Oxford News
Oxford youngsters asked to make a film for future selves
‘Dear Future Self’ is a new short film challenge open to anyone aged 18 or under across the UK.
Run by the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts, the competition asks young people to film a message for themselves 10 years from now, capturing what they would want to remember about who they are today.
Nick Pilton, head of film and television at PQA, said: “Dear Future Self is all about encouraging young people to reflect on who they are and what is important to them.
“Film is a powerful storytelling tool, and we can’t wait to see the creativity and imagination that participants bring to the challenge.”
The filmmaker should be the subject of the film, featuring either on screen or through voiceover narration.
Two winners will be selected – one under the age of 12 and one aged 12 or over.
Each will receive a £150 voucher of their choice, and four runners-up will receive £20 cinema vouchers.
The winning and runner-up films will also be shown at the PQA Film Festival in London on November 15 and in Sheffield on November 29.
Entries must be submitted by midnight on Monday, August 31.
Full competition guidelines are available via PQA.
PQA offers performing arts training across acting, comedy, story writing, TV, film, and more for students aged four to 18.
Oxford Mushroom Farm is hosting a free-to-enter open day tomorrow between midday and 5pm.
Based at a previously unused patch of land beside Hinksey Heights Golf Club, the business opened earlier this summer with the aim of providing fresh gourmet fungi to homes and businesses across Oxfordshire.
READ MORE: New ‘high-quality’ mushroom business launched in Oxford
Steve Hart, the owner, has said – like the mushrooms – the company is “growing” and now he is having an open day in the hopes of enticing more fungi enthusiasts.
A lifelong Oxford local, who attended Cherwell School, he launched the farm in January 2024 with an ambition to transform unused ground into something productive.
After two years of balancing the project alongside a full-time job as a builder, landscaper and heating engineer, he officially opened the farm to the public in May.
Among the farm’s offering is Lion’s Mane, oyster, shiitake, speckled chestnut and other varieties of mushroom, with the businesses based around sustainability.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
Premium mushroom substrates are produced using sawdust sourced as a natural by-product from sawmills in the mountains of Snowdonia, combined with pure Snowdon Mountain spring water in collaboration with North Wales-based growers Fungi Foods.
Alongside supplying fresh produce locally, Mr Hart is also interested in the emerging science of mycoremediation, an eco-friendly technique that uses fungi to help break down ground pollutants and restore damaged land.
He said: “My main goal is feeding Oxford, but also using science and mycoremediation to help heal polluted land and fly-tipping ground in Oxfordshire.”
Thames Valley Police has asked for the public’s help in finding Dominic as a neighbouring police force fear for his welfare.
A spokesperson said: “Can you help our colleagues at Warwick Police locate missing man Dominic?
READ MORE: Public told ‘DO NOT APPROACH’ as wanted man sighted in Oxford centre
“He has links to Yarnton.”
Warwickshire Police explained that the 56-year-old has not been seen since Friday morning and has urged anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.
They added that he is around 5 foot 8 inches, has grey hair and is believed to be wearing a blue shirt, blue shorts and brown shoes.
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said: “Have you seen Dominic? He was last seen in the Cape Road area of Warwick at around 10.30am yesterday morning (Friday) but has not been seen since.
“Our officers are growing increasingly concerned for the 56-year-old’s welfare and urge anyone who sees him to get in touch.
READ MORE: Manhunt launched after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
“Dominic is described as around 5ft 8” tall, with grey hair and is believed to be wearing a blue shirt, blue shorts and brown shoes.
“He has links to Warwick and Oxfordshire.
“Anyone who sees Dominic or knows where he might be is asked to call 999 quoting incident number 191 of 28 August.”
The Thames Valley Police Abingdon unit arrested a man for “breaching court bail conditions” on Saturday, August 29.
A spokesperson said: “On Saturday, PC Hackett attended reports of a male breaching court bail conditions.
READ MORE: Public told ‘DO NOT APPROACH’ as wanted man sighted in Oxford centre
“With assistance from PC Ellingworth and PC Harvey, the male was arrested. Following a search, a knife was recovered from his possession.”
In a wide ranging update, the force also revealed it had supported in a “concern for welfare incident linked to the night-time economy.
In addition, it had carried out licensing checks across Abingdon with drug wipes used and sent off for testing
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