Oxfordshire village plans to become UK’s Disneyland with Pooh Village

Residents of Dorchester on Thames, a village in Oxfordshire, were recently taken aback by a prank letter proposing to rename their village to 'Pooh Village' and transform it into a theme park akin to Disneyland. The letter, which lacked a sender's name and was signed only with a signature, included whimsical elements such as a 3D Pooh Bear logo and plans for large entrance arches. The proposal suggested that the village would expand its territory to accommodate this ambitious project. Local residents expressed confusion and concern over the idea, with one villager stating that the plan seemed inappropriate for their peaceful community. Another resident found the name change to be 'rather sweet' but ultimately unsuitable. The letter also mentioned a meeting for supporters of the project, further adding to the bewilderment among villagers. Mike Corran, the chairman of the Dorchester Parish Council, confirmed that the letter was a prank, while Robin Bennett, a local district councillor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the proposal did not seem credible. The village is known for hosting the annual Poohsticks Championships, a game inspired by the beloved character Winnie the Pooh, which involves dropping sticks into the River Thames from a bridge. The Dorchester on Thames Parish Council acknowledged the hoax, labeling it a 'great spoof.' This incident highlights the village's connection to the Winnie the Pooh legacy while also showcasing the residents' desire to maintain their tranquil way of life amidst whimsical proposals.