Oxford News
Oxford-backed research examines sleep and depression
Researchers at the University of Birmingham, supported by Oxford Health and the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, analysed data from more than 15,000 children taking part in the long-running Children of the 90s project, based around Bristol.
They tracked night-time sleep from six months to seven years of age, collecting information at several points in early childhood, and then followed participants’ self-reported depression symptoms from age 12.5 through to 22.
Only a relatively small group of children experienced ‘persistently shorter’ sleep throughout childhood, but within that group the risk of long-lasting depression was noticeably higher.
Those children were found to be almost twice as likely to report consistently high levels of depressive symptoms during adolescence and early adulthood compared with peers who slept for longer.
Lead author Dr Isabel Morales-Muñoz said it was persistent poor sleep across childhood, rather than the odd bad night, that appeared to be linked to the increased risk.
She stressed that poor sleep is common in childhood and that most children in the study did not go on to develop enduring depression, even if they sometimes slept badly.
The team also emphasised that the overall proportion of children who experienced persistent depressive symptoms remained relatively small, even among those with long-term sleep issues.
In a paper published in the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the researchers said theirs is the first study to demonstrate a detrimental effect of shorter night-time sleep from infancy through childhood on more severe and long-lasting depression in later years.
They also examined whether inflammation in the body might help explain the connection between sleep and mental health, but found only mixed evidence for this possible biological pathway, suggesting other factors are also likely to be involved.
The authors said the findings underline how important it is to support good sleep habits early on, describing sleep as a ‘modifiable’ part of children’s lives that can often be improved without medical treatment.
Suggested steps include keeping to regular, earlier bedtimes, cutting back screen time before bed, encouraging plenty of physical activity during the day and creating a calm, consistent sleep environment.
They added that while such changes are not always easy for families, improving children’s sleep can bring immediate benefits for daily life and may also help reduce the risk of mental health problems as they grow older.
Oxford News
Man fighting for life after arrest made and helicopter called
The incident occurred at around 2pm yesterday (June 13), a white and blue BMW motorcycle and a grey Audi A3 were involved in a collision.
This was near the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell, and Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene.
There was a large emergency response with the South-Central Ambulance Service and the “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service” also present.
READ MORE: Young child hit by car and man arrested in ‘harrowing’ incident
Police say that the rider of the motorcycle was a man in his 40s and that he sustained serious life-threatening injuries.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment at this current time, Thames Valley Police informs.
The driver of the grey Audi A3 has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the specified limit for drugs.
From Wallingford, the 51-year-old man has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
READ MORE: Public warning issued and police called after stranger enters property
Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision in Garsington.
Investigating officer, PC Kerrie Ingham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public and the medical staff who stopped to assist.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision, with a man being arrested at the scene shortly after police arrived, in attendance with paramedics from SCAS and HEMS.
“I would particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the grey Audi A3 driving northbound to the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
READ MORE: Warning as major protest planned for Tommy Robinson’s visit to Oxford
“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the white and blue BMW motorcycle driving southbound towards the junction of the B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
“If you saw either of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have dash-cam footage at around the time of the incident, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260296300.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Oxford News
Cosy Cotswolds pub has picturesque hidden beer garden
Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.
Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.
Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.
READ MORE: Legendary chef heralds shock return of closed Oxfordshire pub
The Hook Norton Brewery sign outside. (Image: Newsquest)
Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.
With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.
Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.
Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.
READ MORE: Inside refurbished Cotswolds country pub with enticing new menu
The hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.
A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.
Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.
Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.
READ MORE: Landlord ‘delighted’ as Rolling Stones rock legend pops into Oxford pub
A pint of Hooky Gold in the hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.
Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.
Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.
Oxford News
Banbury care home hosts Royal British Legion breakfast club
Glebefields Care Home in Drayton, Banbury, welcomed members of the Royal British Legion and nearby veterans to its Armed Forces and Veterans Monthly Breakfast Club.
General manager Benazir Shakkir said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this morning so memorable.
“Seeing our residents connect so deeply with the veterans, and the surprise of welcoming back our old colleague Ricki, made the event truly special.
“Our kitchen team worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful meal, and we are already looking forward to hosting next month’s gathering.”
The morning began with a remembrance prayer, giving residents, staff, and guests a quiet moment to honour those who have served.
Attendees included members of the Banbury and Southam Veterans groups, and many enjoyed reconnecting with a familiar face among the visitors.
Throughout the morning, veterans and residents shared stories and built new friendships.
The care home’s hospitality team served a traditional cooked breakfast alongside a selection of cold options.
The breakfast club, held monthly at Glebefields, offers a welcoming space for ex-service personnel to enjoy companionship and connection.
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