The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, made up of 34 agricultural workers from across the UK, became the first choir ever to win the ITV competition over the weekend.

They took home the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance after moving viewers and judges alike with their original song, This Is Home.

James Florey, from Northmoor, said: “Singing together, sharing stories, and having a laugh has been incredibly uplifting.”

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Declan Donnelly with The Hawkstone Farmers Choir at the final (Image: Dymond/TalkbackThames/Shutterstock)

The fourth-generation farmer at Churchill’s Farm manages 500 acres of beef cattle and sheep alongside environmental stewardship and educational school visits.

He added: “In many ways it has almost felt like a form of therapy—an opportunity to talk, connect and support one another, while doing something completely different from the usual demands of farm life.”

Beyond the stage, the group plans to use their new platform to continue championing rural wellbeing and celebrating the resilience of British farming.

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir at the final (Image: Dymond/TalkbackThames/Shutterstock)

Abbie Condon, a specialist in Red Tracto farm assurance from Witney, said: “It boosted my confidence and keeps giving me amazing experiences to look forward to.”

She added it is a “privilege to be able to project British agriculture into the face of the nation”.

In line with their mission, the choir has committed to donating a significant portion of the £250,000 prize money to agricultural mental health charities.

David Smith, a retired seed specialist from Middleton Cheney near Banbury, said: “The choir has meant to me pure enjoyment and meeting old customers and colleagues and making new friends.”

DJ Richard Strange ran Music Box record store in Wallingford until it closed in 2019 due to tough trading conditions.

In recent years, he has been running a pop-up record store at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot to take advantage of the “vinyl revival”, a growing trend for music fans to choose to buy vinyl records instead of downloading songs.

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Usually Mr Strange runs the pop-up at the arts centre on the last Saturday of the month, and it was busy with music fans at the weekend.

While he no longer has a record shop on the high street, he retains an extensive collection to sell and play.

‘Crate diggers’ at the Music Box pop-up shop at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot (Image: Ed Nix)

As well as searching through the crates, customers got the chance to try out being a DJ on the record decks.

Before the pop-up, Mr Strange told customers: “Join us for a laid-back day of music, vinyl and good vibes with Music Box Record Shop popping up.

“Browse a great selection of records, discover something new, and if you’re feeling brave bring your favourite vinyl and take a spin on the decks.

“Whether you’re an experienced DJ or just want to give it a go, everyone’s welcome.”

Riverman Records and Truck Store in Oxford sell vinyl records, while Truck’s sister shop in Witney also has a large stock of vinyl including a dedicated space upstairs.

Records are also sold at Gloucester Green market in Oxford on Saturday, and occasionally on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

In Wantage, Play It Again Sam sells secondhand vinyl and CDs from Wednesday to Saturday.

The man, who was in his 70s, was driving eastbound on the dual carriageway in his blue Jaguar X-Type when the crash happened.

Emergency services attended the crash between Wheatley and the M40 at around 6pm on Thursday, May 28.

The blue Jaguar towing the caravan is believed to be the only vehicle involved in the crash and the driver died at the scene.

Crashed caravan on the A40 close to Wheatley (Image: SangHyuk)

One family member, Dion O’Brien, said in tribute: “To hear you’ve passed in such a tragic way is heartbreaking.

“I have fond childhood memories that came flooding back to me hearing this sad news. Rest in peace, reunited with granny and grampy. My love goes out to my cousins and aunt.

“Memories are the golden chain that bind us, until we meet again. RIP.”

Steven Hanlon, brother of the unnamed victim, added: “You are sorely missed brother.”

Oxford Mail reader Julie Smith said: “Sending thoughts and love to all your family.”

A motorist who got in touch with this newspaper having been first on scene said he is “so saddened” to hear of the “tragic” death.

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He added: “My heart goes out to the driver’s family and everyone affected by this accident.”

Thames Valley Police traffic policeman Grant Summersbee said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the man who has sadly died as a result of this collision.”

Police continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident to come forward as part of their investigation.

The A40 was closed for several hours into the night after the crash while collision investigation work and the subsequent recovery of the vehicle was carried out.

Mr Summersbee added: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to please come forward.

“I also ask drivers who were in the area before the collision, particularly those travelling on the opposite carriageway at around 6pm, to review their dash-cam footage, as it may contain information that could assist our investigation.

“Finally, I would like to thank those who stopped to help at the scene, and to those affected by the incident for their patience and cooperation. This is a tragic case, and we are grateful for the public’s support.”

Pictures taken roadside show the caravan on its roof, detached from the vehicle that was towing it.

Anyone with information can call 101 or make an online report via our website, quoting reference number 43260265755.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.