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Community News and Information
Host of free activities this summer as part of Didcot Garden Party
Didcot will play host to a bonanza of free activities as the Didcot Garden Party returns this summer.
The festival begins on Saturday 27 July with a day of events in the courtyard at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Station Road, kickstarting more than a month of fun and excitement around the town.
This is the fourth Didcot Garden Party, which is run by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils as part of the town’s Garden Town status which was awarded in 2015.
The launch party on Saturday 27 July features a host of performances including the Crew and Naughty Flock of Sheep, as well as live music with DJ Strange and a make and take workshop.
Free activities continue throughout July and August at Cornerstone including an open mic night, music workshop, aerial theatre, and community come together day.
Elsewhere in the town, families and individuals can try a host of sports from badminton, to skating, to yoga, and all the sessions are free.
Table-tennis fans can use the tables at Edmonds Park, Ladygrove Park and Great Western Park – just bring bats and a ball.
Those who like to get their groove on can enjoy free dance sessions throughout August at various locations in the town.
There’s also a special food event where people can learn how to save money and reduce food waste by using fruit and veg that have seen better days and using parts that would normally be thrown away.
At Didcot library, children can join the fun and free Summer Reading Challenge 2024 and will receive rewards, a certificate and a special medal for reading at least six library books over six weeks. It will also be hosting a variety of free weekly events.
Download the Didcot Garden Party brochure which contains details of all the events being held.
Find out more about Didcot Garden Party, Didcot’s Garden Town status and Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan on the council’s website.
Didcot will play host to a bonanza of free activities as the Didcot Garden Party returns this summer.
The festival begins on Saturday 27 July with a day of events in the courtyard at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Station Road, kickstarting more than a month of fun and excitement around the town.
This is the fourth Didcot Garden Party, which is run by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils as part of the town’s Garden Town status which was awarded in 2015.
The launch party on Saturday 27 July features a host of performances including the Crew and Naughty Flock of Sheep, as well as live music with DJ Strange and a make and take workshop.
Free activities continue throughout July and August at Cornerstone including an open mic night, music workshop, aerial theatre, and community come together day.
Elsewhere in the town, families and individuals can try a host of sports from badminton, to skating, to yoga, and all the sessions are free.
Table-tennis fans can use the tables at Edmonds Park, Ladygrove Park and Great Western Park – just bring bats and a ball.
Those who like to get their groove on can enjoy free dance sessions throughout August at various locations in the town.
There’s also a special food event where people can learn how to save money and reduce food waste by using fruit and veg that have seen better days and using parts that would normally be thrown away.
At Didcot library, children can join the fun and free Summer Reading Challenge 2024 and will receive rewards, a certificate and a special medal for reading at least six library books over six weeks. It will also be hosting a variety of free weekly events.
Download the Didcot Garden Party brochure which contains details of all the events being held.
Find out more about Didcot Garden Party, Didcot’s Garden Town status and Didcot Garden Town Delivery Plan on the council’s website.
Fun all summer long with free and low-cost activities for kids
Girls’ football, fun activity days, skateboarding and pickleball are just some of the free and low-cost activities available for children and their families to enjoy during the summer holidays.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are hosting activities and events at locations across the area from 19 July to 31 August.
The councils’ Active Communities team are providing a series of free Xplorer sessions, ‘Born to Move’ fitness and dance sessions and lots more for young children.
Girls aged 5 to 11 have the chance to get involved with football, make new friends and have fun during Girls’ Football sessions, perfect for those who want to give the sport a go for the very first time or with others their own age.
The whole family can come together to enjoy Fun Days, with activities including tag games, cricket, Danish longball, lawn games and more.
Skateboarding and scooter enthusiasts can enjoy competitions, games, prizes and more at the popular Summer of Skate skateboarding events which take place throughout the summer.
The annual Didcot Garden Party will see lots of events for the whole family taking place from 27 July to 31 August, including musical workshops and performances during Fusion Fest, Communities Come Together Day and Junior Bootcamp sessions.
There will also be a series of Play Days for children, young people and their families hosted by The Oxfordshire Play Association.
The popular Litterbug Detective Trails returns to six locations across the Vale and South Oxfordshire from 19 July to 11 August. Follow the trails and answer the questions about waste and recycling – you could be in with the chance of winning a great prize!
The activities are expected to be very popular so, where required, book now to avoid disappointment.
For a full run down of what’s on and details on how to book, visit southandvale.gov.uk/holidayactivities
Better Leisure Centres across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, managed on behalf of the district councils by GLL, also have a range of family activities to get involved over the summer holidays. Details about what’s available at each centre can be found on the Better UK website and the leisure centre Facebook pages. The outdoor pools in Abingdon and Wallingford will also be open for those of all ages to enjoy a swim in the sun.
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “We’re thrilled to kick off the summer with some great activities for children and their families to enjoy. These popular activities are set to sizzle this summer and we want every family to be part of the fun. So, visit our website and book now to secure your spot!”
Girls’ football, fun activity days, skateboarding and pickleball are just some of the free and low-cost activities available for children and their families to enjoy during the summer holidays.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are hosting activities and events at locations across the area from 19 July to 31 August.
The councils’ Active Communities team are providing a series of free Xplorer sessions, ‘Born to Move’ fitness and dance sessions and lots more for young children.
Girls aged 5 to 11 have the chance to get involved with football, make new friends and have fun during Girls’ Football sessions, perfect for those who want to give the sport a go for the very first time or with others their own age.
The whole family can come together to enjoy Fun Days, with activities including tag games, cricket, Danish longball, lawn games and more.
Skateboarding and scooter enthusiasts can enjoy competitions, games, prizes and more at the popular Summer of Skate skateboarding events which take place throughout the summer.
The annual Didcot Garden Party will see lots of events for the whole family taking place from 27 July to 31 August, including musical workshops and performances during Fusion Fest, Communities Come Together Day and Junior Bootcamp sessions.
There will also be a series of Play Days for children, young people and their families hosted by The Oxfordshire Play Association.
The popular Litterbug Detective Trails returns to six locations across the Vale and South Oxfordshire from 19 July to 11 August. Follow the trails and answer the questions about waste and recycling – you could be in with the chance of winning a great prize!
The activities are expected to be very popular so, where required, book now to avoid disappointment.
For a full run down of what’s on and details on how to book, visit southandvale.gov.uk/holidayactivities
Better Leisure Centres across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, managed on behalf of the district councils by GLL, also have a range of family activities to get involved over the summer holidays. Details about what’s available at each centre can be found on the Better UK website and the leisure centre Facebook pages. The outdoor pools in Abingdon and Wallingford will also be open for those of all ages to enjoy a swim in the sun.
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “We’re thrilled to kick off the summer with some great activities for children and their families to enjoy. These popular activities are set to sizzle this summer and we want every family to be part of the fun. So, visit our website and book now to secure your spot!”
Do you live (or work with) with teenagers aged 15-16 who need help choosing their
next steps?
The OXME team have information and ideas for teens to stay in learning until 18 and
this includes
Studying A-Levels
Going to college
Applying for an apprenticeship
Help your teenager feel ready for September.
Explore which option is best for your teenager, on the website
https://oxme.info/sortedforseptember
next steps?
The OXME team have information and ideas for teens to stay in learning until 18 and
this includes
Studying A-Levels
Going to college
Applying for an apprenticeship
Help your teenager feel ready for September.
Explore which option is best for your teenager, on the website
https://oxme.info/sortedforseptember
The British Beekeeping Association have asked if we could all watch and share this video widely, to help protect our honeybee population as Asian Hornet numbers grow just across the Channel. You may see traps in the countryside, which are all part of creating a national grid of trackers.
It will take less than two minutes to view. Thank you.
Video Link
Message Sent By
Neil Gunnell
(NWN, MSA, Thames Valley, South Oxfordshire)
It will take less than two minutes to view. Thank you.
Video Link
Message Sent By
Neil Gunnell
(NWN, MSA, Thames Valley, South Oxfordshire)
BUS SERVICE TO THAME!
The Red Rose service to Thame started on 7th November 2023. Click the link for the timetable.
The Red Rose service to Thame started on 7th November 2023. Click the link for the timetable.
Mobile Post Office
The Mobile Post Office visits Tetsworth (outside the Village Hall) on Wednesdays between 11am and 12 noon. We have been notified that this service will cease from 28th August 2024 due to lack of custom.
The Mobile Post Office visits Tetsworth (outside the Village Hall) on Wednesdays between 11am and 12 noon. We have been notified that this service will cease from 28th August 2024 due to lack of custom.
AGE UK - Community Links Oxfordshire newsletter - Click here to read the Newsletter
Oxfordshire County Council News
Libraries Summer Reading Challenge
Get creative and have fun with the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers
The Summer Reading Challenge runs 6 July to 7 September 2024 in all Oxfordshire Libraries.
This fun, free challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. It is the perfect summer activity to build your child’s reading skills and confidence during the holidays.
This year’s theme is all about creativity and has been developed in partnership with a leading arts charity, Create. The Marvellous Makers are a group of characters in a creative club. They are making amazing things for a festival at their local library when some objects mysteriously go missing from the club’s creative toolbox. As children read library books, they win stickers which reveal the missing objects, so when the children complete the challenge the characters can enjoy their festival.
How to take part in Oxfordshire LibrariesChildren will need to be a member of Oxfordshire Libraries.
Join Oxfordshire Libraries, it’s free!
From Saturday 6 July, children can sign up at their nearest Oxfordshire Library. They will be given a Marvellous Makers poster to keep track of their reading. As they read brilliant library books and visit the library to tell us about them, they collect stickers and prizes. When children complete the challenge, they receive a Marvellous Makers certificate and medal.
Read library books of your choiceYour children can set their own reading goal – we recommend 6 books over 3 library visits. They can read any library books they like, including eBooks and eAudio from Oxfordshire Libraries. Check out the Marvellous Makers book displays for fantastic reading ideas.
Mini ChallengeFrom Saturday 6 July, under 4s can sign up to a mini challenge with their own special collector’s folder and stickers. Join in at your local Oxfordshire Library and complete the mini challenge to win a gold medal sticker and Marvellous Makers certificate.
Summer Reading Challenge websiteVisit The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge website. It is available all year for amazing book ideas, fun games, exciting competitions and all the latest Summer Reading Challenge news!
If your child is up for an additional challenge or you can’t make it to a library, The Reading Agency’s online Summer Reading Challenge runs alongside the in-library challenge. Children who join the online challenge and reach their reading goal, will unlock a Marvellous Makers certificate to print and keep.
For help using the Summer Reading Challenge website and the online challenge, go to: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/help
For general information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/
Marvellous Makers illustrations by Natelle Quek and logo artwork by Lizzie Everard © The Reading Agency 2024
EventsVisit What’s On or contact your local library about family-friendly events and activities.
Get creative and have fun with the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers
The Summer Reading Challenge runs 6 July to 7 September 2024 in all Oxfordshire Libraries.
This fun, free challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries. It is the perfect summer activity to build your child’s reading skills and confidence during the holidays.
This year’s theme is all about creativity and has been developed in partnership with a leading arts charity, Create. The Marvellous Makers are a group of characters in a creative club. They are making amazing things for a festival at their local library when some objects mysteriously go missing from the club’s creative toolbox. As children read library books, they win stickers which reveal the missing objects, so when the children complete the challenge the characters can enjoy their festival.
How to take part in Oxfordshire LibrariesChildren will need to be a member of Oxfordshire Libraries.
Join Oxfordshire Libraries, it’s free!
From Saturday 6 July, children can sign up at their nearest Oxfordshire Library. They will be given a Marvellous Makers poster to keep track of their reading. As they read brilliant library books and visit the library to tell us about them, they collect stickers and prizes. When children complete the challenge, they receive a Marvellous Makers certificate and medal.
Read library books of your choiceYour children can set their own reading goal – we recommend 6 books over 3 library visits. They can read any library books they like, including eBooks and eAudio from Oxfordshire Libraries. Check out the Marvellous Makers book displays for fantastic reading ideas.
Mini ChallengeFrom Saturday 6 July, under 4s can sign up to a mini challenge with their own special collector’s folder and stickers. Join in at your local Oxfordshire Library and complete the mini challenge to win a gold medal sticker and Marvellous Makers certificate.
Summer Reading Challenge websiteVisit The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge website. It is available all year for amazing book ideas, fun games, exciting competitions and all the latest Summer Reading Challenge news!
If your child is up for an additional challenge or you can’t make it to a library, The Reading Agency’s online Summer Reading Challenge runs alongside the in-library challenge. Children who join the online challenge and reach their reading goal, will unlock a Marvellous Makers certificate to print and keep.
For help using the Summer Reading Challenge website and the online challenge, go to: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/help
For general information about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit: https://readingagency.org.uk/
Marvellous Makers illustrations by Natelle Quek and logo artwork by Lizzie Everard © The Reading Agency 2024
EventsVisit What’s On or contact your local library about family-friendly events and activities.
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Call for landlords
Our new campaign to encourage landlords and prospective landlords to come forward for more information about renting their property to Ukrainian nationals. Guests are looking for independence and, if they want to stay in the UK, for somewhere to live that is more in line with the family environment they left behind in Ukraine.
Morning after pill
In Oxfordshire, many are not aware they can access the morning after pill for free from some pharmacies. This campaign raises awareness and signposts people to free emergency oral contraception and contraception advice.
Our new campaign to encourage landlords and prospective landlords to come forward for more information about renting their property to Ukrainian nationals. Guests are looking for independence and, if they want to stay in the UK, for somewhere to live that is more in line with the family environment they left behind in Ukraine.
Morning after pill
In Oxfordshire, many are not aware they can access the morning after pill for free from some pharmacies. This campaign raises awareness and signposts people to free emergency oral contraception and contraception advice.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH LAUNCHES ITS BIGGEST RECRUITMENT DRIVE IN RECENT TIMES, INVITING NEIGHBOURS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO JOIN
Neighbourhood Watch has launched a new campaign – their biggest recruitment drive in recent times – to boost community participation and reduce both the fear and likelihood of crime. The BETTER PLACE TO LIVE campaign will run until the end of the year. It utilises a new logo, launched to sit as a modern partner alongside the immediately recognisable traditional logo.
A 'better place to live' is, of course, what we would all like to achieve – whether it be making new friendships, looking after our environment, supporting our neighbours, reducing isolation and loneliness, or working together to reduce fear of and opportunities for crime. Delivered in towns, cities, and villages across England and Wales, the campaign will have a particular drive during Neighbourhood Watch Week between the 3rd and 9th of June. It has also been launched on social media platforms and the Neighbourhood Watch website. The campaign encourages greater participation in the nation's largest voluntary crime prevention movement.
"The cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic have highlighted the importance of neighbourhood and community connections in tackling loneliness and isolation, as well as our vital work in crime prevention. We have a proven track record of bringing communities together and helping them to feel safer in a more uncertain world."
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch
Members of the public have said that the main barriers to them joining their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme were threefold: they were unsure whether there was a group in their area, they didn't know who else was involved, or simply they hadn't been asked to join. The campaign aims to address these reservations, particularly amongst the charity's underrepresented groups, including 25 to 40-year-olds and those in high-crime areas.
To reach a younger audience, the charity has recruited a young people's project worker and a young trustee, as well as established a presence on Instagram. Its Lookout Magazine, co-developed with student writers, raised students' awareness of topics such as drink spiking, keeping safe on a night out, cybersecurity, and mental health. As a result of these actions, between 2020 and 2021, four times as many 18 to 24-year-olds visited the Neighbourhood Watch website compared to the previous year.
It is hoped that the BETTER PLACE TO LIVE campaign will see a similar surge in participation and membership. Find out more.
Neighbourhood Watch has launched a new campaign – their biggest recruitment drive in recent times – to boost community participation and reduce both the fear and likelihood of crime. The BETTER PLACE TO LIVE campaign will run until the end of the year. It utilises a new logo, launched to sit as a modern partner alongside the immediately recognisable traditional logo.
A 'better place to live' is, of course, what we would all like to achieve – whether it be making new friendships, looking after our environment, supporting our neighbours, reducing isolation and loneliness, or working together to reduce fear of and opportunities for crime. Delivered in towns, cities, and villages across England and Wales, the campaign will have a particular drive during Neighbourhood Watch Week between the 3rd and 9th of June. It has also been launched on social media platforms and the Neighbourhood Watch website. The campaign encourages greater participation in the nation's largest voluntary crime prevention movement.
"The cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic have highlighted the importance of neighbourhood and community connections in tackling loneliness and isolation, as well as our vital work in crime prevention. We have a proven track record of bringing communities together and helping them to feel safer in a more uncertain world."
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch
Members of the public have said that the main barriers to them joining their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme were threefold: they were unsure whether there was a group in their area, they didn't know who else was involved, or simply they hadn't been asked to join. The campaign aims to address these reservations, particularly amongst the charity's underrepresented groups, including 25 to 40-year-olds and those in high-crime areas.
To reach a younger audience, the charity has recruited a young people's project worker and a young trustee, as well as established a presence on Instagram. Its Lookout Magazine, co-developed with student writers, raised students' awareness of topics such as drink spiking, keeping safe on a night out, cybersecurity, and mental health. As a result of these actions, between 2020 and 2021, four times as many 18 to 24-year-olds visited the Neighbourhood Watch website compared to the previous year.
It is hoped that the BETTER PLACE TO LIVE campaign will see a similar surge in participation and membership. Find out more.
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Oxfordshire residents urged to help county ‘win at waste’
Visitors to Oxfordshire’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are being asked to separate recyclable material from their general waste before disposing of it.
Oxfordshire County Council wants residents to sort their mixed rubbish out before their visit, in a bid to prevent items that can be recycled from ending up in the general waste and bulky skips.
Visitors are encouraged to separate their recycling so it can be put into the relevant containers which are on site, including plastics, card, textiles and shoes, metals and electrical items, before setting off.
Bledlow Ridge Household Recycling Centre re-opened 16th January 2023
It is a Buckinghamshire Council run facility, but historically around a third of users came from Oxfordshire. So we wanted to share the update below with you, shared by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment.
Access fee for Oxfordshire users
There is a change to how the site runs for residents in Oxfordshire and it is important any visitors coming from Oxfordshire know what to expect before they visit. We have introduced an access & acceptance fee for all visitors from outside of Buckinghamshire. The Council has no legal obligation allow visitors from outside of Buckinghamshire to use the site. However, the Council recognises that for some Oxfordshire residents Bledlow Ridge HRC is a convenient site to use. We do not wish to stop visitors from Oxfordshire visiting, but we do need to ensure these visits don’t come at a cost for Buckinghamshire taxpayers. As such, we have introduced an access levy based on the cost of managing and disposing of the waste brought to site. Details can be found here, charges start from £22 and increase based on vehicle size and type of waste brought.
Proof of address
All visitors will be asked for proof of address at the entrance. If the visitor cannot show proof of a Buckinghamshire address then they will be advised of the access and acceptance levy. The visitor can then chose whether to pay the fee or leave the site and visit an alternative site.
Access fee for Oxfordshire users
There is a change to how the site runs for residents in Oxfordshire and it is important any visitors coming from Oxfordshire know what to expect before they visit. We have introduced an access & acceptance fee for all visitors from outside of Buckinghamshire. The Council has no legal obligation allow visitors from outside of Buckinghamshire to use the site. However, the Council recognises that for some Oxfordshire residents Bledlow Ridge HRC is a convenient site to use. We do not wish to stop visitors from Oxfordshire visiting, but we do need to ensure these visits don’t come at a cost for Buckinghamshire taxpayers. As such, we have introduced an access levy based on the cost of managing and disposing of the waste brought to site. Details can be found here, charges start from £22 and increase based on vehicle size and type of waste brought.
Proof of address
All visitors will be asked for proof of address at the entrance. If the visitor cannot show proof of a Buckinghamshire address then they will be advised of the access and acceptance levy. The visitor can then chose whether to pay the fee or leave the site and visit an alternative site.
SODC Waste Collection notes
GARDEN WASTE Brown Bin - What CAN be put into the brown bin:
Fortnightly collections of garden waste (brown bins) started again on 1 November. A number of residents have experienced problems with the collection of waste bins. Please remember to report any uncollected bins before 5pm the following day: not only will Biffa then (hopefully!) come back and collect, but data on missed bin collections are a critical element of the monitoring of the contract. You can report by phone on 03000 610610 or online using this link.
All information regarding collections, Bank Holiday changes, effects of the weather on planned collections etc and when your bins will be emptied, can be found on the SODC website - please CLICK HERE for details.
Changes coming next year to garden waste service in South and Vale
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have set out plans to change the way their garden waste service is paid for in 2025.
The councils’ have agreed the introduction of a permit scheme from April 2025 which will include subscribers receiving a sticker for their bins to identify them as fully paid-up garden waste customers.
This kind of scheme is offered successfully by many other local authorities, including in neighbouring West Oxfordshire.
When customers sign up and pay for the scheme in 2025, they will be sent a garden waste permit sticker to put on their bin/or bins, which will help the waste collection crews identify which bins should be emptied. The permits will act in a similar way to a parking permit as a proof of subscription payment. All subscribers will receive a new sticker annually each time they renew.
This will help to ensure that only households that have paid for the service have their brown garden waste bins emptied.
The changes are part of the councils’ ongoing work to improve the efficiency and value of public services.
The garden waste subscriptions currently run via annual direct debit payments from the date people signed up for the scheme. Next year, the councils will stop taking direct debit payments for the service. Customers will instead make a single annual payment by debit or credit card - so that everyone’s payment year will run from 1 April to 31 March each year.
The council will directly contact all customers, via letters and email, in plenty of time to remind them to renew.
Benefits to customers include an all-new online system so they can manage their account and change their details much more easily. This will also mean the councils can contact people quickly if there are any disruptions to the service, such as during adverse weather.
Current subscribers will receive notification of the changes with this year’s invoices. This will provide more information on the new system in 2025 as well as details of changes to their direct debit payment this year and the annual fee increase to cover the cost of running the service.
GARDEN WASTE Brown Bin - What CAN be put into the brown bin:
- Leaves
- Grass
- Weeds
- Flowers and plants
- Hedge clippings
- Branches (not more than 10cm thick)
- Prunings and twigs
- Windfall fruit
- Hay / Straw / Sawdust (soiled animal bedding from non-meat eating animals only eg rabbits)
- Vegetable waste from the garden only eg potato tops (not kitchen waste)
Fortnightly collections of garden waste (brown bins) started again on 1 November. A number of residents have experienced problems with the collection of waste bins. Please remember to report any uncollected bins before 5pm the following day: not only will Biffa then (hopefully!) come back and collect, but data on missed bin collections are a critical element of the monitoring of the contract. You can report by phone on 03000 610610 or online using this link.
All information regarding collections, Bank Holiday changes, effects of the weather on planned collections etc and when your bins will be emptied, can be found on the SODC website - please CLICK HERE for details.
Changes coming next year to garden waste service in South and Vale
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have set out plans to change the way their garden waste service is paid for in 2025.
The councils’ have agreed the introduction of a permit scheme from April 2025 which will include subscribers receiving a sticker for their bins to identify them as fully paid-up garden waste customers.
This kind of scheme is offered successfully by many other local authorities, including in neighbouring West Oxfordshire.
When customers sign up and pay for the scheme in 2025, they will be sent a garden waste permit sticker to put on their bin/or bins, which will help the waste collection crews identify which bins should be emptied. The permits will act in a similar way to a parking permit as a proof of subscription payment. All subscribers will receive a new sticker annually each time they renew.
This will help to ensure that only households that have paid for the service have their brown garden waste bins emptied.
The changes are part of the councils’ ongoing work to improve the efficiency and value of public services.
The garden waste subscriptions currently run via annual direct debit payments from the date people signed up for the scheme. Next year, the councils will stop taking direct debit payments for the service. Customers will instead make a single annual payment by debit or credit card - so that everyone’s payment year will run from 1 April to 31 March each year.
The council will directly contact all customers, via letters and email, in plenty of time to remind them to renew.
Benefits to customers include an all-new online system so they can manage their account and change their details much more easily. This will also mean the councils can contact people quickly if there are any disruptions to the service, such as during adverse weather.
Current subscribers will receive notification of the changes with this year’s invoices. This will provide more information on the new system in 2025 as well as details of changes to their direct debit payment this year and the annual fee increase to cover the cost of running the service.
South Oxfordshire Charitable Lottery
SO Charitable Lottery raises £139,000 for good causes in South Oxfordshire
Over £100,000 raised by the SO Charitable Lottery has been used to support 81 Voluntary and Community sector organisations across South Oxfordshire.
The South Oxfordshire District Council scheme is a weekly lottery that benefits communities and organisations in the district by raising money for good causes.
Since its launch in 2018, the SO Charitable Lottery has distributed just over £100,000 to good causes in the district. In addition, £39,000 has also been raised so far in the SO Charitable Community Fund, £31,000 of which has been shared between all organisations selling 20 tickets or more a week, with more to be distributed in the coming months.
Friends of Ewelme School is one of many charities who have benefited from the money raised, including a share of the Central Community Fund providing a vital boost of unrestricted income to the organisation.
Stephanie Pereira, part of the Parent Teacher Association at Friends of Ewelme School said:
“We would encourage other organisations to take part in the SO Charitable Lottery. It is a great way to raise funds, and keep the community involved in essential fundraising for the school.
“The money raised goes towards resources such as stationery, colouring pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and more excitingly the new Forest School that we have been able to set-up thanks to money fundraised from the SO Charitable Lottery. This has provided the children with the opportunity to work outdoors, with all the benefits that being in nature provides, while also developing their environmental awareness.”
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “I’d like to thank the people who take part and support good causes in the South and encourage more good causes to join the scheme and residents to take part. The financial support local charities and voluntary groups receive allows them to continue their valuable work in our district supporting the most vulnerable people.”
Residents who take part in the lottery, can either support a charity or group of their choice or donate to the central community fund, these funds are distributed to local organisations and community initiatives which have a beneficial impact on the local community.
SO Charitable Lottery raises £139,000 for good causes in South Oxfordshire
Over £100,000 raised by the SO Charitable Lottery has been used to support 81 Voluntary and Community sector organisations across South Oxfordshire.
The South Oxfordshire District Council scheme is a weekly lottery that benefits communities and organisations in the district by raising money for good causes.
Since its launch in 2018, the SO Charitable Lottery has distributed just over £100,000 to good causes in the district. In addition, £39,000 has also been raised so far in the SO Charitable Community Fund, £31,000 of which has been shared between all organisations selling 20 tickets or more a week, with more to be distributed in the coming months.
Friends of Ewelme School is one of many charities who have benefited from the money raised, including a share of the Central Community Fund providing a vital boost of unrestricted income to the organisation.
Stephanie Pereira, part of the Parent Teacher Association at Friends of Ewelme School said:
“We would encourage other organisations to take part in the SO Charitable Lottery. It is a great way to raise funds, and keep the community involved in essential fundraising for the school.
“The money raised goes towards resources such as stationery, colouring pencils, scissors, glue sticks, and more excitingly the new Forest School that we have been able to set-up thanks to money fundraised from the SO Charitable Lottery. This has provided the children with the opportunity to work outdoors, with all the benefits that being in nature provides, while also developing their environmental awareness.”
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “I’d like to thank the people who take part and support good causes in the South and encourage more good causes to join the scheme and residents to take part. The financial support local charities and voluntary groups receive allows them to continue their valuable work in our district supporting the most vulnerable people.”
Residents who take part in the lottery, can either support a charity or group of their choice or donate to the central community fund, these funds are distributed to local organisations and community initiatives which have a beneficial impact on the local community.
- Tickets cost £1 a week and give you a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize each week!
- For each £1 ticket sold 60p will go to good causes in South Oxfordshire
Oxford City Zero Emission Zone
Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot launched in Oxford in February 2022. There will be review of the timeline for the wider ZEZ to cover most of Oxford city centre later in 2022. The ZEZ pilot means that polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between the hours of 7am - 7pm, seven days a week.
Under the ZEZ pilot, those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is. Under the scheme, zero emission vehicles will not be charged to drive in the zone.
The daily charges are:
Zero-emission vehicles (0g/km CO2): £0
Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO2): £2/day from February 2022, rising to £4/day from August 2025.
Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles: £4/day from February 2022, rising to £8/day from August 2025.
Motorcycles and mopeds: £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
Vehicles not meeting the above standards: £10 per day from February 2022, rising to £20 from August 2025.
Signs have been installed around the perimeter of the zone and on routes leading to it to notify drivers of the ZEZ pilot. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras is being used to enforce the zone. A range of exemptions and discounts are available, including for businesses and residents in the zone, and some other vehicle users.
Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to visit the Zero Emission Zone website to understand how the scheme affects them and to find out more about the daily charges.
Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot launched in Oxford in February 2022. There will be review of the timeline for the wider ZEZ to cover most of Oxford city centre later in 2022. The ZEZ pilot means that polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between the hours of 7am - 7pm, seven days a week.
Under the ZEZ pilot, those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of the charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is. Under the scheme, zero emission vehicles will not be charged to drive in the zone.
The daily charges are:
Zero-emission vehicles (0g/km CO2): £0
Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO2): £2/day from February 2022, rising to £4/day from August 2025.
Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles: £4/day from February 2022, rising to £8/day from August 2025.
Motorcycles and mopeds: £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
Vehicles not meeting the above standards: £10 per day from February 2022, rising to £20 from August 2025.
Signs have been installed around the perimeter of the zone and on routes leading to it to notify drivers of the ZEZ pilot. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras is being used to enforce the zone. A range of exemptions and discounts are available, including for businesses and residents in the zone, and some other vehicle users.
Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to visit the Zero Emission Zone website to understand how the scheme affects them and to find out more about the daily charges.
Walking in Oxfordshire
Walking in Oxfordshire https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/oxfordshire has hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.
John Harris (the custodian of the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Oxfordshire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.
With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.
So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!
John Harris
www.walkinginengland.co.uk
john@walkinginengland.co.uk
Walking in Oxfordshire https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/oxfordshire has hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.
John Harris (the custodian of the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Oxfordshire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.
With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.
So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!
John Harris
www.walkinginengland.co.uk
john@walkinginengland.co.uk