Crime & Safety
Oxford Pride slams Oxford University ban on trans women rowing
Transgender women have now been banned from competing in the women’s category at Oxford University’s rowing team.
The university has changed its policy in line with the governing body’s which states a transgender women cannot compete on women’s teams.
A spokesperson for Oxford Pride said: “There has been no actual change in legislation when it comes to inclusion of trans people in sports, or any other aspect of life for that matter,
“All the ruling did is to specify whether trans women could benefit from quotas to be appointed to public boards in Scotland.
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“Anything else is beyond the scope of the ruling and simply based on informal and not legally binding guidance.”
Many critics have pointed out the irony of this move considering the pioneer of Oxford’s female rowing uniforms, from skirts to more practical shorts, was a transgender athlete.
Michael Dillon was instrumental in modernising Oxford University’s female rowing uniform in the 1930s, before then going on to become the first person in the world to undergo female to male medical transition, eventually becoming a doctor.
British Rowing policy also says that transgender and non-binary people are eligible to compete in an ‘open’ category of both genders.
British Rowing previously let trans women participate in female events if their testosterone level was below a certain level for two years.
A university spokeswoman said: “The University of Oxford remains committed to being an inclusive university, where everyone is treated with respect, courtesy and consideration.
“This is necessary to comply with UK law, as well as to ensure alignment with competition frameworks.
“The university has met with and engaged with students several times throughout the process, and will continue to engage with them to facilitate boat clubs meeting their obligations in relation to law and governing body requirements.”
The spokesperson for Oxford Pride continued: “Exclusion of trans people is a choice, not a legal obligation.
“Whereas the protection against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment is indeed an obligation under the Equality Act 2010.
“Oxford Pride urges all public and private groups, organisations and institutions in the UK to continue to include trans people; at least until an actual new piece of legislation (not just guidance) says otherwise.”
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The Supreme Court ruled last year the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
This means, as the equalities watchdog stated, a gender recognition certificate does not change a person’s legal sex for the purposes of the Equality Act.
The ruling has been interpreted to mean that trans women can be excluded from women-only spaces like toilets and changing rooms.
League leaders White House were tested by Black Horse B, battling back from a leg down to claim victory.
Despite a three-doll handicap, Black Horse started strong, scoring 28 in the first leg compared to White House’s 21.
However, White House levelled in the second leg with 21-17, and won the deciding leg comfortably, 26-18, thanks to Mick Phipps’ 13-doll haul.
Littlemore British Legion remain just one point behind the leaders after edging out Black Horse A.
Despite a shaky start, Legion won the second leg 27-18 and the deciding leg 20-19, with Kevin Baker leading the charge with 13 dolls.
Jolly Sportsman continued their recovery from an opening-day defeat, securing a third straight win against The Blackbird.
Dominating the first two legs, Sportsman eventually conceded the final leg 25-24, despite a strong all-round performance with six players reaching double figures.
North Leigh FC celebrated their first victory of the season after a dramatic encounter with Ampleforth Arms A.
Winning the first two legs via shootouts after ties on 22 and 20, North Leigh fell short in the final leg against Ampleforth’s 25.
Charlie Buckingham scored 11 dolls for North Leigh.
New Club A overcame an early scare to defeat Masons Arms A.
After losing the first leg 28-19, New Club levelled the match with a 31-25 win in the second leg and cruised home in the deciding leg 22-17.
Adrian Shepherd had a memorable evening for New Club, scoring a maximum six in one leg.
In Section 2, Catherine Wheel A edged out visitors Donnington Club A.
After winning the first leg 19-18, Catherine Wheel lost the second 18-17, but regained control in the deciding leg, winning 24-17.
Ben Carter scored 13 dolls for Donnington, while Graham Hambridge top-scored for Catherine Wheel with 12 dolls.
Section 3 saw Cowley Workers climb into pole position after an away win over Headington Con Club.
Having opened the season with a victory, Headington have now suffered three straight defeats.
Cowley dominated throughout, winning all three legs 19-9, 18-9, and 18-14, with Neil Butler scoring 11 dolls.
The Aunt Sally League continues to provide thrilling contests, with teams battling hard every week.
The league, steeped in tradition, sees teams from all over Oxford and the surrounding areas compete in a game that requires precision and skill.
With the season in full swing, all eyes are on who will come out on top in the Premier Section.
Sobell House is marking 50 years of caring for people in 2026 with celebrations throughout this month celebrating the work of tireless individuals.
In a video to the hospice, Dame Judi Dench, said: “I want to send a very special message to Sobell House.
READ MORE: Oxford hospice celebrates 50 years of service
“On my first day at Quaker boarding school I sat next to someone called Joan Dickie.
“And she remained my close friend the whole time I was there.
“And then she got married and had family and we kept in touch and then I know at the very end of her life she went to Sobell House and I know because I went to visit her there.
“You looked after her there so beautifully.
“Thank you for looking after her and all the other people.
“You do that for all of us.”
Dame Judi previously supported the hospice’s ‘My Lovely Postcard’ scheme, an initiative from the hospice and Beth’s Bursary Fund, founded in memory of Beth Foreman, who passed away from bowel cancer aged 32.
Lady Diana and the Duchess of Kent are just some of the celebrities that were featured in an array of photos to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a famous Oxford hospice.
In 1974, after many years of campaigning, discussion, and investment since 1962, building work began on Sobell House Hospice.
This was driven by the efforts of Dr Alistair Laing, Dr George Wiernik, and Sir Michael Sobell’s founding gift.
Sobell House officially opened on May 25, 1976.
The ward opened at half capacity, with 12 beds available. In this first year, they cared for 181 patients.
The event took place at Didcot Railway Centre from May 23 to 25, where the star attraction was the visiting steam locomotive No. 32424 Beachy Head.
No. 32424 is a full-size replica of an engine from a class built in 1911 and 1912, with the original engine scrapped in 1958.
The replica was completed by members of the Bluebell Railway in 2024.
Named after the highest chalk cliff in England, the engine was one of six named after coastal features in southern England.
Photographs from the event capture the engine on the turntable, the footplate crew at work, and the train guard in action.
Images also show volunteers in the engine shed, shunting engine No. 1340 built in 1897, and staff dressed in period clothing.
Visitors enjoyed a session for photographers on Saturday night, and a long day of entertainment.
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