Godalming Operatic Society celebrates 100 years

Karen Neville

Enjoy the splendour of Gilbert and Sullivan with Godalming Operatic Society’s production of The Yeoman of The Guard, February 19th to 23rd at Godalming Borough Hall

Godalming Operatic Society is going back to where it started to celebrate its centenary with its upcoming show The Yeoman of The Guard.

Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading Gilbert and Sullivan societies, GOS was founded in 1924 and had its first production, The Yeoman of the Guard, on February 19th, 1925. Now exactly 100 years later, February 19th, 2025, the curtain will rise again.

Set in the Tower of London, The Yeoman of The Guard tells of the arrival of a travelling troupe of performers sparking forbidden romances, fantastical plots and unrequited love. It’s full of delightful tunes including When a Wooer goes-a-Wooing, and Free from his fetters grim.

Yeoman is considered by many to be Gilbert & Sullivan’s finest work, a view also expressed by both of them. Darker than many of the other G&S operas, the pathos is well balanced by much joyous and colourful music which ‘bubbles with wit and good humour’.

This special production will be accompanied by a professional orchestra, this year expanded to 24 players, under the direction of Musical Director, David Wright. The production will be fully staged with spectacular costumes and scenery.

With the exception of the war and Covid, Godalming Operatic Society has put on a major Gilbert and Sullivan production every year, including the more rarely performed works such as The Grand Duke and Utopia Ltd.

In addition to a fully-staged opera each February, in June or July they put on a smaller scale work, often at a smaller local venue such as the Wilfrid Noyce Centre in Godalming. Previous summer productions range from a concert version of Aida to The Zoo by Arthur Sullivan and most recently the 2019 Summer concert A Night at the Opera featuring a wonderful selection of grand opera arias, ensembles and chorus pieces.

Over the years the Society has won many awards and accolades from NODA for its productions, costumes and more.

New members are always very welcome. Previous experience is not necessary – it is enthusiasm that counts! The Society has a very active social side too with regular events and trips to see other shows, supporting other amateur operatic and musical theatre groups in the local area and further afield. The first point of contact is Chairman, Lee Power, at: [email protected]

To book tickets for Godalming Borough Hall, February 19th to 23rd, please go to Godalming Operatic Society event tickets from TicketSource. or call 0333 6663366.

The Yeomen of the Guard will also run February 27th to March 1st at The Leatherhead Theatre. Visit Events from January 3, 2025 – December 10, 2025 – The Leatherhead Theatre or phone 01372 365141.


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Go wassailing at Jealott’s Hill

Karen Neville

Claire Wallen, a director of Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare, explains a very ‘south of England tradition’ of blessing apple trees to ensure a good harvest with just a touch of ‘weirdness’ thrown in. Join the wassailers in Warfield

Have you heard of traditions that include hanging toast in a tree and shooting a robin? They are just one part of the traditional apple wassail ceremony that dates back to the 16th century. It traditionally occurs on twelfth night, the 5th or 6th of January.

The word wassail is descended from the Anglo Saxon ‘waes hail’ meaning ‘be well’. The ceremony is very much a south of England ritual and was designed to ensure a good apple harvest for the cider makes.

So what does it involve? It’s a bit bonkers, actually. There is singing, a ceremony and cider drinking. The idea is to bless the apple trees and drive away evil spirits in the hope of a bountiful autumn apple harvest.

The ceremony usually starts with singing of traditional songs. Then a holly king and oak king are nominated. A wren, which symbolises the Holly King (who rules to mid-winter), is then hunted down and shot (metaphorically of course) as part of the handover to the Oak King (who rules from mid-winter to mid-summer). The ceremony continues by choosing a Queen of the Bean.

Now comes the really weird part! The robin, which represents the Oak King is the guardian of the trees. The Queen of the Bean buries the poor little robin under a chosen apple tree. Then a piece of toast is placed in the tree and cider poured over the tree roots.

More singing ensues. Then in order to scare away evil spirits everyone starts banging trays and pots, blowing instruments and shouting loudly. Off go the evil spirits. And then it’s time for apple juice and cider drinking.

There has been a bit of a revival in wassailing in recent years and you can find events around Berkshire in January to enjoy this unusual tradition. One of the best ones is held at Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare in Warfield (North Bracknell) which has an apple orchard of over 300 trees, quite rare these days.

Maidenhead Morris group Ellington Morris (Ellington Morris) have carried out the ceremony at Jealott’s Hill for quite a few years. This year the event is on Sunday, 19th January from 1pm. More details via the website, Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare – Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare.

Please do come along and join us for the ceremony – we will have pumpkin soup made with our site grown pumpkins, hot apple cup, home-made cakes and children’s activities – it’s a great thing to do in the depths of winter. And it will help us reap a good harvest.


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Be a foster carer in Oxfordshire

Karen Neville

Maria White tells us about fostering in Oxfordshire and how you could make a difference to a child’s life

Here in Oxfordshire, we have an incredible network of local foster carers, but we need more so that we can keep Oxfordshire children local. It’s common sense that they’ll do better if they’re close to schools, friends and family, even if they’re no longer in the same town.

Being a foster carer is rewarding but we will be honest it’s not always easy. Our children have often been through a lot and can need plenty of support. But every day we see the impact that support has, seeing them grow in confidence – nothing beats that.

Fun trips to the shops, cuddles after a bad dream, helping with homework, being there during those tricky teen years – foster caring is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. And you won’t be alone, we will be supporting you all the way.

What do our carers say? Lucy told us: “Fostering is a collaborative effort – you are not parenting on your own, but as part of a team. You spend a lot of time talking with social workers, school staff, GPs, mental health workers and a whole array of other professionals.

“My one piece of advice would be don’t pretend you’re ok when you’re not. You’re not alone, and there’s always help available – you just have to ask for it.”

We fit around you. You may be single, work full time or have kids, foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and that’s why we keep things personal. Even if it’s early days and you just want a chat to find out more, we work at your pace, so that when you’re ready, we’re ready, whenever that may be.

To help you with the transition to foster are we pay a £1,500 welcome payment. We pay an enhanced fostering fee alongside an allowance for the child to help make fostering more affordable. You receive support from your social worker and other foster carers who are all part of a local fostering community. Our carers love seeing the difference they make to a child’s life… you could do that too!

If fostering is not something you are able to do, no worries, but please help us by spreading the word and encouraging others to find out more about fostering with Oxfordshire County Council.

Start your conversation today, one of our recruitment team will be happy to help you. Get in touch: email [email protected], call 0300 131 2797 and at Fostering | Oxfordshire County Council


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Chattertots children’s charity

Karen Neville

Thanks to an amazing local charity, children with Down’s Syndrome can enjoy therapy sessions here in Woodley

Chattertots is the wonderful Berkshire-based charity whose team support children with Down’s Syndrome.

The charity has recently relocated its weekly pre-school speech and language therapy sessions in Woodley, making these essential services more accessible to local families.

Chattertots, which supports about 30 families across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, provides specialist speech and language therapy through weekly sessions delivered by experts from Symbol UK, recognised leaders in supporting children with Down’s Syndrome.

“We’re excited to bring our services to Woodley,” says Clare McIntosh, chairman of Chattertots. “This move allows us to reach more families in the area while continuing to provide the high-quality, specialist support that’s so crucial for early development in children with Down’s Syndrome.”

The weekly sessions, which take place during term time, focus on developing essential communication skills through speech sounds, Makaton signing, vocabulary building, and oral motor skills. For many families, these sessions provide vital early intervention that isn’t readily available through standard NHS services.

One parent, whose child has been attending Chattertots sessions since September 2022, said: “Our son has made incredible progress, learning over 50 Makaton signs and mastering 31 speech sounds. These sessions have been transformative for our whole family.”

Chattertots, established in 2015 and registered as a charity in 2022 (charity number 1198362), has seen significant growth in demand for its services. The move to Woodley represents an important step in the charity’s development, allowing it to better serve families in the local community.

The charity also provides educational consultancy, school starter boxes, summer camps, and social activities, all designed to support children with Down’s Syndrome in reaching their full potential.

Families interested in Chattertots’ services or local groups who might want to help with fundraising can contact Clare by emailing [email protected]. You can also visit Chattertots for more info.


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Matt Graydon’s haunting historical drama

Karen Neville

Book your seat at Haslemere Library for an afternoon with local author Matt Graydon as he talks about his book Leaving Fatherland

Matt Graydon is “a writer of striking historical fiction” as you’ll discover when he talks about his debut novel Leaving Fatherland at Haslemere Library this month.

Inspired by a true story, Leaving Fatherland provides a different take on what it was like to be in the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. With scenes inspired by real events, it follows book-loving protagonist Oskar from his childhood in Nazi Germany to New York City and beyond, as he struggles to come to terms with his father’s abuse.

Oskar Bachmann always imagined that giving his first lecture would be the defining moment of his life. It was, but not in the way he expected…

Growing up a misfit in Nazi Germany, a victim of his father’s beatings, Oskar’s love of books is a constant comfort in a world turned upside-down by violence.

As a New York university student, as a pilot in the brutal Luftwaffe during the Second World War, in an unhappy marriage to an English bride, he finds himself returning over and over to the circumstances of his childhood. What was the source and cause of his father’s abuse? Could there have been more to it than he had once believed?

Little did Oskar know that his first lecture at the University of Tübingen would ultimately lead to the end of a lifetime of searching… and finally reveal the figure who had been controlling his life from a distance.

Author Matt is half-Irish and grew up in a loving but strictly religious home. When not spending his time writing he enjoys standing in remote fields at night gazing and photographing stars and galaxies through his telescope. His passion for writing began at the age of 21 while on a three-month action-packed hike across America.

Leaving Fatherland has been described as a “haunting, thought-provoking narrative” and as “a heart-told story which kept me bound to it right to the last page and well beyond”. Louise Fein, author of Daughter of The Reich calls it a “novel that explores, with compassion and without judgement, complex issues around psychology, identity, loyalty, and how knowing where we come from shapes who we are”.

The session on Friday, 10th January, 2.230-3.30pm, will end with audience questions and a book signing. Suggested donation: £4 per person.

Leaving Fatherland is available at Waterstones, Foyles, Amazon and more.


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Pangbourne Art Therapy Group

Karen Neville

Chrissie from Pangbourne Art Therapy Group invites you to join them in 2025 – whatever your artistic skills may be and brush up your wellbeing

In 2021 a group of about 10 women and men began meeting at Pangbourne village hall every Tuesday. All of us were dealing with challenges in our lives.

Some had experienced serious illness and were finding it hard to get back into the swing of life. Others suffered from anxiety or other mental health issues, lack of self-confidence, loneliness, isolation etc etc. We learned to use informal art and the group itself to help us get through life. Who knew how calming paint and a paintbrush (or a pair of scissors) could be?!

Three years later we are a really happy group and a laugh a lot! But we also support each other in those moments where it all gets too much. And we now have space for a couple more people to join us.

The level of our artistic ability ranges from nil or slight to medium! None of us are, nor aspire to be, real artists. However we do have a lovely professional artist who facilitates the group and guides us through a variety of mixed media techniques – as well as supporting our wellbeing.

Occasionally we have attempted some traditional art but more often we try more unusual abstract techniques such as bubble art, spray inks, painting on coasters, stained glass effect painting on acetate, galaxies and planets, basic pottery, marbling, birthday cards etc. All in a supportive and relaxed environment. It’s more like going back to a happy childhood than “proper art”!

We would love you to join us. The charge is £10 per person per week (payable as £40 per 4 weeks in advance). Alternatively, if space is available, a one-off attendance would cost £15 per session. That money pays for the hall and the artist. We are completely non-profit making so if there is any surplus it goes back into the group.

We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1.30-3.30pm in Pangbourne Village Hall. The hall is wheelchair accessible.

If you would like to learn more or consider joining us then drop us an email at [email protected] or call Caroline on 07882 340058


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Early years education

Karen Neville

A strong start for a bright and happy future: why early education shouldn’t be one size fits all

As a teacher and a parent, I have observed the importance of getting the right start in education for our children. As Head at Frensham Heights, I not only advocate but also witness the benefits of an environment which allows children the freedom to explore, play, challenge and make mistakes and one in which teachers are encouraged and trusted in their teaching, to take risks, and importantly build relationships with their class.  

My youngest, now six, started his educational journey in a “traditional” educational environment. Tradition dictates that our kids must sit inside uniform boxes and develop at a uniform rate, in line with their peers (often more of a disadvantage for those summer born children who play catch up from the start). Standards require that our children meet whatever arbitrary marker the government of the day chooses to use to standardise their progress (EYFS assessments; phonics tests; SATs) and yes, this all starts from the earliest years. I would suggest that this is outdated and in my experience, just doesn’t work – I watched my son wither away through his early experiences of education, not only missing the markers which were used to judge his development but more worryingly, losing the joyous, funny and quirky personality which we so loved; I regularly meet other children to whom the same has happened. 

This is not a criticism of any particular school, but more a comment on a system that perhaps we should be challenging. Another child in the same school with the same teachers may thrive, but the truth is that one size does not fit all when it comes to education. Every parent will know that two children, from the same parents, living in the same household and raised with the same values can have wildly different personalities and interests as they grow up. Despite this we are often unable to apply this same thinking to our system of education and instead tend to default to a narrower position based purely on academic achievement. I think we all know that the road to a successful, happy and fulfilled life is so much more than the assessments we are set along the way.  

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to move my son. At Frensham Heights he spends a significant portion of his time outdoors, as well as enjoying a much stronger focus on creative activities such as music and art. The irony is that, with this less ‘traditional’ approach, his reading and his maths have improved exponentially, but far more importantly, his joy is back.  

Every school I have visited is filled with staff who work so hard for the children and who want nothing but the best for them. Sometimes I can’t help but reflect that just maybe, society’s definition of what is “best” is wide of the mark. As parents, we know our children will develop at different rates and in different ways to their peers, but ultimately the greatest progress comes when a child is happy; if only the education system as a whole recognised this too? 

Ben McCarey 
Head, Frensham Heights School 


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Celebrate your child

Karen Neville

Jeni Kelly, BSc, SEND Education Advisor and Advocate has advice for parents on navigating SEND education

Every child has the right to an education that respects and celebrates their unique abilities.  

As a parent of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you know the path can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. SEND education in the UK has evolved significantly, yet many families still face daunting hurdles, from accessing the right resources to understanding the educational pathways available. You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about where to turn. As a SEND Advocate I support parents from the earliest steps in their SEND journey, attending mediation and other meetings and supporting parents at the SEND tribunal.  

If your child/young person finds education difficult, it may indicate an unmet need or Special Educational Need (SEN). Any concerns should be discussed with your child’s school. Ask if: Your child is progressing? and Your child is progressing in line with their peers? 

If the answer to either of these questions is no, then you need to know what your child’s school is doing to support them. 

Education in the UK is designed to support children with a wide range of needs, including learning difficulties, sensory impairments, developmental disorders, mental health and physical disabilities. Support can be given through mainstream or special education. Schools have an SEN budget to fund resources and support for those with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). While the system aims to provide every child with an opportunity to reach their potential, identifying and then accessing the right support can be a complex process. 

Parents often face barriers such as:

• Long waiting times for assessments and EHCPs
• Communication gaps with schools, local authorities and SENDcos
• Limited access to specialist resources and funding
• Social, emotional and mental health support

Practical advice for parents

These strategies may help you overcome these challenges and advocate effectively for your child:
• Seek early support as soon as you have concerns
• Early intervention can make a significant difference
• Know and understand our rights
• Knowing your rights will empower you to advocate confidently for your child’s needs.
• Develop strong relationships with education professionals

Access local resources and support networks

Many local authorities offer services specifically for SEND families, including sensory-friendly play spaces and support groups for parents. These are opportunities for you to connect with other parents.

As a SEND education advisor, I support families through every stage of the process, from early conversations with schools to securing appropriate provision in the classroom.

Remember there are solutions and support available. My goal is to help you feel confident in advocating for your child’s education and well-being. Contact me at sendeducationadvice.co.uk or call 01753 905645.


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Creative careers

Karen Neville

When it comes to careers, you can think outside the box, especially if you’re more creative in your outlook. Illustrator Jenny Tang tells us more

Creative souls can often feel their spirit is a little crushed by school… and that was certainly the case for Jenny Tang.

“I had a tough time at school,” says Jenny, AKA Definitely Jenny, a full-time illustrator who has created murals across the South East, as well as artwork for magazines, events and games. Jenny earned her foundation, followed by a degree in Graphic Arts at Bucks New Uni. “My work is tied together with bright, bold colours, quirky characters and trying to capture a sense of fun within my illustrations,” adds Jenny.

Jenny would advise any creative young people, and their parents, to follow their heart and work will follow, because there is only one of you! “When I was deciding on my A-Levels,” she says, “there was a lot of pressure from my dad who wanted the classic prestigious job career path – think doctor or lawyer. He meant well as what he really wanted was a high-paying and stable job so I was financially comfortable.

“My mum, who didn’t give unsolicited advice ever, took me to one side and told me: ‘follow what you want to do – you are the one living this life so if there’s something you want to explore, do it!'” In that moment it was like clarity had struck me to the core. I hope by sharing this advice, it helps someone else!”

In 2020, creative industries in the UK employed about 2.1 million people, contributing more than £100 billion to the economy. Creative professionals often work in industries such as:

Visual Arts & Design (graphic design, illustration, animation, architecture)
Performing Arts (acting, music, dance, theatre production)
Writing & Literature (journalism, fiction writing, copywriting, screenwriting)
Film & Media (directing, cinematography, editing, production)
Fashion & Textiles (fashion design, costume design, textile arts)
Technology & Digital Innovation (UX/UI design, game development, web design)
Music & Sound (being a musician, sound engineer, music producer, or working in music composition for film and video games)
Game Design & Development (technology and gaming combines creativity with coding, design, and storytelling)
Fine Arts (painting, sculpting, creating mixed media, traditional and modern art independently and for galleries or institutions).
Interior Design (creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces).
Advertising & Marketing (branding, campaigns, and digital marketing, creating compelling narratives & visuals for companies).

Creative careers can be competitive. Rejection is part of the process, so persistence is key. Sharing your work and getting feedback can help you grow, so set up a portfolio.


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Welbeck Health Partners advice

Karen Neville

Dr Ellen Fallows from Welbeck Health Partners discusses how embracing lifestyle medicine with professional support can help us address the root causes of long-term conditions to achieve better health with fewer medications.

The UK remains in a COVID-19 hangover. The average number of sick days per person has increased to 7.8 days each year from 5.8 days annually, many people are struggling with multiple long-term health conditions and socially we’re more isolated now than at any point this millennium.

In fact, global studies have proven social isolation poses a greater risk to our health than smoking and obesity combined. Professionals are working from home more than ever, essentials are being ordered direct to our doors and squeezes to the cost-of-living make it difficult for many to enjoy trips out beyond the boundaries of their home.

Increasingly complex health issues along with stress, isolation, poor quality food, inactivity, smoking and alcohol and inadequate sleep can impact our immune health, impairing our ability to fight off seasonal colds and flu. Additionally, the widespread reliance on medications, which are often not intended as long-term solutions, highlights the need for a more proactive approach to our health. By making positive lifestyle changes, individual can not only enhance their overall health and immunity, but also reduce dependence on medication, minimising the chances of side effects and leading to more sustainable improvements in health.

A new approach is needed in addition to modern medication and surgery options; lifestyle medication is a scientific approach which supports prevention, treatment and even reversal of the underlying drivers of some health problems. With this approach, medications can often be gradually reduced and even stopped – particularly medicines for Type-2 diabetes, obesity, depression and pain. For others, starting medications such as HRT, smoking cessation medications or new weight loss drugs, might be needed to help with starting the behaviour changes to address sleep, activity, smoking and diet for example.

This more holistic, minimal medication approach supports us with behaviour changes including personalised nutrition, fitness, sleep and lifestyle assessments to help us to sustainably improve our health, mood and energy with fewer pills. Intensive, supported interventions such as fasting mimicking diets, shown to trigger cell renewal (known as autophagy), are also available for those needing to see rapid health changes, for example prior to an operation, chemotherapy treatment or IVF. However, it is important to note that these powerful, evidence-based interventions should be undertaken with medical supervision, particularly for individuals on other medications.

Experience as a general physician means I can take a whole-person approach to health issues, avoiding the pitfalls with modern medicine often focuses on single-organs rather than the whole body. My expertise lies in lifestyle medicine and sustainable weight loss treatments within the NHS, whilst teaching this approach as course lead at the University of Oxford. Welbeck Health, Jordan Hill in Oxford will be one of the first UK centres to offer this new global medical practice of lifestyle medicine.

We all know what a healthy and active lifestyle looks like and how it can positively contribute to our overall wellbeing, but achieving this is very challenging. It is particularly hard to achieve if we are already on multiple medicines and have many other complex health problems such as long-covid, menopause symptoms, obesity, type-2 diabetes or depression.

Many of you will be reading this column with new year’s resolutions in mind. And leading a healthier life and prioritising wellbeing is often top of people’s lists.

So, where can we start? Lifestyle medicine describes 6 key pillars that clinicians can asses and support;

1. Mental wellbeing: Your mental health is intimately linked to your physical health, treating this at the same time as your physical health issues is critical. This doesn’t always need antidepressants but can involve scientifically proven nutritional psychiatry interventions which range in intensity. We will support you to improve sleep and address isolation, meaning and purpose.
2. Addressing nutrition: We can support you to simply improve overall nutrition but also with intensive medically supervised nutritional interventions to achieve substantial and rapid health changes including improvements in mood, sleep and remission of some long-term conditions such as obesity, Type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic pain. The science of nutritional interventions for health has rapidly progressed with some specific targeted options depending on your health needs.
3. Improving sleep: Sleep has been underestimated in health, we will assess your sleep quality and help address factors that may be affecting sleep quality, including prescribed medications.
4. Reducing harmful substances: We will support you to reduce alcohol, smoking and even reducing medications that may be promoting weight gain or adversely affecting your mood. We can also prescribe alternative medications that can help with these behavioural changes.
5. Supporting physical activity: At whatever level of fitness, we can help you to creative activity habits that are realistic, effective and fit in with your daily demands and health conditions. Activity can be anything you enjoy and can result in rapid improvements in sleep, mood and pain if supported in a gradual and sustainable way.
6. Building social connections: Connecting with others is critical for health, we can support you to assess what you could prioritise to improve healthy relationships in your life. This includes building a beneficial therapeutic relationship face to face in our clinic.

This approach incorporates preventative health care to pick up problems early. Lifestyle interventions can be targeted and your progress monitored. We will support you with state-of-the-art wearable devices that are convenient, accurate and help to motivate and monitor the effectiveness of the changes you are making.

Everyone has different needs, health challenges or goals. We take detailed, whole person and personalised assessments including detailed discussion, clinical examination and tests to create your treatment plan.

Lifestyle medicine is an exciting new global medical discipline and welcome addition to Welbeck Health Partners’ premium healthcare services. Whether you want better health with fewer medications, weight loss medications with a more holistic and sustainable approach or want to improve outcomes from your planned surgery, chemotherapy or IVF – we can help you to maximise your health with fewer long-term pills.

A combination of increasing viral infections, low light, low levels of Vitamin D and increased exposure to artificial light means winter can be a particularly challenging time to maintain levels of positive wellbeing. Ensuring you’re surrounded by professional support means you’ll be best placed to stick your 2025 resolutions through January and beyond.

Welbeck Health Partners’ Oxford centre is due to open in autumn 2025. The centre will be its second private healthcare clinic and will enable the group to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage across the south of England.

The group is investing over £30million into the Oxford site which will offer a comprehensive suite of medical services and cater to 12 specialities including digestive health, heart health, ENT, lung health and genetics.

Further information is available online via Welbeck Health Partners


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