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Dragons appearing in gardens in South Oxfordshire village

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Villagers in West Hagbourne, near Didcot, created model dragons as part of an annual St George’s Day tradition.

This tradition, which started in 2009, involves villagers crafting varied, imaginative dragons from materials like papier-mâché, wire, and paper, and placing them throughout the village – with many featuring in residents’ gardens.

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Over the years the event has been organised by the West Hagbourne Village Association, and is designed to celebrate St George’s Day and encourage community involvement.

Hazel and Robert Griffiths with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

While Justine Thompson chose a table tennis theme, Dan Tozer’s design referenced learner drivers.

St George’s Day, celebrated annually on April 23, is the feast day of Saint George, the patron saint of England, marking his death in 303 AD.

Rosie Gardener with her dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Emily, Oliver and Maureen Hall with their dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

Dan Tozer with his dragon (Image: Frank Dumbleton)

It is celebrated with parades, flags, and traditional food, although it is not a bank holiday.

In the run-up to this year’s St George’s Day, flags showing the Cross of St George and the Union Flag have been placed on lampposts across the county by Raise The Colours: Oxfordshire, a voluntary group.

The county council has issued a legal notice in a bid to ban the placing of the flags on lampposts and council staff have removed some of them.





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Oxford United tribute at awards night for Amelia Aplin

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The young player died at the age of 15 earlier in the season in March, in an incident which shocked the club and its supporters.

She collapsed on the pitch at the club’s training centre, Oxford Sports Park, during a girl’s academy game against Fulham in March, and it was announced she died later that evening.

Amelia Aplin, 15, played for Oxford United's Junior Premier League.Amelia Aplin, 15, played for Oxford United’s Junior Premier League. (Image: Oxford United)

An outpouring of tributes from the club, other players and supporters, as well as other football clubs followed the news at the time, and a minute’s silence was held in her memory at Oxford United’s ensuing home match against Blackburn Rovers in March.

READ MORE: Burst pipe near Abingdon as homes without water and school closed

On Sunday night (April 26) Oxford United held its End of Season Award Evening, with winners across the men’s, women’s and academy teams.

Tributes have been paid to Oxford United goalkeeper Amelia Aplin after her sudden death at the weekend.Tributes were left for Amelia Aplin after her death in March (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

In a touching tribute, the club announced that this year’s Women’s Young Player of the Year Award was awarded to Amelia Aplin, in her memory.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Amelia sadly passed away earlier this season at the age of just 15.

“In her memory, this award will now be named the Amelia Aplin Women’s Young Player of the Year Award for future seasons. Forever Yellow.”

The gesture was commended by supporters, with many describing it as a ‘lovely touch’.





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Sky Sports to show some Women’s T20 World Cup for free

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All 12 group matches involving England, Scotland and Ireland will be shown on specific services.

Additionally, the semi-finals and final won’t have a paywall for those interested in watching.

The tournament, which is being hosted in England and Wales, will begin on Friday, June 12.

New Zealand won the last T20 World Cup back in 2024 and will be looking to retain their title, while England will be looking for their first success since 2009.

How to watch 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup games for free

All of England, Scotland and Ireland’s group games will be available to watch without subscription via the Sky Sports App.

Meanwhile, all of England’s group matches, plus Scotland vs Ireland, will be shown free-to-air on Sky Mix, which will also broadcast the final.

Alongside that, the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday, June 12, will be broadcast on Sky One and via Sky Sports’ YouTube channel as well as Sky Sports’ linear channels.

Those who are subscribed to Sky Sports and NOW will be able to watch every game live.

Jonathan Licht, Sky’s chief sports officer UK & Ireland, said: “We believe this summer can be a defining moment for women’s cricket.

“By making many of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup matches available to everyone, we can reach new audiences, build fandom and inspire the next generation.

“At Sky Sports, we’re not just broadcasting women’s sport, we’re a partner in its growth, working with the ICC and ECB to make these moments as impactful as possible.”


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Beth Barrett-Wild, tournament director, said: “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to bring world-class players, incredible performances, and unmissable moments to brilliant venues across England and Wales, and we couldn’t be happier that even more people will be able to experience the spectacle live via this extensive Sky Sports coverage plan.

“With many of the biggest matches, including the opener at Edgbaston on 12 June and the Final at Lord’s on 5 July, available to everybody, the stage is set for an incredible World Cup, where battles will be fought, names will be made and new fans will fall in love with women’s cricket forever.”

Will you be watching the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this summer? Let us know in the comments.





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Oxfordshire hairdresser to aim for LOréal Colour Trophy

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Izzie Adams, a stylist at Idlewild Hairdressing in Abingdon, will compete at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final on July 6 after impressing judges at the regional semi-final in Bristol.

Her winning look combined ‘deep berry and jewel-toned reds’ with a sharp, glossy bob, earning her praise for both technical skill and creative flair.

Mark Creed, director at Idlewild Hairdressing, said: “We are incredibly proud of Izzie’s achievement.

“Reaching the Grand Final of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is a testament to her dedication, skill, and creative passion.

“We are thrilled to see her talent recognised at such a high level, and we cannot wait to cheer her on in London.”

The grand final will be held at the O2 in London and is expected to draw an audience of more than 2,000 industry professionals and guests.

Guests will enjoy fine dining and a series of catwalk shows before the national winner is announced.

Idlewild Hairdressing is encouraging the community to show their support for Ms Adams as she prepares to represent Oxfordshire on the national stage.

The salon group is known for its precision cutting and creative colouring.

It prides itself on delivering ‘bespoke styles that embrace the latest industry trends’ through a team of skilled and passionate professionals.





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