Clarion Weekend, 15 May 2026

Pennies from heaven: Lincoln College marked Ascension Day by throwing coins at local schoolchildren. Photo by Roger Close.

It’s one of those weeks where almost everything qualifies as a top story. Read on for changes at the top of Oxfordshire’s councils, an imminent start date for direct trains to Bristol, Reform candidate controversy, a bung (money, not plug) for Abingdon Reservoir and much more…

This week’s short(ish) reads

A brace of optimistic short reads for you this week, both on nature in the county. We look at promising signs of rewilding and recovery in southern Oxfordshire, from chalk streams to village orchards.

Oxfordshire’s conservationists are quietly holding the line for Britain’s rarest orchids. We find out what’s involved to bring these wild flowers back… and exactly how a “military orchid” got its name.

And finally… have you just been elected? (Congratulations if so!) Or are you just curious as to what being a councillor entails? This time last year, former county councillor Damian Haywood wrote a primer for the Clarion.

This week’s top stories

Liz Leffman is standing down as Oxfordshire County Council leader at the age of 77. She says she does not intend to re-stand in her Charlbury & Wychwood area in the unitary council elections next year, and that her successor should have their feet under the table by then:

“It has been a huge privilege to serve as leader of the county council since 2021. I have very much enjoyed the role and the connections that I have been able to make with people all over the county, in all walks of life. However, now is the time for me to stand down. In May 2027, we will be having elections for the new unitary council or councils, and as I will not be standing for election, it is right that I hand over the leadership in the run-up to these elections. I do intend to remain as a member of cabinet.”

Cllr Tim Bearder (Wheatley) has been elected as the new leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat group. This doesn’t automatically mean he becomes OCC leader – a formal meeting of the council is required to confirm that – but with the LibDems close to a majority, the appointment is expected to go through. The meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday.

The ceremonial chair of the County Council for 2026/27 is Cllr Ted Fenton (Bampton & Carterton South). Deputy chair is Cllr Roz Smith (Headington & Quarry). As well as presiding over meetings of the full council, the chair serves as the ‘civic leader’ of the county, acting as an ambassador and attending events. Cllr Fenton’s chosen charities will be Oxfordshire Air Ambulance and Oxfordshire Royal British Legion. Cllr Fenton said: “It is an honour to have been elected by my fellow councillors to chair the council for this municipal year.”

Katherine Miles, Susan Brown, and Lois Muddiman (with Hannah Spencer MP).

All three of Oxford City’s major political parties are now led by women. The city’s Liberal Democrat group this week elected Katherine Miles as its leader, joining Susan Brown (Labour) and Lois Muddiman (Green). Cllr Miles takes over from Chris Smowton, who has become deputy. She said: “I am delighted to take the baton as we head into a critical period of time of change in our city. The local government reorganisation will reshape the way the city is run – we need to ensure Oxford has a strong voice.”

In the northern districts, Cherwell District Council’s leader Cllr David Hingley is stepping down, after his Liberal Democrat party won four more seats at the local elections this month. Kidlington councillor Lesley McLean is the new leader of the council’s LibDem group, and will be put forward as council leader on 20 May. Cllr Hingley said he wanted to focus more time on his professional commitments. He remains councillor for Adderbury, Bloxham and Bodicote after winning re-election. Cherwell has been run by a LibDem/Green coalition since 2023.

West Oxfordshire District Council, meanwhile, will continue to be run by a rainbow coalition of Liberal Democrats, Labour and Greens. Council and LibDem group leader Andy Graham said “It is incredibly important to me that we maintain this partnership in leading the council.”

Oxford University says its staff’s political activities are their own decision after the head of its Staff Immigration Team, James Baker, stood as Reform UK’s candidate in Littlemore. He finished fourth as Labour retained the seat.

Reform UK has pledged to restrict immigration, including abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain, with existing migrants subject to “much higher salary thresholds”. The university has previously stated that “changes in freedom of movement pose the greatest threat to higher education in the UK”.

Around 40% of Oxford’s research and teaching staff originate from outside the UK, as do 63% of graduate students. An Oxford University spokesperson said:

“Oxford University staff are entitled to participate in civic and political life in a personal capacity, including standing for elected office. The University respects that right and does not comment on the political activities of individual employees.”

The Clarion has been approached by Oxford University staff who say they are “horrified” about a perceived conflict of interest. We have approached Reform UK and James Baker for comment.

The Government has given Thames Water a further £298m for design work on its proposed Abingdon Reservoir. Paul Hickey from RAPID, a partnership including Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate, said: “This next step will allow essential preparatory work for this scheme to be construction ready by 2029.”

The £298m figure is a three-fold increase from the £99m originally allocated, which Ofwat say will cover “additional activities to de-risk the planning process including additional surveys, and the earlier acquisition of land”. Opponents of the scheme have previously queried TW’s cost estimates. Ofwat said that local concerns about “Thames Water’s ability to deliver” were not a concern as the reservoir would be built by a third-party company. They have, however, asked TW and its water company partners to provide more information on costs, dam breaches, and environmental impacts.

It’s happening! Direct Oxford–Bristol trains start on Monday, running every two hours from Monday to Saturday. Weekday Oxford departures are at 0700, 0903, 1103, 1303, 1504, 1904 and 2103: the journey takes ~1hr10. (Full timetable.)

The services will be operated by GWR intercity trains calling at Swindon, Chippenham and Bath, but avoiding Didcot by using a little-used piece of track. A turn-up-and-go off-peak day return is £33.60.

GWR hopes to increase frequency to hourly in 2027/28. Staff shortages mean there are no direct trains on Sundays for now.

Lincoln College chaplain Jonny Torrance; the choir singing 'Hail the day that sees him rise'; children from Combe Primary School collecting pennies. (Photos by Roger Close.)

Around the city

One of Oxford’s most endearing traditions took place on Thursday, Ascension Day, as Lincoln College students threw pennies from the tower for schoolchildren to pick up – then shared ivy beer with college rivals Brasenose. As the college explains:

“Our tradition allegedly originates from an event in ages past where a Brasenose student, being chased by angry townsfolk, sought refuge in Lincoln. After being denied sanctuary, he came to an unfortunate end. In penance for this failure of hospitality, we invite members of Brasenose into College on Ascension Day, through the special door in the kitchen and give them ivy ale to drink. Apparently the ivy was added to ensure that Brasenose students did not outstay their welcome! What’s more, we also invite children from Combe School into College and members of the JCR and MCR committees throw pennies to them from the tower.”

Oxford’s ‘Castle Quarter’ is being purchased by Oxfordshire County Council, after the lease was put up for sale in November for £31m. OCC, which owns the freehold, believes that the site has been underperforming and that regeneration in the west of Oxford offers a chance to turn this around. OCC’s HQ at County Hall, next door, is to become a hotel, while the wider Oxford West End project will see areas such as the ‘Island Site’ between Hythe Bridge St and Park End St redeveloped. The council says “expert independent advice [advised] the deal represents a sound long-term investment”. Cllr Dan Levy said: “We are operating in a challenging financial environment and so it’s really important the council makes prudent, well‑evidenced decisions. This decision allows the county council to influence very positive change in the city centre while delivering a strong financial return.”
Oxford Preservation Trust is appealing for memories and photographs of Turn Again Lane, east of the Westgate Centre, from before the 1970s. They are planning a new documentary history of the street, formerly known as Charles Street and still home to OPT’s headquarters. Anyone with material to share is asked to email a.clark@oxfordpreservation.org.uk.
Oxford Swift City is looking for volunteers in their bird era to help survey swifts across the city this summer. Swifts are famous for their high-speed flights and distinctive “screaming parties” at dusk, but like many bird species, their numbers have declined rapidly in recent years. Volunteers are asked to give just two evenings in May, two in June and two in July to help spot nesting sites and record swift activity in local neighbourhoods. No experience is needed and full training is provided. Email: oxfordswiftcity@rspb.org.uk.
Campaigners for jury trials will demonstrate outside Oxford Crown Court on Monday as part of a national day of action. The Courts & Tribunal Bill is intended to reduce a backlog of trials by allowing a judge to decide cases where the sentence is less than 3 years. The Jury Alliance say that judge-only trials will remove safeguards without reducing the backlog in courts. The (unrelated) group Defend Our Juries has previously protested in Oxford for the right for juries to acquit climate campaigners and Palestine activists “according to their conscience”.

Wolvercote Hub; Donnington community garden (photo by Louise Hartley, Earthwatch Europe)

Wolvercote’s Young People’s Club is being relaunched as the Wolvercote Hub for “creativity, wellbeing and community spirit”, from early years support through to ‘active ageing’. Chair Val Tate says that volunteers are keen to hear from local community ideas for the space. Founded as the Boys’ Club in 1939, it continues to run young people’s activities.
A new community food garden has been created at Donnington Townsend Square, led by Earthwatch Europe and the Donnington Tenants and Residents Association. Members of the Donnington 50+ Group have committed to maintaining the planters, including a herb bed for the Community Café at Donnington Doorstep.

New homes in Shiplake; the River Evenlode from above.

Around the county

World Morris Dance Record Update: Duncan Bhaskaran Brown has reached Bray Lock, just outside Maidenhead, on his quest to dance 200 miles along the Thames. He expects to arrive back in London tomorrow. The ever excellent Abingdon Blog has pictures of him dancing into Abingdon town square (where Morris dancers are less of an alien sight than in Maidenhead) accompanied by his wife and daughter. He’s aiming to raise £10,000 for local charities including the Abingdon-based Rowan Trust.
A project to restore the Evenlode valley in West Oxfordshire, running past Kingham, Charlbury and Eynsham, has won £3m extra funding. By creating new woodlands, meadows and wetlands, it aims to reduce flood risk without “hard engineering solutions” like new embankments and pumping systems. The new funding comes from Network Rail, whose Oxford–Worcester railway runs through the valley; electricity company SSEN; and Oxfordshire County Council. The scheme is led by Evenlode Nature Recovery, a consortium of local farmers, who are given the funding for works on their land. For Network Rail, Ryan Barrett said: “In this area the railway crosses the Evenlode River 27 times, creating multiple pinch points where flooding can disrupt services. Investing in natural flood management gives us an opportunity to reduce risk before it reaches the railway.”
60 new homes are proposed for the edge of the South Oxfordshire village of Lower Shiplake, near Henley. 20 houses would be market-rate 4-bed homes, with 16 ‘affordable’ 2-beds. The plans include children’s play areas and footpath upgrades.
Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is among the most improved NHS trusts in England for urgent and emergency care performance in 2025/26. The Trust’s four-hour performance rose from 68.4% of patients being seen within four hours in March 2025 to 80.2% in March 2026. Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: “This improvement is a demonstration of all of the hard work and commitment of our staff, who are incredibly passionate about providing urgent and emergency care.”
With a decision on Botley West Solar Farm still pending, residents, community groups, parishes, businesses, landowners and energy developers are being asked their views on a proposed countywide approach to community benefit contributions and community shared ownership from some large-scale low-carbon energy projects. A consultation on private, for-profit schemes is being run by Oxfordshire County Council and district councils. It runs from 12 May to 14 June. People can read the consultation documents and complete the questionnaire via the online consultation portal.
Campaign group for voting reform Make Votes Matter took part in Levellers’ Day celebrations in Burford. This annual event commemorates the execution of rebel members of Cromwell’s army, taking refuge in the Church and demanding the right for all citizens' voices to be heard through a fair vote. Speeches and debates during the day highlighted the Levellers’ legacy, and how relevant their ideas are for us in the 21st century.
One of Abingdon’s district councillors has gone independent. Mike Pighills, councillor for Abingdon Peachcroft, has left the Liberal Democrats, who now have 31 out of 38 seats on Vale of White Horse District Council.
A sixth-form student in Henley has died from meningitis, with two other people in hospital with the illness. An outbreak in Kent earlier this year caused two deaths, with 19 people taken to hospital. The UK Health Security Agency has advice on transmission and vaccines.

Today is the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at Bicester Motion where two firefighters and a worker at Bicester Motion lost their lives in a fire. Families of the bereaved have requested that events to mark the anniversary stay private. Beyond this, out of respect for those families, we will not be covering it. The whole of Team Clarion sends their deepest condolences to the families.

'Ivinghoe Beacon from Steps Hill' – a Ridgeway painting by Christine Bass, who won the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize in 2022.

Walking, cycling and paddling

The Friends of the Ridgeway, one of Oxfordshire’s two National Trails, are appealing for help with the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize. The annual competition showcases art of all forms centred on the Ridgeway. They are seeking a person with good administration skills, an interest in the arts, and appreciation of the landscape of the Ridgeway: enquiries@ridgewayfriends.org.uk.
An improved cycle route to Meadow Lane and the Thames towpath in East Oxford has been completed after two and a half years. The surfaced path, approved in October 2023, goes around the edge of Donnington Rec, replacing the diagonal route which cuts across football pitches.
Whas’SUP? In quite the most fun planning application we’ve reported for some time, outdoor charity Adventure Plus wants to build a “lake for non motorised sports activities, construction of hill with caving system, and erection of coasteering wall” at their base in Clanfield, West Oxfordshire. A+ says it wants to offer “year-round canoeing, SUPing [stand-up paddleboards], raft building, wild swimming, coasteering, beach volleyball, island camping, bridge building, bird watching, pond dipping, mountain boarding, caving”. It has already raised funds for the lake and hill. The charity, whose patron is radio presenter Jeremy Vine, has a Christian ethos and also runs Duke of Edinburgh and SEND-focused events. It hopes to start construction in June.
Today is the formal start of bathing season, which means that Oxfordshire’s two designated bathing water sites will be tested every week until September. You can check the latest results for Wolvercote Mill Stream and Wallingford Beach online. It’s also lido time: Hinksey Outdoor Pool opens tomorrow for its 90th anniversary season, and Banbury’s Woodgreen on Monday. (We rounded up lido dates earlier this month.)

This weekend

Community Became Home (free), Fri, Museum of Oxford. Celebration of Oxford's new Hindu temple in Court Place Farm, Marston.
Access All Laughs (£), Fri, Pegasus Theatre. Three disabled comedians walk into a standup night... Supported by Oxford University's Neurodiversity Network.
Cakes & Ale & Festival (free), Sat, Abingdon. Marking the (c.)850th birthday of St Edmund of Abingdon with arts & crafts, beer & mead, walks & talks, and dancing. (Cakes, ale and Choral Evensong: the Clarion’s idea of a good time.)
Witney Festival of Food & Drink (£cheap), Sat, St Mary’s Church. 70 stalls with local artisan producers.
The English Clarinet (free), Sat, Mansfield College. Works by English composers (Finzi, Elgar, Bliss, and Reade) in Mansfield's Victorian chapel.
Whiplash (£), Sat, The Nest. Queer noisegrind, beatdown hardcore, sasscore, and drone decor (it says here).
100 Years of The New Negro Literary Salon (free), Sun, St John's College. Public reading in honour of Oxford's first black Rhodes scholar.

This week

Oxfordshire Artweeks arrive in the city from tomorrow.
Through the Wardrobe (£donation), Mon, St Andrew's Church (Linton Road). Oxford rapper Benza performs with a Chicago symphony orchestra to raise funds for Cowley's 'community living room', The Jungle.
Test Cricket: A History (£), Mon, Daunt Books. Book talk ahead of next year's 150th anniversary.
Fretwork: Take Five (£), Mon, Jacqueline du Pré Music Building. The viol consort return with a programme from J.S. Bach to Kate Bush.
Power, Policy, Health, and the Price of Inequality (£), Tue, Trinity College. Local geographer Danny Dorling on the impacts of economic inequality.
Menopause Cafe, Tue, Cowley Library. Discussion group focused on breaking down the stigma around menopause and increasing awareness.
Swing Bridge 175 Drop-in (free), Wed, Rewley Road. Restoring part of Oxford's railway history.
Living in Water (free), Wed, Jesus College. Virtually immersive recreation of the literally immersive experience of rising seas.
Power Station (£), Wed, Makespace. Low Carbon Oxford North presents a heartwarming film about community solar.
Flowers & Trees in Ukrainian Art (£), Thu, Ashmolean Museum. In conjunction with the current exhibition In Bloom.

Oxfordshire’s independent media

Oxford Sausage goes to the Beating of the Bounds, a centuries-old tradition involving chalk, whacking sticks, and evil spirits.
Muddy Stilettos reveals the best places to live in Oxfordshire, albeit some of the content could do with a little updating.
Nothing can replace Nightshift (sob), but we’ll flag up Oxfordshire Music Scene as a roughly quarterly magazine with reviews and interviews – their spring issue is out now.
Daily Info reviews the “jarringly surreal” Stories from an Abandoned Warehouse (finishes tomorrow).
The Oxford Student notes that in the wake of the Canvas outage, “we are more dependent on servers halfway across the world than we would care to think”.
Oxford Drinker visits more lost pubs around The Plain.
Cherwell argues that Oxford University should (re)open a single-sex college while Bluestocking makes a case for Mary Beard and female authority.
The Banburian dives intelligently into the debate on residential units vs shop spaces in Banbury town centre. If only all social media discourse was this considered. #BeMoreBanbury
And Oxford's Westgate Library shared a first-person clip of when librarians go behind the scenes.

Notes from Clarion HQ

Bristol had independent online news long before Oxford did. We’re struck by the similarity in headlines – council funding and LTN vandalism clearly aren’t just Oxford issues! But it’s good news that a day-trip to the capital of the South-West just got easier. Milton Keynes? Maybe one day. Have a great weekend; see you on Tuesday.