The best design projects by Oxfordshire's A-level and GCSE design technology students were on display at Culham Science Centre. They formed part of the Oxford Trust's Innovation Award Exhibition. The exhibition highlighted the trust's awards scheme in
Performing arts students at North Oxfordshire College are celebrating after being offered places at some of the country's top drama schools. Every year students on the BTEC course consistently secure places at top schools but this year's group have surpassed
A schizophrenic man jumped to his death from a bridge, an inquest heard. Simon Dawson, 26, jumped from a bridge over railway lines east of Cholsey, near Wallingford, on October 17. An inquest in Oxford yesterday heard that Mr Dawson, from Wallingford,
Swimmers were denied the chance of taking a dip in an outdoor pool when it was closed because of staff shortages. Both the main outdoor swimming pool and the children's paddling pool at the riverside in Wallingford were closed on Monday, June 26. The
Plans have been lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council for two mobile phone masts on the town hall at Bampton.
A former Witney mayor aims to give a helping hand to a woman who faces eviction while single-handedly looking after seven children. Cllr Louise Chapman is organising a fundraising disco for mother-of-three Bonnie Brooks, now bringing up her sister's four
Plans to put floral adverts on a major road roundabout have split Thame town council planning committee. Cllr Lionel Morbey, who chairs the town's traffic advisory committee, said they would be a traffic hazard. He said: "Anything which distracts a motorist's
More staff are to be recruited to improve the speed of benefit payments after a senior officer warned that vulnerable people could be at risk. Vale of White Horse District Council director of Social and Cultural Services, Tim Sadler, had described the
Jason Harrison and Elizabeth Vernon were in unstoppable form as Cholsey brushed aside Kingston Bagpuize 3-1 in Mixed Divison 1 of the Wilson 2-Pair League. Harrison and Vernon won all their sets at first pair, dropping just seven games in the process.
Banbury skipper Neil Megson has held his hand up and taken full responsibility for his side's defeat to Division 1 title rivals High Wycombe last week. "I had a nightmare," said Megson. "Everything I did went wrong. "I thought the pitch would get worse
The Acorn pub in Pingle Drive, Bicester, has be rewarded after being chosen as the cleanest Greene King pub in the country. The pub was chosen from more than 500 pubs across the country to win the clean pub award. Manager Trevor Reardon was presented
Games to be played on June 30 and July 1 _______________ SATURDAY, JUNE 30 WILSON OXON LTA LEAGUE 3-PAIR LEAGUE Ladies Div 1: Abingdon v Cholsey, Kings Sutton v Oxford City. Div 2: Banbury West End v Thame, Woodstock B v Goring. Div 4: Southfield v Abingdon
Residents fear a planned £3m business centre would cause rat-running by cars. They believe the winding, narrow roads through Little Chesterton would be full of cars going to and from the centre at peak times. Bob Collingwood, project manager for Barwood
A giant hydraulic access platform lifts workmen to the roofs of the north and south stands at Oxford United's new Kassam Stadium. They are fitting the floodlights which will illuminate the pitch and make the three-sided ground an impressive stadium of
A lorry driver who fell asleep at the wheel has been found guilty of causing the death of a Bicester man by dangerous driving. Paul Willis, 27, assistant manager of the King's Arms Hotel, Bicester, was killed after lorry driver Peter Cuddihy fell asleep
Thames Valley Police's public commitment to become even more accessible has been expanded into cyberspace. The force's new-look web site, www.thames valley.police.uk, is easier to navigate and is one of the first police websites in the country to be specially
Littlemore AS staged their J Henwood Shield on the Thames at Sandford with 22 anglers taking part. In top spot was Gerald Perks with 14.0.0, comprising one bream and several large perch on chopped worm. Barry Wise was second with two bream on the feeder
Left-arm spinner Ian Curtis is unavailable for Oxford's Home Counties Division 2 West home game against bottom club Wolverton, which takes place at St Catherine's College on Saturday. In his absence, batsman Graham Plested returns to the side after playing
Garsington big-fish hunter Richard Simmons got his new coarse fishing season off to a flying start with a cracking 6lb 8oz chub from the River Stour. Simmons took a week's holiday to fish a stretch of the famous river near Bournemouth. On the first three
A schoolteacher was committed for trial at Crown Court on 20 charges of child abuse. Didcot magistrates heard yesterday it is alleged that John Walker indecently assaulted boys and girls in Oxford between January 1970 and December 1989. Walker, 58, of
Anglers have been urged to take extra care after a swan entangled with wire and barbed hooks was found by Didcot volunteer Wendy Hermon on the Thames at Culham. The swan was only minutes from death when the Swan Lifeline volunteer arrived at Culham weir
An Oxford man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was found with a 14in knife stuck in her head at a Blackbird Leys flat. Wayne Tideswell, 35, of Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was due before Oxford Magistrates' Court on Friday
Two men were due to appear before magistrates on Friday charged in connection with a robbery at the Co-op in the Market Place, Deddington, on April 21. Michael Knibbs, 29, and Michael Kane, 33, both from Northampton, are accused of robbing a female assistant
A report in the Oxford Mail on May 11 about vandalism at Bretch Hill, suggested that Yarnton Protection Services had been employed to protect St Joseph's Church. This was incorrect. The company, based at Yarnton, near Oxford, has asked us to point out
Plans for four flats and a maisonette in Cavendish Drive, Old Marston, Oxford, have been submitted to the city council.
Schoolgirl Cindy Lingwood is staging a talent show to raise money for the National Association of Colitis and Crohn's Disease. The 16-year-old of Ruscote Estate, Banbury, whose father has Crohn's disease, hopes to raise £200 for the charity. The show
Performing arts students at North Oxfordshire College are celebrating after being offered places at some of the country's top drama schools. Every year students on the BTEC course consistently secure places at top schools but this year's group have surpassed
The Oxford University Women's team failed to emulate their male counterparts when they lost by six wickets in the Varsity match at Lord's Nursery Ground. Oxford scored 234-8 off their 50 overs. Cambridge reached their target in the 45th over with only
This week's fixtures . . . SATURDAY, June 30 Yarnton AC: Clattercote Reservoir. Draw 2.30pm, fishing 3.30 - 8.30. SUNDAY, July 1 Cuddesdon Mill Anglers: Twilight Trophy. Cuddesdon Mill. Draw 2.15pm, fishing 3pm-8pm. Kidlington AS: P Hall Cup. Cherwell
Big-fish specialist Andy Webber, 48, has been appointed the Oxford Mail's new angling correspondent. He takes over from the legendary Peter Stone, who died last November at the age of 73, after 28 years as the Mail's angling expert. Andy Webber Andy,
Oxford University hammered their Cambridge counterparts by eight wickets in the one-day Varsity Match at Lord's yesterday. Tight Oxford bowling restricted Cambridge to 177-8 from their 50 overs, and the Dark Blues had few problems passing the target as
Games to be played on June 30 and July 1 _______________ SATURDAY, JUNE 30 WILSON OXON LTA LEAGUE 3-PAIR LEAGUE Ladies Div 1: Abingdon v Cholsey, Kings Sutton v Oxford City. Div 2: Banbury West End v Thame, Woodstock B v Goring. Div 4: Southfield v Abingdon
Keith Arnold returns from injury to captain Oxfordshire in their three-day Minor Counties Championship clash with Wales at Swansea, starting on Sunday. The veteran seamer has not played for Oxon this season because of a pelvic injury sustained when he
The Oxford Mail has launched a campaign to turn old mobile phones into funds for a new children's accident and emergency centre in Oxford. Readers are being encouraged to support the fundraising initiative by handing in unwanted mobiles at recycling points
Firefighters are appealing for volunteers to race wheelie bins the length of Sheep Street, Bicester, as part of this year's carnival celebrations on July 22. Contestants will race from Handy Stores down to Ashmores around the concrete sheep and back.
Schoolgirl Cindy Lingwood is staging a talent show to raise money for the National Association of Colitis and Crohn's Disease. The 16-year-old of Ruscote Estate, Banbury, whose father has Crohn's disease, hopes to raise £200 for the charity. The show
The National Farmers Union has returned to Witney after a gap of six years - time in which the industry has staggered from crisis to crisis. A new NFU office is now up and running at Langdale Gate and group secretary Marc Hinton says they will be looking
Grants of up to £15,000 are now available for small rural businesses in Oxfordshire whose finances have been badly affected by foot and mouth. The money is for temporary relief from severe cash-flow difficulties and to encourage activity likely to return
An African princess is set to fly computers from Oxfordshire back to her country to help educate children who first saw electricity in 1997. Soon to be crowned Queen of Ilah in Nigeria, a state the size of Banbury, Sue Hadley Ugochuckwu Anikwe HRH is
A new dad's success in winning a national business award has put smiles on the faces of staff at the John Radcliffe Special Baby Unit. Didcot entrepreneur Darren Elliott was due to receive a prestigious business award -- but then his two-day-old son Joshua
Thames Valley Police's public commitment to become even more accessible has been expanded into cyberspace. The force's new-look web site, www.thames valley.police.uk, is easier to navigate and is one of the first police websites in the country to be specially
The Summer Fields School in Summerfield Road, Summertown, Oxford, has applied to Oxford City Council to demolish New Lodge, adjacent to Borva Lodge, and replace it with a new boarding lodge for 30 pupils with extra accommodation for staff.
Swans have gained a new lease of life at Hinksey Lake in Oxford - but possibly to the detriment of other birds. The population has doubled to about 50 in recent years, largely because of a national ban on the use of lead shots by anglers. Apart from providing
A housing complex in Oxford has celebrated its 30th birthday with an energy-efficiency make-over. The city council, which runs Mallinson Court in Bridge Street, off Botley Road, is fitting gas central heating and double-glazing and improving loft insulation
A Bicester-trained engineer has led the team that designed and developed a hi-tech tank for the armed forces. Joseph Starrett, 47, was programme director for the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle, which will be used by Nato. The 33-tonne vehicle is made of
A woman has been cleared of stabbing her boyfriend in an argument. Samantha George, 20, of Mortimer Road, Rose Hill, had denied wounding Justin White with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a kitchen knife on February 3. She also denied an alternate
Valuable land and buildings could be sold by Oxford City Council to avoid a financial crisis. Earlier this week, the council announced a five-year plan to tackle a funding shortfall and prevent further year-on-year cuts. Other emergency measures could
A schizophrenic man jumped to his death from a bridge, an inquest heard. Simon Dawson, 26, jumped from a bridge over railway lines east of Cholsey, near Wallingford, on October 17. An inquest in Oxford yesterday heard that Mr Dawson, from Wallingford,
Charlbury FC needs new managers for the Saturday 1st team and Saturday reserve team, as well as an assistant manager for the Sunday team. Anyone interested should phone 01608 810201, 01608 811178 or 01608 811641.
Four fit pedal-pushers spent a punishing seven hours in the saddle to raise £400 for charity. David Grainger, hire manager at builders merchants Buildbase of Cowley, and colleagues Trevor White, Alan Davies and Daniel Doherty, rode 58 miles from London's
Former Witney Town boss Brian Hughes has been appointed the new manager of Dr Martens Western Division side Cirencester Town. The move raises a question mark over Hughes's verbal agreement that he would take charge of newly-formed Witney United when they
Star pupil Jasmine Ebede has achieved an impressive 100 per cent attendance at school for a remarkable five years running. Her achievement is being celebrated at St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School in Iffley Turn, Iffley, Oxford. Jasmine EbedeThe
Thame B edged to the narrowest of victories over Bicester D in Division 4 of the Wilson 3-Pair League. Going into the last round with the scores tied at 3-3, Thame scraped home after winning two thrilling matches. Their first pair of Tony Morris and Christine
A wildlife festival takes place at Shotover Country Park, Old Road, Headington, from noon to 5pm on Sunday. Entry is free for the event, which aims to give people a hands-on experience of local wildlife.
Olympic gold medallists Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Tim Foster have rowed together in their winning boat for the last time. The crew delivered the boat, in which they won the coxless four race at the Sydney 2000 Olympics,
Thame Youth Theatre is to get cash backing from the town council. Youth Theatre director Chris Walters asked the council for £2,000 to help fund an administrator and co-ordinator for the theatre and dance groups. The 170-strong group produces plays regularly
The Blue Cross is urgently advising competitors and spectators attending the charity's horse show on Sunday, July 1, to leave their dogs at home. The show at the charity's animal welfare centre in Shilton Road, Burford, has 32 classes with more than 300
Police have expressed concern that more than 45 child car seats tested during spot checks had problems serious enough to cause injury. More than 250 cars across Oxfordshire, including Banbury and Bicester, were checked. Some seats were fitted so loosely
Doctors' practices in east Oxford are so swamped with demand that only two out of nine are enrolling new patients. The area has suffered from a shortage of places since the beginning of the year. NHS managers claim this has been caused by problems common
Grants of up to £15,000 are now available for small rural businesses in Oxfordshire whose finances have been badly affected by foot and mouth. The money is for temporary relief from severe cash-flow difficulties and to encourage activity likely to return
Budding lawyers from Frideswide Middle School, Oxford, have won a place at the national final of the Mock Trial Competition. The team of 12- and 13-year-olds won the south-east regional final in London on June 9 and now goes forward to the UK final at
More staff are to be recruited to improve the speed of benefit payments after a senior officer warned that vulnerable people could be at risk. Vale of White Horse District Council director of Social and Cultural Services, Tim Sadler, had described the
Anglers have been urged to take extra care after a swan entangled with wire and barbed hooks was found bleeding and floating on its side on the Thames at Culham, near Abingdon. The swan was only minutes from death when Swan Lifeline volunteer Wendy Hermon
Mick Quinn, the footballer turned racehorse trainer who has his stables at Sparsholt, near Wantage, has been banned by the Jockey Club until 2004 after an inquiry into allegations that he neglected his horses. An inquiry by the disciplinary committee
The Witney Torch Trust Fellowship for the Blind celebrates its 21st anniversary on Saturday, July 7, with a service in the Welcome Evangelical Church at 3pm.
Devon antiques dealer Jeremy Mawson, 32, appeared in court in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, charged with obtaining property by deception from antique dealers across the south of England including Burford.
Budding football players are being offered the chance to go on coaching courses. Trials to decide which youngsters can take part in the courses, for under-sevens and under-eights, will be held on Saturday, July 7, from 10am to 3pm at the Witney artificial
The Blue Cross is urgently advising competitors and spectators attending the charity's horse show on Sunday to leave their dogs at home. The show at the charity's animal welfare centre in Shilton Road, Burford, has 32 classes with more than 300 entries
North Oxford B enjoyed a final round clean sweep to beat Banbury 6.5-2.5 in Mixed Division 1 of the Wilson Inter-Club 3-Pair League. Joe Cartledge and Helen Turner boasted a 100 per cent record at first pair, but Banbury's Matt Hunter and Judy Canning
The National Farmers Union has returned to Witney after a gap of six years - time in which the industry has staggered from crisis to crisis. A new NFU office is now up and running at Langdale Gate and group secretary Marc Hinton says they will be looking
Banbury skipper Neil Megson has held his hand up and taken full responsibility for his side's defeat to Division 1 title rivals High Wycombe last week. "I had a nightmare," said Megson. "Everything I did went wrong. "I thought the pitch would get worse
High standards have been set by an array of local talent at Charlbury's summer festival. That's the verdict of the organisers of the month-long celebration which finishes this weekend. More than 20 events, including all forms of music, dancing, drama,
Thame Youth Theatre is to get cash backing from the town council. Youth Theatre director Chris Walters asked the council for £2,000 to help fund an administrator and co-ordinator for the theatre and dance groups. The 170-strong group produces plays regularly
Big-fish specialist Andy Webber, 48, has been appointed the Oxford Mail's new angling correspondent. He takes over from the legendary Peter Stone, who died last November at the age of 73, after 28 years as the Mail's angling expert. Andy Webber Andy,
Thame B edged to the narrowest of victories over Bicester D in Division 4 of the Wilson 3-Pair League. Going into the last round with the scores tied at 3-3, Thame scraped home after winning two thrilling matches. Their first pair of Tony Morris and Christine
A round-up of recent results Rose Hill (Sennen Cove, 6 sent 47): 1, 3 M/M D Chambers 1155, 1148; 2 E Irving 1152; 4 Sherman & Wells 1138; 5 C Bowler & son 1120; 6, 9 W Knevett 1077, 1016; 7, 8 R Clarke 1068, 1039. Eynsham (Sennen Cove, 4 sent
Slimming World classes are on the move. Consultant Val Neame is moving her class to the Ex-Servicemen's Club, Bicester. Classes start on Thursday July 5 from 5.30pm until 7.15pm.
Firefighters are appealing for volunteers to race wheelie bins the length of Sheep Street, Bicester, as part of this year's carnival celebrations on July 22. Contestants will race from Handy Stores down to Ashmores around the concrete sheep and back.
Howard Waller, of Oxford City, captured the Oxfordshire Championship ten-mile time trial, on the A34 at Weston-on-the-Green. In warm and calm conditions, Waller rode a personal bests, as did runner-up, the ever youthful Geoff Booker, and third-placed
A Bicester-trained engineer has led the team that designed and developed a hi-tech tank for the armed forces. Joseph Starrett, 47, was programme director for the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle, which will be used by Nato. The 33-tonne vehicle is made of
Keith Arnold returns from injury to captain Oxfordshire in their three-day Minor Counties Championship clash with Wales at Swansea, starting on Sunday. The veteran seamer has not played for Oxon this season because of a pelvic injury sustained when he
Games to be played on June 30 and July 1 ______________ SATURDAY, JUNE 30 UNIVERSITY MATCH Cambridge v Oxford (Fenner's, 1st day of 4). HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Bicester & North Oxford v High Wycombe, Radlett v Banbury. Div 2 West: Oxford
Jason Harrison and Elizabeth Vernon were in unstoppable form as Cholsey brushed aside Kingston Bagpuize 3-1 in Mixed Divison 1 of the Wilson 2-Pair League. Harrison and Vernon won all their sets at first pair, dropping just seven games in the process.
Bicester & North Oxford narrowly missed out on a win against Beaconsfield last weekend, but skipper Darryl Woods is confident that his side can take their good form into Saturday's game at high-flying High Wycombe. Rod Davison hit his maiden Home
Thame B edged to the narrowest of victories over Bicester D in Division 4 of the Wilson 3-Pair League. Going into the last round with the scores tied at 3-3, Thame scraped home after winning two thrilling matches. Their first pair of Tony Morris and Christine
Blondes are supposed to have more fun, and this group certainly did, raising £5,000. The five members of Banbury Community Church, were transformed during a session with Mel Allsopp and Flix Hair Salon in Parsons Street. The cash will go to Living Word
North Oxford B enjoyed a final round clean sweep to beat Banbury 6.5-2.5 in Mixed Division 1 of the Wilson Inter-Club 3-Pair League. Joe Cartledge and Helen Turner boasted a 100 per cent record at first pair, but Banbury's Matt Hunter and Judy Canning
The Oxford Times Cherwell League preview Challow and Childrey entertain new leaders Buckingham without skipper Pat Field, so Nigel Hill takes over the reins. Opening batsman Julian Penney is also missing through injury. Steve Wood and Alex Lynch come
Bicester & North Oxford narrowly missed out on a win against Beaconsfield last weekend, but skipper Darryl Woods is confident that his side can take their good form into Saturday's game at high-flying High Wycombe. Rod Davison hit his maiden Home
Garsington big-fish hunter Richard Simmons got his new coarse fishing season off to a flying start with a cracking 6lb 8oz chub from the River Stour. Simmons took a week's holiday to fish a stretch of the famous river near Bournemouth. On the first three
Games to be played on June 30 and July 1 ______________ SATURDAY, JUNE 30 UNIVERSITY MATCH Cambridge v Oxford (Fenner's, 1st day of 4). HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Bicester & North Oxford v High Wycombe, Radlett v Banbury. Div 2 West: Oxford
A student's unique project is giving the homeless of Oxford a voice, writes Katherine Macalister Ihave been homeless now for about six months and the council haven't done anything for me and I'm only 17 years old. I would like to say to the community
A garden is being opened to raise funds for the Banbury-based Carers Centre, which helps people who dedicate their lives to caring for friends and relatives. The event takes place on Tuesday, July 17, in Chastleton Glebe, off the A44, at Chipping Norton
A schoolteacher was committed for trial at Crown Court on 20 charges of child abuse. Didcot magistrates heard yesterday it is alleged that John Walker indecently assaulted boys and girls in Oxford between January 1970 and December 1989. Walker, 58, of
Vandals have damaged a 200-year-old bridge over the Oxford Canal again, costing taxpayers thousands of pounds in repair bills. Bullers Bridge in Kidlington, pictured, is one of the few stone bridges over the canal. But it has been ruined by youngsters
A spate of burglaries has hit east Oxford - and police say the warmer weather is to blame. Officers are advising residents not to leave doors and windows open when they go out or are in bed. Thames Valley Police spokesman Lucy Ferguson said: "It does
A lorry driver who fell asleep at the wheel has been found guilty of causing the death of a Bicester man by dangerous driving. Paul Willis, 27, assistant manager of the King's Arms Hotel, Bicester, was killed after lorry driver Peter Cuddihy fell asleep
Former Witney Town boss, Andy Lyne, has returned to his old club to snap up Steve Tavinor and Jason Caffel, who will join up with him at AFC Newbury in the Jewson Wessex League.
An Oxford man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was found with a 14in knife stuck in her head at a Blackbird Leys flat. Wayne Tideswell, 35, of Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was due before Oxford Magistrates' Court on Friday
A £2m project to end elitism in riversports in Oxford could collapse if the clubs involved do not get their act together, a report has warned. Consultant Linda Plowright also warns that the city and county councils must dedicate more time to the project
A bream of 4.0.0 helped Billy Cox to victory in Yarnton AC's opener on the Thames near Cassington. Cox's 4.12.0 gave him victory by two ounces from George Thomas, whose 4.10.0 included a nice tench. Third was Martin Beckett with 2.14.0.
Budding lawyers from Frideswide Middle School, Oxford, have won a place at the national final of the Mock Trial Competition. The team of 12- and 13-year-olds won the south-east regional final in London on June 9 and now goes forward to the UK final at
Stonesfield meet Watlington in the quarter-finals of the Telegraph Cup on Sunday, despite suffering a heavy defeat against Wolvercote in the previous round. Wolvercote inadvertently filled one wrong name on the teamsheet before the game. Stonesfield appealed
Swans have gained a new lease of life at Hinksey Lake in Oxford - but possibly to the detriment of other birds. The population has doubled to about 50 in recent years, largely because of a national ban on the use of lead shots by anglers. Apart from providing
A £2m project to end elitism in riversports in Oxford could collapse if the clubs involved do not get their act together, a report has warned. Consultant Linda Plowright also warns that the city and county councils must dedicate more time to the project
Celebrities turned out in force to help a children's charity raise vital funds at an Oxfordshire golf match. Bruce Forsyth, Jasper Carrott and Eric Sykes led the charge round the Oxfordshire Golf Club course, near Thame, in aid of Sparks, Sport Aiding
Steve West lost five big fish during Thame AC's opening match of the season on a high and rising River Thame, but still had enough to emerge the winner. Heavy rain on Saturday meant a low turn-out of 11 members, with West's 5.14.8 just enough to pip Martin
A fete will be held in the vicarage garden of St Peter's Church, First Turn, Wolvercote, on June 30. Starting at 2pm, all proceeds go towards the Church Fund Appeal.
A charity arts and crafts fair takes place at Templars Square shopping Centre, Cowley, from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday, July 14. The event is in aid of the Oxford Sports Research charity.
Swimmers were denied the chance of taking a dip in an outdoor pool when it was closed because of staff shortages. Both the main outdoor swimming pool and the children's paddling pool at the riverside in Wallingford were closed on Monday, June 26. The
Adults needing long-term care in Oxfordshire are being given a comprehensive guide to social services and voluntary groups. On Monday, July 2, the county's Better Care, Higher Standards charter will be published. It provides a detailed guide to services
Disabled motorists in Oxfordshire enjoyed a magical mystery tour. The Mobility and General Information Centre organisation, Magic, has loaned a specially adapted Ford Focus for a year to the Oxford Driving Assessment Service, Headington, to assist with
Modern day centres enabling elderly and infirm people to lead more independent lives could soon be set up in every market town in the county. Officers at the county council are working on plans to renovate and expand day centres where elderly dependants
