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Can you give pony a home for Christmas?
Page 5
Broad Street
Thousands set to join Santas running in city
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Pages 12&13
Vulnerable young lose vital support after charity closes By George Welch HUNDREDS of vulnerable young people have to find new support after a much-loved youth charity in Witney declared itself insolvent and closed its doors. For nearly 20 years Base 33 has been the only centre in west Oxfordshire providing specialist care for vulnerable young people through mentoring, project work and health drop-ins. But the Welch Way centre announced last Thursday that, following legal advice, the charity had declared itself to be insolvent after donations fell below spending. Chair of trustees Jason Boyd said: “Base 33 has been part of the fabric of Witney for a significant number of years and has provided support for a large number of young people not only in Witney but throughout west Oxfordshire. “The trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the charity’s supporters who have been involved in fundraising and working with the charity to deliver youth services for young people some of whom are vulnerable and required specialist help. “Base 33 closed its doors today [last Thursday] and will not re-open. “The staff who have shown great dedication and commitment to Base
33 and have worked tirelessly in a very difficult operating environment have been informed of the closure and are receiving support.” When the Guardian visited Base 33 in July 2016, chief executive Wendy Dawson, who has been involved in youth services for more than 30 years, said she was worried about what 2017 would bring as the charity dealt with swingeing cuts. Nearly a year and a half on and the relevant authorities, clients, commissioning bodies and partners are being informed that the charity has ceased to operate. Witney county and town councillor Laura Price said she was “devastated” by the closure, which has cost the jobs of six employees. She said: “It’s a big blow. I’m devastated. It’s long played a role of providing a lifeline for young people – it leaves a big black hole. “My heart goes out to the staff and young people [who no longer have support].” “I don’t want anybody left behind, especially on the approach to Christmas,” the Labour councillor added. Those who need support can contact Oxfordshire Family Information Service (OxonFIS), a county council service that provides information and support for children, young people and families, at tinyurl.com/yc9wwr8n.
Wrapping the gifts ready to be sent to colleagues. Picture: MOD Crown Copyright
Boxes of festive cheer for RAF personnel MEN and women working in the air force are about to receive boxes full of goodies in time for Christmas. Staff at RAF Brize Norton packed
and wrapped around 250 ‘welfare boxes’ last week, ready to be gifted to air force personnel working over the Christmas period. The boxes contain a variety of
chocolates, sweets, festive antlers, Jaffa cakes and sachets of coffee to treat personnel to something special while they are away from home.
The Oxfordshire Guardian has more printed copies than any other newspaper in the county
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AUTUMN IS HERE!