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Henley pub once owned by Russell Brand reopens after 6 years

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The Crown Inn in Pishill, in Henley in Oxfordshire, has finally invited customers back under the new ownership of John Bloomer and his wife Jane.

Grade II listed and roughly 500 years old, the pub in Stonor Road is in the heart of the Chilterns and has served as a coaching inn since the 15th century.

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But that long history was briefly interrupted when it came into the hands of 50-year-old comedian, actor and presenter Russell Brand in 2020, after he bought it in 2020.

Russell BrandRussell Brand, who is facing allegations of rape and abuse (Russell Brand/PA) (Image: Russell Brand / PA)

The celebrity is due to stand trial over allegations of rape and sexual assault alleged by four women, all of which he denied, over four to five weeks this year.

Mr Brand, who was once married to Katy Perry, had tried to get permission to convert the building and its surrounding outbuildings into a recording studio and offices.

This was met with fierce objections, however, and the proposal was dismissed by South Oxfordshire District Council.

After further failed attempts to convert it, villagers began to repair the pub was ‘left to rot’ and was in a state of disrepair.

General view of The Crown pub which is owned by Russell Brand who is facing a backlash over his plans to build a recording studio in his 15th century pub. Pishill, Oxfordshire, 1st September 2022. Comedian Russell Brand has suffered a set back in plans to build a recording studio at his country home - after angering neighbours with a stand up show in his garage. See SWNS story SWLSbrand. The comedian has submitted a planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council. Former coaching inn The Crown in Pishill, near Henley-on-Thames, is expected to become the place in which he records his YouTube videos if the plans are approved. His channel on the platform boasts a subscribership of nearly six million users.General view of The Crown pub which was owned by Russell Brand (Image: SWNS)

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But The Crown Inn was given a second chance when it was sold to local businessman, Mr Bloomer, in April for £975,000, according to The Henley Standard.

Rebranding the stunning set up as a ‘heritage and wellness’ destination with six centuries of history in the Chiltern Hills, the new owners will bring a classic pub with gastro-Thai fusion dining, a ‘Wild Spa’ with outdoor saunas, luxury accommodation and event space in The Thatch Barn.

The new owners of The Crown Inn have been approached for comment.





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Oxford News

Banbury development in final stages with 95 per cent sold

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David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.

The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.

Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”

Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.

The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.

Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.

“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”

More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.

The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.

All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.





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Thousands raised for Oxfordshire hospice through recycling

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Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.

The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.

Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.

“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”

The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.

Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.

The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.

Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.

“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”





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Oxfordshire drivers invited to try Volvo’s EX60 SUV

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Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.

Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.

Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.

“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.

“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”

The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.

It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.

Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.

Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.





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