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Oxford University bids to become major US research centre

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The Rothermere American Institute (RAI) is investing in becoming the leading research centre for understanding the United States with a series of major new initiatives.

Established 25 years ago, the RAI has become the leading interdisciplinary centre in Europe for the study of the US.

But in light of the turbulence in global politics, the institute is now aiming to become the top destination for researchers, students, policymakers and the public in both Europe and the US.

READ MORE: School rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for 22nd consecutive time

Oxford University. (Image: Unsplash)

The RAI has announced today (Thursday, March 19) its first permanent academic post in US politics, called the Churchill Chair of US Politics.

Recruitment will begin immediately for the Associate Professorship, which has been permanently endowed thanks to an anonymous donation.

The postholder will teach students, strengthen the RAI’s engagement with policymakers and the general public, and build a world-leading research group on US politics and international relations.

Named after Sir Winston Churchill, the first recipient of honorary US citizenship, it is in recognition of his commitment to the Anglo-American relationship and his lifelong fascination with the dynamism and political creativity of America.

READ MORE: Cotswolds estate up for sale at £26m after aristocrat’s death

It has been named after Sir Winston Churchill.

The new post will also allow the Institute to set up a taught one-year Master’s course in contemporary US politics and government.

This would be Oxford’s first specialist programme in US politics, which will attract the next generation of leaders in public life, policy, scholarship, and business, training them to think in rigorous, historically-rooted ways about the great challenges of the present.

Professor Adam Smith, Director of the RAI, said: “In a world in which there seems to be an ever-greater urgency to understand what America is doing and where it’s going, the RAI aims to provide thoughtful, evidence-based analysis.

“With our experience in framing the study of the United States from the outside in, we are perfectly positioned to become the go-to centre for policymakers and the wider public seeking an understanding of politics and policies.”

READ MORE: Picturesque Cotswolds village among the best weekend escapes in the UK

A US flag. (Image: Bobbi from Pexels)

He added: “Through our new professorship and ambitious teaching plans, our goal is for the RAI to have a major real-world impact – not only through the students and visiting researchers who would work with us, but also by providing research-led advice on the United States to public and private stakeholders.

“The current restructuring of international relations gives us an opportunity to invest in achieving our vision of making Oxford the global centre for the study of US politics and their place in the global order.”

The RAI community comprises around 40 academics in Oxford, two visiting professors, more than 100 graduate students, and 8 postdoctoral researchers.

US undergraduate students visit every year for a study abroad programme.





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Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner triumph over neighbours

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The married Spice Girl and former F1 boss live at the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire and have been locked in a number of planning battles with neighbours.

Most recently this has been over plans for a horse walker at her stables.

The celebrity pair own a horse racing company called OMBI and have built new stables for 14 horses at their Oxfordshire pad.

READ MORE: David Beckham’s new home plans condemned by neighbour as Blackpool-esque

They have employed a full-time trainer, and their horses are all named after Geri’s solo career hits.

But plans for the walker on land adjacent to their main home were met with anger by neighbours – with a number of objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.

Among the concerns were over the height of the building and visual impact, inadequate screening, lighting, and lack of a storage relocation plan.

Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

But planning official Forrest Childs approved the application on Thursday, March 26.

He said in his decision notice that development of this nature in the open countryside “can be acceptable in principle where it supports an existing rural enterprise and does not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area”.

Mr Childs added: “Given that the site already operates as an established equestrian holding, and the proposed horse walker represents a functional and proportionate addition to support the existing use, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”

Grade II listed former vicarage, home to Geri and Christian Horner (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)

The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.

They were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.

Last year they were also granted planning permission to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears that it would be a ‘blot on the landscape.’

One anonymous neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker to support the private equestrian use of the adjacent equestrian barn and other equestrian activities, we object to the plans as currently presented.”

READ MORE: Michelin recommended village pub up for £545,000 sale amid major price drop

In a statement on behalf of Geri and Christian Horner, a planning agent said the structure “will be largely screened from all angles once the existing new hedging matures”.

The applicant also referenced DEFRA’s code of practice for the welfare of horses.

The planning agent added: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.

“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible.”





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Banbury makes bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028

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Cherwell District Council is working alongside Banbury Town Council and the Quays Consortium to prepare a formal expression of interest for the new national competition, which aims to celebrate the cultural and heritage contributions of towns across the country.

David Hingley, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “I’m proud to confirm that alongside our partners we will be submitting an expression of interest for Banbury to be recognised as the UK Town of Culture 2028.

“This competition is our opportunity to show the rich, diverse and historic heritage that makes Banbury so special and unique, and to leave a lasting legacy for the future.

“From our outdoor market, thriving community initiatives, popular festivals, grassroots arts and wellbeing projects, to youth sporting programmes, culture is already at the heart of Banbury, and this bid will help us shine a spotlight on the town, its people and its stories.”

The UK Town of Culture 2028 winner will receive £3 million to deliver a six-month programme of cultural events and activities.

Banbury’s expression of interest will showcase its distinct identity and outline how the programme could broaden resident engagement, increase access to arts and heritage, and involve communities in shaping the design and legacy of the programme.

The council is engaging with partners such as Banbury Museum, The Mill Arts Centre, cultural organisations, businesses, and community groups to strengthen the bid and realise the town’s cultural ambitions.





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Helen & Douglas House shop in Summertown officially reopens

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Helen & Douglas House, which cares for terminally ill children and their families, launched its revamped clothing store on March 12.

The updated shop was opened by BBC Radio Oxford presenter Adam Ball and joins the charity’s refurbished homeware shop, which reopened last September and occupies the other half of the unit.

Baljit Dhindsa, head of retail at Helen & Douglas House, said: “We are delighted to unveil the refurbished space, which has been thoughtfully redesigned to create a brighter, more modern shopping environment while continuing our commitment to sustainability.

“The new layout allows us to showcase an even wider selection of clothing and accessories, with improved displays and more space on the shop floor.

“We have also enhanced accessibility within the shop, including adding an additional accessible fitting room to ensure a comfortable experience for all our customers.”

The reimagined boutique-style shop features a contemporary, urban-inspired design with vintage touches and improved backroom facilities, allowing for increased donations and more efficient sorting.

Proceeds from the store directly support Helen & Douglas House’s hospice care in Oxford and in people’s homes.

Ms Dhindsa said: “When you buy something from our shop for £5, this could pay for arts and crafts materials for local terminally ill children to make Mother’s Day cards whilst staying at the hospice in Oxford.

“Our spring collection is now in store so do pop in to checkout our great range of clothing and accessories and take a look at the wonderful transformation of our shop.”





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