Business & Technology
Oxfordshire family support group receives big cash boost
GroW, a community group that supports families in Grove and Wantage, received a £320 donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, an Oxfordshire developer.
The donation will fund food and drink for two months of the group’s Stay and Play sessions, which serve more than 120 families each week.
Sarah Stephenson, manager at GroW, said: “We’d like to thank Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern for this donation.
“It’s important to us that our groups are free and open to all.
“Our families really value the healthy snacks we provide, including two portions of fruit or vegetables.
“These also give children the opportunity to try new, healthy foods.”
The group offers parenting courses led by the Centre for Emotional Health, including programmes for expectant parents and a 10-week course to help parents understand their child’s behaviour.
Campbell Gregg, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We’re so pleased to support GroW and the important role it plays in bringing local families together.
“Providing a safe and supportive space for parents and carers, particularly in those early years, is incredibly valuable, and we’re proud that our donation will help these sessions continue over the coming months.”
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern has the Brookside Meadows development in Grove, close to where GroW hold several parenting classes.
Business & Technology
Cotswolds care home in Chipping Norton set to host open day
Southerndown Care Home in Chipping Norton will welcome visitors on Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 4pm, with tours, refreshments, and the chance to meet the team.
Subra, general manager at Southerndown Care Home, said: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Southerndown Care Home will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting.”
Southerndown care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.
Business & Technology
Abingdon hotel recognised for LGBTQ+ inclusion with accolade
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, located in Abingdon, is the first hotel in the area to be listed on the World Rainbow Hotels platform, which highlights accommodation that welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and meets high standards of inclusivity.
Santiago Montero, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, said: “We are proud to join the World Rainbow Hotels platform and to be recognised for our commitment to inclusion – alongside our Great Place to Work certification.
“It shows how much creating a welcoming environment for every guest and every team member is central to who we are as a hotel.”
Selection for the platform requires hotels to meet strict criteria, including non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for same-sex partners, and active engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South was praised for its inclusive workplace culture.
Staff feedback from the certification process highlighted that 95 per cent of employees felt the hotel was a physically safe place to work, 95 per cent said people were treated fairly regardless of gender, and 92 per cent believed people were treated fairly regardless of sexual orientation.
Mr Montero said: “Our culture is built on mutual respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to exceptional guest service.”
Business & Technology
Thame company wins award for work on NatWest Bank building
Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, based in Thame, was recognised with the Glass and Glazing Products (GGP) Award for Best Heritage Installation after transforming the former NatWest Bank building on Thame High Street.
The late 18th-century property, now converted into luxury apartments, is a Grade II listed building located in a conservation area.
Enis Evlat, managing director at Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, said: “We are so pleased that the R9 windows perfectly replicate the style of the windows from 1910.
“These windows not only add to the aesthetics but also bring exceptional durability and energy efficiency.
“Our team took great pride in joining this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection.
“We’re thrilled to have been part of this project alongside The Residence Collection windows and fabricator CWG Choices.”
The installation used a 1910 photograph sourced from Thame Museum to recreate the building’s original window configuration.
The team selected Residence 9 windows in grained white, featuring leaded glass and Timberweld technology to replicate traditional timber joinery while meeting modern energy standards and planning requirements.
Each window was custom-made to fit the irregular masonry of the historic stonework.
Technical challenges included the building’s position above an operating bakery and in the middle of a busy high street, requiring careful scheduling to avoid disruption.
Jo Trotman, sales and marketing manager at The Residence Collection, said: “This project is a perfect example of how the R9 windows can be used to replicate that heritage feel and look while still being high-performing and energy-efficient.
“The transformation of the historic NatWest Bank offices into modern apartments presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
“Retaining the architectural integrity of the original structure was paramount, and the R9 windows provided an ideal solution by combining traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality.
“The result is a seamless blend of old and new, honouring the building’s legacy while providing contemporary living spaces.”
Ms Trotman also praised the collaboration between Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, CWG Choices, and The Residence Collection.
She said: “Establishing quality partnerships is crucial to the delivery of our superior design, manufacturing, and installation services that we consistently provide to our customers.
“For this project, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd and CWG Choices played pivotal roles in seamlessly executing this transformation.
“Their expertise and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the window installation met our high standards.
“We look forward to future projects with them and to continuing to set benchmarks in the industry.”
-
Crime & Safety6 days agoLorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped
-
Crime & Safety4 days agoOxford teacher who fiddled grades wants banning order ended
-
Business & Technology1 week agoAqilla launches AI invoice tool to speed accounts payable
-
Crime & Safety6 days agoRoadworks in Oxford cause Botley Road traffic chaos
-
Oxford News1 week agoOxfordshire children care provider employed illegal staff
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoAmerican Akita and a French Bulldog seized after dog killed
-
Oxford News1 week agoEmirates issues new travel and flight update for Brits
-
Oxford News2 weeks agoHow drivers react to new monk statue on town roundabout
