Crime & Safety
Young farmers club hosts fun farm competitions in Bicester
Around 300 members of Oxfordshire Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) took part in the event, which featured a variety of activities including tug of war, stock judging, first aid, horse knowledge, and cookery.
A spokesman for Bicester and Islip YFC said: “It was brilliant day, with members show casing their talent and trying new competitions.
“Most importantly they had fun.”
They also said they are ‘looking forward’ to the Oxfordshire Young Farmers County Show and Rally on Sunday 24th May at South Farm, Shifford.
Adding: “It will be a great day out for all the family, with YFC competitions, polo demonstration, heavy horses, sheep shearing, steam engines, vintage tractors, dog show, craft barn and trade stands.”
Long-time supporters and former YFC members were on hand to help judge the competitions.
The Oxfordshire YFC county show and rally will include a packed line-up of events for all ages, from heavy horses and sheep shearing to a dog show, craft barn and vintage tractors.
Crime & Safety
Super car driving packages announced in Oxfordshire
TrackDays.co.uk now offers Platinum and Diamond supercar packages at Abingdon Airfield, Bicester Heritage Centre and Shenington Airfield.
The new experiences feature 14 driving packages, with participants able to take the wheel of world-class cars including Ferraris, Aston Martins, and Lamborghinis.
Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “Spring is the perfect time to launch these incredible Platinum and Diamond Supercar driving experiences as adventure seekers look to spend more time outdoors.
“There’s something for everyone with 14 new supercar driving experiences close by.
“Whether it’s as a treat for yourself, or as a gift for someone special, then it’s hard to beat being behind the wheel of a highly desirable supercar.”
The ‘Blast’ and ‘Thrill’ packages allow guests to drive various numbers of supercars for up to three or six miles, under the guidance of an expert instructor.
Platinum packages include models such as the Aston Martin DB11 and Ferrari California T, while the Diamond experiences feature the Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracan.
The most exclusive packages allow drivers to get behind the wheel of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Aston Martin Vantage 2012 for a true once-in-a-lifetime drive.
Mr Malek said: “Whether it’s a ‘Blast’ or a ‘Thrill’ one thing is guaranteed, a truly memorable occasion that will live long in the memory.”
TrackDays.co.uk has been delivering driving experiences across the UK and Europe since 2004.
Crime & Safety
Nostalgic Earth Trust pictures from the Oxford Mail archive
With a history spanning 40 years, originating with the acquisition of Little Whittenham Wood by the Northmoor Trust for Countryside Conservation in 1982, the charity rebranded as Earth Trust in 2011.
It’s mission is to connect people to nature, “both for their own wellbeing and to inspire action to protect the natural world for the future”.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire pub crowned UK Greene King Pub of the Year 2026
Wednesday saw the world celebrate Earth Day, a global event dedicated to environmental protection, raising awareness about pollution, climate change, and sustainability, which began in 1970.
Inspired by the global day of environmental protection, there couldn’t be a better time to look back at the work of a charity working for the good of the world from within Oxfordshire.
Take a look back through this Oxford Mail archive gallery to find pictures of Earth Trust over the years.
Crime & Safety
Didcot pupils inspired by Courtyard by Marriott visit
Pupils from Aureus School, aged 14 and 15, visited the Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South as part of their hospitality and catering studies, exploring the inner workings of hotel operations.
The visit included a behind-the-scenes look at reception, reservations, and other key departments.
Santiago Montiero, general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, said: “Supporting young people and connecting with our local community is really important to us, so this was a fantastic project to be involved in.
“Hospitality is a people-focused industry, and nothing compares to experiences which help bring it to life for students in a meaningful way.”
One of the highlights of the day was a culinary session led by the hotel’s head chef.
Each group prepared their own lunch, making pizzas, wraps, fresh salads, and chocolate brownies.
They also took part in a Q&A session about careers in hospitality and received certificates recognising their engagement and enthusiasm.
The school said that several students had expressed an interest in exploring hospitality as a career following the visit.
Aureus School pupils will return to the hotel in November to take part in the hotel’s annual tree lighting event.
This visit will further strengthen ties between the hotel and the local community.
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