Oxford News
Lazy Saturday is back following fears it could be cancelled
In October, Jericho community organiser John Mair warned that the Lazy Saturday and Lazy Sunday events, which are staged at Mount Place featuring music and food, were in danger of being cancelled.
During the past five years, Mr Mair from Jericho, has organised a series of free Lazy Saturday, Lazy Sunday and Oktoberfest events.
READ MORE: Lazy Saturday could be scrapped
Local bands play and food including hotdogs is provided by local businesses and about 200 people usually turn up.
Mr Mair, aged 75, called for more help in organising the event due to his age, and now it is set to return on Saturday, May 9.
Lazy Saturday (Image: John Mair)
Mr Mair said: “Lazy Saturday is returning to Mount Place, the village square beside the canal.
“It will be there there for families to enjoy from midday.
“There will be music from four local bands, fresh beer from the Little Ox brewery, German sausages from Tom the German sausage man, and stalls selling a variety of Jericho merchandise.
“Come along – it’s free and is open until 6pm.”
Mr Mair added: “I was going to give Lazy Saturdays a 2026 sabbatical but local musicians pleaded with me (to run it) as they really enjoyed playing a community event by the canal – please do come and support them.”
Mr Mair started the events after Oxford City Council revamped Mount Place, and volunteers from the Greening Jericho group “put in some lovely plants”.
“It became a nice communal area for people to use, except they weren’t using it,” he said earlier.
Mr Mair also organises about 30 events a year under the MyJericho umbrella, which also features themed walks in the area, and guest talks at St Barnabas Church.
But he said the Mount Place gatherings “take the most work”.
“I have to submit a health and safety form to the city council, an event plan has to be approved, it costs £120 to put it on, and you have to put a deposit down,” he added.
Oxford News
Bin collection warning issued for Oxfordshire households
With the hot weather returning to the UK this week, West Oxfordshire District Council has warned some bin collections may be brought forward to earlier in the day.
The authority says this will allow crews to carry out their work safely while avoiding the hottest part of the day.
Temperatures are expected to climb back up to 30C on select days next week, with the government issuing a heat health warning.
READ MORE: Iconic RAF base to help Red Arrows special tour of America
A spokesman for the council said: “To ensure your waste is collected, we kindly ask residents to place their bins out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by no later than 6am.
“You can check your collection day online: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/…/check-your-collection-day/
“These temporary changes are determined by our waste contractor and are typically introduced during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep our crews safe during warmer weather.”
An amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office, scheduled for Monday, June 22 from 1am until 23.59pm on Tuesday, June 23.
The Met Office said: “Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat”.
The forecaster also said motorists may see delays on roads plus anyone travelling by rail or air could also find journeys take longer.
Oxford News
Witney marks World Refugee Day by flying the Refugee Flag
The Refugee Flag was flown at Witney Town Hall to mark World Refugee Day.
Mayor Councillor Jane Doughty and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sandra Simpson raised the flag in support of refugees living in Witney and around the world.
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
In an online post, Witney Town Council said: “This morning, the Mayor, Cllr Jane Doughty, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sandra Simpson, raised the Refugee Flag at the Town Hall, marking World Refugee Day.
“The flag is raised every year on the flagpole as a gesture of solidarity with the refugee community here in Witney and across the world.”
Oxford News
Police: Wantage rapist is a ‘dangerous sexual predator’
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage
He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Najeebullah Arab, jailed for committing violent sexual offences against women in Wantage (Image: Madeleine Evans)
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
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