Westgate Oxford: New Epic Bar

Ellie Cox

Oxfordshire

Flight Club – the lively fairground inspired bar and Social Darts experience is coming to Oxford and is set to open doors on 22nd November, just in time for the festive season!

Promising to deliver a one-of-a-kind social experience to Oxford, Flight Club is designed to bring groups of friends together for an unforgettable time. Situated on the roof terrace level of the Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford locals can look forward to a stunning bar with a lively atmosphere, craft cocktails, and delicious sharing dishes. Expect unexpected, ridiculous joy every time.

Flight Club Oxford will offer semi-private oches (Social Darts playing areas) around a spectacular bar, along with plenty of seating options and two beautiful terraces. Its blend of delicious food and drink, stylish interiors, vibrant DJ sets, and energetic vibe makes this new addition to Oxford’s bar scene the perfect destination for creating memorable moments with friends.

Darts revolutionised

Flight Club’s highly popular Social Darts experience has completely transformed the traditional game, bringing darts into the 21st century with fun, fast-paced multiplayer games that anyone can enjoy.

First-time visitors to Flight Club should leave any preconceived notions about darts behind. This modernised version of the game has undergone a high-tech upgrade. Cameras track and automatically score each dart, eliminating the need for manual arithmetic. Live action replays are displayed on-screen during the session, and afterward, shareable stories of the best memories are sent directly to players’ phones.

Perfect for groups of friends, Flight Club redefines the traditional two-player game. Social darts, Flight Club’s enhanced version, allows up to 12 people to gather around an oche. For larger groups, corporate events, or Christmas parties, multiple oches can be linked to host up to 250 players in epic tournaments led by an expert Gamesmaster.

There are six immersive and fast-paced games to choose from. One game, ‘Demolition’, start players with 180 points, with the goal of reaching zero by taking turns throwing darts. Unlike traditional darts, no double is required to win, making it easier for newcomers. In the game ‘Killer’, players must hit their assigned number three times to become a “killer”. Once they achieve killer status, they aim to hit other players’ numbers to knock them out, with the last person standing declared the winner.

Small plates, sharing pizzas and spectacular cocktails

The food menu at Flight Club Oxford will include crowd-pleasing dishes ideal for sharing and eating mid-throw. Sourdough pizza paddles, juicy burgers and loaded fries are just some of the treats on offer.

If you’re a cocktail aficionado, you’ll be in good hands, with plenty of options to choose from, including signature cocktails, classics with a twist, cocktail slushies – perfect for balmy summer evenings – and sharing trophy cocktails served in a show-stopping trophy cup – the best way to toast the Social Darts champions.

Bottomless brunch with a twist

Not forgetting everyone’s favourite weekend pastime, Flight Club Oxford will also offer a bottomless brunch you won’t want to miss. Plenty of booze, great food, and an all-round epic time. Tickets for the two-hour brunch session cost from £30pp and include 60 minutes of gameplay at the oche, a bottle of prosecco per person and all the pizza you can eat. Party vibes are guaranteed as the resident DJ blasts the tunes throughout the day.

The setting: all the fun of the fairground

Flight Club Oxford will be decked out in Flight Club’s signature style, combining the fun of the fairground with Victorian nods and all the best bits of a traditional British pub. Think fairground-style signage and lighting that blinks in time to the music, panelling, bold prints, and subtle nods to Oxford’s history throughout.

There are treasures and trinkets in every corner to surprise and delight, including clocks and barometers of varying sizes on the walls, fun adaptations to Victorian portraits, reclaimed antique furniture pieces and a fairground carousel horse.


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Bid in OxTrail auction

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire’s oxen are set to go under the hammer on September 13th to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice

More than 130 oxen decorated the county with people discovering hidden ox designs across the area, but now it’s time to herd them up and auction them off.

The auction will be held online and in person at the Saïd Business School, Oxford on Friday, 13th September at 7.30pm. The sale will feature a stunning selection of life-sized ox sculptures and mini oxen, all available for online bidding.

The event will be hosted by celebrity auctioneer, Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester. Those looking to attend can check out the online auction via the digital catalogue and register their interest today.

Thomas said: “I simply can’t wait to wield my gavel like am American cowboy in the mid-west driving my herd to an ox-tounding sale at auction, raising such much needed and valuable funds for Sobell Hospice!”

Among those at auction is Children’s illustrator KorKy Paul with his “Winne and Wilbur” inspired ox, and international artist, Amanda Quellin’s design inspired by the stained glass found in Oxford’s architecture. Both with starting bids at £2,500.

The much talked about BBC Radio Oxford ox has also gone up for auction. This sculpture features hundreds of crocheted segments stitched together representing the ‘colourful and diverse’ communities of Oxfordshire. Starting the bids at £1,300, this special Ox is named ‘Tony’ after the artist Yarnsy’s Grandad, who was cared for at Sobell House.

And those looking for a celebrity treat, the trail’s scribed mini ‘Post-ox’ is also starting at £1,300 in the auction house. As part of the ‘moo-vement’, Postb-ox features doodles and signatures from over 20 famous faces – including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Prue Leith, Ben Shephard, Radiohead and Miriam Margoyles.

Director of Fundraising, Beth Marsh from Sobell House Hospice, said: “The auction provides a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of art while supporting the vital work we do at the hospice. We are very excited for the sale, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase one of the moo-jestic ox sculptures and share in the legacy of OxTrail 2024.”

Those who wish to bid on oxen in September can purchase £50 tickets, they include drinks, canapés, and entry. Alternatively, bidders can register online, and place their offers ahead of the auction.

Beth added: “We give people the chance to live well in the time they have left and provide them with compassionate and dignified end of life care. Please place your bids and make an ox-tra big difference this September.”

For more information on OxTrail visit Home – OxTrail 2024


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Wondrous West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival

Liz Nicholls

Oxfordshire

Dick Morbey tells us about the enchanting West Wycombe Music Festival, 19th to 21st September, founded by international star (& Wycombe born & raised) musician Lawrence Power

West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival was established 13 years ago by Lawrence Power who is now recognised as a performer of the very highest calibre on the world stage.

Each September Lawrence returns to the area to direct and perform in this three-day music festival which offers audiences five attractively programmed concerts. He brings with him an array of top-flight musicians who join him to perform in this exclusive series of concerts.

The festival has firmly established its place as one of the key musical events in our locality. It was hailed by the Guardian newspaper as “One of the top ten classical music events of 2021”.

After last year’s success in Hambleden, where we received a very warm welcome from the community and our audiences, we are delighted to be returning to the village this year. The festival will take place from Thursday 19th to Saturday, 21st September.

Five concerts will be given, with an Enchanted theme, all in the beautiful 12th century Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambledon, RG9 6RX, in the heart of one the most attractive villages in the Chiltern hills in Buckinghamshire. In addition to three evening concerts, there will also be a lunchtime concert on the Friday and a late morning concert on the Saturday. You can find full details of the five concerts and performances & book at westwycombemusic.org.uk and also follow the Facebook page. For further details, ticket sales and enquiries please email the festival organisers on [email protected] or you can call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.

The West Wycombe Chamber Music Festival is an entirely non-profit concert series which aims to bring the very best of live music performance to the area, given by top calibre musicians. In current times this is increasingly costly, but thanks to the support of audiences and Friends of the Festival we are able to cover most, but not all of our costs.

We invite music-lovers to consider becoming a Friend. The Friends of the Festival are a thriving, friendly group who have offered great support for the festival for over a decade. Friends’ subscriptions and subsequent generous donations have been instrumental in supplementing the income we receive from our generously-priced concert tickets and enabling the continuance of the concert series.

For further info, ticket sales and enquiries please email the organisers by emailing [email protected] or call 01494 528659 or 07948 897148.


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No ticket needed!

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

To mark its 180th anniversary the Old Ticket Office at Culham will open to the public as part of this year’s Heritage open Days on September 14th & 15th

This year Heritage Open Days celebrates Routes, Networks & Connections, and this will provide a rare opportunity to see inside an original Brunel designed broad gauge station building.

The old ticket office at Culham is one of the best preserved of Brunel’s characteristic and charmingly designed small country station buildings, and the only survivor of this particular Tudor Revival design.

The office is Grade II* listed and retains many of its original features including, large fireplace, glass ticket window, unique architectural details and original 1844 work tops. On display will be original signal box equipment, models of local coal wagons, and much more with some items of memorabilia on sale and many free souvenirs to take away including postcards, colouring sheets, tickets and our 32-page illustrated Discovery Trail booklet.

Keen model makers can also download free model sheets of the old ticket office from the website.

Come and explore inside the building and its surroundings using the Discovery Trail booklet, you may be surprised to see just how much there is to discover. See if you can find where a bullet ricocheted from the ticket counter when a passenger was shot in 1868!

The Old Ticket Office is on Platform 2, Culham Station OX14 3BT. Free parking is available both by the ticket office and on the opposite side of the tracks at The Railway Inn. The station will also be served by certain local buses and trains on Saturday.

For more information about the Old Ticket see Culham Ticket Office


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Six By Nico Istanbul-inspired menu

Ellie Cox

Oxfordshire

From 23rd September to 13th October diners can enjoy the latest menu at Six by Nico Oxford, that will transport them to the hustle and bustle of Istanbul

Six by Nico, renowned for its innovative dining experience and ever-changing tasting menus, has announced its next destination menu, promising a true feast for food enthusiasts across the country. This time, Six by Nico invites diners seeking adventure to journey through the spice-laden streets of Istanbul and savour the rich, aromatic dishes inspired by the Turkish city’s iconic bazaars.

The Istanbul experience will be available from 23rd September to 13th October, offering diners a culinary journey where ancient traditions meet bold, modern flavours. This menu is designed to amaze, celebrating the richness of Turkish cuisine and embracing the culture at every turn. Diners will be transported to bustling bazaars and the vibrant streets of this captivating Turkish destination.

The menu includes the following:

Course One – Memories of Mikla
Cucumber & Barbecue Lettuce Gaspacho, Lemon Verbena & Lor Cheese

Course Two – Chef Ahmet’s Pida
Grilled Chicken Shish Pida, Sesame Flat Bread, Rose Harissa & Sumac

Course Three – Kibe
Toasted Bulgar & Aged Beef, Smoked Black Garlic Ketchup & Cep Mushroom

Course Four – Fishing on Galata Köprüsü
Seabass, White Bean, Fennel Jam, Preserved Lemon, Smoked Almond Foam

Course Five – Adana Lamb Kebap
Cumin Belly Pressé, Ancient Grains Pilaf & Sweet Roasted Tomato

For an additional £7, food enthusiasts can add on Golden Peyniri, Crispy Filo, Lor Cheese, Acili Same Chutney to their fifth course.

Course Six – Spiced Date Cake
Candy Walnut, Caramelised Pear & Sour Yogurt Sorbet

For £50, guests will be able to enjoy a taste of Istanbul, with a matching wine pairing from £38.

This tasting menu is a culinary journey through the heart of Istanbul, drawing deep inspiration from Turkey’s rich and diverse food traditions. It masterfully combines authentic Turkish flavours with modern techniques, paying homage to classic dishes while introducing contemporary twists. From the refreshing notes of gazpacho to the hearty essence of lamb kebap, each course reflects the vibrant and varied culinary heritage of Istanbul. This menu captures the essence of Turkish cuisine – bold, aromatic, and deeply rooted in regional traditions – while presenting it in a way that is both innovative and sophisticated.

Andrew Temple, Chief Creative Officer, commented on the new menu: “We’re excited to transport diners to the vibrant streets of Istanbul and bring authentic yet bold flavours from Southeastern Europe to cities around the UK and Ireland.”

Six by Nico caters to all dietary requirements, offering a full vegetarian menu for each new menu concept. Plus, customers can swap courses from the meat menu to the veggie alternative, if they wish.

For bookings of the Istanbul menu, visit the website Istanbul – Oxford – Six By Nico


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Barn storming fun!

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

The Great Barn Festival offers a perfect combination of events to keep adults, families and children of all ages entertained.

The Great Barn Festival is a family friendly event celebrating the best of music, theatre, art, and nature in an ancient rural setting.

Set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, the Great Barn in Coxwell was built over 700 years ago. It was a favourite of William Morris who would regularly bring his guests to wonder at its structure. Morris called it ‘unapproachable in its dignity’.

Music from the best home-grown talent and international musicians combines with some of the best local community groups and choirs. Take your seat for performances from Dan Sealey from Ocean Colour Scene and Merseyside hero Ian Prowse & Amsterdam.

Listen to storytellers and watch roaming performers throughout the day. Entertainment includes family performances of The Tempest and Robin Hood as well as the return of the Three Inch Fools with The Secret Diary of Henry VIII. Get involved in circus skills, a silent disco and craft in the Children’s Tent. There’s also pond dipping and barn tours to enjoy with The National Trust.

Tuck into some fabulous food with a cold drink and settle in to enjoy music or theatre set against one of the most impressive Festival backdrops around!

A Gate Pass which allows entry to the grounds for a whole day with non-stop action and if you want even more add separate ticketed performances to build your perfect event. A Friday Evening Gate Pass costs £6. Saturday Gate Pass costs £10 and a Sunday Evening Gate Pass costs £6 per person. Under 2s are free.

Full details can be found on Great Barn Festival


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Join Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Forrester is sharing tales from the auction room and more in a fundraiser for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library Campaign

Who doesn’t love a bargain and who doesn’t love TV show Bargain Hunt?

Well-known auctioneer and BBC Bargain Hunter Thomas Forrester is hosting a terrific fundraising auction for Corn Exchange Newbury’s Old Library campaign on Wednesday, 11th September.

The antique expert will talk about his work as an auctioneer and his time on TV with Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, highlighting heart-warming tales of his foray into antiques and how he landed a sport on the beloved British show.

As well as his time on Bargain Hunt, Forrester’s long list of accolades also includes also includes being Director of Special Auction Services in Newbury. Guests can expect Forrester to lend his valuable insight into the antiques market, sharing a look into what is currently selling and what is struggling. He will also delve into personal stories from his time working in antiques, including fascinating and one-of-a-kind items he has sold, as well as things he couldn’t shift!

Guests can also get actively involved in the evening, with the chance to bring along a small antique or collectable. Audience members who have brought items will be drawn at random to go on stage and tell the audience what their item is and why they bought it, before Forrester provides a live valuation.

All proceeds will be going towards the reopening of the historic Old Library in Newbury which will be a permanent home for the Corn Exchange’s creative participation work. This much-loved building will provide opportunities for all to take part in creative activities, benefitting more and more local people with the positive impact that engagement in the arts has.

£2.6 million is needed to fulfil the Corn Exchange’s plans to open the Old Library in early 2025; £1 million of which has been funded by Greenham Trust, for the acquisition of the building, repairs, and conservation. The public phase of the fundraising campaign will repurpose the interior space, and complete plans.

Jessica Jhundoo-Evans, Director of Corn Exchange Newbury & 101 Outdoor Arts, said: “We’re really excited about the Old Library becoming the permanent home for our creative participation work. This area of our work provides a lifeline to many local people, with over 27,000 engagements in 2022/23. The Old Library will help us to benefit many more local people with the positive impact that participation with the arts has, increasing engagements to over 40,000 a year.”

For tickets to this or any of the other fundraising events visit Events at the Corn Exchange Newbury

For campaign updates and to donate, please visit Old Library Fundraising Campaign


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Sole mates on Pangbourne High Street!

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

Pangbourne High Street is becoming even more of a must-visit destination for locals & visitors. We’re celebrating this boom, including two new boutiques for style-lovers…

Already home to beloved establishments such as Cheese Etc, Kiki & Bow Interiors, The Rhubarb Tree, Nino’s Deli and Artichoke Café, the high street is now welcoming two exciting new boutiques to enhance its charm and appeal.

In April, Amy Grace, who has a background in footwear buying and design at renowned high street brands, launched Grace. This chic boutique offers a distinctive shopping experience, featuring her own footwear brands, Grace, and Feather & Sole. Additionally, the store showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories sourced from Europe and the UK, making it a go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique and stylish pieces.

“I’ve lived here for seven years, originally as it was on the commuter line into London and I wanted the village vibe with easy access to the city,” Amy tells us. “I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot. We get quite a few people coming here to picnic by the river in the summer and it seems to be a meeting point for surrounding villages due to the cafes, shops and strolls by the river.”

“I’ve stayed because I love this quaint little spot”

Adding to the vibrant mix, bespoke jeweller Nicola Bannister opened her atelier in July. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship, Nicola offers one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewellery that caters to those with a discerning eye for quality and elegance. Her atelier has already been attracting jewellery-lovers and provides a personalised shopping experience that’s both memorable and luxurious alongside a repairs and remodelling service. Nicola also offers workshops such as wedding-ring making for couples making their vows.

While Pangbourne has always been great for the foodie spots and Kiki & Bow interiors is a great asset, having more shops open has given people more reason to visit. Pangbourne High Street is nor just a shopping destination but a thriving hub of unique retail and culinary experiences, perfect for an afternoon mooch.


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Discover Bucks Museum’s Star Wars adventure

Liz Nicholls

Oxfordshire

Head to Discover Bucks Museum near Aylesbury to see one of the finest collection of vintage Star Wars toys & original movie posters

One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original movie posters is on display in a stunning exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Bucks.

Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape.

For little kids and “big kids” alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and the museum team are excited for its first visit to Aylesbury. The exhibition runs until 3rd November.

Continuing the sci-fi theme and a treat for those visitors who have fond memories of the 1980 BBC Television adaptation of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, we have on display until 3rd November the original, screen-used costume prop of Marvin the Paranoid Android.

For more information, opening times, ticket prices and to book visit Welcome to Discover Bucks – Discover Bucks. Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP.


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Prevent car theft

Karen Neville

Oxfordshire

Is your vehicle attracting thieves? Don’t let car thieves get an easy ride.

Keyless car theft or ‘relay theft’ is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.

Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.

How to protect your keyless entry car

• Fit a steering wheel lock as a physical deterrent. Some models can link to pedals and gear sticks.
• Consider blocking in your keyless car with another non-keyless entry car if you have one.
• When at home keep your car key (and spares) well away from the car.
• Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
• Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
• Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.

You can also find the information on Thames Valley Police website at Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention.

If you have seen anything suspicious, have CCTV or Dashcam footage of suspects, or any information regarding car crime in your neighbourhood, please report this by using the Thames Valley Police online reporting portal at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ or by calling the non-emergency number 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

If you wish to remain anonymous or don’t want to speak to the police you can pass any relevant information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 free of charge.


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