Oxford News
Nostalgic pictures of May Morning in Oxford over the years
Thousands of people lined up on the streets of Oxford, from the High Street to the Plain Roundabout, to hear the Magdalen College Choir welcome the sunrise with music.
It’s a tradition that has gone back half a millennium, with only vague ideas about how it began, but a reliable turnout of locals, students and visitors alike for the early start.
Jodie Spencer on the shoulders of her boyfriend at May Morning, 2014 (Image: Mark Hemsworth)
READ MORE: Crowds of 18,500 people celebrate May Morning in Oxford
This time on Looking Back, we’ve gathered some of our favourite pictures from May Morning in the last decade or so, representing just a fraction of this long history.
Students up all night into May Morning on Magdalen Bridge, 2014 (Image: Mark Hemsworth)
We have images of sleepy students on Magdalen Bridge clearly on the other side of an all-nighter, and incredible commitments to costumes in this gallery.
The traditional Morris dancers are also featured, as are musicians and choirboys – pictured at the top of the tower.
Take a look back at this May Morning gallery from the Oxford Mail archive.
Oxford News
Bin collection warning issued for Oxfordshire households
With the hot weather returning to the UK this week, West Oxfordshire District Council has warned some bin collections may be brought forward to earlier in the day.
The authority says this will allow crews to carry out their work safely while avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Temperatures are expected to climb back up to 30C on select days next week, with the government issuing a heat health warning.
READ MORE: Iconic RAF base to help Red Arrows special tour of America
A spokesman for the council said: “To ensure your waste is collected, we kindly ask residents to place their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by no later than 6am.
“You can check your collection day online: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/…/check-your-collection-day/
“These temporary changes are determined by our waste contractor and are typically introduced during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep our crews safe during warmer weather.”
An amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office, scheduled for Monday, June 22 from 1am until 23.59pm on Tuesday, June 23.
The Met Office said: “Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat”.
The forecaster also said motorists may see delays on roads plus anyone travelling by rail or air could also find journeys take longer.
Oxford News
Witney marks World Refugee Day by flying the Refugee Flag
The Refugee Flag was flown at Witney Town Hall to mark World Refugee Day.
Mayor Councillor Jane Doughty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Simpson raised the flag in support of refugees living in Witney and around the world.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
In an online post, Witney Town Council said: “This morning, the Mayor, Cllr Jane Doughty, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sandra Simpson, raised the Refugee Flag at the Town Hall, marking World Refugee Day.
“The flag is raised every year on the flagpole as a gesture of solidarity with the refugee community here in Witney and across the world.”
Oxford News
Police: Wantage rapist is a ‘dangerous sexual predator’
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage
He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Najeebullah Arab, jailed for committing violent sexual offences against women in Wantage (Image: Madeleine Evans)
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
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