Crime & Safety
‘Cataclysmic flooding’ shuts Oxford Blackwell’s bookstore
The Blackwell’s Sci-fi, Manga and Games bookstore in Broad Street, which sells comics, graphic novels and other artwork, has been forced to close indefinitely due to a flooding issue on Wednesday, May 20.
The comic bookstore is on the opposite side of the street to Blackwell’s flagship store, and its music store, which are both unaffected.
READ MORE: Graphic novels boost sales
Notices have been posted at the entrance to alert customers to the issue, informing them: “Due to a large leak, we are currently closed until further notice.”
A customer, who asked not to be named, said he believed Blackwell’s is carrying out long-term complex plumbing repairs.
He added: “Notices posted in Blackwell’s Broad Street comic shop state the shop is closed long term until further notice due to a cataclysmic flood.
“The popular shop sells various comic and graphic art books.
“The cause of the flood is not known exactly although buckets and equipment can be seen through the windows.”
In 2022, historic family-run Oxford-based bookshop chain Blackwell’s was bought by its high street rival Waterstones.
Blackwell’s, which has its flagship store in Broad Street and a total of 18 bookshops, was put up for sale after its owners abandoned a plan to hand it to employees.
Blackwell’s was then allowed to continuing trading under its own brand.
The acquisition by Waterstones saw Blackwell’s in the control of the £38.4bn United States hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, which in 2019 also bought US bookseller, Barnes & Noble.
Blackwell’s president Toby Blackwell said at the time Waterstones, which also bought family-owned Foyles in 2018, had shown since that it “understands the advantages and benefits of holding diverse iconic bookselling brands”.
He added: “This is a positive outcome for Waterstones, Blackwell’s and all our customers in the UK and abroad, who will still be able to enjoy the individual nature of what both brands offer.”
James Daunt, Waterstones’ managing director, said in 2022 Blackwell’s is “amongst the most illustrious names in bookselling, a legacy for which we have the utmost respect”.
Benjamin Henry Blackwell opened his first bookshop in Broad Street in Oxford on New Year’s Day in 1879.
His son Basil joined the company in 1913 and the company first expanded outside Oxford in 1929, when it bought George’s in Bristol.
Blackwell’s Norrington Room in its Broad Street store was one of the world’s largest single displays of books in one room when it was built in 1966.
France has, for some time, been experiencing a graphic novel and comic book boom, with about one in four books sold in the country being a comic.
No one was available for comment at Blackwell’s comic bookshop, or at the main bookshop.
One Blackwell’s insider confirmed there was “an ongoing issue” at the sci-fi, manga and games store.
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.
Taking part in the Oxford Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, the event raised more than £34,000 for men’s health charities on Sunday, May 17.
Dressed smartly in “dapper” outfits, the participants rode through Oxfordshire on classic and vintage-style motorcycles.
The ride included a stop at Radcliffe Square in Oxford for a public photo opportunity and finished at the Kingsley Café in Eynsham.
The event wrapped up with a family-friendly social gathering featuring food, drinks and live music.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the world’s largest motorcycling charity event, taking place this year in more than 1,000 cities across 100 countries.
Cities include New York, Mumbai and Los Angeles. In total more than £5.4m has been raised globally.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire breaks temperature records twice after 82 years
It raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through the Movember Foundation.
Founded in Sydney by Mark Hawwa, the event was inspired by a photo of Don Draper from Mad Men, who was pictured riding a classic motorcycle in a suit.
The organisers also thanked Brasenose College, on behalf of all the frontages of Radcliffe Square, for hosting them.
Donations are still being accepted via the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.
Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2027.
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