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.

The incident took place at Forester Tower in Wood Farm shortly before 6pm on Saturday evening (May 2).

An onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, spotted multiple fire engines at the scene while travelling on the bus in the area.

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The tower block was evacuated. (Image: Public Submission)

“It must have been very recent, as there was no traffic piled up,” they told this newspaper.

“There were five fire engines outside the tower, and more arrived not long after.

“People were being evacuated from the building, but I couldn’t see any smoke, though. I hope everyone was alright.”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed today (Tuesday, May 5) that an alarm had been sounded due to “cooking fumes”.

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The fire engines at Wood Farm. (Image: Public Submission)

A spokesperson for the service said: “We were called on at 5.55pm, sending six fire engines from Slade Park, Rewley Road, Wheatley, Thame and Abingdon fire stations to Forrester’s Tower, Wood Farm Road, Oxford.

“Crews were responding to reports of smoke on the second floor of the building.

“However, there was no fire; the alarm was a result of cooking fumes.

“Nevertheless, as a precaution, crews did a thorough check of the affected part of the building to ensure residents were safe. They departed at 6:20pm.”

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!”