Oxford News
Three heroes who died in Bicester Motion fire
All three were praised for being heroes on that fateful day on May 15, 2025, for their actions in helping rescue or put out the devastating fire.
Jennie Logan’s mother, father and sister Emilie paid tribute to her “bravery and fearlessness” as they described her as a “force to be reckoned with”.
The 30-year-old was given a full ceremonial fire service funeral, with mourners paying tribute to her bravery, fearlessness and dedication to the fire brigade.
Ms Logan’s coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried atop an aerial ladder platform fire engine through the streets of Bicester on June 14.
She was the second female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime, following Fleur Lombard, 21, who died in Bristol in 1996.
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The family of Martyn Sadler, 38, said he was “born to be a firefighter” and added: “Coming from a strong fire service family it was always in his blood, but it was significantly more than that with him, it was his life.”
Mr Sadler had just completed 20 years’ service when he died, having joined as a cadet aged 14.
His first full-time post was with Berkshire Fire Service before joining the London Fire Brigade in 2022, and he was also a retained firefighter with the Oxfordshire service.
He was given a full ceremonial fire service funeral on July 31, with mourners paying tribute to his bravery, fearlessness and dedication to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Mr Sadler’s coffin, draped in the Union flag, was carried atop an aerial ladder platform fire engine through the streets of Bicester.
Hundreds of people gathered along the route of in respectful silence for both firefighters’ funerals while uniformed firefighters marched behind the coffin.
Dave Chester, a 57-year-old father of two, was described by his family as “Bicester born and bred” with a “quirky sense of humour”.
“He was not a victim but a hero,” they said.
“He died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.”
Mr Chester, a businessman from Bicester, died after helping fire crews “without hesitation”, his family said.
The family added: “Dave was always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help.
“This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation.
“He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.
“Although he is no longer with us, he will always be in our hearts and his legacy will continue.”
David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.
The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”
Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.
The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.
Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.
“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”
More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.
The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.
All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
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