Oxford News
Thames Water and Origin Tech announce new partnership
North East-based Origin Tech, an AI and satellite technology specialist, has secured a 13-month contract with Thames Water to help detect and reduce water loss across its network.
The Origin Orbit system uses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to pinpoint underground leaks within a 30-metre radius, offering a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional detection methods.
Shane Gloster, head of leakage at Thames Water, said: “A huge proportion of our leaks are never seen by customers, as they are underground and hard to find.
“To repair these as quickly as we can, it is vital that we use the latest innovative technology available.
“Partnering with Origin Tech, deploying their satellite data to detect leaks gives us a faster and more accurate indication of where the network has issues, enabling us to work more efficiently in our pursuit of bringing down water loss.”
The partnership, which began in March, builds on a successful 18-week trial that identified more than 800 leaks, saving an estimated 8.7 million litres of water per day.
Thames Water is now the first water company to fully integrate Origin Orbit technology into business-as-usual leakage operations.
Founded in 2019, Origin Tech currently works with 12 UK water companies, helping to prevent more than three billion litres of water leakage across the country.
John Marsden, co-founder of Origin Tech, said: “With one-fifth of all water in the UK being lost through leakage every year, the need for innovative solutions is evident.”
Oxford News
RAF Brize Norton hosts Carterton Community College students
The visit, hosted by 99 Squadron, was part of activities marking the Month of the Military Child, which recognises the ‘resilience, strength and sacrifices’ of children from military families.
During the visit, more than 30 students from RAF families were given an inside look at a C-17 Globemaster, a long-range transport aircraft used in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
Students explored all areas of the plane, including the cockpit, cargo systems, troop seating, defensive laser technology and even the on-board toilet.
Addison Page, 14, a year 9 student at Carterton Community College whose father serves as an RAF Mover, said: “I did want to be a pilot but I’ve decided to be a civvy truck driver.
“My passion is plane spotting and I’m planning to go to RIAT this year, at RAF Fairford.”
Addison spoke about the growing community of aviation enthusiasts, known as ‘avgeeks,’ at RAF Fairford.
He said: “It’s a total passion of mine.
“You just have to guess which aircraft are going to take off or land.
“You can certainly hear the American B-1s getting ready to fly.”
Brize Norton is the largest Royal Air Force base in the entire UK. It is located near the towns of Carterton and Witney.
Oxford News
Witney Town Council inviting residents to the town meeting
It will be held on Wednesday, May 6, at 7pm in the Gallery Room at the Corn Exchange.
The agenda includes the election of the town mayor, deputy mayor, leader, and deputy leader, as well as the appointment of committees, sub-committees, and working parties.
Councillors will also review and adopt standing orders, financial regulations, and the code of conduct.
A public participation session will allow residents to share their views.
The meeting will be broadcast live via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in person.
Links to the livestream and full agenda are available on the council’s website.
Witney Town Council encourages all residents to get involved and stay informed about local decisions.
Oxford News
Blenheim Palace to host Agria International Horse Trials
The 2026 Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials runs from September 17 to 20.
It brings together top competitors, rising equine stars and fresh lifestyle attractions in a packed four-day programme.
Katrina Midgley, event director, said: “2026 is shaping up to be an interesting mix of what the event is known and loved for as well as some brand-new highlights.
“From exceptional sport and curated shopping to exciting entertainment and our new Adventure Play offering, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
The headline CCI4*-L event returns this year, testing horse and rider across dressage, cross-country and showjumping in one of the sport’s most well-regarded competitions.
The GFS Saddles CCI4*-S for eight and nine-year-olds will also be back, as well as the popular evoke Eventer Challenge.
This sees teams representing Riding and Pony Clubs from across the UK compete for top honours.
New for 2026 is an enhanced lifestyle and fashion offering.
This will feature a curated selection of premium brands, with special focus on Cotswold-based artisans and regional craftsmanship.
Cotswold Collective, a business community platform supporting Cotswolds enterprises, will curate a section titled Created in the Cotswolds.
This aims to showcase promoting the value to the local community and breadth of businesses based in the region.
Femme Country Magazine will lead The Friday Fashion Forecast, transforming the Chat Stage Theatre into a dedicated fashion hub for one day only.
Talks and discussions will cover topics such as building your own timeless wardrobe, a history of equine-inspired style, the psychology behind what you wear and a behind-the-scenes look at creating a leading fashion publication.
Sunday has been designated a family day, with a full schedule of entertainment for all ages.
Highlights include falconry displays, a world-class sheep show, dog agility demonstrations and ‘have a go’, plus a variety of pony activities.
Children can look forward to the Shetland Pony Grand National, Mini Landers and other interactive equestrian experiences.
A new ticket discount will give families access to Blenheim Palace’s Adventure Play area, featuring tunnels, bridges, a toddler zone and more.
Single-entry tickets for Adventure Play will be available from Thursday to Sunday.
Horse Trials ticket holders can also enjoy a 20 per cent discount on entry to Blenheim Palace.
This year also introduces Attelage de Tradition, a traditional carriage driving competition.
This one-day, three-phase event celebrates the history, beauty and elegance of horse-drawn vehicles and the partnership between horse and driver.
Visitors can also enjoy food and drink from across the region, including the return of Fortnum & Mason picnic hampers.
Early bird tickets start from £22, with free entry for under 12s.
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