Latest news with #BanburyTownCouncil
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free tennis lessons held in Banbury park for first time
The first in a series of free tennis lessons took place in Banbury last weekend. The session ran from 10am to 11am on Saturday, May 24, at People's Park, teaching participants a variety of tips and techniques. Following the success of this initial class, Banbury Town Council is encouraging more residents to join future lessons, which will be held every Saturday at the same time and location. It is the first major initiative to be launched at the tennis courts since their refurbishment last summer. The refurbished courts, located in the heart of Banbury, have become popular with residents. Following the refurbishment, members of the public can book slots using a booking system on Banbury Town Council's website. People taking part in the free tennis lessons in Banbury (Image: Banbury Town Council) Booking a match is as simple as selecting a free time from the online calendar on the 'book your slot' page. Once booked, the player receives a one time code to access the courts. If the courts are not being used and the player has internet access, they can book when they get to the courts. The courts are available to use year-round, and the booking system ensures there is less confusion or clashing of schedules among players. Councillor Mark Cherry, former town mayor and chairman of Banbury Town Council's General Services Committee, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, regardless of age or experience, to take part in an exciting sport that bridges communities, backgrounds, and entire generations. "We've seen People's Park tennis courts transformed into a wonderful venue that Banbury can be proud of, and it's great to see such programmes making the most of these first-class sports facilities." The new sessions are part of a partnership between Banbury Town Council, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and experienced tennis players Shola Adebisi and Jenny Edwards, and are part of the LTA's national Free Park Tennis programme. Jenny Edwards and Shola Adebisi (Image: Banbury Town Council) Mr Adebisi, head coach at Banbury Tennis Academy, brings a wealth of experience, with more than a decade supporting young players across the UK. He has previously been named National Junior Champion and was crowned the 2021 LTA Oxfordshire Coach of the Year. Ms Edwards, an LTA L2 coach PTR instructor, is also a teaching veteran, having taught tennis to people of all ages, from four-year-olds up to adults. Her previous roles include head coach of BWE Club Adderbury and head of tennis at Bloxham School. Ms Edwards is efficient at breaking down the different elements of becoming a good player. To sign up for future sessions at People's Park, residents can visit the LTA website.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oxfordshire street parties and torch processions to mark VE Day
Street parties, live 1940s-style music events and beacon lighting alongside the River Thames in Oxfordshire will mark 80 years since VE City Council is waiving the road closure charge to encourage residents and community groups to host street displays and the traditional throwing game Aunt Sally will also feature in the week when the nation celebrates the end of World War Two in bells will ring out and beacons will be lit across the UK on VE Day, 8 May. On VE Day, 8 May, Abingdon will begin commemorations with the town crier's proclamation from the County Hall roof at 09:00 BST. Banbury Town Council promises a "true street party experience" in the town hall with live music, stories and military vehicles on will be run at churches in Bicester, Thame and Witney in the early evening, while beacon-lighting ceremonies take place in Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace in Oxford, the union flag will fly over the Town Hall and bells will peal at Carfax Rose Hill, the Social Club will celebrate with an evening of music and Aunt Sally games, a traditional English pub game where players throw batons at a wooden skittle or "doll" placed on top of a post. On Saturday 10 May, Woodstock will host a "a street party with living history", Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum displays, military vehicles and live 1940s-style music.A rally of MG cars will take place in Abingdon Market Place on Sunday 11 May and an exhibition of the role the car factory played in the war streets of Wantage will come alive for a vintage party, where people are invited to come dressed in their "finest 1940s attire" for a fancy dress competition. Mike Rowley, Lord Mayor of Oxford, said the anniversary was "an important opportunity for us to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation"."VE Day is a defining moment in our history and this may be one of the last opportunities we have to thank the surviving veterans, so we should celebrate them in style."By waiving the road closure charge for small street parties, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
