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Oxfordshire lymphoedema clinic halts new patients after cuts

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The service, which operated from The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, near Bicester, supported individuals diagnosed with cancer-related lymphoedema across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.

The clinic was run by the Oxfordshire charity under a commission from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board.

However, with funding no longer renewed, the organisation has described the decision to stop accepting new referrals as “disappointing.”

Centre manager Zoe Draper reassured existing patients that their care will not be affected.

She said: “We are so disappointed the funding has not been forthcoming, but we want to reassure existing registered patients that they will continue to receive ongoing care and support throughout this transition.

“While we will no longer be accepting new referrals, all current patients will remain under our care and will continue to be seen as needed.”

Since opening in summer 2024, the clinic has treated nearly 1,000 patients referred by GPs and clinicians across the region.

Founder of The Hummingbird Centre in Bicester, Mechelle Harris, and centre manager Zoe Draper (Image: The Hummingbird Centre)

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling due to a failure in the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid effectively. Although incurable, it can often be managed successfully with specialist care.

Founder Mechelle Harris said the charity is now exploring alternative ways to continue offering support, including applying for grants and integrating the service into its complementary therapy provision, noting there remains significant demand.





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Bella Italia is offering £1 spritzes for just one day only

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Bella Italia has announced it will be offering £1 spritzes in celebration of its new Bella Spritz Day.

The £1 offer means visitors can enjoy any of Bella Italia’s five signature Summer Spritzes when buying a main meal or substantial food.

The exclusive offer will run for one day only on Friday, July 10.

What spritz can I get from Bella Italia?

The spritz offer allows customers to choose from its full seasonal menu including Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, Sarti Spritz, Paradise Spritz, and Crodino Spritz.

The deal means guests will save up to £8.79 on a drink.

More than 70 Bella Italia restaurants across the UK will be participating in the day.

A Bella Italia spokesperson said: “Bella Spritz Day is all about bringing people together to celebrate summer and enjoy those moments that matter most.

“By offering our full range of Summer Spritzes for just £1, we’re giving guests the chance to experience a true taste of Italy at incredible value.”

The restaurant is also running a weekday deal until Friday, July 17, where customers can get £15 off their bill when spending £30 or more.

What’s on the Bella Italia menu?

The Italian restaurant chain offers a range of traditional dishes including bruschetta and caprese salad to start and carbonara and goats cheese ravioli as options for mains.

There are also a huge range of pizzas on offer from simple margherita and pepperoni options to a meat feast or you could create your own by adding extra toppings.

If you do not want a full meal, the restaurant offers half sized pizzas that can be enjoyed with a side salad.

Will you be enjoying a spritz on Bella Spritz Day? Let us know in the comments below.





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Costa drops new reusable cups fans say are Stanley dupes

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The new insulated-style tumblers arrive in eye-catching Mango orange and Dragon Fruit pink, complete with a reusable straw, straw cover and ribbed sleeve, giving shoppers a budget-friendly alternative to the premium reusable cups dominating TikTok and Instagram.

With reusable drinkware continuing to fly off shelves, Costa’s latest merchandise could prove just as popular as previous limited-edition collections.

The new reusable cups go on sale in Costa stores from today, Thursday, July 2, alongside the chain’s refreshed summer menu.

They are available while stocks last, meaning shoppers hoping to grab one may need to move quickly.

Costa is also releasing matching refresher-inspired keyrings in bright pink and lime green

There’s a new high-protein coffee too

Alongside the new merchandise, Costa is trialling its first-ever High Protein Latte and High Protein Iced Latte in selected stores.

Made using Costa’s signature Mocha Italia coffee and semi-skimmed milk, each drink contains 23g of protein and can be ordered hot or iced.

Customers can also personalise the drinks with flavoured syrups.

Costa Coffee cream tea bundle (Image: Costa Coffee)


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New cream tea-style deal joins the summer menu

Costa is also introducing a new scone bundle, available between 11am and 5pm in selected stores.

The offer includes an All Butter Sultana Scone, Bonne Maman strawberry conserve, Cornish clotted cream and a handcrafted small or medium drink.

Costa is also giving away free samples of its new Smooth Medium Blend At Home Instant Coffee in stores nationwide while stocks last.

The new reusable cups, keyrings and seasonal menu are available from Thursday, July 2, with merchandise expected to be available only while supplies last.





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Leys Festival to draw thousands to Blackbird Leys Park

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The Leys Festival will return on Saturday, July 11, running from 12pm until 7pm, and will feature music, food, art, science, sport, and more.

Revived in 2024 by residents, the event aims to highlight community spirit and celebrate the cultural diversity of The Leys and east Oxford.

Millie Khisa, producer for Leys Festival 2026 (community engagement), said: “The Leys Festival matters to me because it brings our whole community together in a joyful and meaningful way.

“It celebrates the many cultures and the different generations that make The Leys such a vibrant and resilient place to live.

“For our families, it’s a moment where everyone — from children to elders — feels seen, valued, and part of something bigger.”

This year’s event is in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities and is co-produced with input from more than 40 residents.

Organisers are expecting around 3,000 attendees from across Oxfordshire.

The festival will feature a full day of music, dance, spoken word, food, and activities for all ages.

Highlights include a junior bake-off, carnival arts, science workshops, and a youth sports tournament.

Classic and current Mini cars will be on display thanks to long-time supporter Mini Plant Oxford.

All activities are free, and main meals will be priced at £5 or less.

A new ‘chill zone’ will offer a quiet space with relaxed music and workshops.

The finale will see a festival-wide bubble release.





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