No Strings Badminton is a council initiative aimed at getting people involved in the sport.
The sessions, backed by the sport's governing body, Badminton England, provide a relaxed and flexible playing opportunity for anyone, 16 or over, who would enjoy playing badminton regularly, but who doesn't want to commit to joining a club or who can't always find the right partner to play against.

There are two sessions;
Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre, every Thursday, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Spiceball Leisure Centre, every Thursday 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

The sessions cost £2.50 each and rackets will be provided for the first couple of weeks. The initiative has been paid for by the council's successful bid for Sport Unlimited funding from Sport England.

Cherwell District Council's portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, Cllr George Reynolds, said: "If you haven't tried badminton before, this is your chance. Bring along your friends and enjoy playing the game in an informal atmosphere under the watchful eye of a qualified coordinator. It's great for all round fitness, but above all - it's fun".

For more information contact Kidlington and Gosford Leisure Centre on 01865 376368 or Spiceball Leisure Centre on 01295 257522.

There’ll be fun in the street in Banbury on Saturday 17 July when shopkeepers in the Old Town area celebrate the completion of recent improvements. They’re coming together with the council to create a festival atmosphere in Parsons Street, Church Lane and White Lion Walk.
And everyone is invited to come along to take a look at what has been achieved and join in the fun.
The party will take place from 11am to 3pm when Parsons Street and Church Lane will come alive with stiltwalkers, balloon artists, and acts such as Cosmic Sausages, Circo Rum Baba, Balloonatics, Bucket of Puppets, Cherwell Theatre, Sue Greenway and her Dixie Strollers and Bootworks Theatre.
White Lion Walk will provide a mini stage area where there will be singing, dancing, drumming and guitar from Vocal Mix, Joanne Mills School of Dance, Sankofa, Martin Green and others to be confirmed.
Miletree, the contractor who carried out the revamp, has teamed up with Cherwell District Council to help fund the party. Councillor Norman Bolster, Cherwell’s portfolio holder for economic development and estates said: "We already have a significant number of store owners keen to take part. Some of those who sell food are already planning to take samples onto the streets and a treasure hunt might be on the cards."
June Irani from Café 6 in Church Lane said:"I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for us to profile our businesses, many of which are small and independently owned. It’s a chance to show people who we are and what we do and have some fun at the same time."
For further information email arts.visitor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone 01295 221803 or visit www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk

Cherwell District Council and Parkwood Leisure are pleased to announce that Woodgreen open air pool has opened.
This will be the refurbished pool's first full summer of operation following last year's extensive £1.5m modernisation programme.
Woodgreen's 50 by 18-metre pool was totally modernised - work included reducing the maximum depth to 1.8 metres, installing a new tiled deck-level pool using the existing tank, an "Aqua Zone" for young children, a refurbished flume, upgraded plant and water treatment systems, new safety surfacing pool surrounds and a refurbished refreshment kiosk.
And Banbury Town Council is contributing to the cost of opening the new pool throughout the school summer holiday weeks.
Cherwell District Council portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, Councillor George Reynolds, said: "Thanks to the town council's involvement we are able to operate an extended season this year.
"The pool has already re-established itself as a must-visit Cherwell attraction during summer.
"With it being open for a longer season there'll be plenty of opportunity to grab some sunny outdoor swimming fun."
The pool will be open from 10am to 1.45pm and 2.15pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sundays. During the week the pool is open 7.00am - 9.00am for early birds lane swimming, 4.00pm - 6.00pm public swim and 7.00 - 9.00 for evening lanes.
It is scheduled to close when schools return on 6 September but if the summer weather continues further dates might be added.
For full details of charges and opening times, including early-bird and aqua fit sessions, visit www.leisurecentre.com or phone Woodgreen on 01295 262742.
For more information
Woodgreen Leisure Centre and Open Air Pool is at Woodgreen Avenue, Banbury, OX16 OHS.

The tenth Banbury Beer Festival recently took place at The TA Centre in the town and was a great success with many hundreds visiting over the course of the three day event. Pictured left are Mark Bates and Steve Lympany whose favoutite beers are Millstone and Chainmaker Mild.

As well as championing the very best beers locally, the event featured foreign beers and the celebrated cider and perry bar.

A pub sign which is part of Banbury's history has been restored to its rightful place.
After nearly two years away, the famous overhanging sign at the Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn has been restored, with Banbury Mayor Tina Wren doing the honours and unveiling it to a crowd of guests including Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke and customers.
The sign, which stretches out into the middle of Parsons Street, was taken down nearly two years ago when it was deemed to be unsafe has finally been replaced with a new design which is based on the pub’s original sign.
Mayor Tina Hughes said Hook Norton’s restoration of the sign has helped revitalise the street. It looks fantastic.
Hook Norton’s Managing Director James Clarke said: “We take pride in our pubs and it was a privilege to work with local craftsmen to make this new sign.”
Pictured are Tony Puddifoot, Nia Weir, Jaime Durno, John Pretorius,Yvonne Roberts and Dot Puddifoot

A pub sign which is part of Banbury's history has been restored to its rightful place.
After nearly two years away, the famous overhanging sign at the Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn has been restored, with Banbury Mayor Tina Wren doing the honours and unveiling it to a crowd of guests including Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke and customers.
The sign, which stretches out into the middle of Parsons Street, was taken down nearly two years ago when it was deemed to be unsafe has finally been replaced with a new design which is based on the pub’s original sign.
Mayor Tina Hughes said Hook Norton’s restoration of the sign has helped revitalise the street. It looks fantastic.
Hook Norton’s Managing Director James Clarke said: “We take pride in our pubs and it was a privilege to work with local craftsmen to make this new sign.”