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Diocese of Oxford ordaines 21 new priests across region

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Twenty-one deacons were made priests during ordinations that took place across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire last weekend, marking a significant step in their ministry after a year serving in parishes.

Services were held throughout the weekend, beginning on Saturday at All Saints in High Wycombe for the Buckingham Area, where Bishop Dave Bull led the ordinations.

The final service took place on Sunday afternoon at St Clement’s Church in Oxford, where Bishop Mary Gregory ordained candidates from the Oxford Area.

Before the service, she prayed with the ordinands that ‘the joy of the Lord would be their strength’ as they entered their new roles.

Dr Isabelle Hamley, Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, highlighted the relationship between faith and doubt, urging the new priests to embrace lives of faithful service rather than certainty.

Now able to preside at Holy Communion, pronounce absolution, and pronounce God’s blessing, the newly ordained priests celebrated the Eucharist for the first time during each of the four services.

Many also had the joy of offering a first priestly blessing to family members and friends.

The group of priests includes Daniel Carter, Joshua Harris, Mark Payne, Lewis Simonds, Thomas Venables, Lucy Bowley, Matthew Clark, Kasja Longuere, Sam Jones, Daniel Kim, Anastasia Riabchuk, Matthew Schrecker, Bethan Willis, Oliver Wright, James Chal, Gemma Ferrier, Szabina Patel, Claire Wren, Phil Rowlandson, Oliver Shaw, and Florence Judson.

Ordained as deacons in 2025, they have served the past year in curacies around the diocese and will continue their ministry as priests.





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Oxford News

Dog seized by police after multiple attacks in Marston

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North East Oxford Neighbourhood officers attended reports of a dangerous dog incident and subsequently made an arrest.

The dog had caused distress for residents and dog owners as it had been involved in several attacks on other dogs.

It remains in secure kennels while the matter proceeds through the courts.

The individual who was arrested has since been charged and has been released on strict court bail conditions until they attend court in connection with the incident.

The Thames Valley Police have acknowledged the upset caused by these events and have expressed hope that their recent actions will reassure the community.

The police also thanked the residents for their patience, support, and the information provided to officers throughout our enquiries.





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Oxford man cycles from Anfield to Kassam for Sobell House

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Mark Temple, a bus driver with Oxford Bus Company, rode in 10 hours and five minutes, raising funds for Sobell House, which provided end-of-life care for his father and grandmother-in-law.

He began the challenge at Anfield, the Liverpool FC stadium, shortly after 4am on Sunday, June 14, and finished at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford.

Mr Temple said: “It felt right to start at Anfield, and I got goosebumps as I’m a massive Liverpool fan.

“It made me a bit nervous as there’s just something special about Anfield. The weather was beautiful and the conditions were perfect.”

He said during the first 10 miles, he was ‘a little bit nervous’, too eager and not concentrating on the plan.

Adding: “But then I started taking in the scenery and enjoying the culmination of eight months of preparation.

“My only real physical struggle was when I got to Chipping Norton and was faced with a couple of huge hills, and I started to have a little bit of self-doubt, but as soon as I saw the signs for Woodstock, it was like I had new legs.

“Normally I’m quite muted when I complete these challenges, but there was an explosion of emotions.

“I picked up my bike and lifted it above my head. My brother was in tears and I just sort of let go.”

Mr Temple was supported throughout his eight months of training by Oxford Bus Company driver Terry Brackett, Michael Stopp from Thames Travel, and his brother Justin Temple.

He said: “Throughout this whole thing, Terry has been a superstar.

“He gave me my training plan and listened to all my moaning, telling me when I was doing too much or too little training.

“My brother worked tirelessly on the map and refined it a couple of days before we started, making little tweaks that made a big difference.

“My support team was always within a mile of me, giving me instructions, shoving food in my face and getting me drinks.”

Sobell House, based in Oxfordshire, offers specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families.

Mark said: “Sobell was my only motivation throughout, and we tweaked the cycle route so we could stop there and at the Oxford Bus Company depot.”

Beth Marsh, director of fundraising at Sobell House, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mark for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of Sobell House.”





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Sugababes and Boy George light up Henley Festival 2026

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The festival, which started on Wednesday July 8 and running until July 12, saw Boy George and Culture Club open, bringing their Grammy Award-winning hits to Henley-on-Thames.

Culture Club, which shot to international stardom in the 1980s, has sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

The Sugababes, who had recently made a comeback with their original line-up, are due to perform on Thursday (July 10).

The group, formed in 1998, was known for its six Number One singles and multiple multi-platinum albums. 

Jo Whiley, a staple of British music, is also performing on Thursday.

Known for her deep connection to the 90s music scene, Jo’s 90s Anthems show is sure to deliver a nostalgic trip down memory lane with hits from Oasis, Blur, and The Prodigy.

Saturday will see Blur’s Alex James take to the stage with Britpop Classical, a concert that combines 90s anthems with the power of an orchestra.

Rounding out the festival on Sunday are the Bootleg Beatles, who will take attendees on a journey through the 1960s with their tribute to the iconic band.

The festival also offers a range of dining options, from fine dining at the Terrace Restaurant to gourmet street food.

The Riverside Restaurant offers a new fine-dining experience.

Henley Festival, the UK’s only black-tie festival, had been held on the banks of the River Thames since 1982.

It was known for its world-class music programme, comedy, art galleries, and sculpture installations.

The festival’s charitable programme, RISE, champions the next generation of creatives, providing paid opportunities to learn, perform, and gain real industry experience.





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