Crime & Safety
Jeremy Clarkson’s choir in BGT semi-final this month
Originally founded by Jeremy Clarkson in the Cotswolds to advertise his alcohol brand, the group is a collective of real British farmers.
The ‘banned’ advert featured a rendition of the French opera song ‘Flower Duet’ from the opera ‘Lakme’, to advertise Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager.
The choir appeared on Britain’s Got Talent on March 21 and secured a golden buzzer from Amanda Holden during their audition.
During their audition the choir performed the Elbow anthem “One Day Like This” at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
This buzzer sent the 32-strong collective straight through to the live semi-finals.
Mr Clarkson was left visibly moved by the performance as he took to the social media site Instagram to share a raw clip with his instant reaction.
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Japanese hip-hop group World Wings also made it through to the semi-final (Image: ITV)
“I watched Britain’s Got Talent tonight for the first time because the Hawkstone Choir were on and they were just fantastic,” he said, appearing to be close to tears.
“It shows that people quite like farmers. They were very, very good, well done, all of you. I’m a very happy man tonight.”
In March, the choir announced the release of a limited-edition vinyl record, with 100 per cent of the profits being donated to the mental health charity, Shout.
The limited-edition vinyl includes ‘F**k Me It’s Good’, ‘It’s The Dog’s Nuts’, ‘Apples’, and ‘The Stout National Anthem’.
The semi-finals began on May 2 and will continue every Saturday for the rest of this month.
The choir will go against artist like the Japanese hip-hop dancers World Wings, magician Fabian Fox, pupils from Braunstone Community Primary School and dance group LMA.
Crime & Safety
Oxford drug dealer caught with more than £17k in cash jailed
Ronaldo Tasha, of Princes Street, Oxford, was jailed at a sentencing hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, May 1.
The 27-year-old was sentenced for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, namely cocaine, and being in possession of criminal property, namely large volumes of cash notes, in Oxford on April 2.
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Ronaldo Tasha (Image: TVP)
Tasha was given a sentence of 40 months immediate imprisonment.
An order was also made for the forfeiture of cash seized, totalling £17,000.
Orders were also made for the forfeiture and destruction of drugs and paraphernalia.
Tasha must also pay the victim surcharge of £228.
Crime & Safety
TGJones confirms stores may close amid ‘restructuring’
The high street branches of the stationery and supplies chain was rebranded last summer after more than 480 stores were sold to Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft.
It has now announced a restructuring plan, described as ‘an essential part of the company’s turnaround’, which could result in the losses of some stores and jobs in its massive portfolio.
READ MORE: Oxford drug dealer caught with more than £17k in cash jailed
Retail Gazette said stores understood to be at particular risk include the Oxford branch in Cornmarket Street, as well as others in Swindon, Chippenham, Hampshire and North Wales.
The retail giant said the company has been ‘loss-making’ over the past year due to many factors, not least because of ‘the forced name change from WHSmith’, which it claims negatively impacted brand awareness.
WHSmith in Cornmarket Street, before it rebranded to TGJones (Image: Newsquest)
A spokesperson for TGJones said: “TGJones has launched a formal process known as a restructuring plan to make the business fit for the future.
“The plan is an essential part of the company’s turnaround and will support further investment in stores over the long term. Modella Capital has committed to financial contributions totalling more than £35 million as part of the process.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers.
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“Weak consumer spending and cost-of-living pressures, combined with rising operating costs as a direct result of government policy and recent geopolitical events, have meant that the company as a whole has remained loss-making.
“The forced name change from WHSmith has also negatively impacted consumer awareness, despite the fact that the proposition has improved.
TGJones has announced a ‘restructuring plan’ (Image: Newsquest)
“The restructuring plan is designed to protect the substantial core of the store estate and create a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to serve customers for years to come.
“We are extremely grateful to the many stakeholders who have pledged their support, including the Post Office and Toys R Us.”
The company added that ensuring the survival of the ‘iconic’ 234-year-old business is an ‘imperative’ in the scheme.
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Regarding store closures, the spokesperson added: “No decisions have yet been taken on how this will impact roles, but we will aim to preserve as many jobs as possible.
“Any potential store closures or role reductions will be subject to appropriate consultation, and we are committed to engaging openly and constructively with colleagues and their representatives.
“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles.
“We recognise the impact this uncertainty will have on colleagues, their families and the communities we serve.”
Crime & Safety
Greene King pub ready to reopen after major refurbishment
Contractors have been working at The White Horse on the corner of Spring Road and Ock Street in Abingdon, and the pub is expected to reopen at noon on Thursday, May 7.
The pub shut on April 4 so that work could get under way.
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The new managers said they “can’t wait” to welcome customers.
One manager Sean Devey stated: “The White Horse on Ock Street is officially reopening under new management on May 7 – and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
“We’re also on the lookout for a darts team. Think you’ve got what it takes? Get in touch and be part of the action.
“We’re hosting a darts competition on May 26. Spread the word, bring your mates, and let’s make it a night to remember.”
The landlords said in a statement earlier: “We’re really looking forward to becoming part of this amazing community, getting to know you all, and making the pub a warm, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
“Please do pop in after the refurb, say hello, and join us for a drink.”
The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)
The renovation is expected to include a comprehensive remodelling, including a colour touch-up ‘all over’ the pub, a newly decorated back bar, a ‘facelift’ for the toilets, a new darts and bar area, and a redesign for the beer garden.
Before the Greene King pub shut, a notice to customers said: “We’ll miss you. From Doreen and the team at The White Horse, we would like to say a big thank you for everything over the last three years.”
The pub will now be run as a Hive franchise.
The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)
It has been popular for dining, with reasonably priced pub food including fish and chips, and for its big screens which feature sports including Premier League football matches.
The Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said the pub building was Grade II listed.
It added: “Originally owned by the Borough of Abingdon, the White Horse dates back to 1845 and had a number of tenants who were coal merchants and publicans before the Morland family ownership.
“In 1999, Greene King became the new owners and extended this Grade II-listed building to provide dining facilities.
“This traditional English pub has a beer garden in front and its own car park.”
The White Horse was previously run by the town’s Morland brewery which closed in 2000.
The Royal British Legion nearby in Spring Road also has a bar, and hosts bands and other events.
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