Crime & Safety
Runner take on ‘friendly and flat’ White Horse Half Marathon
The popular race, celebrating its 41st year, took place on a scenic route through the Vale of the White Horse, starting and finishing in Grove.
Runners weaved through the picturesque villages of Denchworth, Lyford, and Charney Bassett on the unchanged course, known for its personal best potential.
This year, the event saw a sell-out with more than 500 participants, supported by a team of around 80 marshals.
Runners ranged in age from late teens to over 80 years old, with participants enjoying the support and safety provided by dedicated volunteers.
The race headquarters was set up at St John’s Primary School in Grove, with volunteers ensuring the smooth running of the event, marking the course, providing refreshments, and offering much-needed water to participants along the way.
The White Horse Harriers Athletics Club, who organise the event, also expressed gratitude to various local contributors, including TFD Gym Health and Fitness, Olivia Pile for the mug design, Jimmy Blackshaw for spot prizes, and Hendred Vineyard for donating bottles of their sparkling Hendred Brut.
With the race now completed, the organising team is already preparing for their next big summer event, the Uffington White Horse Gallop, set to take place on Sunday, July 26.
This challenging off-road half-marathon follows the hills and trails around the Ridgeway above Wantage, offering spectacular views of the Vale of the White Horse.
For further information, race enthusiasts can reach out via email at whitehorsehalfmarathon@gmail.com.
Crime & Safety
Jeremy Clarkson committed to ‘one last outing’ at event
The 65-year-old former Top Gear and Grand Tour host is to guest star as the auctioneer at his local lido in Chipping Norton.
Mr Clarkson, a resident of Chadlington on his 1,000-acre farm Diddly Squat, has been a regular at Chipping Norton Lido for some years.
Last year, he helped raise £15,500 for the community-run swimming pool and the year prior it was £13,500 with Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper’s promise of a personal tractor lesson in Mr Clarkson’s Lamborghini tractor the highest ticket of the night.
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The latest auction is to happen on Friday, May 8 at Chipping Norton Town Hall.
A spokesman for the auction said: “Catch him while you can – Jeremy Clarkson is returning for one last outing as auctioneer raising vital funds for The Lido.
“Our Auction of Promises will take place on Friday 8 May in Chipping Norton Town Hall and features a host of promises ranging from a clutch of Scotch eggs to the chance to see Jack Savoretti in concert and meet him backstage.
“Tickets are on sale now for what is always a highly entertaining night in a very good cause.”
Among previous items for sale was a conation from Blur bassist-turned-cheesemaker Alex James, who lives in nearby Kingham.
He donated a Blue Monday Cheese plus tickets to his food and music event The Big Feastival.
Crime & Safety
Abingdon – Faces revealed of jailed county lines dealers
James Alder and Brendon Shamu were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, March 27.
Alder, 21, of Limborough Road, Wantage, and Shamu, 27, of Field Gardens, Steventon, near Abingdon, were both charged with drug dealing offences in Abingdon between October 1 last year and January 23 this year.
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Brendon Shamu (Image: TVP)
Both men pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely crack cocaine and heroin.
Shamu also pleaded guilty to being in possession of criminal property, namely £8,795 in cash.
The court heard they were involved with a county drugs line called the Dior Line.
Shamu was jailed for a total of 49 months and Alder for three years.
Orders were made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, paraphernalia, phones and cash.
Crime & Safety
Police update on Oxford man who went missing one year ago
It has now been a year since Stephen, whose surname was never revealed by Thames Valley Police, was last seen.
The 54-year-old was reported missing on Sunday, April 20, last year, having not been heard from since March 30, 2025.
A statement issued by Thames Valley Police on Monday morning (March 30) stated that Stephen stopped at the East Isley Shell garage at approximately 8.15pm on March 31 last year, where he purchased a five-litre fuel can.
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Missing man Stephen (Image: Thames Valley Police)
He then travelled by car, a blue Mazda 3, which was then abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire.
It is thought to have been there since March 31, 2025.
A comprehensive search of Stephen’s car and the area has been conducted, but a fuel can was not located.
Stephen is described by police as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue jeans, an open-necked top, a striped cardigan, walking boots and glasses. He is known to carry a backpack with him.
Stephen also has links to Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Thames Valley Police has now renewed its appeal for the public’s help to find missing man Stephen, releasing a fresh statement today (Monday, March 30).
READ MORE: Seven tiny puppies found abandoned under bush
Example of petrol can purchased by Stephen. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
Lead investigating officer, Detective Inspector Elizabeth Batchelor, said: “Ever since Stephen was reported missing in April last year, we have been growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.
“Our officers have searched the Ridgeway, where his car was abandoned, with support from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue and have been continuing to make enquiries in an effort to trace him.
“We have been working hard to find Stephen since he was reported missing, and we are still appealing for the public’s help to locate him.
“So if you see Stephen, please call 999, quoting the reference number 43250192691.
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Example of petrol can purchased by Stephen. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
“We are also appealing to anyone who may have picked up a green five-litre fuel can, like the one pictured, on or around the time that he went missing, as we believe that this person(s) may have information that could assist our search. The can may have been filled with unleaded petrol.
“We are also asking anyone who may have seen or spoken to Stephen on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to please get in touch.
“Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts, no matter how insignificant or small it may seem, please make a report via our website.
“Stephen, if you see this appeal, please know that you are not in any trouble, but we are concerned for you. So, please contact us and let us know where you are.”
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