Chinnor Skatepark in White’s Field, off Mill Lane, a project delivered by Chinnor Parish Council which was more than seven years in the planning, had an opening party on Monday, May 4.

Riders and spectators came from far and wide to celebrate it’s opening, and the afternoon featured demonstrations from leading skaters, plus competitions for all ages.

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Isaac Jose of Bournemouth, the 2025 European Scooter Champion int he Junior Men’s Park Category, praised the new addition.

Brad Mulholland, a professional BMX rider from Bristol, and European scooter champion Isaac José trying out Chinnor’s new skatepark (Image: Chinnor Parish Council)

He said: “I really liked the skate park. It’s been well put together and the community seems really great.

“I love how smooth the concrete is and the ramps are just the perfect size to learn on.”

The skatepark was built by Maverick, a company of specialists in skating who design, build and install spray concrete skateparks at locations across the UK.

Jesse, a 16-year-old skater from Thame, said: “I think the Chinnor skatepark is really nice. It’s got such a good atmosphere and you’ve got the windmill right there.

Jesse from Thame trying out the stair set with ‘gusto’ (Image: Chinnor Parish Council)

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“It’s wonderful to skate on with great transition, an awesome stair set and really good rails. You should really come and try it out.”

Chair of Chinnor Parish Council, Maggie Mackenzie, launched the event before handing over to Geoff Else, the opening day’s host.

Mr Else recognised the work of past and present parish councils, residents and parents with a special mention for councillors Rich Gray and Sharon Edwards for ‘getting us over the line” and praised Maverick for the job.

In January, it was announced that Dame Prue Leith, who lives in the Cotswolds, would bow out of the Great British Bake Off after nine series and judging more than 400 challenges.

The 86-year-old has been a judge on the popular baking show alongside Paul Hollywood since 2017, when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4, replacing Henley resident Dame Mary.

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It was then announced on Monday, January 26, that Oxford University graduate Nigella Lawson will replace her as the judge on the Bake Off.

Now, the show’s presenter Alison Hammond has suggested that Ms Lawson and Mr Hollywood have “unbelievable chemistry” on set after filming started.

After telling this to Lorraine Kelly on ITV’s Lorraine, the host responded with a shocked sound to which Ms Hammond clarified: “Not in that sort of way.”

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The Bake Off star revealed that the show’s new judge is both “lovely” and “incredible”, before she added: “Obviously we’ve started, so I’ve been watching. I’m telling you, the chemistry between her and Paul is unbelievable.”

When a photo of the two judges appeared on a screen on the Lorraine set, Ms Hammond remarked: “Look, you can feel it, can’t you? Don’t they look good-looking? Look at them!

“Honestly, they’re so good together. Because I’ll be honest with you, they don’t always agree, and it’s so good!”

MPs Calum Miller and Layla Moran have been excluded from the post-examination process regarding the Botley West Solar Farm, the UK’s largest proposed solar development.

Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, has written to the Minister of State for Energy, Michael Shanks, calling for his involvement in the decision-making process to be reinstated.

He said: “This is the largest solar development ever proposed in this country. The decision was delayed for a reason.

“Ministers and officials clearly had concerns serious enough to extend a statutory timetable and seek further information. That is the right call.

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“What is not right is the process they have chosen. This needs to be open, inclusive and transparent. The Department is consulting the applicant and a hand-picked list of parties.

“The MPs whose constituents will live alongside this scheme are not on it. That is indefensible.

“The Minister previously agreed to meet me and yet that meeting was cancelled on the basis that the application was live. The Department’s own decision to seek further information has removed that objection.

“I have asked for the meeting to be reinstated so the views of my constituents can be heard before this decision is taken.”

Layla Moran (Image: Contributed)

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran has also written to the minister, raising concerns about unanswered questions and the level of transparency.

She said: “Basic questions remain unanswered at this very late stage, including how this project will be connected to the grid.

“There are significant elements of this proposal that clearly the Secretary of State felt were of sufficient concern to delay a decision on this proposal, but we have no idea what happens next.

“I am concerned that residents’ voices are being excluded from this process, and that a final decision will be made under a veil of secrecy, with no scrutiny and a complete lack of accountability.”

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The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) extended the decision timetable in March, saying in a written statement that further information would be requested from the applicant.

On April 14, DESNZ wrote to Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) and a select group of interested parties requesting additional information, but did not include Mr Miller or Ms Moran.

Botley West would be the largest solar development in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, covering almost 2,500 acres.

The MPs previously raised concerns about engagement, transparency, ownership and community benefit in a joint letter to the Secretary of State on February 12.