Oxford News
Thame golfer raises funds for motor neurone disease
Roger Longshaw, a member of The Oxfordshire Golf Club in Thame, will begin the challenge at 4.30am on Friday, July 17, playing through to 9.45pm.
Over the course of the day, he is expected to cover around 65 miles and climb the equivalent of 4,500ft.
The effort forms part of the club’s Captain’s Charity Day, organised by captain Chris Webb in support of the MND Association, in memory of his brother-in-law Dave, who died from the disease in 2022.
Mr Webb said: “Seeing what Dave and my sister went through was awful and I’m determined to do what I can to help others.”
Alongside the challenge, an 18-hole charity tournament will tee off at 9.30am.
Luke Robson, from the MND Association, said the event would make a real difference, adding that during the time it takes to complete the challenge, around six people in the UK will be diagnosed with MND.
“Thanks to the efforts of people like Roger, Chris and the players at The Oxfordshire Golf Club, we can help to fund more research which gets us closer to the development of potential new treatments for people with this devastating disease,” he added.
To support the fundraiser, email roger.longshaw@longshaws.com or visit mndassociation.org.
Award-winning pub The Dolphin in St Mary’s Street, Wallingford, has been named as a finalist in the Great British Pub Awards 2026.
The awards, described as ‘the Oscars of the pub industry’, highlight the very best boozers in Britain, and select their shortlist across 16 categories from an ‘incredible number of top-quality entries’.
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The Dolphin has been shortlisted as one of six pubs under the ‘best Greene King pub’ category.
Emma Cox, landlady, said: “To even be named as a finalist is something we’re genuinely speechless about.
“We pour everything we’ve got into this pub, and to have that recognised on a national stage is an incredible feeling.
“This is for our amazing team and every one of you who has supported us, filled the bar, cheered at the football, eaten with us, laughed with us, and made The Dolphin what it is.
READ MORE: Planning and development news in and around Oxford
“Whatever happens next, we’ll be celebrating this one. Thank you for being part of our journey.”
It’s not the first time the Greene King pub has won recognition, after being crowned the brand’s Pub of the Year 2026 at the Night of Excellence Awards in April.
The pub has been proudly run by Ms Cox and her family for 23 years, is considered the heart of the community in town and was even recognised by King Charles when the landlady was invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party for her service to Wallingford.
David Taylor, 61, of Oakley Court, Benson, was driving a Ford Transit on Victoria Embankment in Westminster when he was recorded exceeding the 20mph limit.
At Willesden Magistrates’ Court on July 15, he pleaded guilty under the single justice procedure.
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Taylor was fined £160 and ordered to pay £60 in costs and a £64 victim surcharge.
His driving record was endorsed with three penalty points.
The court heard that he faced exceptional hardship as he relied on his licence for work, is the sole breadwinner, and his income covers the household bills and mortgage.
He must pay the full amount by August 12.
The offence took place on January 16 this year.
Masoom’s Indian Kitchen and Bar will open in Church Street, Bodicote, near Banbury, in the coming months, with the owner declaring ‘the countdown has begun’.
The new owner behind the endeavour is Mijan Ahmed, 44, who worked in the renowned kitchens of Malik’s in Cookham, the owner of which is his cousin, and other respected Indian kitchens.
READ MORE: Wallingford pub owner ‘speechless’ at UK awards recognition
He’s owned and successfully run a restaurant in Goring since 2005, and is now planning to bring the flavours of those kitchens to Bodicote.
A statement from Masoom’s said: “Our stunning new MASOOM’S Indian Kitchen & Bar sign is now proudly in place, and we couldn’t be more excited. Every day we’re getting one step closer to opening our doors and welcoming you all.
“From the luxurious interior to the incredible food our chefs are preparing, we’re creating something truly special an experience unlike anything else in the area.
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“A huge thank you to everyone for your continued support and patience. We can’t wait to share this journey with you.”
The grand opening date has not yet been announced, but Mr Ahmed said he hopes to open the doors before the end of the month.
Masoom’s will open in 1 Church Street, formerly the home to The Spice Room which closed after it was given a zero star hygiene rating by Cherwell District Council in 2022.
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