Crime & Safety
Bicester gardening group shuts down over council dispute
Harvest at Home Bicester, a branch of the Cherwell Collective Community Interest Company, closed as of Friday, May 1.
Launched in 2020, the group has invested more than £60,000 to improve Bicester’s green spaces and gardens, including 3,000 paid staff hours and hundreds of volunteers, completing work in places like Garth Park Walled Garden.
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But the work of the collective has been cut short, due to the failure to reach a land use agreement with Bicester Town Council, which owns two of the three spaces Harvest at Home Bicester has been managing – Garth Park and Grebe Road Gardens.
The group said that despite repeated assurances since 2022 that the agreement would be signed, giving the collective security, protection and the ability to secure funding, the promises were not fulfilled.
A statement from the group said: “After four years of waiting, Cherwell Collective’s leadership came to the difficult realisation that the promises to sign the land use agreement are not likely to be fulfilled.
“To protect the wider operations, we will cease our Harvest at Home operations in Bicester.”
Bicester Town Council declined to comment.
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Dr Emily Connally, founder of the Cherwell Collective, said: “We are so touched by the outpouring of appreciation we have received in the midst of a very emotional and difficult decision to close our Bicester operations.
“We are especially inspired by our volunteers and partner organisations who have been unwavering in their support of Amanda’s great work.
“We are invested in continuing to support the Bicester community in spaces for which we have agreements.
“We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to celebrate Amanda’s achievements at the Garth Walled Garden today (Friday, May 1) and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend.”
Amanda Groom, the Harvest at Home Bicester coordinator, has worked ‘diligently’ for the group for three years.
The announcement added: “In the aftermath of these events, our Bicester Harvest at Home coordinator, Amanda, has stepped down.
“We are heartbroken to lose her and have decided not to attempt to replace her.
“There would not be anyone for many miles who could ever replace the good work she has done.
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“As we are now unable to continue operations in Bicester, we sincerely hope that other entities with land use agreements can employ her in these spaces.
“She is a visionary and incredibly gifted coordinator whom we love dearly.”
It is understood that the Bicester volunteers working in the garden will continue caring for the green spaces separate to Cherwell Collective on a smaller scale, with co-operative Grassroots Bicester.
The Bull in Charlbury was named National Pub & Bar of the Year 2025, effectively crowning it the UK’s best pub at last year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.
Judges praised the seventeenth‑century Cotswold inn for its “stripped‑back design”, “exceptional food” and “flawless service”.
The cosy town inn also features in the Michelin Guide and on the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list.
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Since reopening under new ownership in 2023, The Bull has developed a reputation as a celebrity hangout, with visits from stars living locally.
These have included Sir David Beckham, Jeremy Clarkson, and Ellen DeGeneres, among others.
Now, The Bull has revealed plans to expand its operations with a brand new provisions and deli shop coming later this year.
The new spot will be opening at Old Bank House on Market Street in Charlbury, just across the road from the award-winning watering hole.
Currently, the storefront is a matte grey, but a message printed on the door has given town locals and tourists a taste of what to expect.
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The statement said: “We are thrilled to share that Old Bank House will be opening as a food and provisions shop, stocking local produce from farmers, growers and producers, alongside heat-at-home options from our kitchens.
“We would love your help in shaping what we stock.
“If there is something you currently have to leave town to buy, or something you would love to see on our shelves, please do drop us a line at: shop@thebullcharlbury.com
“We look forward to welcoming you later this year.
“P.S. Charlbury’s Deli and Café, a community-run enterprise, has now moved into the Corner House building opposite.”
Thames Valley Police has warned that Michael McDonagh, aged 26, should not be approached if seen and that the public should instead immediately call 999.
The man from Sutton Courtenay is wanted on recall to prison in connection with breaching his licence conditions.
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He is also wanted in connection with an alleged rape which occurred on Saturday, February 21, the force has said.
Thames Valley Police said he is known to frequent areas within South Oxfordshire, particularly Didcot, and has links to Coventry.
He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and a small beard.
If you have any information about his whereabouts call 101 or make a report online, quoting the reference 43260095056.
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond started the show around a decade ago with producer Andy Wilman.
Having been a presenting team for 22 years, thanks to their work on BBC’s Top Gear too, the three stars called time on their adventures in 2024 with one last trip.
Venturing over to Zimbabwe and Botswana, the final Grand Tour, entitled One For The Road, marked the end of the trio professionally.
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Despite the show coming to a close, Prime Video announced earlier this year that there would be four new retrospective specials.
These would feature new commentary from James May and Richard Hammond and show clips from the show.
The first of these, The Not Very Grand Tour, was released on the streaming platform back in April of last year.
Now, the next in the series has been released, this time reuniting the trio with the reintroduction of Mr Clarkson.
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As advertised with a clip across Prime Video’s social media pages, the iconic trio has returned with a new episode.
This new caper, entitled The Grand-ish Tour: A Trip Down Memory Lane, was released today (Friday, May 1).
The synopsis of the new episode reads: “Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May return with a look back at some of their fastest and funniest moments from The Grand Tour.
“In this episode, they celebrate epic driving moments in California, Morocco, Colorado and Scandinavia, wince at the misery brought on by water and mud, remind Jeremy of his mechanical incompetence, and enjoy an excellent montage of each other falling over.”
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