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Oxfordshire weekly round-up: 11 December - 16 December 2023

BBC Santa in a helicopterBBC
Father Christmas teamed up with RAF Benson for a ride in one of their Puma helicopters

Father Christmas delivering presents in an RAF helicopter was among our most read stories this week in Oxfordshire.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

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Santa uses RAF helicopter to deliver presents

The Santa Drop was described as "magical" and "amazing"

Santa was given a lift in an RAF helicopter as he delivered 200 presents to a children's hospital.

Father Christmas teamed up with RAF Benson for a ride in one of their Puma helicopters to visit patients at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital.

The Santa Drop is organised by the RAF Benson Youth Activities Liaison Team and is now in its fifth year.

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Foster mum urges more diverse carers to sign up

BBC ClaudiaBBC
Claudia has been fostering children for more than 10 years

A foster carer is urging more people from ethnic minorities to take in children.

Foster mother Claudia said she believed the lack of diversity among carers is due to fear.

Recent figures show a higher proportion of children in care are from diverse backgrounds, compared with numbers of carers from the same communities.

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Town hall increases number of portraits of women

Reuters/PA Anneliese Dodds and Layla MoranReuters/PA
Photographs of MPs Anneliese Dodds and Layla Moran have been installed in the council chamber

Eight new portraits have gone on display at a historic public building to increase the number of pictures of women.

Oxford Town Hall previously had 45 paintings on display, but only five featured women.

The new photographs have been installed in the council chamber of the Grade II* listed building, and they include local MPs Anneliese Dodds and Layla Moran.

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Grandfather died after single punch, inquests hears

BBC Conrad WelchBBC
Conrad Welch was described as a "very loving, caring, responsible father, grandad, brother, [and] uncle to many"

A 63-year-old grandfather died after a single blow to the head, an inquest has heard.

Conrad Welch, from Oxford, lost consciousness when he was assaulted in Ship Street in the centre of the city in June 2021.

Despite later regaining consciousness he died at the John Radcliffe Hospital eight days later. No-one has ever been charged over his death.

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Brewery employing ex-offenders hopes to expand

Tap Social Tap SocialTap Social
The social enterprise has five venues across Oxfordshire

A social enterprise that provides employment for ex-offenders has started a crowdfunding campaign to grow its impact in 2024.

The Tap Social Movement, based in Oxford, operates a brewery, pubs and a cafe offering employment to prison leavers and those on day release.

Director Tess Taylor claimed their work had contributed to lowering reoffending rates

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