F1 German Grand Prix: Race Recap
Haas F1 Team drivers Esteban Gutiérrez and Romain Grosjean drove to hard-fought 11th – and 13th -place finishes, respectively, in the German Grand Prix Sunday at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg. While the effort did not yield a point-paying result, it was still a strong showing from the Banbury based team as both drivers had to rally from deep within the … Read More
Gym and spin plans unfolding at Banbury’s Woodgreen Leisure Centre
The £1.2m project to improve and expand Banbury’s Woodgreen Leisure Centre is well underway. The plans, announced by Cherwell District Council in March, encompass a new 50-station health and fitness gym suite, and dedicated dance and spinning studios. The centre will also benefit from an integrated café and library, enlarged changing rooms, new toilets, a purpose-built reception area and a … Read More
The Dassett Country Show 2016 – Fun for everyone
The Dassett Country Show will return this weekend. With so much on offer this year, there really is something for everyone at this enjoyable countryside event. The event will take place on Saturday 6th August 2016 12 noon til 5pm next to the children’s park in Avon Dassett. Once again the Spa Strummers – the fantastic ukulele group from Leamington … Read More
Re-appeal to trace wanted man from Banbury
Thames Valley Police is continuing to appeal for information about the whereabouts of a man from Banbury who is wanted on recall to prison. Andrezj Sikorski, aged 34, a Polish national residing in Banbury, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 9 June 2015 to two years in prison for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. … Read More
Book your visit to Banbury North Signal Box
Have you booked your visit to the Banbury North Signal Box, running from the 10th August – 2nd October 2016. Individuals, Groups, Schools and Businesses can now book their free visit to the historic Banbury North Signal Box before its demolition on the 8th October 2016. Working alongside Network Rail, Project Crossover have secured 10 weeks’ access to this irreplaceable … Read More
The Banbury South Signal Box has now been demolished
End of an era – The Banbury South Signal Box has now been demolished Many thanks to Rob Kinchin-smith for the photos If you have photos you would like us to add, please email them to editor@banburytown.com Visit the Banbury North Signal Box Facebook group for news on the Banbury North Signal Box
Armed Robbery in Banbury
Last Saturday (30th July) the Post Office on Horton View in the Easington area of Banbury was involved in an armed robbery. At about 3.20pm yesterday an offender entered the Easington Post Office and threatened staff with what appeared to be a black handgun. A quantity of cash was handed over to the offender, who then made off on foot. It’s … Read More
Banbury says “Hands off the Horton”
Hundreds of people – including new mums and expectant mums – joined with Banbury MP Victoria Prentis and local councillors from across the political parties to protest about the downgrading of maternity services in Banbury. At 7.30pm on Saturday evening (30/07) people of all ages tuned out to say no to the downgrading of the unit, waving banners, signing the … Read More
Armed Robbery in Banbury
Today (Saturday 30th July) the Post Office on Horton View in the Easington area of Banbury was involved in an armed robbery. At about 3.20pm yesterday an offender entered the Easington Post Office and threatened staff with what appeared to be a black handgun. A quantity of cash was handed over to the offender, who then made off on foot. It’s … Read More
Banbury Play Day at People’s Park 2016
A carnival theme has taken over Peoples Park in Banbury today (27/7) as thousands of people turned out for the 7th annual Banbury Play Pay! As the world looks forward to the Rio Olympics, Banbury’s children are currently into the Brazilian spirit to discover carnival-themed arts, circus skills, sports and multicultural projects. For parents, this is was a great way … Read More
Victoria Prentis MP takes on new role in Westminster
Victoria Prentis, MP for North Oxfordshire, has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Ministers in the Department for Transport, including Rt. Hon. John Hayes MP. This new role will involve acting as a liaison between the Department and backbench MPs, and is often seen as the first step towards a Ministerial position. Victoria commented: “I am thrilled to take … Read More
Around 20 people were fighting on a Banbury road
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a disorder and ABH incident in Banbury. The incident occurred in Hilton Road on last Saturday (23/7) at about 11.20pm. Officers were called following reports that about 20 people were fighting in the road. A 29-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were injured in the incident and were taken to Horton General … Read More
Witness appeal: One man has died and another has serious injuries following M40 collision.
Witness appeal: One man has died and another has serious injuries following M40 collision. Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision this morning (27/7). A lorry was involved in a collision with three pedestrians who had exited a car which had stopped on the junction 9 slip road of the M40 southbound at about 4.17am. One … Read More
Banbury Harriers in winning form at Solihull
Banbury Harriers were in fine form at the weekend’s final Upper Age Group Youth Development League Meeting at Solihull. On the track, in form sprinters Ollie Sprio and Abbey Anson both looked sharp coming away with victories. Sprio running the 100m in 11.4s and then being 1st in the U17 200m in 22.8s and Anson 1st in the 100m in … Read More
Police seek three women after attack in Banbury
Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after a robbery in Banbury. At around 8.15pm on Tuesday (19/7), the victim, a 43-year-old man, was in St Mary’s Churchyard when he was attacked by three women. He fell to the ground and sustained facial injuries and an injury to his arm. He was taken to the Horton General Hospital in Banbury … Read More
Fire crews attend serious road traffic collision
On Wednesday (20th July) at around 4:30pm crews from Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue worked together to free three people from a serious road traffic collision. Crews attended the incident near Oxfordshires Rollright Stones after a rescue operation was set in motion following a “disoriented” 999 call. Incident commander Chris Wilson said the victims were “dazed, disoriented, the address … Read More
Horton Maternity Unit could be downgraded from the end of September
The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust which runs the Horton General Hospital in Banbury has announced that they may downgrade the Horton maternity unit to midwife led. At a time when the population of Banbury is growing, the maternity unit at the Horton would no longer have maternity services provided by doctors. The trust have issued a statement stating that they … Read More
Long serving councillor honoured
A former councillor’s decades of service to the district have been celebrated with his appointment to the role of Honorary Alderman. The title was conferred on Fred Blackwell at a meeting of Cherwell District Council’s special council on 18 July. Alderman Blackwell has acted as a councillor for Cherwell and its predecessor authority, Banbury Borough Council for 45 years. Cllr … Read More
Disruption on the railway as line closes for a week
The rail line between Leamington Spa, Banbury and Bicester North will close for upgrades between 30 July and 8 August. Network Rail and Chiltern Railways have announced that the railway between Leamington Spa, Banbury and Bicester North will be closed for nine days this summer as part of a £76m upgrade. The investment by Network Rail will help improve the … Read More
Children take part in Summer Reading Challenge
Banbury MP Victoria Prentis is supporting a campaign run by charity The Reading Agency to encourage all primary school children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The initiative is a unique partnership between The Reading Agency and public libraries across the UK to encourage reading among primary school-age children. Last year over 780,000 children got involved by … Read More
Church honours the past while building for the future
A Banbury congregation celebrated the final phase of building on its new church by adding to a time capsule discovered earlier this year. The new Methodist Church on The Fairway, Banbury is being provided as part of Cherwell District Council’s award-winning Build! programme. It occupies part of the old church site which the council is revitalising to include 11 shared … Read More
Happy crowds enjoyed the sun at the Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales
Last Saturday (16th July) saw the 23rd Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales, which is more affectionately known as Hooky Beer Fest. Large crowds turned up to enjoy the 100 + real ales in the full beer tent as well as ciders, wine and Pimms. Live music entertained the large crowds including a set by ‘No Tools Required’. A large … Read More
Banbury’s open air pool full to capacity
Banbury’s open air swimming pool enjoy its biggest crowd of the year as the mini-heatwave brought out the swimmers and bathers. Yesterday (Tuesday) was the hottest day of the year and the open air pool was full to capacity. At one point the queues to get into the swimming pool car park stretched around the block at Poolside Close to … Read More
Banbury Harriers complete at Dudley Youth Development League
Banbury Harriers athletes compete at the Youth Development League for the lower age group at Dudley Saturday’s final round of the Youth Development League for the lower age group at Dudley again saw great performances by Banbury Harriers athletes, despite a low turnout due to injuries & end of school year commitments. U13 Charlie Evans continued his impressive throwing form … Read More
Magnifying glass starts blaze in Banbury sewing machine shop window
Blaze yesterday evening at Banbury sewing machine shop Three fire vehicles were called last night to a fire at the GTS Sewing Machine Shop in Banbury at around 8.30pm. When they arrived they found the shop window on fire and the building full of smoke. Fire fighters from the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service entered the shop after forcing entry due to the store … Read More
Appeal for witnesses in Banbury burglary
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a burglary at a property in Banbury. In the early hours of Friday (15/7) offender/s entered a property in Fiennes Road and took a number of items from the living room including a television, laptop, amplifier, electric guitar and a handbag. Some of the items were found discarded in an alleyway near … Read More
Banbury stands united at International Banbury event
The community of Banbury Town turned up to the International Banbury event in good numbers to show unity together and to celebrate the diversity of the town. Everyone enjoyed live music, dancing, food, art, crafts and lots of conversation. This event proves that despite the media reports of racial disharmony after the Brexit vote, the people of Banbury still want to show … Read More
Tadmarton invaded by Scarecrows
Tadmarton invaded by Scarecrows for annual competition The second Tadmarton Scarecrow competition has been running for the last two weeks (2nd July to 16th July). A host of unique characters has popped up all over Tadmarton village, appearing in front garden (and roofs). Three prizes will be awarded to the best Scarecrows. The winners will be announced at the Concert … Read More
Banbury Harriers compete at the English Schools National Championships at Gateshead
Abbey Anson, Michael Dawes, Seb Hartwell, Zoe Pollock and Emily Thompson all excelled with their performances in the 86th English Schools National Championships at Gateshead last weekend. The five Banbury Harriers had been honoured to be selected to represent their county schools teams in the most prestigious fixture in the athletics calendar for school age athletes and a competition in … Read More
Banbury Cabbies spot-checked for compliance
Taxi drivers were checked for compliance as Cherwell District Council officials and police conducted a joint operation in Banbury on the night of Friday 24 June. Licensing officials from Cherwell District Council were out in force from 8pm till midnight. In Banbury 17 vehicles were stopped. Although the majority of drivers were fully compliant, a small number were found in … Read More
Banbury man wanted on recall to prison
Thames Valley Police has issued a photo of a man from Banbury who is wanted on recall to prison. Andrezj Sikorski, aged 34, a Polish national residing in Banbury, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 9 June 2015 to two years in prison for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. Since being released on licence … Read More
The Oxford University Hospitals Trust to close Oak Ward at Horton General Hospital
The ‘Save The Horton’ group have been left stunned this morning after sources claim the Oak Ward is due to close at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. It is also being alleged by the group that F ward at the hospital is to be downsized. The closure will result in a loss of 36 beds and 60 staff re-deployed, which … Read More
Theresa May appointed Prime Minister
Theresa May has been appointed Prime Minister by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, after the Cameron family left No 10 for the last time today. Mrs May has now started naming her new frontbench. Theresa May – Prime Minister Boris Johnson – Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond – Chancellor Amber Rudd – Home Secretary Michael Fallon – Defence Secretary David … Read More
Appeal for information after distraction burglary
Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after a distraction burglary in Twyford, Adderbury. At about 9pm on Saturday (9/7), a man rang the bell of a residential property in Deene Close in an agitated state and informed occupants that they needed to shut off their taps and clear items from beneath their sink. The two victims, a man and … Read More
Banbury Police Officer dismissed without notice
Banbury Police Officer dismissed following misconduct hearing PC Matthew Oaten, who was based at Banbury police station was today (12/7) dismissed without notice at a special case hearing before Chief Constable Francis Habgood. Between February and May 2015, PC Oaten accessed police logs for which there was no legitimate policing purpose for which for him to do so. In addition … Read More
Banbury Harriers compete on home ground
Sunday (10th July) saw Banbury Harriers compete in the third and final match of the Heart of England League Division 2. They were on home ground on North Oxfordshire Academy’s track in Banbury. The event was hosted jointly with friendly rivals Bicester. On the back of superb results from some Harriers athletes in English Schools on Friday and Saturday, the club … Read More
Wanted Banbury man has been located
A Banbury man who was wanted by the Police has been found. Michael Foster, aged 30, had failed to reside at approved accommodation on his release from prison and had not been sighted since. He has now been located and arrested. Thames Valley Police would like to thank the public for its help in locating a man from Banbury who … Read More
Victoria Prentis welcomes announcement that Theresa May will become Prime Minister
Victoria Prentis MP has welcomed the news that Theresa May will become the next Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party by Wednesday evening. The announcement came after Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, withdrew from the Conservative leadership contest this morning. Prime Minister David Cameron, who has declared his full support for Mrs May, has announced that he will leave … Read More
Man from Banbury wanted by Police
Thames Valley Police has issued a photo of a man from Banbury who is wanted on recall to prison. Michael Foster, aged 30, has failed to reside at approved accommodation on his release from prison and has not been sighted since. He is also wanted in connection with an assault and theft of motor vehicle in Leamington. He is described … Read More
Leadsom withdraws from Tory leadership race
Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire has announced she is pulling out of the race to replace David Cameron as the next Conservative leader and Prime Minister. Mrs Leadsom has faced increasing pressure in recent days, especially since the story in The Times suggesting that she thought being a mother made her a better candidate for prime minister. Mrs Leadsom … Read More
Lewis Hamilton wins rain-hit British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton team took a comfortable victory driving for the Brackley based Mercedes Formula 1 team in a rain-hit British Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg. Esteban Gutierrez driving for the Hass F1 team was the only driver in a Banbury team to finish the race, finishing in 16th position, 1 lap down. It was a bad day for … Read More
John Craven OBE visited Radio Horton
TV broadcaster John Craven OBE visited the Radio Horton studios at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury today. Radio Horton announced today (Sunday 10th July) that TV presenter John Craven OBE of much loved BBC programmes Countryfile and Newsround is the station’s new President. While at the Horton Radio studios, he cut the ribbon to officially open the re-named studios. … Read More
Broughton Castle Cycling Sportive 2016
Cyclists and spectators turn out for the Broughton Castle Cycling Sportive 2016 Now in its fourth year, cyclists of all abilities returned to Broughton Castle for the annual cycling sportive organised by the Banbury Star Cyclists’ Club and the Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell. The Broughton Castle Cycling Sportive had a challenge for every level of cyclist from a 5 … Read More
Lewis Hamilton on Pole for British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton claimed the British Grand Prix pole position for the Brackley based Mercedes Formula 1 team, despite having a time deleted for a track limits offence in Q3. The reigning F1 world champion was almost three tenths of a second faster than team-mate Nico Rosberg after their first runs in Q3 at Silverstone, but had his provisional pole lap … Read More
Vulnerable female victim had her purse stolen
Thames Valley Police has released CCTV images after an incident of the theft of a purse in Banbury. The offence took place at about 9.30am on Friday, 24 June, in Aldi, Beaumont Road, Banbury. The vulnerable female victim had her purse stolen from her handbag when she wasn’t looking. The police would like to speak to the man and the … Read More
Witnesses wanted after two men seen fighting
Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident of affray in Banbury. At approximately 1pm on Saturday 25 June, two men were seen fighting outside Jubilee Court in George Street, Banbury. The same two men were then seen fighting in Gatteridge Street. Police attended and found one man in Grove Street bleeding heavily from his nose. A second … Read More
Happy 52nd Birthday Radio Horton
Today is the 52nd Birthday of Radio Horton, the “Horton General Hospital Bedside Friend” Radio Horton was launched on 7th July 1964, with the immortal words: “This is Radio Horton calling.” The station’s founders were journalists Ted Hanson MBE and Graham Wilton and ever since those humble beginnings, Radio Horton has gone from strength to strength. They provide a … Read More
Proposals to bring Order to town
Proposals to ban begging, on-street alcohol consumption and rough sleeping in Banbury town centre could be introduced to protect visitors from being exploited and intimidated. Cherwell District Council agreed to move towards a public consultation to discuss the possibility of introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The draft order would ban begging, alcohol consumption and rough sleeping within agreed boundaries … Read More
Banbury Harriers in action at Dudley
The penultimate Midland League event took place in Dudley on Sunday, where Banbury Harriers U17, U20 & Senior athletes were in action. Rebecca Scott and Sophia Daenen got the day underway in the Long Jump, with performances of 4.85m and 4.31m respectively, both also in action in the 200m with times of 27.3s and 30.0s. Abby Anson’s final race before … Read More
Wanted man last seen in Banbury
Thames Valley Police has issued a photo of a man from Banbury who is wanted on recall to prison. Henry Williams also known as Henry Butler, aged 24, failed to attend approved accommodation on his release from prison and has not been sighted since. Williams was last seen on Tuesday 7 June in Banbury. He is white, 5ft 10ins, thin, … Read More