Crime & Safety
Jobs lost as UK retailer ‘disappears’ and closes all 137 stores
The Original Factory Shop, which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton at the end of March.
On the business’s Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered on clothing down to £2 an item.
Last month, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.
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“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
This came after the business fell into administration in January, with the troubles driven by trading conditions, according to administrators.
These were linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
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Now, according to a new report by JOE, The Original Factory Shop has “disappeared” from the high street as all 137 stores have now been closed.
The report said: “As per The Mirror, the business has now closed all its shops as well as its head office.”
Employing around 1,200 people, the brand was purchased by Modella Capital last year and was “already on the brink of collapse” when it was acquired.
Carterton was the sole Oxfordshire store, although Claire’s, which is also owned by Modella and is in administration, has a store at Oxford Westgate.
Crime & Safety
Bicester Scramble to honour 100 years of RAF Bicester
The celebration will pay tribute to the air base, which has played a major role in British history.
First established in 1926, thanks to government support, it is a significant reminder of the country’s aviation heritage.
Historic England recognised the site in 2007 as the best-preserved example of interwar bomber stations in Britain.
The coming event will let attendees immerse themselves in this historical atmosphere, a hundred years since its creation.
Highlighting the celebration, the Bristol Scout bi-plane, an iconic figure from the past, will grace the event.
This will honour the many airmen who have touched down on this airfield, dating back to 1911, a period before RAF Bicester.
Vehicles from the era, including Britain’s leading classified car from the first British Grand Prix, will circle the Scout.
In August, the race celebrates its own centenary.
Other anticipated features are the Tank Museum’s 1920 Rolls-Royce Pattern, complete with 8mm thick armour and a .303 Vickers machine gun, reaching speeds up to 60mph.
Renowned manufacturers like Bentley and Vauxhall will showcase vehicles from their heritage fleets around Bicester Motion, with offerings from other noted contributors.
Visitors can explore Hangar 113 for the centenary display, indulge in afternoon tea, enjoy the Charlala singing trio, and observe a number of 1920s machinery from both land and air.
Crime & Safety
Beckhams rally around Victoria after Brooklyn snubs birthday
Former Spice Girl Lady Victoria and her husband, former England footballer Sir David Beckham, have lived in Oxfordshire for around a decade.
The couple, who have a Cotswolds mansion in Great Tew near Chipping Norton, have been embroiled in a public family feud for some time now.
In January, this came to a head as their eldest son, Brooklyn, made explosive allegations in a lengthy Instagram post.
READ MORE: Victoria Beckham breaks silence on Brooklyn feud with bombshell quotes
He claimed that his mother “hijacked” his first dance with his wife, Nicola Peltz, and danced “inappropriately on me” in front of their guests, adding that he had never felt more “uncomfortable or humiliated” in his life.
And he also alleged that his wife had been “disrespected” by his family and was not invited to his father’s 50th birthday party.
Now, Brooklyn Beckham has failed to wish his mother a happy birthday today (Friday, April 17) as the fashion icon turns 52 years old.
READ MORE: David and Victoria Beckham win battle over Cotswolds Love Island plans
Other members of the family, including Sir David and son Romeo, as well as her youngest son Cruz’s girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, all posted well-wishes to the matriarch across social media.
Brooklyn instead uploaded an Instagram video of him preparing “sweet jalapeño salmon with arugula walnut salad”.
His wife, Nicola Peltz, whom he married in 2022, also made no post regarding her mother-in-law’s birthday.
Crime & Safety
Abingdon – Man sentenced for breaking window at ex-partner’s home
Jimi Monaghan, of John Jones Close, Abingdon, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on April 17.
The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage and one count of being in possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis, in Abingdon on September 5 last year.
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The court heard he had been on remand for one month after he was initially charged with more serious offences, but these were discontinued.
Judge Hassan Khan said: “You broke glass at the property and found your way inside. You were on remand for a month for more serious offences which were discontinued.”
Monaghan was given a 12-month conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £150 in costs and an order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and a grinder.
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