Oxford News
Oxford garden makeover up for grabs from Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Estate Homes has launched the scheme in Oxford in partnership with Wildflower Co, a creator of eco-friendly wildflower turf.
The scheme is part of Blenheim Estate Homes work to deliver positive community impact connected to its nearby Hill Rise development, launching at the start of May.
The winner will receive up to 50 square metres of installed, UK-native wildflower turf, valued at £2,000, alongside aftercare advice and support.
Karis McMahon-Lane, property marketing manager for Pye Homes and Blenheim Estate Homes, said: “This initiative with Wildflower Co couldn’t be a more natural fit for us as we introduce Hill Rise in Woodstock, our newest community and most sustainable development yet.”
Community-led organisations across Oxford, including schools, charities, and care homes, are eligible to enter by submitting a 200-word statement and a photo of the space they wish to transform.
A panel of judges from Wildflower Co, Blenheim Palace and Pye Homes will decide the winner of the landscape competition.
Charlie Davidson, commercial director at Wildlife Co, said: “This partnership with Blenheim Estate Homes is exactly what Wildflower Co is all about; making biodiversity accessible, practical, and impactful at a community level.
“We’re proud to be working alongside the housebuilder on a project that not only enhances communities, but also supports the wider ambition of creating more resilient, nature-rich landscapes across the UK.”
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The winning organisation will also receive a Blenheim Palace bundle featuring three family annual passes and afternoon tea for six, valued at £723.
Ms McMahon-Lane said the selection process would be challenging given the potential impact of the prize.
She said: “We’re really looking forward to hearing all about the inspirational local organisations right on our doorstep.
“Choosing just one community makeover project will be no mean feat, but it’ll be so exciting to see the space of the lucky recipient transformed when the turf has been installed and is in full bloom in time for summer.”
Wildflower Co, formerly known as Wildflower Turf, uses soil-free, science-led methods to produce biodiverse turf designed for long-term success in a range of environments.
Entries must be submitted by May 24 and the winner will be nominated by May 31, with installation planned for the end of June.
Blenheim Estate Homes is currently building Hill Rise, a low-carbon community of up to 180 homes in Woodstock.
It will consist of a combination of two, three, and four-bedroom properties.
The scheme, already under construction, prioritises sustainability, wellbeing, and thoughtful design, with 48 homes in its initial phase.
Paul Frankham, aged 74, of Barrington Road, Watchfield, pleaded guilty to driving a black Jaguar XF while over the legal alcohol limit.
It was at Faringdon’s Market Place.
Officers found he had 88 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—more than double the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
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Frankham pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.
He was handed a 20-month driving ban.
This disqualification could be reduced by 20 weeks if he completes a course by May 27, 2027.
He was also fined £120, ordered to pay court costs of £85, and given a £48 victim surcharge.
All payments must be made in full by Wednesday, May 13.
Frankham was charged under section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Elvis-Viorel Bugiugan was found guilty of using a handheld device while driving on Southam Road in the Banbury.
The 31-year-old was also found not to have been wearing a seatbelt during the same incident, which took place on August 1 last year.
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He was recently sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court.
Bugiugan, of Denbigh Close in Banbury, was ordered to pay £600 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £96 victim surcharge.
He was fined £241, and his driving record was endorsed with six penalty points.
A collection order was made for payments to be made in monthly instalments of £100, starting from May 13 this year.
Year 5 pupil Ryan Saund, from Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, took home the top spot at the Whilton Mill Karting Academy Cadet Championship after securing pole position and delivering strong performances in all three heats.
Ryan, who only began karting in April last year, said: “It felt really, really good, but it was really tricky to complete because the other drivers were really competitive.
“What went well was I managed to defend first from pole position, and I managed to keep a good lead and keep consistent with fast lap times.
“I believe it was because of all of the hard work I have been putting into my karting over the past few months, especially when visiting other circuits.”
Ryan started karting after enjoying the video game Gran Turismo 7 and trying go-karting in real life.
He now trains at least three times a week with his coach, focusing on race skills and kart mechanics.
His parents are incredibly proud and are his biggest supporters.
His school marked the win with a congratulatory post on Facebook, stating: “Ryan in Year 5 won his first championship race over the weekend. He had 3 really dominant heats and followed that up with a dominant performance in the final. Well done Ryan!!”
Ryan’s goal now is to win the remaining six races of the season and take the overall championship.
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