically transfers to the incoming player.
- Paddy’s Rewards Club: Once you are signed up, you can get ongoing weekly free bets (ranging from £5 to £50) depending on how often you play.
Cons
- Locked to Bet Builders: You cannot use the £50 bonus on standard single bets or traditional accumulators; the tokens are restricted entirely to Bet Builder markets.
- Slightly Lower Baseline Odds: While their promotional price boosts are excellent, Paddy Power’s standard match odds can sometimes carry a slightly higher edge.
Paddy Power Free Bet Offer Terms and Conditions
New Customer offer.
- Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled.
- Rewards valid for 90 days.
- Only deposits via Pay by Bank, cards & Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. #ad
Value comparison vs UK bookmakers
Here is how Paddy Power stacks up against other major UK betting brands for the tournament:
Paddy Power 2 (Image: Better Collective)
World Cup betting tips: How to use your bonus
Because your £50 bonus comes split as five £10 free bets, you have plenty of room to experiment.
The smartest strategy is to spread your free bets across different matchdays rather than blowing them all on a single evening.
Since they are restricted to Bet Builders, the temptation is to build big, multi-selection bets. However, with several opportunities to try and get it right, it could be worth building a few safe, low-risk 3-leg combinations (such as Team to Win + Over 1.5 Goals + A specific player to commit a foul).
Taking England’s opener against Croatia on Thursday as an example, the Three Lions head into the game off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Costa Rica. With attacking combinations clicking to great effect, it could well propel them into a strong start in Dallas.
Our England vs Croatia Bet Builder:
Harry Kane to Score First
Existing customer promotions on Paddy Power
Super Sub: Automatic Prop Protection
If you love betting on player stats like “Player to be Carded” or “Anytime Goalscorer,” Paddy Power has a massive safety net called Super Sub. If the player you backed gets subbed off early due to an injury or a tactical change, your bet doesn’t die.
Instead, the bet automatically transfers over to the incoming substitute for the rest of the match. If the sub scores, gets carded, or registers the shots you needed, your bet slip still wins.
Beat the Drop: Free Daily Quiz
Beat the Drop is one of Paddy Power’s most popular games, and it is completely free to play every day during the tournament.
You start the game with a pool of cash and are faced with a series of simple yes/no questions about upcoming World Cup matches (for example: “Will there be over 2.5 goals in the England vs Croatia match?”).
You can choose to risk all your money on one answer or split it to play it safe. Whatever cash you have left after answering all the questions is yours to keep as real money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash out a bet funded by a free bet token?
No, Paddy Power disables the cash-out tool for any bet slip placed using promotional free bets. Your wager must run its full course to the final whistle.
Why do live markets suddenly freeze during matches?
Whenever there is a major event—like a penalty, a red card, or a lengthy VAR review—the automated trading system temporarily locks all in-play betting to let the bookmaker adjust the live odds.
What happens to my winnings from the free bets?
Any winnings are paid out immediately as withdrawable cash, minus the original free bet stake. There are no additional wagering hurdles or clearing requirements.
18+ New UK Customers Only. Terms and Conditions apply. Please gamble responsibly. For help and advice, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit BeGambleAware.org.
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Oxford News
No action planned against Oxfordshire travellers, police say
Officers have attended the site which was formed over the weekend off Tamar Way in Didcot.
Thames Valley Police said the officers “engaged” with the travellers who were present, understood to not be a big encampment.
READ MORE: Rubbish dumped across street after bin lorry caught fire
A spokeswoman for the force said: “At this time, no action has been planned in relation to the encampment. We were made aware, attended the scene and engaged.”
This is the second known traveller encampment this week, with another having spent the early part of this week at Oatlands Road recreation ground off Botley Road, Oxford.
The group of about 15 caravans have since left the unauthorised site – albeit with litter and tyre tracks left on the field.
Oxford News
Rubbish dumped over Oxford road after bin lorry fire
The binmen were doing their rounds in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys on Wednesday morning, June 17, when flames came from the back.
At this stage, it’s not clear what was in the lorry to cause the fire, but the most common cause of bin lorry fires is from batteries and vapes thrown into regular household bins.
A spokesman from ODS said: “This morning, one of our recycling vehicles experienced a fire in Blackbird Leys after an item was incorrectly placed in the recycling bin.
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“Following advice from the fire brigade, the crew emptied the waste to prevent the fire from spreading.
“We’re pleased to confirm that no crew members were injured.
“Our highways team has now finished clearing the ejected waste, and our streets team is carrying out a litter pick and sweep to ensure the area is left clean and safe.
Bin lorry fire in Blackbird Leys (Image: ODS)
Bin lorry fire in Blackbird Leys (Image: ODS)
“At this stage, we are hopeful that collections in the Blackbird Leys ward will not be affected, as the team is working to adjust rounds so services can continue as normal.
“A big thank you to the crew and the Fire Brigade for their quick and professional response.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of disposing of waste correctly to keep everyone safe.”
Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for further details from the fire service.
Ward councillor Linda Smith said: “I’m very relieved to hear no one was hurt.
“I don’t have any information as of yet about what caused the fire – but please do not place electrical items, vapes or batteries in your bin.”
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