The Ridgeway Stomp covers 100 miles in just five days, starting at Avebury Stones and following the full length of the Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon before finishing in Markyate.

Hertfordshire duo Tim Goodman, 67, and Sara Chegwidden, 50, are taking on the challenge, which is especially meaningful as Mr Goodman is currently living with prostate cancer.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud to be taking on this journey and bringing it all the way home to Markyate.

“But this isn’t just about the finish line – it’s about every single step along the way.

“We’ll be relying on the encouragement of people across all the villages and communities we pass through.”

The pair are calling on residents, including those in Wantage and across south Oxfordshire, to show their support as they pass through each town and village.

They will stop at King Alfreds Head in Wantage for lunch on Tuesday, June 2, at around 1pm.

Their trek will continue through The Bell Inn in Aldworth on Wednesday, June 3, and The Bull in Streatley and The White Hart in Nettlebed on Thursday, June 4.

Mr Goodman said: “Seeing friendly faces, hearing a cheer, or even a quick wave will make a huge difference and help keep us going for everyone affected by cancer.”

The Porch, a front-line day service for homeless and housing insecure people, cordially invites the public to its open day on June 6, from 12pm to 3pm.

Originally run by volunteers at All Saints Convent on Magdalen Road, The Porch started as a grassroots response to local need. It now provides a safe haven for approximately 250 people each year, offering a variety of essential services.

Their support extends beyond meals and laundry services. They offer tailored guidance to individuals, helping them find more stable, positive futures away from crisis and dependency.

Working throughout Oxford, the charity has become a vital part of the support network for individuals facing homelessness.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “To mark this milestone, The Porch is hosting a community Open Day on Saturday 6 June.

“Members of the public are warmly invited to come and see the charity’s work first-hand, meet the team, and learn about the difference four decades of dedication has made to people’s lives in Oxford.”

The open day will give visitors the chance to witness The Porch’s work first-hand, interact with the team, and understand more about the help and support they provide to individuals in crisis, helping transform lives across Oxford.

Flowers, shrubs and trees have disappeared outside many homes and the land covered with tarmac, slabs and shale and turned into car parks.

One reader wrote: “We know people can’t always park in the road, but gardens have been torn up and many look so ugly. Let’s see more pictures of the days when people took pride in their gardens.”

We are always happy to oblige and after our first array of photographs from the annual Oxford in Bloom competition (Memory Lane, July 14), here is another selection.

Picture 1 shows Magdalen College gardeners Bill Bradley, Ed Reid, Tim Bence, Tom Spruce, Emma Harrison and Claire Shepherd, who won the award in the university and college category in 2008.

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Chris Perks, of Palmer Road, Wood Farm, in Picture 2 also from 2008, had his hands full after winning three trophies, for the best kept large front garden, best window box and as a first entrant in the competition.

The Oxford Mail reported that year: “More than 200 green-fingered homeowners and business people turned out for Oxford in Bloom’s annual awards ceremony.

“Hundreds of glittering trophies and framed certificates were handed out throughout the evening at Roman Way Sports and Social Club in Cowley. Gold medals were awarded to 21 gardeners in 20 categories.”

Sacha Kelly, 12, of Horspath Road, Cowley, won the under-11 planter competition. She said she had been a keen gardener since she was eight and it felt great to win.

The Oxford Community School pupil said: “I just love planting things and spending time in the garden.”

Rosemary Spittle, 67, of Leiden Road, Headington, picked up six awards — including three bronze awards and £105 in gift tokens.

Widower Pat Clark, 78, of Finch Close, Headington, won the prize for the Best Kept Small Back Garden.

Magdalen College won gold in the university and college section, while St Christopher’s Primary School pupils claimed top prize for the best schools’ environmental project.

Other winners over the years have included the children with outdoor learning officer Julie Norris in Picture 3 from 2016.

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In Picture 4, Josh Josephs celebrates after winning a junior gold award the same year.

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Picture 5 shows a group of judges, while in Picture 6, we see Karen Roberts, the competition organiser, at Florence Park in 2009.