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Oxfordshire weekly round-up: 11 May - 18 May 2024

BBC The D-Day torchBBC
The D-Day torch was lit at Botley Cemetery in Oxford

The commemorative D-Day torch arriving in Oxford ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire.

A variety of local issues were featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

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Nails found on swings and slide in Marcham play park

Nail pointing upwards children's slide
A nail was found glued onto a children's slide

Nails have been found glued sharp-end up to a slide, swings and other play equipment in a village park.

Parents in Marcham, Oxfordshire, described being left shocked by the discovery, which was made on Monday following a weekend community event.

Thames Valley Police said it was investigating and urged anyone with information to get in contact.

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Bridgerton: Regency dance enthusiasts at Claydon House

Georgettes members are in love with the fashions, music and history of the 18th and early 19th Centuries

The founder of a society where people dress up in historical costumes to dance around stately homes said a recent trip was a "dream come true".

Georgettes of Oxford is a group of enthusiasts who bring the Bridgerton vibe to dances and parlour games.

They visited Claydon House in Buckinghamshire - a location for the third series of the Netflix hit which was released on Thursday.

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Oxford hosts torch-lighting ceremony

CWGC Group of six children standing beside war gravesCWGC
Local schoolchildren were part of the commemoration event

A commemorative torch-lighting ceremony has been held ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The event in Oxford saw the arrival in the city of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Lighting Their Legacy torch roadshow.

Botley Cemetery hosted the event with veterans, dignitaries and school children reflecting on the Normandy landings of June 1944.

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Abingdon School to welcome girls for the first time

External view of Abingdon School - large red brick three-storey building with trees and lawn in front
Former pupils include the members of Radiohead, the comedian David Mitchell and actor Toby Jones

One of the oldest schools in England is to welcome girls for the first time.

Abingdon School in Oxfordshire is thought to have been founded in the 7th Century and is currently an independent day and boarding school for boys.

Former pupils include the members of Radiohead, the comedian David Mitchell and actor Toby Jones.

Prof Mike Stevens, chair of Governors for The Abingdon Foundation, said the decision had been driven by "what we think is best for education today".

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Sick owlet found under tree recovering well

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue Sleeping owletOxfordshire Wildlife Rescue
Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue said when found by a dog walker Nugget "wasn't in a good way"

A sick tawny owlet discovered at the base of a tree has made a "fantastic turnaround", an animal rescue charity has said.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue said when found by a dog walker the helpless bird "wasn't in a good way".

"He was very weak, dehydrated and covered in fly strike [fly eggs] and he needed urgent treatment in order to give him a fighting chance," it explained.

The charity has named the owlet Nugget.

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