A fire engine was on the Market Place today (Monday) responding to what appeared to be a fire alarm at the former Pablos building. There was no smell of smoke, but the crew carried out a check to be sure.

At the weekend a fire engine was on the Market Place in a very different role — supporting a six-hour treadmill relay by three members of the fire service.

The effort is part of Running for Heroes, a campaign led by firefighter Chris Dabell, who plans to run the 2026 London Marathon in full firefighting kit to raise money for the Firefire Fighters Charity. The charity supports colleagues who have been seriously injured and highlights the daily risks faced by firefighters. The challenge also honours the memory of Jennie and Martyn, lost in the Bicester tragedy.

More details: runningforheroes.dabell.co.uk

Yesterday was also Ride and Stride, when people cycle, walk, or use mobility scooters to visit churches across Oxfordshire for sponsorship. The money raised is shared equally between the participant’s own church and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, which funds repairs to historic buildings.

Among those taking part were this group, who visited Trinity, on an unusual three-part tandem supplied by the charity Charlotte’s Tandems. This charity lends tandems free of charge to people who cannot ride safely on their own. It is named after Charlotte, who has severe autism, is non-verbal and experiences challenging behaviour. Cycling — first on tag-along bikes and later on a tandem — had a very positive impact on her life.

Flexicare held a party to celebrate their 40th birthday. Over 100 people went along — families, supporters, and team members, both present and past , including some from when the charity began in 1985.

There was party food, crafts, balloon animals, model trains, a sensory tent, and a visit from some Shetland Therapy Ponies.

Cutting the birthday cake, were two of the founders, Sara Hall and Sue Kenrick, joined by Paul, one of the first Flexicare children.

Flexicare (Oxford & Abingdon) is a charity that offers free, flexible support to families with disabled children. They provide trained sitters so that parents and carers can take a break, knowing their child is in safe hands.