Oxford News
TV legend, 91, to open landmark event after retirement home ‘joy’
Dame Mary Berry was a judge on the Great British Bake Off during the BBC years between 2010 and 2016 before it left for Channel 4.
She has lived in Henley, in the south of Oxfordshire, with her husband Paul Hunnings, since 2019, having previously lived in London.
Now, the 91-year-old has been announced as opening the Nettlebed Art and Craft Show for its 72nd year.
Mary Berry arrives during Derby Day (Image: Matt Alexander for The Jockey Club / PA)
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The event includes the work of artists, both professional and amateur, who live within a 20-mile radius of the village.
Organiser Harriet Archer told the Henley Standard: “We are very excited to announce that we’ve actually got a special guest, Dame Mary Berry, coming to open the show on Saturday morning. She will be making an appearance around 11.15am to 11.30am.
“She’s going to say a few words and have a walk-round. It will be nice to have her there, and we hope this will attract lots of visitors to view the show as it opens.”
This announcement comes after Dame Mary was on hand to help open Audley Shiplake Meadows on Reading Road in Henley.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes major change to grounds at Cotswolds pub
The retirement village is home to 65 senior living apartments, duplex penthouses and cottages for people over the age of 65 years old.
At the retirement home unveiling, Dame Mary said: “It was such a joy to be part of Audley Shiplake Meadows’ official opening event.
“Having called this area home for the past seven years, I know the new homeowners will be very happy here.”
Dame Mary was also recently awarded the Bafta Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to television.
“What an honour for a cook to receive the Bafta Fellowship,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it – for just doing what I love.”
Oxford News
Liam Gallagher gives insight into new £4.25m Cotswolds mansion life
The Oasis singer has swapped the city for the countryside by moving into Dockem House in the village of Coates near Cirencester.
The eight‑bedroom home, previously owned by ex‑Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams, sits in around five acres of grounds and comes with a pool, tennis court, stables and a separate cottage.
Speaking about his new life in the Cotswolds, Mr Gallagher says the move has been far more low‑key than some might expect of a rock star.
READ MORE: TV legend, 91, to open landmark event after ‘joy’ at retirement home
Liam Gallagher.
The 53-year-old told The Sun: “People round here mind their own business, and I mind mine. I’m not out every night, and I’m not doing anything dodgy.”
Mr Gallagher revealed that far from being wary of their famous neighbour, locals have gone out of their way to make him feel welcome.
He said: “My neighbours have been lovely. One of them bakes us cakes, and if I’m in the pub they’ll buy me a drink.”
The singer previously reached out to villagers on social media, promising to keep a low profile after news of the purchase emerged.
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Liam Gallagher has purchased Dockem House in the Cotswolds. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Gallagher wrote: “To the beautiful people of the Cotswolds, I come in peace.
“You won’t even know I’m there. I’m not like those flashy celebs who like to show off, I’m lo‑fi. As you were, LG x.”
The singer is understood to have been spending increasing amounts of time in Gloucestershire with fiancée Debbie Gwyther, having previously rented a nearby mansion before deciding to buy.
National reports suggest the deal for Dockem House followed the hugely lucrative Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour, which has been credited with helping fund the move.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes major change to grounds at Cotswolds pub
Coates, a small village of around 500 people, has become part of a wider celebrity belt in the Cotswolds, with stars drawn by its quiet lanes, rural views and good rail and road links to London and the Midlands.
Mr Gallagher’s comments about cake‑baking neighbours and relaxed pub visits suggest he is keen to show that, for now, life in his new corner of the country is more about community than rock ’n’ roll chaos.
The quotes and details about Mr Gallagher’s new life in the Cotswolds are taken from an interview and coverage in The Sun, which is credited for its exclusive insight.
Property commentators say Mr Gallagher’s £4.2m purchase underlines how high‑end Cotswolds homes continue to attract buyers who want rural seclusion without losing easy access to London and the Midlands.
Oxford News
A34 crash – update on woman fighting for life
The woman, in her 40s, was travelling northbound when she became involved in an incident.
Her white Vauxhall Corsa was found in a ditch as the side of the dual carriageway near East Ilsley, just over the Oxfordshire border.
Emergency services closed the road throughout much of July 8 when the crash happened, causing significant issues to the road network.
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Investigation work had to be carried out to find out what happened.
The motorist, who Thames Valley Police will not say where she is from, was taken to hospital where she remains with serious injuries.
Traffic policeman John Henry Kelly said earlier: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision and would urge anyone who witnessed it, or who may have relevant footage, to please come forward.
“If you have dash-cam footage, please come forward.
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the white Vauxhall Corsa travelling northbound on the A34 to please to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260346786.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Oxford News
Ultra rare UK sighting of bird in Cotswolds first for 25 years
Twitchers have been travelling to the border with Gloucestershire in the hope to spot the rare bird.
It represents only the third British record of long-tailed shrike, with the first sighting only being in the Outer Hebrides in November 2000.
Also known as the rufous-backed shrike, the medium-sized predatory songbird is widely distributed across Asia.
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It is noted for its bold black facial mask and very long tail.
BirdGuides reports the bird was spotted in the UK on July 8, but its presence was kept quiet until July 18.
Birdwatchers were able to locate the shrike on July 19 and it has remained on view ever since, attracting hundreds of people to flock.
Josh Jones of BirdGuides said: “This is a truly extraordinary inland occurrence of what is an extremely rare visitor to Europe from Asia.
“There have only been about 15 European records ever.
“As discussed on the latest episode of the BirdGuides Podcast, long-tailed shrike is one of the rarest species ever to be recorded in Britain and, following the first, almost 26 years had passed without a repeat occurrence.
“On Friday’s episode of the pod, I described the Fife long-tailed shrike as a ‘once in a generation’ rarity.
“It’s typical, then, that another one turned up the very next day. For two to show up in Britain in short succession is completely unexpected.”
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