Hosepipe ban begins plus Bicester award finalists

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Thames Water’s hosepipe ban took effect across its entire water-supply area at 12.01 am on Thursday, 23 July. That is a material change from the voluntary water-saving request covered in last week’s HelloBicester: restrictions are now enforceable, and anyone who ignores them could face a fine of up to £1,000.

The rules prevent people from using a hosepipe to water gardens or plants, wash private cars, fill paddling pools and hot tubs, clean paths or patios, or operate sprinklers and pressure washers. You can still use water from a bucket, watering can or water butt.

There are exemptions, including some uses connected with health and safety, animal welfare, disability or medical needs. Certain commercial activities, food crops and newly planted gardens may also qualify, although residents should check the official guidance rather than assume an exemption applies.

Thames Water says exceptionally dry conditions, low rainfall and high demand have put pressure on supplies. The company has not announced an end date, so the restrictions remain in force until further notice.

The ban applies according to your water supplier, not simply your postcode or wastewater provider. Most Bicester households are supplied by Thames Water, but anyone uncertain should check a recent bill before changing their routine.

For most people, the practical response is straightforward: put the hosepipe away, use collected rainwater where available and switch to a bucket or watering can for essential jobs. Businesses and residents relying on a specific exemption should read the full legal notice before using a hose.

Three organisations connected with Bicester have been named as finalists in the 2026 Cherwell Business Awards.

StarterMotor, which helps young people gain practical experience with historic vehicles, is shortlisted for the Charity and Community Award. Bicester Friday Market and Lone Wolf Comedy Club are both finalists in the Town Centre Award.

The shortlist was announced by Cherwell District Council on Thursday, 23 July. Winners will be revealed at a gala event at The Chesterton Hotel on Friday, 18 September.

The nominations cover very different parts of town life: skills and volunteering, a regular high-street market and independent live entertainment. Together, they show that Bicester’s contribution to the district’s economy is not limited to large employers or retail destinations.

The forthcoming Otwell Grove care home on Anniversary Avenue East has reached another stage of construction, with the final solar panel now installed. Crystal Care Collection also announced Wendy Luck as the home’s general manager on Thursday, 23 July.

The home is expected to provide residential, dementia and respite care and create local jobs. A confirmed opening date has not yet been published, so families considering future care options should wait for further admission and opening information.

Oxfordshire County Council has approved an additional £4 million for highway drainage work over the next two years, taking its planned investment to £9.42 million.

The programme will use information from gully inspections, flood mapping and public reports to identify repairs and replacements. No street-level list for Bicester has yet been released, but better drainage maintenance could help reduce standing water and localised flooding on affected roads.

Bicester Library is starting a three-part “Young Adventurers” programme on Tuesday, 28 July. The Dungeons & Dragons-inspired sessions run from 1 pm to 4 pm and are intended for children aged seven to 11.

Further sessions are planned for 4 and 11 August. Places must be booked, making this one to arrange before turning up rather than a casual drop-in activity.

Families who prefer activities without advance booking have two new weekly choices at Bicester Library. Summer craft sessions begin on Thursday, 30 July, while a Summer Reading Challenge book club starts on Friday, 31 July.

Both run from 11 am until noon, welcome children of different ages and do not require booking. Children must remain under adult supervision.

Public local pages have been busy sharing activities that can fill a day without adding much to the cost of the school holidays.

The largest is Wednesday’s Bicester Play and Activity Day at Spider Park, which is completely free and includes activities from local groups between 11 am and 3 pm. Bicester Library is also running crafts, reading activities, family-history help and a chance to meet guide dogs.

The useful distinction is that some sessions are drop-in while Young Adventurers requires advance booking. Check the individual listing before travelling, particularly where places are limited.

Bicester Concert Band is marking its 30th anniversary this year, a milestone recently highlighted by local magazine Your Bicester.

The community concert band performs a broad mix of music at events in and around the town. Its value is not only what audiences hear on the day. Groups like this give local musicians a reason to keep playing, bring different generations together and provide a ready-made soundtrack for civic celebrations, fêtes and fundraising events.

Three decades is a substantial commitment for any volunteer-led cultural organisation. Bicester Concert Band’s longevity is a reminder that some of the town’s most durable institutions are built rehearsal by rehearsal, rather than through one large launch or announcement.

Hosepipe restrictions: Thames Water has not provided an end date. We will check for changes to the rules, exemptions or supply position.

Highway drainage work: Oxfordshire County Council has approved the funding, but individual Bicester repair locations and dates have not yet been published.

Enjoy the first full week of the summer holidays, keep the hosepipe disconnected and check booking requirements before heading to an activity.

Which free or low-cost summer activity in Bicester deserves a place in next week’s issue?

HelloBicester is Bicester's free weekly community newsletter. Share it with a friend who loves this town. And if you hear about a new Bicester‑area good news story, send it to HelloBicester ([email protected]) so we can share it with the whole town next week.

See you next week.

Cheers!!