No Strings Badminton is a council initiative aimed at getting people involved in the sport.
The sessions, backed by the sport's governing body, Badminton England, provide a relaxed and flexible playing opportunity for anyone, 16 or over, who would enjoy playing badminton regularly, but who doesn't want to commit to joining a club or who can't always find the right partner to play against.

There are two sessions;
Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre, every Thursday, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Spiceball Leisure Centre, every Thursday 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

The sessions cost £2.50 each and rackets will be provided for the first couple of weeks. The initiative has been paid for by the council's successful bid for Sport Unlimited funding from Sport England.

Cherwell District Council's portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, Cllr George Reynolds, said: "If you haven't tried badminton before, this is your chance. Bring along your friends and enjoy playing the game in an informal atmosphere under the watchful eye of a qualified coordinator. It's great for all round fitness, but above all - it's fun".

For more information contact Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre on 01865 376368 or Spiceball Leisure Centre on 01295 257522.

The pedigree Ironstone Farm Limousin herd is making an appearance at the Four Shires Show on August 22nd. The herd - famed for its quality breeding stock has been established in Bloxham since 1977 although it has recently come to prominence under the management of John Wilson. Look out for the cattle, they will be penned in Cornhill, where John and his team will be happy to chat about the prize winners.

There’ll be fun in the street in Banbury on Saturday 17 July when shopkeepers in the Old Town area celebrate the completion of recent improvements. They’re coming together with the council to create a festival atmosphere in Parsons Street, Church Lane and White Lion Walk.
And everyone is invited to come along to take a look at what has been achieved and join in the fun.
The party will take place from 11am to 3pm when Parsons Street and Church Lane will come alive with stiltwalkers, balloon artists, and acts such as Cosmic Sausages, Circo Rum Baba, Balloonatics, Bucket of Puppets, Cherwell Theatre, Sue Greenway and her Dixie Strollers and Bootworks Theatre.
White Lion Walk will provide a mini stage area where there will be singing, dancing, drumming and guitar from Vocal Mix, Joanne Mills School of Dance, Sankofa, Martin Green and others to be confirmed.
Miletree, the contractor who carried out the revamp, has teamed up with Cherwell District Council to help fund the party. Councillor Norman Bolster, Cherwell’s portfolio holder for economic development and estates said: "We already have a significant number of store owners keen to take part. Some of those who sell food are already planning to take samples onto the streets and a treasure hunt might be on the cards."
June Irani from Café 6 in Church Lane said:"I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to profile our businesses, many of which are small and independently owned. It’s a chance to show people who we are and what we do and have some fun at the same time."
For further information email arts.visitor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone 01295 221803 or visit www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk

Six hundred vintage motorcycles converged on the Heritage Motor Centre last month for the nostalgic Vintage Motor Cycle Club Banbury Run.  The event is the 62nd Banbury Run and the largest gathering of motorcycles manufactured before 1931 in the world.

The Banbury Run is aimed at those who enjoy the thrill of riding with other Vintage, Veteran & Pioneer bikes. The Run operates over three different routes which all converge back at the Heritage Motor Centre. This year the Run will feature new routes and checkpoints to challenge the riders.

Visitors can enjoy wandering around Club and Trade Stands as well as the famous Banbury Run autojumble which is one of the best sources of Veteran & Vintage motorcycle spares.

Emma Rawlinson, Event Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted we hosted the 62nd Banbury Run in conjunction with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. The Run is a fantastic event enabling visitors to watch hundreds of vintage motorcycles cruise the roads of Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. It really is a spectacular sight to see!”

Advance tickets costs £5 or £6 on the day and £25 for an advance family ticket or £30 on the day. FREE museum entry is offered to entrants and spectators. Camping is available for the evenings of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June. Prices for the two nights are £13 in advance or £18 on the day. Advance tickets or camping can be purchased by phoning the new ticket hotline on 01926 287728 Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5pm.  

The VMCC Banbury Run is just one of many exciting and unique motoring events held at The Heritage Motor Centre in 2010. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

The largest Banbury Cake ever made can be seen at the Four Shires Show - to be held in Banbury Market Place on Sunday August 22nd. The cake - made by local bakers Palace Cuisine will be just one of many attractions at the show which will feature food, wine, beer and entertainment from around Banburyshire. The show, which is free, is being held in conjunction with Banbury Town Council who will be holding their famous flower and produce show in a marquee opposite Cornhill at the end of Parsons Street in the town.

Cherwell District Council and Parkwood Leisure are pleased to announce that Woodgreen open air pool has opened.
This will be the refurbished pool's first full summer of operation following last year's extensive £1.5m modernisation programme.
Woodgreen's 50 by 18-metre pool was totally modernised - work included reducing the maximum depth to 1.8 metres, installing a new tiled deck-level pool using the existing tank, an "Aqua Zone" for young children, a refurbished flume, upgraded plant and water treatment systems, new safety surfacing pool surrounds and a refurbished refreshment kiosk.
And Banbury Town Council is contributing to the cost of opening the new pool throughout the school summer holiday weeks.
Cherwell District Council portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, Councillor George Reynolds, said: "Thanks to the town council's involvement we are able to operate an extended season this year.
"The pool has already re-established itself as a must-visit Cherwell attraction during summer.
"With it being open for a longer season there'll be plenty of opportunity to grab some sunny outdoor swimming fun."
The pool will be open from 10am to 1.45pm and 2.15pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sundays. During the week the pool is open 7.00am - 9.00am for early birds lane swimming, 4.00pm - 6.00pm public swim and 7.00 - 9.00 for evening lanes.
It is scheduled to close when schools return on 6 September but if the summer weather continues further dates might be added.
For full details of charges and opening times, including early-bird and aqua fit sessions, visit www.leisurecentre.com or phone Woodgreen on 01295 262742.
For more information
Woodgreen Leisure Centre and Open Air Pool is at Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury, OX16 OHS.