Oxford News
Open air pool to extend season despite thunderstorm warnings
Woodstock Open Air Pool in Shipton Road has announced the popular swimming facility will remain open into September, hosting cool water swimming sessions.
It comes after an exceptionally dry and hot summer in Oxfordshire, which led to huge demand for the county’s open air pools and splash parks.
The pool in Woodstock alone last week reported it had welcomed more than 9,000 visitors since May, marking one of its busiest summers ever.
However, the hot and sunny spell has been forecast to pause this week, as the Met Office issued two weather alerts for thunderstorms, hail and flooding on Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27.
A band of heavy showers and thunderstorms is due to move northwards from the south of Oxfordshire to beyond Manchester on both days, bringing with it rain that ‘may be intense’, some surface water flooding, ‘large hail’ and ‘frequent lightning’.
Even so, with good weather predicted to make a return, Woodstock pool’s management company Better said the facility will keep operating from August 31 to September 27.
Woodstock Open Air Pool (Image: Oxford Mail)
A spokesperson for the company said: “Following a fantastic summer of sunshine and sold-out sessions, Woodstock Open Air Pool is extending its season into September.
“From 31 August to 27 September, the pool will return to its popular cool water swimming programme, giving swimmers even more opportunities to take the plunge and enjoy this much-loved outdoor facility.”
“And, if the weather stays on our side, there may even be opportunities to keep the season going a little longer.”
Opening times will vary and swimmers are advised to check the Better website and book ahead where possible.
Oxford News
Oxford Georgian grade-II listed townhouse on the market for £2.5m
The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.
It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”
Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.
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The Georgian townhouse in Oxford (Image: Chancellors)
The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.
On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.
The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.
The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.
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The Georgian townhouse in Oxford (Image: Chancellors)
St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.
The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.
The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.
Oxford News
Manhunt after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
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No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
Police would like to speak to this man following the incident in Temple Cowley Shopping Centre (Image: TVP)
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
Oxford News
IKEA to permanently slash prices on hundreds of products
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
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