An investigation has been launched today amid fears that building work could have left residents of an Oxford City Council tower block exposed to asbestos. The scare follows months of electrical repairs at Foresters Tower, in Wood Farm Road, Headington
An agreement has been reached to hold a series of four monthly farmers' markets in Wallingford's Market Place. Plans for the town to have its own farmers' market have been in the pipeline for weeks, but its location has been a sticking point. Wallingford
Oxford University's summer school for adults will run from July 14 to August 18. They will run one-week courses on subjects including French painting, Dutch art and the arts of the Indian sub-continent. Call 01865 270396 for more details.
Traders say plans to revitalise Abingdon are "painfully slow" and it is in danger of losing out. Abingdon Chamber of Commerce has pointed the finger at recent political squabbling between the main political parties over the current state of the town.
A service was held at Wallingford's new post office on Tuesday to re-dedicate a war memorial plaque in honour of five local post office workers killed in the First World War. The plaque had been displayed at the old post office in Market Place, but it
An agreement has been reached to hold a series of four monthly farmers' markets in Wallingford's Market Place. Plans for the town to have its own farmers' market have been in the pipeline for weeks, but its location has been a sticking point. Wallingford
A Music for Pleasure concert is being given in All Saints' Church, Brill, on Saturday at 7pm in aid of Sargent Cancer Care for Children.
The Environment Agency is being pressed by Thame Town Council's Cuttle Brook nature reserve management committee to treat the issue of flooding along the brook as a priority.
A memorial seat and a special tree have been given by Thame families in memory of loved ones. They have been planted on the Cuttle Brook town centre nature reserve.
A painted display from the 2001: A Thame Odyssey arts festival is to occupy a town centre site until September. Members of the town council general purposes committee agreed the panels should stay where they are until the September Fair starts. Our Town.Com
Thame is stepping up the pressure to make sure it keeps an old people's home in the town. Meadowcroft will have to be rebuilt in the near future to comply with EU standards. The town council wants it rebuilt on its present site on the junction of Queens
Student Richard Walker was killed in a road accident the day after he returned to college following a break at home with his parents. Mr Walker, 22, of The Laurels, Stadhampton, near Thame, died when his white Volvo 440 and a Peugeot 405 collided near
A businessman has forced a rethink by councillors after complaining that sales held at a town hall are hitting trade. Emad Razavi said rug and carpet sales going on three days a month in Thame Town Hall are severely damaging his own business, Tapis Oriental
Camping enthusiasts will mark their group's centenary by going back to its roots. Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary by bringing a taste of the great outdoor' to an unusual indoor venue. Wantage's Vale and
Oxford City went nap as they saw off Summertown 5-1 in the Elsevier Youth League John Byles Memorial Cup. City were 2-0 up at half-time with goals from Richard Kershaw and Tony Pear before Summertown got back into the game with a well-taken goal by Rob
Who would be a team manager? Many fans at last Friday's epic encounter against Ipswich wanted to know why Ales Dryml wasn't used as a reserve replacement for Andrew Appleton in heat 14, which almost swayed the verdict for the Witches. After all, Ales
It will be an all-Haddenham Oxford and District Handicap Shield final, following victories for both teams in the semi-finals. Division 3 champions Haddenham B blitzed their way through with a comfortable victory over Bicester A from Division 2. Haddenham
It's early days yet, but JT/FOX Oxford Cheetahs are in pole position in their bid for honours at the top of the Sky Sports Elite League. Ipswich, who are three points adrift of Cheetahs after their 45-45 draw at Belle Vue on Monday, can do Oxford a favour
Coaching for children aged seven to 16 years is taking place at Bicester Tennis Club, Garth Park. The sessions are held every Friday between 6pm and 9pm. Call (01869) 600850 or just turn up.
Lifeguard Lee Pontefract, 18, completed the London Marathon for charity. He finished the 26-mile event in three hours, 57 minutes and was among 300 runners who took part to raise funds for the Cancer Research Campaign. Lee, of Bicester, said: "This is
The new chairman of the Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce issued a challenge to local businessmen this week. Keith Watson said local businessman needed to look to the future. Mr Watson said: "I intend to produce a discussion paper to look at a
Apollo are through to the Boys League Under 15 Cup final after seeing off Highworth 3-0 in the semi-final. Apollo's solid defence and industrious midfield kept Highworth at bay before Tauran Okusanya opened the scoring after the ball twice rebounded off
Launton Ladies secured the runners-up spot in the Southern Region Premier Division with a 2-1 victory over Gosport. Julie Phillips broke the deadlock five minutes after half-time when Gail Langan was brought down in the area. Langan required hospital
Student Richard Walker was killed in a road accident the day after he returned to college following a break at home with his parents. Mr Walker, 22, of The Laurels, Stadhampton, near Thame, died when his white Volvo 440 and a Peugeot 405 collided near
The gardens of The Yews in Swerford, Chipping Norton, are reopening to the public after a break of seven years on May 6 and 7, in aid of the Horton Hospital's children's ward 'Tot Up Campaign'. A well-stocked plant stall, teas and free parking will be
Studley Wood showed strength in depth in defeating Woburn, the 2000 Hillman Trophy holders, by 4-3 in their first round encounter at Studley. It was the higher handicappers who came good at the back of the field, winning the last three matches to grasp
It will be an all-Haddenham Oxford and District Handicap Shield final, following victories for both teams in the semi-finals. Division 3 champions Haddenham B blitzed their way through with a comfortable victory over Bicester A from Division 2. Haddenham
It's early days yet, but JT/FOX Oxford Cheetahs are in pole position in their bid for honours at the top of the Sky Sports Elite League. Ipswich, who are three points adrift of Cheetahs after their 45-45 draw at Belle Vue on Monday, can do Oxford a favour
"It was even conceivable that they watched everybody all the time. But at any rate they could plug in your wire whenever they wanted to. You had to live - did live, from habit that became instinct - in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard
An exercise event is being held to raise funds for charity. There is no need to be fit to take part in Workout 2001, organised by Oxford North Rotary Club, because there will be something on offer for everyone, including T'ai Chi, yoga, circuits, body
Staff at fibre-optics company JDS Uniphase in Yarnton were given the day off yesterday after hearing that they had just lost their jobs. The factory, which only recently moved to the Oxford Industrial Park from Thorney Leys industrial estate, Witney,
The start of production of the new Mini was expected to be announced today by the car's German owner, BMW. The 1.6 litre-engined Mini and the Mini Cooper made at its Cowley plant will go on sale in the UK on July 7. About 2,500 workers will produce the
BUSINESSES are being asked to help with the 2001 census by making sure staff know the full address and postcode of their workplace. Postcode information gathered for the count - which takes place on Sunday - is used to show where people live in relation
HI-TECH company Bookham Technology warned that there was "no doubt" it would be hit by the effects of the slowing US economy. The company, which supplies fibre-optic chips to telecom giants such as Marconi and Nortel Networks, said sales would fall over
Oxford University students have joined the Oxford Mail in calling on the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation to controversial historian David Irving. Mr Irving, branded a racist by opponents for claiming that the Holocaust did not happen, is due to
A workers' union has decided to donate £50 to Comic Relief to highlight an Oxford company's "small-mindedness" in refusing to allow a member of staff to raise funds for the charity. Super Conductivity Oxford Instruments began disciplinary proceedings
Traders say plans to revitalise Abingdon are "painfully slow" and it is in danger of losing out. Abingdon Chamber of Commerce has pointed the finger at recent political squabbling between the main political parties over the current state of the town.
A murder hunt has begun after the body of a former Oxfordshire woman was found in a shed behind her home. Police were today searching for Carol Evans's lodger in connection with her death. The body of the 40-year-old woman was found in the brick shed
A proposal to change the name of the League of Friends of Littlemore, Warneford and Park Hospitals to the Oxfordshire Group Homes is on the agenda for its 40th annual meeting, which will be held at the Littlemore Mental Health Centre on Thursday, May
Interviews are now taking place to choose Abingdon's new Neighbourhood Wardens. The Government-backed scheme will see four wardens and a manager taken on to patrol the town's streets as the "eyes and ears" of the law. Three people were due to be interviewed
Twenty-one fire doors and three UPvC windows were stolen from Jewson's in Marsh Lane, Cowley, overnight on Friday. Police believe a vehicle must have been used in the burglary and are asking any witnesses to contact them. They are also asking anyone who
Nine-year-old Emma Livett was devastated when her new bike was stolen the first time she rode it into Oxford. Emma waited six weeks for the delivery of her red bike, a birthday present from her grandmother. On her first cycle outing into the city centre
Concern has been expressed by Oxford councillors over what the former prison will look like after its re-development. The city council has received planning applications from London-based developer The Osbourne Group to build a 72-bedroomed hotel, 33
Residents have spoken of their dismay over losing their post office. The office in South Parade, north Oxford, is closing because staff say it is unprofitable. The licence is being transferred to the existing post office at Martins newsagents in Banbury
Witney ended a run of 11 matches without a win in the Dr Martens Eastern Division with a convincing 3-1 victory on the south coast last night. Putting worries about the club's future behind them, Witney looked livelier from the start and could have won
Nine-year-old Emma Livett was devastated when her new bike was stolen the first time she rode it into Oxford. Emma waited six weeks for the delivery of her red bike, a birthday present from her grandmother. On her first cycle outing into the city centre
A travel guide has slated Oxford, describing the centre as "congested" and accusing open-top tourist buses of obscuring the view of historic buildings. Publisher Lonely Planet has launched its guide to Britain in a bid to promote less well-known regions
Residents have spoken of their dismay over losing their post office. The office in South Parade, north Oxford, is closing because staff say it is unprofitable. The licence is being transferred to the existing post office at Martins newsagents in Banbury
A seminar aimed at exploring the use of community assets is being held at Barton Community Centre on Saturday, May 12, starting at 11am.
Imran Khan, the civil rights lawyer, who represented the family of murdered London teenager Stephen Lawrence, is to speak at Levellers Day, Banbury, on May 19.
The programme for a choir's 50th anniversary was chosen by a poll of its members. Singers in the Goring Chamber Choir chose Handel's Dixit Dominus and Mozart's Coronation Mass. The event will be held at the Chapel of the Oratory School, Woodcote, on May
A plant sale will be held at Church Farm, Elsfield, on May 19 and 20, from 10am to 5pm. A good selection of plants, including clematis, shrubs, perennials and bedding plants, will be available and there will also be a bric-a-brac sale, home-made cakes
Talented ballet dancer Amy Lawson will be returning to her native west Oxfordshire when she performs with other members of a top ballet school. Amy, 18, of Aston, near Bampton, is in her final year at the Central School of Ballet in London, which will
A first-aid training organisation, specialising in training for nursery school staff, has set up extra courses because of demand. Elan Training, based at Swinbrook Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, is running evening courses in infant and child first aid
The Oxford Mail Medibike is back on the road - nine months after being written off in a crash. The £17,000 Honda superbike was bought last year with money from Mail readers to boost Oxfordshire Ambulance Service's response times. But a month after entering
A controversial theory that a vaccine sparked the HIV epidemic was cast further into doubt by Oxford scientists. The theory argues that the Aids virus was initially transmitted to humans in the late 1950s through an oral polio vaccine grown in chimpanzees
Persistent young offenders in Oxfordshire will be monitored 24 hours a day to break their cycle of crime. A ground-breaking project will use hi-tech surveillance equipment and introduce an intensive rehabilitation scheme to keep 40 of the county's most
Pupils are continuing to flock to Oxfordshire's independent schools - but with a smaller increase in the number of students than last year. There has been a two per cent rise in the number of day pupils at the county's private schools compared with a
Abingdon Town hit top form in Division 1 with a 7-0 thrashing of Carterton Town. Greg Stallcup struck a hat-trick, with other goals coming from Alex White, Steve Morris, Cummings and Gary Harris. * The Oxfordshire Under 16 squad will receive the East
Foot and mouth disease is threatening to ruin a children's safety event co-ordinated by Thames Valley Police. Organisers of the southern Oxfordshire Junior Citizen programme are desperately appealing for a new venue because Government restrictions brought
The president-elect of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Tony Roche, visited the Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, and later presented awards for excellence to mechanical engineering students at the Oxford Brookes University.
Oxford University students have joined the Oxford Mail in calling on the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation to controversial historian David Irving. Mr Irving, branded a racist by opponents for claiming that the Holocaust did not happen, is due to
Interviews are now taking place to choose Abingdon's new Neighbourhood Wardens. The Government-backed scheme will see four wardens and a manager taken on to patrol the town's streets as the "eyes and ears" of the law. Three people were due to be interviewed
Pupils are continuing to flock to Oxfordshire's independent schools - but with a smaller increase in the number of students than last year. There has been a two per cent rise in the number of day pupils at the county's private schools compared with a
Supermarket chain Somerfield has announced it is pulling out of Wallingford next month. The move will leave empty a key retail site in the town centre. A spokesman for the company said its Gateway store at the Lamb crossroads had not been profitable and
Three sixth formers from Wallingford School were whisked off to the House of Commons in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes. Becky Whitehead, Ellen Vinten and Courtney Boutwell, all aged 17, were driven to a lunch reception hosted by MP Stephen Timms, a Financial
A decision on how much Thame Town Council is willing to pay for crime-cutting CCTV cameras has been put on hold. Members will wait until after the elections in June. Once the new council is in place, a fresh look will be taken at closed circuit television
St Kenelm's School , Minster Lovell, is raising money for a new infants' play area with a fashion show and children's wear sale of High Street brands at the school on May 11, from 7 to 9pm.
West Oxfordshire councillors have voted to quadruple their pay. The majority Conservative Party used the introduction of a new system of local government to push through the new allowances. Councillors will now receive £3,700 a year while the leader of
Thame's deputy mayor Mike Welply wants his town's swimming pool to make a splash. He told a special meeting of the town council: "I want people to look around them and say 'Wow!' - I don't want a shrug of the shoulders and them to think it's just OK.
Plans to build homes and offices on the site of an infants school have been described as "disgraceful" by a town mayor. Oxfordshire County Council has applied for permission to demolish part of Wantage's Church of England Infants School, build houses
Witney Vikings produced a sensational extra-time performance to beat first-time finalists Banbury United 5-1 and land the Giles Sports Witney Boys League Under 13s KO Cup. Banbury went ahead, but Chris Gilkes equalised to take the game into extra time
Tandem are favourites to finish runners-up in the Premier Section of the Morrells Oxford League after a 4-1 success at Democrats B. Keith Sheard (11,250, break 11,000), Pete Phillips (11,570, 10,100) and Ray Sturgess (5,650) won their opening three games
Frilford Heath were unable to halt Ellesborough's unbeaten march at the top of the Shaw and Co Oxfordshire Foursomes League when they suffered a heavy defeat on the Buckinghamshire course. Ellesborough triumphed 2- to maintain their 100 per cent record
A pensioner in her 80s, walking near St Edburg's church, Bicester, was left badly shaken after a thief on a bicycle snatched her handbag containing her purse and pension book.
Star Royal virtually clinched the Morrells Oxford Sunday League Premier Division championship when they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with their main challengers Highfield. Wayne Blossom opened for Highfield, only for Karl Brown to level, but Luke
Burford United came from behind to draw 2-2 and eventually win 4-3 on penalties against Long Wittenham in the Autotype UTV League Ridgeway Cup final at Abingdon United's Northcourt Road ground. Burford captain Ken Oswin receives the Ridgeway Cup from
Oxford City went nap as they saw off Summertown 5-1 in the Elsevier Youth League John Byles Memorial Cup. City were 2-0 up at half-time with goals from Richard Kershaw and Tony Pear before Summertown got back into the game with a well-taken goal by Rob
A murder hunt has begun after the body of a former Oxfordshire woman was found in a shed behind her home. Police were today searching for Carol Evans's lodger in connection with her death. The body of the 40-year-old woman was found in the brick shed
Drugs with a street value of £50,000 were seized during a police raid in Oxford. A team of officers with a sniffer dog raided a home in the Marston area on Tuesday evening. One man was arrested and later released on police bail after the dog uncovered
Persistent young offenders in Oxfordshire will be monitored 24 hours a day to break their cycle of crime. A ground-breaking project will use hi-tech surveillance equipment and introduce an intensive rehabilitation scheme to keep 40 of the county's most
A car stolen from Boxhedge Road, Banbury, was later found in the village of Whatcote in Warwickshire.
Three Abingdon boxers enjoyed victories in their dinner-show at the Guild Hall, with newcomer Ben Snedker winning on his debut. Snedker beat another debutant, R Ratnasothy (Luton Shamrock), on a unanimous points decision. Scott Southey saw off Waterside's
There will be no under 21 championship glory for Cheetahs youngster Andrew Appleton after he failed to qualify in the opening round at Monmore Green on Monday. Reflecting on a poor night's racing, he said: "It just wasn't my night. I had gate four twice
Watch out Tiger Woods - young Eddie Pepperell is on your tail. Pepperell, who turned ten in January, put older members of Hinksey Heights Golf Club in the shade at the weekend by winning April's men's medal. Eddie Pepperell put his seniors in the shade
In the wake of the excellent Good Friday crowd, management at Oxford have been reviewing various matters to improve the service and entertainment for fans. They continue to attract the youngsters to Cowley and second-half racing could soon be back on
The man fitted with the world's first artificial heart has been enjoying his new lease of life - with a thrilling ride in a microlight. Peter Houghton was close to death six months ago when surgeon Steve Westaby implanted the pioneering Jarvic 2000 in
The gardens of The Yews in Swerford, Chipping Norton, are reopening to the public after a break of seven years on May 6 and 7, in aid of the Horton Hospital's children's ward 'Tot Up Campaign'. A well-stocked plant stall, teas and free parking will be
Camping enthusiasts will mark their group's centenary by going back to its roots. Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary by bringing a taste of the great outdoor' to an unusual indoor venue. Wantage's Vale and
The start of production of the new Mini was expected to be announced today by the car's German owner, BMW. The 1.6 litre-engined Mini and the Mini Cooper made at its Cowley plant will go on sale in the UK on July 7. About 2,500 workers will produce the
Plans to build homes and offices on the site of an infants school have been described as "disgraceful" by a town mayor. Oxfordshire County Council has applied for permission to demolish part of Wantage's Church of England Infants School, build houses
A businessman has forced a rethink by councillors after complaining that sales held at a town hall are hitting trade. Emad Razavi said rug and carpet sales going on three days a month in Thame Town Hall are severely damaging his own business, Tapis Oriental
Oxford's historic Martyrs Memorial in St Giles is being used as a "builders' dump", according to the city's Lord Mayor. The memorial currently has railings around it and is waiting for repairs to be carried out. Cllr Maureen Christian told the city planning
Witney Vikings produced a sensational extra-time performance to beat first-time finalists Banbury United 5-1 and land the Giles Sports Witney Boys League Under 13s KO Cup. Banbury went ahead, but Chris Gilkes equalised to take the game into extra time
Burford United came from behind to draw 2-2 and eventually win 4-3 on penalties against Long Wittenham in the Autotype UTV League Ridgeway Cup final at Abingdon United's Northcourt Road ground. Burford captain Ken Oswin receives the Ridgeway Cup from
Oxford United's arch rivals Swindon Town look increasingly likely to join them in the third division next season as the Division 2 relegation dogfight hotted up. Saturday's visitors to the Manor, Swansea City, and Joe Kinnear's Luton Town are down already
Thame outplayed Milton United in the first half, going in 3-0 up at the break thanks to Tommy Kendal-Smith (2) and Paul Reading. Milton's Paul Jezzard reduced the arrears with five minutes left. * The Oxfordshire Under 16 squad will receive the East Midlands
A summer garden fete is being held at Oxenford House in The Glebe, Cumnor, on Saturday, May 19, from 2pm to 4pm.
A jumble sale at the village hall, Churchill, from 10am to noon, on Saturday, April 28, is raising funds for Chipping Norton Hospital and the Jane Ashley Breast Cancer Unit.
A preview of the Oxsrad art class's mixed media exhibition for Artweek will be held on May 12, from noon to 2pm, at the Oxsrad centre in Marsh Lane, Marston. The exhibition will be open to the public during Artweek from May 12 to 19, excluding the 13th
The county council has invited tenders from bus operators for a range of routes throughout Oxfordshire to begin on Sunday, July 1. Tenders are also being invited for school transport contracts in the Banbury area, and the closing date is 10am on Monday
