Kidlington group of canal volunteers come to the rescue after a boat collision caused a lock gate to break free of its fixings

The volunteers had met at Yarnton Bridge and were on their way to their planned session at Kidlington Green Lock when they spotted the aftermath of a suspected boat impact at speed. While awaiting the arrival of the canal charity's Reactive Team to fix the gate, they got to work over the next five hours directing boats, fencing off the danger, helping a couple stuck in the lock, and clearing bushes and shrubs ready for the repair work.

The Reactive Team brought in winches and jacks and were able to reposition the gate into a closed position. The lock was fixed and reopened the next morning. Canal & River Trust senior engineer Graeme Brownstone said: The Kidlington Towpath Taskforce went above and beyond to help get the canal open again for boaters. It wasn’t the task they had planned, but we are lucky that they were on the scene and able to act so quickly.

Discover more about the Kidlington Towpath Taskforce, visit The Canal River Trust here.

Snippets

▶ Local Writer 'The Oxford Chair' by Paul Humphreys is available from the Amazon bookstore. Sample pages here.

▶ Thames Valley Police Stay informed here.

▶ Kidlington News Magazine This month's edition of the printed magazine produced by Churches Together is now available from retail outlets in the Kidlington area.

▶ Oxford Mail Newspaper Reporting about Kidlington here.

▶ Kidlington's Wikipedia Page Visit the town's entry here.

▶ Kidlington Town Council Contact local councillors here.

▶ New Bridge Plans for a new walk bridge from Kidlington's Parkway railway station to an Oxford University data centre. Discover more here.

▶ Eco Group Follow Kidlington Ecology Group's activities here.

ARTICLE Photo Gabriella Blakey

The fine art of Marquetry by Gabriella Blakey

Gabriella studied graphic design in Rome, where she worked as a book illustrator, before going on to do graphic design work in Paris. After that, she moved to Edinburgh, where, in 1984, she became a member of the Scottish Craft Centre, exhibiting painted furniture and objets d'art with pictorial compositions at several galleries including: the Solstice Gallery in Edinburgh, Broughton Gallery near Biggar, and the Carnell Exhibition, Kilmarnock in aid of the Red Cross. Gabriella then came to Oxford, where she joined the Oxfordshire Craft Guild in 1993, and the Ashmolean Museum as Gallery Lecturer.

For her painted furniture she uses acrylics on wood surfaces which have been thoroughly prepared beforehand in order to protect and preserve the design: a silky smooth finish of varnish and then wax is applied. In addition to her paintings, she has introduced a new interest: intaglio, appliqué and inlay using coloured veneers on wood to create a decorative effect. Gabriella says: I love the feel of wood when I work. Trees have brought us the first fire, the first wheel, the first house and a surface to paint on. And I like to be part of this tradition. My graphic design background enhances harmony and symmetry in the designs I create.

Discover more about Gabriella's Marquetry work, here.

ARTICLE Photo ACE Training

Apprenticeships at ACE Training, Kidlington, build vital skills for construction workers in our local area

As Oxfordshire prepares for unprecedented residential expansion, with plans supporting the delivery of 1.5 million new homes across the county, a Kidlington-based training provider is marking 20 years of transforming lives and addressing the region's growing skills gap.

Founded in 2006 by Adam Marsh and Vanessa Cover, after rescuing a construction training provider from administration, ACE Training was built on a simple but powerful belief that talent doesn't come in one shape, one background, or one learning style. Two decades later, that belief continues to drive its mission. From the outset, ACE Training was never designed to replace schools or compete with colleges. It was created to fill a long-standing gap for young people who do not thrive in traditional classroom settings but excel in practical, hands-on learning environments connected to the real world of work. With Oxfordshire experiencing significant economic growth and housing expansion, the demand for skilled construction professionals has never been greater. Delivering large-scale residential and commercial developments requires a pipeline of work-ready tradespeople, from bricklayers and carpenters to property maintenance operatives. ACE Training plays a vital role in equipping young people with practical, in-demand skills while directly supporting the construction industry's workforce needs. As Managing Director, Adam Marsh explains: The belief that we could make a difference to young people locally whilst being commercially viable has always been at the forefront for me. To see the difference in young people is what makes it all worthwhile and fuels the drive to continue.

Discover more about ACE Training here.

ARTICLE Photo Charlotte Orr

Lincroft Meadow Art Exhibition

Lincroft Meadow hosted its first Art Exhibition which featured works by Lincroft Meadow residents, relatives, and team members. The exhibition included a selection of watercolours by Mavis Burley including some of her stunning paintings of Oxford scenes, University buildings and landmarks. Also exhibited were pieces by David Phipps, Celia Orr, and Celia's daughter Charlotte Orr who created the wonderful work entitled 'Women of Oxford' shown above.

We raffled one of Mavis's paintings of a scene in Venice and raised over £200 for the Alzheimer's Society. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the Exhibition so successful. In fact, we've received so much fantastic feedback that we're already thinking about doing it again next year!

Discover more about Lincroft Meadow Care Home in Kidlington, here.

LOCAL ENTERPRISES

▲ Top

KVLocal Enterprises

Legal Services
SE-Solicitors

SE-Solicitors is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Summertown, Oxford, strengthening its commitment to deliver clear, strategic, and relationship-led legal services to businesses and individuals across the region.

Estate Agent
Thomas Merrifield

'As an independent local estate agent, we have a wealth of neighbourhood property knowledge and our experienced, friendly teams, working across our network of eight branches, are always happy to give you free impartial advice whether you are thinking of selling, buying, letting or renting a property.'

Work By Paul Humphreys, Tattoo Artist
Kidlington Tattoo Artist

For Paul's most recently created tattoo images visit his website and click on the links to his Instagram and Facebook pages.

Afro-Caribbean and Asian Supermarket
Two Sisters Afro Shop

Discover a wide range of African food products including fresh produce, traditional ingredients, snacks and seasonings that can be hard to find in many supermarkets. Visit The Kidlington Centre OX5 2DL or telephone 01865-602245.

Marquetry — Art in wood
Gabriella Blakey Marquetry

Marquetry is the decorative art and craft of applying thin slices of wood, called veneers, to a surface like furniture or decorative objects to form intricate pictures or patterns. Visit Gabriella's online book for examples of her extensive range of work.

AC Drives & Landscaping Services
AC Drives & Landscaping Services

AC Drives is a local, independent family run business with years of experience. The company prides itself on the quality of its work and the long-lasting relationships it has built with customers over the years. So, whether you are looking for that beautiful driveway, that fabulous patio area, or for some secure fencing, AC can help.

Roofing Specialists & Property Maintenance
MLJ Roofing Limited

Business or home, bungalow or garage — whether its a new roof installation, repair, or maintenance, look to MLJ Roofing Limited for your domestic or commercial roofing requirement carried out in Kidlington and the wider Oxfordshire area. To discuss your project, telephone Matthew on 07739-391873 or email info@mljroofingltd.co.uk

Amateur Operatic Society
Kidlington Amateur Operatic Society

KAOS provides local performances and a fun, friendly, inspiring environment in which people — regardless of age, gender or experience — can learn and perform a wide variety of vocal music.

Care Home
Lincroft Meadow Care Home

Lincroft Meadow provides 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for the elderly in an elegant and spacious home incorporating numerous thoughtful and practical features which ensure the home can meet the changing needs of its residents.

Oxford Solar Lighting
Oxford Solar Lighting

Oxford Solar Lighting is the new Oxfordshire-based supplier of solar lighting for outside your property and around your garden.

Based in Kidlington
Oxon City Drainage

Oxon City Drainage understands the urgency of a drainage disaster, which is why it offers a 24-hour service. The firm's experience, skillset and know-how allow it to identify and clear all kinds of blockages, as well as ensuring long-lasting reliability. The company's number one goal is to provide an effective solution with a first-class service.

Property and Lettings Agency
Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers is a highly regarded property agency that has been serving Oxfordshire for over 50 years. With eight offices spread across the county, it is a trusted and reliable source for anyone looking to rent, let, buy, sell or invest in property.

Kidlington & District Information Centre
The Good Neighbour Scheme

The Good Neighbour Scheme is based at the Information Centre at Exeter Hall and has been operating since June 2010. Its voluntary services are open to those in the area who are aged 60-years or over, or who are disabled.