Weekly Summary: Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Dorset - 4 May to 11 May 2024
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, students and staff at Oxford and Cambridge universities have initiated protest camps demanding that their institutions sever financial ties with Israel. These actions come as a response to Israel's military actions in Gaza. In cultural news, the late Sir Christopher Lee, renowned for his diverse roles in cinema, will be the subject of a new documentary film titled "The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee," which aims to explore the actor's storied career and personal life.
In Oxfordshire, a campaign has been launched to restore a fiberglass puffin that has been a fixture outside a local bookshop for over half a century. Additionally, the region has been captivated by the discovery of a collection of antique gold coins worth in excess of £40,000. On a more personal note, a mother who experienced the loss of her son to cancer is advocating for assisted dying, a topic on which the government currently maintains a neutral stance.
The Berkshire weekly news roundup includes a variety of updates, such as the reopening of the Windsor Coach Park footbridge after a 17-week renovation, anticipated to improve the welcome for both residents and visitors in Windsor. Children and young people in Berkshire can look forward to the opening of a new music hub, made possible by funding secured by the Berkshire Music Trust and a partnership with Slough Music Service. Additionally, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance has unveiled an advanced training and operations facility, and a village in Berkshire may see the implementation of 20mph speed limits as part of a pilot scheme that could lead to wider traffic calming measures in the county.
In Dorset, the BBC invites readers to submit their scenic photographs for a chance to be featured, while retaining copyright. In other local news, a dedicated collector is preparing to sell his extensive collection of rare fossils. The Dorset Wildlife Trust has issued an advisory to safeguard seals in light of increased visitor numbers due to warm weather. Criticism of a balloon festival has prompted organizers to consider improvements following attendee feedback regarding queues, prices, and facilities. Lastly, two new electric cargo vehicles have been introduced as part of a campaign for cleaner air in Dorset.
