Latest news with #Faringdon
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to footballer after sudden death as donations pour in
Tributes have been paid to a local footballer who died after entering a river near Swindon and thousands have been raised for his family. The body of a 23-year-old man named William was found on Sunday, July 13, after he entered the River Thames at Buscot Lock near Faringdon and got into difficulty the previous evening. While Thames Valley Police did not initially release his full name, they have now confirmed the man was Will Coker after tributes poured in on social media. Will played football for both Calne Town FC and Highworth Town FC during a burgeoning career. Both clubs have since paid tribute to Will. A GoFundMe has also been set up by Otis Lewis to pay for funeral expenses and support Will's family. It has raised over £4,500 in less than 24 hours. Will playing for Highworth Town (Image: Highworth Town FC) In a public tribute, Highworth Town manager Paul Braithwaite said: 'I've known Will now for the past three seasons, he always attended our preseason sessions since I've been at the club and pushed himself so hard at every session to try and break into the first team. 'He played a big part in the reserve team under manager Liam Coombley. 'And again this season Will was back in with us applying himself in his usual hard-working manner with a huge smile on his face. 'It was only last Saturday he was playing with us all against his ex-reserve teammates… it's so sad that only seven days later we receive this tragic news.' Off the pitch, Paul described Will as polite and respectful. He added: 'Will was a quiet but super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much. 'He won't be forgotten by myself and as a club we will be holding a two-minute silence on Tuesday in our home friendly against Devizes Town. 'Myself and all associated with Highworth Town FC would like to send all our love and condolences to Will's family and friends.' Suggested reading Motorcyclist 'fighting for his life' in hospital after serious crash Body found in search for man who disappeared in river Woman airlifted to hospital after being wedged between two cars A Calne Town spokesperson described Will as someone who was 'liked by everyone.' They added: 'We are very sad to announce that Will Coker has passed away over the weekend. 'Will was a part of our Reserve team for the last five years. 'Will loved his football, always had a smile on his face, and was liked by everyone. 'Our thoughts are with Will's friends and family at this sad time. 'Will has been taken far too early.' Police launched an extensive search lasting over 12 hours to try and find Will. They confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Major search ongoing for man missing in River Thames near Oxford
Emergency services have been searching for a man reported to have got into difficulty in the River Valley Police said a 23-year-old man was reported to have entered the water at Buscot Lock, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, just after 21:10 BST on National Police Air Service, specialist search teams, search dogs and Oxfordshire Lowland Search & Rescue have attended the scene alongside the Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue have asked people to avoid the area while the searches are ongoing. Temporary Ch Supt Lis Knight said searches had been "extensive and thorough" of the water and the river Supt Knight said the man was with a group of friends at Buscot Lock and entered the water before getting into difficulty. "Friends have tried to retrieve him from the water, but were unable to do so," she said."His next of kin are aware and are being offered support at this extremely distressing time, and my thoughts are with them all," she added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New family-friendly music festival to launch this summer
A new family-friendly music festival is set to launch this summer. Tarantarti Party, taking place just outside Faringdon in Oxfordshire, will run from August 8 to 10, with early entry available on August 7, and is expected to draw around 1,000 attendees. The boutique festival is organised by the family of veteran band Tarantism and promises a grassroots atmosphere with music, arts, food, and camping. Read more: Optometrist issues warning to everyone wearing contact lenses this summer Hannah Pink, organiser and daughter of Tarantism member Mel, said: "This festival is a celebration of music, creativity, and community in a setting that feels both magical and welcoming." The festival will offer four unique stages: - The Tiny House Acoustic Stage - Dub & Dance Arena - Disco Cabaret - Dance Til You Die Main Stage The line-up will include China Shop Bull, Los Albertos, and P.A.I.N. The Disco Cabaret marquee will feature live music, drag acts, comedy, theatre, acrobatics, and fire shows, curated by members of the queer community. For younger visitors, there will be a dinosaur caravan, teddy tent, LEGO lab, craft workshops, circus school, and a teen chill-out space. Under-sixes can attend for free, and dedicated staff will ensure activities are safe and age-appropriate. There will also be a wellbeing and healing area offering yoga, meditation, reiki, massage, and sound therapy in a natural, peaceful setting. Workshops will include belly dancing, willow weaving, clay modelling, sewing, and circus skills. The festival has been designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair access, sensory-friendly areas, quiet zones, and accessible camping. Ms Pink said: "We want everyone to feel included and able to join in the fun, which is why accessibility is at the heart of our planning." The event will be powered in part by solar arrays and biofuel generators. Tickets are priced at £90 for adults, £45 for teens aged 11 to 16, and £30 for children aged six to 10. Read more: Highway Code: The road signs most drivers are getting wrong Early entry on August 7 is an additional £25, and late exit on August 11 is £30. The festival is dog-friendly, with a dedicated field for walking, and tickets for dogs cost £10. Horses are also welcome at £2 each. The address will be shared with ticket holders only. Parking and live-in vehicles are permitted at no extra cost.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Oxfordshire's 'worst road' resurfaced due to safety concerns
A road dubbed the "worst in Oxfordshire" has been resurfaced, after users called on the authorities to make it to resurface the A417 between Faringdon and Wantage was carried out by Oxfordshire County Council last council said recent dry weather meant the it was able to bring forward the programme of work, which had originally been planned for late had previously told the BBC that the road was decaying and prone to flooding, with vehicles often having to drive through deep potholes. In a statement, the council said: "Persistent flooding in the area had made it difficult to carry out these much-needed repairs, which needed to be completed in dry conditions."It added that further work to clean drainage systems was planned "for the coming months". Talking before the resurfacing work, Steve Henry, who runs an MOT workshop at Mellor's Garage, said the state of the road was "shocking" and "disgusting".Mr Henry, who used to own the garage he operates from, told the BBC: "It's cost me my business. I had to sell it last year. It was closed for a period of time, flooded."If you're on a motorbike or pushbike it's dangerous. Someone will lose their life," he Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber also raised concerns about the route, asking on his Facebook page: "Is this the worst road in Oxfordshire?""It's bad enough on four wheels, but imagine riding this stretch of road on a bicycle or motorbike," the post added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
