Oxford News
Bees create a nest in postbox at Carfax in Oxford
Bees had decided to create a nest inside one of the postboxes at Carfax in Oxford city centre and were determined to stay there.
As you can see in Picture 1, beekeeper Bill Humphries donned his protective gear in June 1992 to remove them.
Shoppers no doubt steered clear as he got to work, making sure they didn’t get stung.
We don’t know if Oxford Mail photographer John Lawrence was similarly protected – if he wasn’t, we assume he stayed well clear and used his long lens.
Once Mr Humphries had removed the bees from the right hand box, he was happy, face mast removed, to have his picture taken posting his own letters.
But to be sure, we note in Picture 2, he chose the left hand ‘bee-less’ postbox!
Mr Humphries may have had his feet on the ground, but that wasn’t the case at Enstone, near Chipping Norton, in 1978 – see Pictures 3 and 4.
The Oxford Mail reported: “Bats in the belfry are commonplace, but at St Kenelm’s church at Enstone, a swarm of bees made its home in the bell tower.
“A ‘congregation’ of about 20,000 bees settled in one of the highest and most inaccessible corners of the church – inside the cavity of a two-feet thick wall.
“Well protected and precariously perched on top of a ladder, retired sub-postmaster Hedley Clarke attempted to coax the swarm out of the wall.
“Helped by Richard Harding, from the village post office, he cut out a section of the nest and put it into a box on the floor of the bell tower.
“But even when the bees decided to abandon their cavity home, Mr Clarke still faced the problem of lowering the box and its contents from the top of the tower to the ground.
“He managed to get the bees down the staircase and took them two and a half miles away.”
Mr Clarke, a keen beekeeper, who had six hives producing honey, said: “I got stung only twice.”
The Oxford Mail headline above the story read: ‘They’ve buzzed off.’
Picture 5 shows Wolvercote beekeeper Mr E D Williams, without protection, confidently removing a swarm which invaded the Oxford University cricket ground in the Parks in 1962.
The bees held up play in the University’s match against Worcestershire as they buzzed across the field towards the pavilion which quickly emptied.
They then settled on a gate before Mr Williams collected them. He later removed a second swarm from St Hugh’s College.
In Picture 6, we see a less dramatic scene – bee enthusiasts at Blenheim Palace in 1967 looking at an ‘apidictor’, which measures and records sounds in a hive.
Father Clive Dytor, parish priest for Chipping Norton and Charlbury, visited The Fox Inn in Middle Barton, which is set to reopen on Saturday, July 18.
The pub, which was closed in 2023, has been taken over by businessman Tony O’Sullivan after a community campaign to ensure its reopening.
The Fox Inn, a building of historical significance, has been part of the village since at least 1809.
A spokesperson for the pub said on social media: “Tony was honoured to welcome Father Clive to The Fox today for a special blessing of the pub.
“As a proud Catholic, Tony was keen to have The Fox blessed as we continue its restoration and prepare to welcome the community through its doors once again.
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“The blessing marks an important milestone in our journey, and we hope it brings prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to everyone who visits.
“We are grateful to Father Clive for taking the time to visit and share this special moment with us.”
Father Clive was awarded the Military Cross in the Falklands War after leading his Royal Marines unit in an assault on an Argentine machine gun position.
He became an Anglican priest and a public school headmaster before converting to Catholicism.
The former England footballer, who co-owns Inter Miami CF, met the squad in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with sons Cruz and Romeo ahead of the match against Norway.
Beckham was seen warmly greeting players, including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane, with hugs and handshakes.
His visit came on the eve of the highly anticipated last-eight encounter in the Miami heat at Hard Rock Stadium.
The England squad arrived in Florida on Friday and began training at Inter Miami’s facilities.
Beckham, 51, showed his support by attending the training session and speaking to the players in the gym before they hit the field.
The former Manchester United and England great, who earned 115 caps for his country, has been seen at numerous World Cup matches this summer.
Since his move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy in 2007, Beckham has been a significant influence on Major League Soccer (MLS).
His unique deal allowed him to purchase an expansion club at a discounted price, which led to the creation of Inter Miami.
Despite some challenges since the team’s first season in 2020, the arrival of Lionel Messi has helped propel the club to new heights.
However, Beckham’s day was marked by the absence of his eldest son, Brooklyn, who was noticeably missing from the family gathering.
The match against Norway is set to take place today, with England fans eagerly anticipating the outcome.
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4, finished in the rare Verde Blenheim colour, will be showcased at the luxury automotive event at Blenheim Palace this September in the Passione Ferrari Concours class.
One of just three models originally painted in Verde Blenheim – and believed to be the only one with a beige interior – the car was first registered in January 1972 and delivered to its original owner, Baron Giovanni Silvestri, the following month.
Andrew Bagley, chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: “The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is one of those cars that is often overshadowed by some of Ferrari’s more famous models, but those who know them appreciate just how special they are.
“To find an example as rare and original as this is remarkable enough, but the fact it is finished in Verde Blenheim makes the Salon Privé Concours field at Blenheim Palace, the ideal stage for the 365, where its owners can showcase its rarity, provenance, and fascinating history in equal measure.”
The car spent more than 40 years in Italy, passing through several owners before moving to Germany in 2013.
Salon Privé 2026 will mark its first public appearance at Blenheim Palace.
Built between 1971 and 1972, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 features a 4.4-litre Colombo V12 engine producing 340bhp and was capable of reaching speeds up to 163mph.
Only 505 units were ever produced, making it even rarer than the iconic Ferrari Daytona.
Designed by Pininfarina, the car is equipped with pop-up headlights, power steering, air conditioning, and occasional rear seating, offering a blend of high performance and long-distance comfort.
The 365 GTC/4 joins a standout collection of entries at this year’s Salon Privé, including a 1952 Ferrari 212 Coupé Speciale by Ghia – originally owned by Argentinian president Juan Perón – a 1953 Bristol 404 Prototype, a 1963 Mercedes-Benz Roadster 300SL, and a 1982 Lamborghini Countach 5000S.
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 6.
The event will feature the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, which will showcase some of the rarest and most significant privately-owned vehicles from around the world, judged by an international panel of experts.
Other highlights include Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Concours de Vente, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday, and Lifestyle Clubs Day.
For ticket bookings, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/.
To enter a vehicle in this year’s Concours, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/apply-to-enter/.
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