Oxford News
RAF Brize Norton hosts Carterton Community College students
The visit, hosted by 99 Squadron, was part of activities marking the Month of the Military Child, which recognises the ‘resilience, strength and sacrifices’ of children from military families.
During the visit, more than 30 students from RAF families were given an inside look at a C-17 Globemaster, a long-range transport aircraft used in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
Students explored all areas of the plane, including the cockpit, cargo systems, troop seating, defensive laser technology and even the on-board toilet.
Addison Page, 14, a year 9 student at Carterton Community College whose father serves as an RAF Mover, said: “I did want to be a pilot but I’ve decided to be a civvy truck driver.
“My passion is plane spotting and I’m planning to go to RIAT this year, at RAF Fairford.”
Addison spoke about the growing community of aviation enthusiasts, known as ‘avgeeks,’ at RAF Fairford.
He said: “It’s a total passion of mine.
“You just have to guess which aircraft are going to take off or land.
“You can certainly hear the American B-1s getting ready to fly.”
Brize Norton is the largest Royal Air Force base in the entire UK. It is located near the towns of Carterton and Witney.
Oxford News
Witney Town Council inviting residents to the town meeting
It will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 7pm in the Gallery Room at the Corn Exchange.
The agenda includes the election of the town mayor, deputy mayor, leader, and deputy leader, as well as the appointment of committees, sub-committees, and working parties.
Councillors will also review and adopt standing orders, financial regulations, and the code of conduct.
A public participation session will allow residents to share their views.
The meeting will be broadcast live via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in person.
Links to the livestream and full agenda are available on the council’s website.
Witney Town Council encourages all residents to get involved and stay informed about local decisions.
Oxford News
Blenheim Palace to host Agria International Horse Trials
The 2026 Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials runs from September 17 to 20.
It brings together top competitors, rising equine stars and fresh lifestyle attractions in a packed four-day programme.
Katrina Midgley, event director, said: “2026 is shaping up to be an interesting mix of what the event is known and loved for as well as some brand-new highlights.
“From exceptional sport and curated shopping to exciting entertainment and our new Adventure Play offering, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
The headline CCI4*-L event returns this year, testing horse and rider across dressage, cross-country and showjumping in one of the sport’s most well-regarded competitions.
The GFS Saddles CCI4*-S for eight and nine-year-olds will also be back, as well as the popular evoke Eventer Challenge.
This sees teams representing Riding and Pony Clubs from across the UK compete for top honours.
New for 2026 is an enhanced lifestyle and fashion offering.
This will feature a curated selection of premium brands, with special focus on Cotswold-based artisans and regional craftsmanship.
Cotswold Collective, a business community platform supporting Cotswolds enterprises, will curate a section titled Created in the Cotswolds.
This aims to showcase promoting the value to the local community and breadth of businesses based in the region.
Femme Country Magazine will lead The Friday Fashion Forecast, transforming the Chat Stage Theatre into a dedicated fashion hub for one day only.
Talks and discussions will cover topics such as building your own timeless wardrobe, a history of equine-inspired style, the psychology behind what you wear and a behind-the-scenes look at creating a leading fashion publication.
Sunday has been designated a family day, with a full schedule of entertainment for all ages.
Highlights include falconry displays, a world-class sheep show, dog agility demonstrations and ‘have a go’, plus a variety of pony activities.
Children can look forward to the Shetland Pony Grand National, Mini Landers and other interactive equestrian experiences.
A new ticket discount will give families access to Blenheim Palace’s Adventure Play area, featuring tunnels, bridges, a toddler zone and more.
Single-entry tickets for Adventure Play will be available from Thursday to Sunday.
Horse Trials ticket holders can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount on entry to Blenheim Palace.
This year also introduces Attelage de Tradition, a traditional carriage driving competition.
This one-day, three-phase event celebrates the history, beauty and elegance of horse-drawn vehicles and the partnership between horse and driver.
Visitors can also enjoy food and drink from across the region, including the return of Fortnum & Mason picnic hampers.
Early bird tickets start from £22, with free entry for under 12s.
Oxford News
New Lego store to open at Oxford Westgate this week
Joining the ranks of Primark, TK Maxx, John Lewis and more, the toy shop is the latest addition to the city centre retail spot.
A spokeswoman for the Westgate previously confirmed the shop would be opening in “early May”.
Then in February, hoardings started to appear, covering the empty ground-floor unit, which Lego is moving into.
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In an update last month, the official opening day date was confirmed to be this Thursday (May 7).
The hoardings outside feature the brand’s logo as well as iconic Oxford sights made in brick form, including rowers and Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera.
It will be Oxfordshire’s first Lego store despite selling products inside shops such as Toys R Us and supermarkets.
Lego has stores in Reading, Milton Keynes, Bristol and London.
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Shweta Munshi, vice president of marketing at the Lego Group, said earlier: “We have found the perfect site at Westgate Oxford.
“The new store will allow builders of all ages to be inspired by the endless play opportunities Lego building has to offer.
“This store will be a top destination for product launches and events, while acting as a hub for our Lego community and new builders alike.”
The Westgate unit was formerly a temporary Christmas decorations and gift shop in the past.
Standing empty ever since, the unit is next to one of the entrances and exits to the shopping centre on the ground level.
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