Crime & Safety
Warning over eight little-known UK rules which carry £2.5k fines
In the lead-up to the May half-term, many are opting for camping holidays with the long bank holiday weekend upon us in the UK.
Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds in general are both popular spots for a staycation, with the local area expected to become busier over the coming days.
This is reflected in searches for “camping holidays” having risen by 156 per cent in the past week alone.
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Mel Savage, head of underwriting operations at Ripe Motorhome Insurance, has issued a reminder about lesser-known camping rules that, if ignored, could result in hefty fines or bans from campsites.
Ripe Motorhome Insurance has highlighted a number of ways holidaymakers can inadvertently break the rules and land themselves in trouble.
One is dumping wastewater, as campers must use designated disposal points and never empty toilet waste into streams, rivers, or undergrowth.
Doing so risks pollution and damage to local ecosystems.
Another is ignoring quiet hours, as most sites enforce quiet hours from 10pm to 8am.
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Loud music or noisy group activities during this time could result in complaints, being asked to leave, or even being banned from future stays.
Feeding wildlife is also prohibited at many campsites, as it can make animals dependent on humans, causing them to become aggressive and pose risks to both people and other animals.
Fines under Public Space Protection Orders can range from £100 to £1,000.
Speeding or off-road driving is another issue, as campsites typically have a 5mph speed limit.
Driving off marked roads can damage sensitive habitats. Repeat offenders may face bans, while serious breaches could lead to prosecution and fines.
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Leaving litter is another no-no, as failure to properly dispose of rubbish not only creates extra work for staff but also attracts pests and poses health risks.
Campers are advised to check for litter before leaving and to use bins or take rubbish home.
Poorly supervised pets can also lead to fines, as many sites require pets to be kept on leads and under control at all times.
Aggressive behaviour or harassment of wildlife can result in removal from the site.
Recent changes in law allow for penalties of up to £1,000, or unlimited fines in severe cases, if dogs attack livestock, and authorities are permitted to seize dangerous animals.
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Picking flowers or mushrooms might seem harmless, but wild plants are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Uprooting plants or collecting protected species can attract fines between £100 and £300, or even legal action.
Anyone fishing in freshwater in England or Wales requires a valid rod licence.
Fishing without one can result in fines of up to £2,500, and some campsites prohibit fishing entirely to protect wildlife.
League leaders White House were tested by Black Horse B, battling back from a leg down to claim victory.
Despite a three-doll handicap, Black Horse started strong, scoring 28 in the first leg compared to White House’s 21.
However, White House levelled in the second leg with 21-17, and won the deciding leg comfortably, 26-18, thanks to Mick Phipps’ 13-doll haul.
Littlemore British Legion remain just one point behind the leaders after edging out Black Horse A.
Despite a shaky start, Legion won the second leg 27-18 and the deciding leg 20-19, with Kevin Baker leading the charge with 13 dolls.
Jolly Sportsman continued their recovery from an opening-day defeat, securing a third straight win against The Blackbird.
Dominating the first two legs, Sportsman eventually conceded the final leg 25-24, despite a strong all-round performance with six players reaching double figures.
North Leigh FC celebrated their first victory of the season after a dramatic encounter with Ampleforth Arms A.
Winning the first two legs via shootouts after ties on 22 and 20, North Leigh fell short in the final leg against Ampleforth’s 25.
Charlie Buckingham scored 11 dolls for North Leigh.
New Club A overcame an early scare to defeat Masons Arms A.
After losing the first leg 28-19, New Club levelled the match with a 31-25 win in the second leg and cruised home in the deciding leg 22-17.
Adrian Shepherd had a memorable evening for New Club, scoring a maximum six in one leg.
In Section 2, Catherine Wheel A edged out visitors Donnington Club A.
After winning the first leg 19-18, Catherine Wheel lost the second 18-17, but regained control in the deciding leg, winning 24-17.
Ben Carter scored 13 dolls for Donnington, while Graham Hambridge top-scored for Catherine Wheel with 12 dolls.
Section 3 saw Cowley Workers climb into pole position after an away win over Headington Con Club.
Having opened the season with a victory, Headington have now suffered three straight defeats.
Cowley dominated throughout, winning all three legs 19-9, 18-9, and 18-14, with Neil Butler scoring 11 dolls.
The Aunt Sally League continues to provide thrilling contests, with teams battling hard every week.
The league, steeped in tradition, sees teams from all over Oxford and the surrounding areas compete in a game that requires precision and skill.
With the season in full swing, all eyes are on who will come out on top in the Premier Section.
Sobell House is marking 50 years of caring for people in 2026 with celebrations throughout this month celebrating the work of tireless individuals.
In a video to the hospice, Dame Judi Dench, said: “I want to send a very special message to Sobell House.
READ MORE: Oxford hospice celebrates 50 years of service
“On my first day at Quaker boarding school I sat next to someone called Joan Dickie.
“And she remained my close friend the whole time I was there.
“And then she got married and had family and we kept in touch and then I know at the very end of her life she went to Sobell House and I know because I went to visit her there.
“You looked after her there so beautifully.
“Thank you for looking after her and all the other people.
“You do that for all of us.”
Dame Judi previously supported the hospice’s ‘My Lovely Postcard’ scheme, an initiative from the hospice and Beth’s Bursary Fund, founded in memory of Beth Foreman, who passed away from bowel cancer aged 32.
Lady Diana and the Duchess of Kent are just some of the celebrities that were featured in an array of photos to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a famous Oxford hospice.
In 1974, after many years of campaigning, discussion, and investment since 1962, building work began on Sobell House Hospice.
This was driven by the efforts of Dr Alistair Laing, Dr George Wiernik, and Sir Michael Sobell’s founding gift.
Sobell House officially opened on May 25, 1976.
The ward opened at half capacity, with 12 beds available. In this first year, they cared for 181 patients.
The event took place at Didcot Railway Centre from May 23 to 25, where the star attraction was the visiting steam locomotive No. 32424 Beachy Head.
No. 32424 is a full-size replica of an engine from a class built in 1911 and 1912, with the original engine scrapped in 1958.
The replica was completed by members of the Bluebell Railway in 2024.
Named after the highest chalk cliff in England, the engine was one of six named after coastal features in southern England.
Photographs from the event capture the engine on the turntable, the footplate crew at work, and the train guard in action.
Images also show volunteers in the engine shed, shunting engine No. 1340 built in 1897, and staff dressed in period clothing.
Visitors enjoyed a session for photographers on Saturday night, and a long day of entertainment.
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