Archive

  • Rugby: Nash treble lifts Bicester

    Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Bicester stay one point clear at the top of Division 1 after a hat-trick of tries by full back Chris Nash led them to a 44-5 victory at home to Drifters. Bicester were out of touch in the early stages, during which skipper

  • Murderer begins life sentence

    A glazier who beat a drunken cleaner to death, causing injuries similar to those seen in car crashes, was today beginning a life sentence. Gavin Hodgkinson, 24, of Glebe Road, Didcot, was convicted of murdering Peter Bennett in a brawl outside the Wheatsheaf

  • Children show unity

    Young people joined together to demonstrate their city's cultural diversity. Pupils and students from across Oxford shared a meal and took part in music and dance demonstrations at a Unity Day event at Oxford School, Glanville Road, on Sunday. The event

  • Kitchen transformation gives boost to3 learning

    The clatter of cutlery has given way to the chatter of children at Radley, near Abingdon. The old kitchen at the village primary school has been transformed into a reception classroom, giving the school four rooms for its 75 pupils. Headteacher Radka

  • Preparations under way for science week

    Oxfordshire is going under the microscope as organisers prepare for National Science Week. Exhibitions, talks, geology trails and workshops are just some of the events taking place between Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 17, in the county as part

  • Park approved

    Edward Townsend has been given permission by South Oxfordshire District Council to continue using the Bridge Villa site, Crowmarsh, for a camping and caravan park for 11 months of the year.

  • Railway plan

    Planning permission has been given for the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society to use part of the former Maltings in St John's Road, Wallingford, for railway purposes. The society already has a depot there but the extra land will mean

  • Crew helps rescue

    A helicopter crew from RAF Benson took part in a mountain rescue on Ben Nevis on February 8. The three-man crew, on a training exercise, took the rescue team up the mountain to rescue a climber with a broken leg. Sq Ldr Dale said: "As an ex-search and

  • RAF runners to boost charities

    Seven air force personnel from RAF Benson are taking part in the London Marathon this year, most of them for charities. They will run in the Reading Half-Marathon on March 10 in preparation for the April event. Flt Lt Ian Douglas will be raising money

  • Swimming: Wilmshurst's late burst secures county crown

    Witney's Luke Wilmshurst and City of Oxford's Joe Canlan-Shaw produced the highlight of the competition as the 2002 Oxon & North Bucks ASA County Championships got underway at Stantonbury. Wilmshurst and Canlan-Shaw were neck and neck in the boys

  • Motor sport: Montoya is the Juan to watch

    Michael Schumacher cannot afford to yield to BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya this season if he wants to claim a record-equalling fifth Formula1world title. The warning comes from former teammate, and now ITV F1 expert Martin Brundle, who thinks

  • Women's Day

    Sister Frances Dominica, of Helen House Hospice, will be speaking at a service in St Giles Church, Standlake, on Friday at 7.30pm as part of the Women's World Day of Prayer.

  • Watch meeting

    The Bampton Environmental Watch group is holding its annual meeting on Friday followed by a talk on organic cultivation starting at 8.30pm. Non-members are welcome for a donation of £2.

  • Hands-on music

    The Mellstock Band will be taking part in a Hands-on Music Weekend at Henry Box School on Saturday and Sunday with workshops for players of all kind of wind instruments interested in folk music. There will be a concert in the school on Saturday at 8pm

  • All in tune for festival

    The stage is set for the 90th Chipping Norton Music Festival, which runs from March 1 to 16. Hundreds of performers are lined up for classes for instruments, choirs, family ensembles as well as speech and drama. Louis de Bernieres, author of Captain Corelli's

  • Motor sport: Toyota Starlets boss hot rods

    More than 150 racers braved the elements at Standlake Arena's opening meeting of the season. Constant heavy rain washed the track and made the racing very quick. The Toyota Starlets of Roger Townsend and Trevor Harvey were head and shoulders above the

  • Ice hockey: Oxford crash in finale

    Oxford City Stars' English National League season ended in disappointing fashion as they crashed to a 10-1 defeat at Telford. With a squad weakened by injury, suspension and unavailability, Oxford iced a first line of Josh Grocutt, Ben Lay, Kris Abbott

  • Greyhounds: Tonight's runners

    7.35: Askinvillar Lass, Jubbly Jubbly, Broadford Joe, ORLANDO JAMES, Bay Hill. 7.50: Yours Fondly, Aha Creative, Quick Notice, VILLA BELLE, Whisper Sonia, Charleville Lady 3. 8.05 Pall Mall 1st rd Ht 1: Atomic Tigger, None So Blue, Greenacre Belle 3,

  • Twin joins training for solo marathon

    Bicester twins Andrew and Jeremy Flint are training for the London marathon -- but only one will run. The pair, 25, have been training together since January, but on the day, Jeremy will be cheering on his brother from the sidelines. The brothers sent

  • Hockey: Defensive lapse ends Rover's run

    Women's English League Rover Oxford Ladies' five-match unbeaten run came to an end as they went down 1-0 at home to unbeaten leaders Reading in Division 2. Rover, without captain and midfield general, Lorraine Furney, through injury, worked hard to try

  • Football: Atkins gets it sorted!

    Oxford United boss Ian Atkins is hoping for - and expects - a backlash from his players at Macclesfield tonight after their hugely disappointing performance in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Exeter. For the first time since he took charge, he ordered the

  • Greyhounds: Tonight's runners

    7.35: Askinvillar Lass, Jubbly Jubbly, Broadford Joe, ORLANDO JAMES, Bay Hill. 7.50: Yours Fondly, Aha Creative, Quick Notice, VILLA BELLE, Whisper Sonia, Charleville Lady 3. 8.05 Pall Mall 1st rd Ht 1: Atomic Tigger, None So Blue, Greenacre Belle 3,

  • Swimming: Wilmshurst's late burst secures county crown

    Witney's Luke Wilmshurst and City of Oxford's Joe Canlan-Shaw produced the highlight of the competition as the 2002 Oxon & North Bucks ASA County Championships got underway at Stantonbury. Wilmshurst and Canlan-Shaw were neck and neck in the boys

  • Rugby: Mighty Quins on the brink of title triumph

    Southern Counties North Oxford Harlequins are now just one win away from the league title following their convincing 37-3 success at Swindon - and Grove's surprise defeat at Beaconsfield. Australian winger Richard Rouse scored a hat-trick of tries as

  • New Cruiser cruises in

    Chrysler's latest PT Cruiser range has arrived, with two new colours and a host of improvements. Among the new features are clutchless electronic gearchanging -- new shift lever and instrument cluster on the automatic cars, improved lateral seat support

  • Darts: Ollie finds form as Railway cruise in

    Railway Social Club A's Ollie Varney was in sensational form as he hit three maximums in his side's 7-2 victory over Cowley Community Centre C in the top-of-the-table Oxford & District Darts Association Premier Section clash. Wins from Bob Pollard

  • Cool Corolla is a world best-seller

    Toyota has launched its new Corolla range -- the ninth generation model of the world's best-selling car. Twenty nine million Corollas have been sold, accounting for almost 20 per cent of total Toyota sales world-wide. Four bodystyles are available from

  • Rugby: Nash treble lifts Bicester

    Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Bicester stay one point clear at the top of Division 1 after a hat-trick of tries by full back Chris Nash led them to a 44-5 victory at home to Drifters. Bicester were out of touch in the early stages, during which skipper

  • SEAT's sunny outlook

    What better than some sunny Mediterranean flair to brighten up these dull, winter days. And that's precisely what SEAT supplies in abundance with its current range of cars -- the cuddly Arosa, the zappy Ibiza, the lively Leon and the terrific Toledo.

  • Terrifically fabulous

    MG's new roadster, the MGTF, has roared on to the roads as the successor to Britain's best selling MGF sports car. Styled by MG Rover Group designer Peter Stevens, the TF has evolved from the popular MGF and features a new exterior appearance, an all-new

  • Roads alert after storms

    Drivers were warned to take extra care on the roads today as gale force winds and heavy rain lashed Oxfordshire during the night. They were warned to be on the lookout for areas of water and fallen trees. County council workmen were called out to remove

  • Guest rooms

    Managers of the Head of the River pub, Folly Bridge, Oxford, are seeking permission from the city council to convert parts of the first and second floors into nine additional guest bedrooms.

  • Overspend meeting

    City councillors will today discuss a £750,000 hole in the housing revenue budget. Earlier this month, it emerged that there had been an overspend of up to £750,000 in the trading account of Oxford Building Solutions, formerly City Works, which carries

  • Witnesses needed

    A man attempted to rob a 15-year-old girl as she walked with two friends. It happened on the corner of Hurst Street and Cowley Road, Oxford, at about 5.30pm on Saturday. The white man, aged in his 30s, tried to snatch her bag and then ran off. He was

  • Children show unity

    Young people joined together to demonstrate their city's cultural diversity. Pupils and students from across Oxford shared a meal and took part in music and dance demonstrations at a Unity Day event at Oxford School, Glanville Road, on Sunday. The event

  • Girl tells court of park sex attack

    A teenager was indecently assaulted by a man who pulled her into bushes in Oxford's University Parks, a court heard. Oxford Crown Court was told yesterday that the girl, who was 14 at the time of the alleged assault on July 16 last year, was grabbed round

  • Flat on fire

    Firefighters were called to Middleton Road, Banbury, in the early hours of Sunday morning after smoke was reported coming from a ground floor flat. Two fire crews from Banbury tackled the small fire and one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation

  • Man denies murder

    A Banbury man has denied murder. Brian Cooper, 58, of Woodfield, appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday and denied murdering David Hall, 33, of no fixed address, on December 3, last year. He was remanded in custody until his trial, which is listed to

  • Prime mover

    Nissan believes its new hi-tech Primera will be the most advanced medium sized car available when it goes on sale on March 1. Priced from £14,600, the new Primera has set out to break the rules of its sector. Initially there will be a choice of four-door

  • Class-leader

    Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which goes on sale next month, at the Brussels Motor Show. The new E-Class will be in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned sales and service outlets throughout Europe from mid-March

  • Newly-minted Polo

    Volkswagen's fourth-generation Polo takes to the road with the accent firmly on diesel power. The resurgence in the popularity of diesel engines has led the German car-maker to predict that 45 per cent of its sales in the UK this year will be diesel.

  • Time two change

    Car sales have been booming since Britain switched to its new-style registration plate system which started appearing on the roads last year. The arrival of the new registration system in September pepped up an already buoyant year of sales, which took

  • Jazz calls the tune

    Honda's new small car hides a big secret. Launched into a sector bulging with high-quality competition and a flood of new models, the short-nosed, distinctively styled Jazz conceals its principal surprise behind the front seats. The five-door Jazz has

  • Motor park revs up

    A multi-million pound investment in state-of-the-art motor retailing is taking shape in Oxfordshire. Five dealers have each invested millions of pounds in creating gleaming new dealerships at the Oxford Motor Park, off Langford Lane Kidlington -- one

  • Motor sport: Make or break time for Button

    Jenson Button will go on maximum attack with the Enstone-based Renault F1 team this year in his bid to one day become world champion. The 22-year-old realises that the new campaign, which begins in Melbourne's Albert Park on Sunday, will shape his Formula

  • Help wanted

    The Witney Stroke Club is looking for volunteers to help at the Windrush Health Centre for two hours on Friday afternoons. Call 01993 368595.

  • Church history

    Local rector, the Rev Cameron Butland, will be giving a talk about the history of St Mary's, Witney, on March 20 in the church at 7.30pm.

  • Women's Day

    Sister Frances Dominica, of Helen House Hospice, will be speaking at a service in St Giles Church, Standlake, on Friday at 7.30pm as part of the Women's World Day of Prayer.

  • Youth hockey: Oxon girls out of luck

    Oxfordshire's Under 18 girls finished fourth in the Southern Counties Championships held at Cranford Community School in appalling weather. They beat Bucks 1-0 and Sussex 2-0, drew 0-0 with eventual winners Hampshire and 1-1 with Surrey, but lost 2-0

  • Motor sport: Weekend action guide

    Saturday King's Lynn: Unlimited bangers. 0175 476 2544. Rye House, Hoddesdon: Kart races. 0199 246 0895. Buckmore Park, Chatham: Kart races. 0163 420 1562. Worksop, Notts: Robin Hood Stages. Robin Hood Stages. First day of two-day event. 0122 675 1603

  • Rugby: Results check

    Club Matches Durham Univ v Oxford Univ cancelled; Dorchester 2nd 0, Chinnor 2nd 35; Phoenix 14, Chinnor 3rd 34 (tries M Woodward, D Rose, R Hill, R Hooper, I Cutler; cons Rose 2, M Walker; pen Hooper); Chinnor 4th 19 (G Walker, M Cook; pen try; cons R

  • Free service

    The eight Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce including Oxfordshire have launched a new, free service for members called Chamber Legal Expenses.

  • Club date

    The Business Accelerator Club organised by the Thames Business Advice Centre, has invited Nigel Griffiths, under-secretary of state for small business and export control, to speak at its meeting on March 13 at the Exeter Hall, Kidlington.

  • Green firm in the black

    Leading environmental consultancy RPS Group has unveiled a leap in its fortunes. Pre-tax profits for the firm, based at Milton Park, Abingdon, leapt 41 per cent to £13.95m for the year ended December 31, 2001, while cash balances rose to £36.4m from £8.9m

  • Reading is child's play

    Memory training gave David Morgan the idea for his Easiread system for parents to help their children learn to read. "It all worked by turning lists into something visual. For instance, my sister-in-law's house number is 12, and I thought of 12 eggs thrown

  • Hi-tech firms collect Smart awards

    Another trio of hi-tech firms have been recognised by the Government. Voltech Instruments of Milton Park, Abingdon, Indeva Energy Consultants, of Henley, and Oxford Scientific, of Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, have all received prestigious Smart Awards

  • Luxury sports car factory to close

    Luxury sports car maker Aston Martin is to move its assembly plant from Bloxham to Warwickshire. The company, owned by Ford, is to transfer production of both its £100,000 DB7 model, produced in Bloxham, and its £158,000 Vanquish model, produced in Newport

  • County's economy is not as rosy as it seems

    The Oxfordshire economy is the envy of many other parts of the United Kingdom. Unemployment is virtually non-existent, small businesses flourish and we are a world leader in the field of bioscience. Add the global reputation of Oxford University, thousands

  • Syringe used in station robbery

    A young woman has been robbed by a man who threatened her with a liquid-filled syringe at Oxford railway station. The incident happened as the Oxford University student was waiting for a train at 4.50am on Saturday. The man approached her on the platform

  • Syringe used in station robbery

    A young woman has been robbed by a man who threatened her with a liquid-filled syringe at Oxford railway station. The incident happened as the Oxford University student was waiting for a train at 4.50am on Saturday. The man approached her on the platform

  • Boy dies in bus accident

    A boy of 17 died after he was thrown from his scooter into the path of an oncoming bus in Oxford. Kelvin Smith, of Thomson Terrace, Littlemore, Oxford, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which happened just before 7.30pm on Friday. He was

  • Council told to pay compensation to family

    The Local Government Ombudsman has ordered Oxford City Council to pay £5,500 to a homeless family after forcing it to live in overcrowded conditions. Today, Jerry White found the council responsible for maladministration causing injustice, when it processed

  • Motor sport: Make or break time for Button

    Jenson Button will go on maximum attack with the Enstone-based Renault F1 team this year in his bid to one day become world champion. The 22-year-old realises that the new campaign, which begins in Melbourne's Albert Park on Sunday, will shape his Formula

  • Banned driver jailed for chase

    A banned driver who led police on a chase through Oxford has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Mark Glover, 28, of Iffley Road, Oxford, sped away from officers after noticing a police car behind him. Nigel Daly, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court

  • Swimming: Wilmshurst's late burst secures county crown

    Witney's Luke Wilmshurst and City of Oxford's Joe Canlan-Shaw produced the highlight of the competition as the 2002 Oxon & North Bucks ASA County Championships got underway at Stantonbury. Wilmshurst and Canlan-Shaw were neck and neck in the boys

  • Car share scheme may ease traffic

    A car share scheme could make life easier for residents in east Oxford. CARvenience already operates in north Oxford, after Oxford City Council joined forces with car hire firm Avis last year. Avis supplies the vehicles on behalf of the city council and

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Rugby: Mighty Quins on the brink of title triumph

    Southern Counties North Oxford Harlequins are now just one win away from the league title following their convincing 37-3 success at Swindon - and Grove's surprise defeat at Beaconsfield. Australian winger Richard Rouse scored a hat-trick of tries as

  • Football: Thame get Louis boost

    Jefferson Louis has given Thame United a terrific boost ahead of tonight's Ryman Division 1 derby with Oxford City. The big striker was due to play for Oxford United's reserve side at Crystal Palace yesterday, meaning he would have played two games in

  • Rugby: Toss proves crucial for Chinnor

    South West Division 1 Chinnor skipper James Davies won his first toss for ages - and it was to prove a crucial one as his team came away with their first-ever win at Dorchester. Davies chose to face a strong blustery wind in the first half and Chinnor's

  • Charity racing

    A race night and auction will be held at Carterton Community College on Friday in aid of Save the Children. Tickets at £6, to include supper, can be bought from the Fruit Basket or by ringing 01993 842983.

  • Hands-on music

    The Mellstock Band will be taking part in a Hands-on Music Weekend at Henry Box School on Saturday and Sunday with workshops for players of all kind of wind instruments interested in folk music. There will be a concert in the school on Saturday at 8pm

  • Buses boost ramblers

    Ramblers will be able to leave their cars at home and take a bus to visit Oxfordshire beauty spots. The Ridgeway Explorer leisure bus will start running on March 29. Four buses a day will run every Sunday and Bank Holiday until October 27. For more details

  • Change rung at church

    Three new recruits have joined the ranks of campanologists who ring the eight bells at St Michael's Church in Cumnor. Emily Spicer, 15, and Rebecca Rees, 12, and Ben Carter-Fraser, 14, who are pupils at Abingdon schools, have been added to the team. Church

  • TV stars turn out for pub opening

    Celebrities packed a 16th century Oxfordshire inn to celebrate the launch of a new business venture. Phillip Schofield and Amanda Root were among the famous faces who attended the official opening of the Bear Inn in High Street, North Moreton, near Wallingford

  • Car share scheme may ease traffic

    A car share scheme could make life easier for residents in east Oxford. CARvenience already operates in north Oxford, after Oxford City Council joined forces with car hire firm Avis last year. Avis supplies the vehicles on behalf of the city council and

  • Roads alert after storms

    Drivers were warned to take extra care on the roads today as gale force winds and heavy rain lashed Oxfordshire during the night. They were warned to be on the lookout for areas of water and fallen trees. County council workmen were called out to remove

  • Preparations under way for science week

    Oxfordshire is going under the microscope as organisers prepare for National Science Week. Exhibitions, talks, geology trails and workshops are just some of the events taking place between Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 17, in the county as part

  • Hockey: Defensive lapse ends Rover's run

    Women's English League Rover Oxford Ladies' five-match unbeaten run came to an end as they went down 1-0 at home to unbeaten leaders Reading in Division 2. Rover, without captain and midfield general, Lorraine Furney, through injury, worked hard to try

  • Football: Thame get Louis boost

    Jefferson Louis has given Thame United a terrific boost ahead of tonight's Ryman Division 1 derby with Oxford City. The big striker was due to play for Oxford United's reserve side at Crystal Palace yesterday, meaning he would have played two games in

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Basketball: Devils stay in the hunt

    Oxford Devils stayed in contention for National League Division 1 honours with a morale-boosting 79-65 win at Liverpool on Sunday. A strengthened Liverpool team gave the Devils problems in the first period, but Joe Milnes and Gerry Armstrong kept them

  • Hockey: Goal-shy Hawks in survival setback

    English League Oxford Hawks slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against relegation rivals Bromley in Division 2. Hawks started Sunday's clash the stronger, making good inroads into the Bromley defence. But they were left to rue the absence of striker Nick Perks

  • Bid to list author's home turned down

    A bid to gain listed status for the former home of children's author CS Lewis has been rejected by the Government. The author and Oxford don, best known for his Tales of Narnia, spent 33 years at The Kilns in Lewis Close, Risinghurst, until his death

  • Traders face hard summer

    Traders are facing a summer of disruption after council leaders announced plans to repave Oxford's Cornmarket Street between May and October. Faced with the return of pneumatic drills yards from shop doorways, business leaders are calling for proper consultation

  • Drug awareness

    Students are learning about the dangers of drugs during a drug awareness week at Oxford School. Activities involving all pupils at the Glanville Road school run until Thursday 28th.

  • TA band strikes a fundraising note

    Territorial army members staged a concert to raise money for the Abingdon branch of the St John Ambulance. The Waterloo Band of the Royal Green Jackets, Oxfordshire's TA regiment, performed at the Aney Hall, Abingdon School, on Saturday. The brigade is

  • Change rung at church

    Three new recruits have joined the ranks of campanologists who ring the eight bells at St Michael's Church in Cumnor. Emily Spicer, 15, and Rebecca Rees, 12, and Ben Carter-Fraser, 14, who are pupils at Abingdon schools, have been added to the team. Church

  • Kitchen transformation gives boost to learning

    The clatter of cutlery has given way to the chatter of children at Radley, near Abingdon. The old kitchen at the village primary school has been transformed into a reception classroom, giving the school four rooms for its 75 pupils. Headteacher Radka

  • Oldest resident a keen gardener

    Elizabeth Grace Brown Wallingford's oldest resident, Elizabeth Grace Brown, has died at the age of 105. She died in Wallingford Community Hospital on February 12 and the funeral is this Friday in St Mary's church at noon. Mrs Brown was born in Compton

  • Milkman described as a respected friend

    Trevor Want Neighbours in Cassington are coming to terms with the loss of a good friend and family member. The recent death of Trevor Want, the neighbourhood milkman, has shaken the village community for whom he was a much-loved and respected friend.

  • Huntsman gave years of service

    Ronnie Wallace A former master of the Chipping Norton-based Heythrop Hunt, Capt Ronnie Wallace, has died in a road accident at the age of 82. Capt Wallace was a master of foxhounds for 58 consecutive seasons and life president of the Masters of Foxhounds

  • Doctor was commodore of Oxford Sailing Club

    Dr Michael Allington A former Oxford clinical haematologist, Dr Michael Allington, has died at the age of 74 after a long illness. He suffered from Parkinson's disease and died on Monday, February 18, at Longlands Nursing Home, Cassington. Dr Allington

  • Packed church hears of homelessness crusade

    David Belton David Belton, a man for whom 'housing for the homeless' was never a glib phrase, but represented a personal commitment for more than 30 years, was remembered fondly by his family, friends and former colleagues at his funeral. Mr Belton, who

  • TV stars turn out for pub opening

    Celebrities packed a 16th century Oxfordshire inn to celebrate the launch of a new business venture. Phillip Schofield and Amanda Root were among the famous faces who attended the official opening of the Bear Inn in High Street, North Moreton, near Wallingford

  • Darts: Ollie finds form as Railway cruise in

    Railway Social Club A's Ollie Varney was in sensational form as he hit three maximums in his side's 7-2 victory over Cowley Community Centre C in the top-of-the-table Oxford & District Darts Association Premier Section clash. Wins from Bob Pollard

  • Rugby: Mighty Quins on the brink of title triumph

    Southern Counties North Oxford Harlequins are now just one win away from the league title following their convincing 37-3 success at Swindon - and Grove's surprise defeat at Beaconsfield. Australian winger Richard Rouse scored a hat-trick of tries as

  • Help wanted

    The Witney Stroke Club is looking for volunteers to help at the Windrush Health Centre for two hours on Friday afternoons. Call 01993 368595.

  • Church history

    Local rector, the Rev Cameron Butland, will be giving a talk about the history of St Mary's, Witney, on March 20 in the church at 7.30pm.

  • School quiz

    Charlbury pre-school will be holding a quiz night on Friday, March 8, at the Corner House starting at 8pm. Call 01608 811200 for tickets, which cost £2.

  • Appeal dropped

    An appeal against West Oxfordshire District Council's refusal to grant permission for 35 flats for the elderly on land off The Green, Chipping Norton, has been withdrawn.

  • Charity racing

    A race night and auction will be held at Carterton Community College on Friday in aid of Save the Children. Tickets at £6, to include supper, can be bought from the Fruit Basket or by ringing 01993 842983.

  • Motor sport: Garcia gives Proton a boost

    Spanish rider David Garcia, winner of the European Championship last season, has signed for the Banbury-based Proton Team KR, as test rider for the three-cylinder lightweight MotoGP two-stroke. Garcia will back regular team riders Jeremy McWilliams and

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Residents oppose mill plans

    Residents living close to a former mill in Witney are angry about a company's development plans. The West Oxfordshire District Council's lowlands planning sub-committee has given technology company TSS Limited permission to build a dome at their New Mill

  • Tribute to boxer

    The Oxford Arms in North Street, Thame, has changed its name again. It became the Hogshead and then the Market Place and now has become Jimmy Figg's, after the local bare knuckle fighter who became the first world champion in the sport.

  • Parachutists aim to land airstrip plan

    A controversial parachute school is seeking planning permission for its activities. The London Parachute School uses a landing strip in field at Moorcourt Farm, Lewknor. But the noise from its aircraft has annoyed residents there for several years as

  • Rugby: Results check

    Club Matches Durham Univ v Oxford Univ cancelled; Dorchester 2nd 0, Chinnor 2nd 35; Phoenix 14, Chinnor 3rd 34 (tries M Woodward, D Rose, R Hill, R Hooper, I Cutler; cons Rose 2, M Walker; pen Hooper); Chinnor 4th 19 (G Walker, M Cook; pen try; cons R

  • Motor sport: Grand Prix Dates

    March 3 - Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne). March 17 - Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang, Kuala Lumpur). March 31 - Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos, Sao Paulo). April 14 - San Marino Grand Prix (Circuit Enzo E Dino Ferrari, Imola). April 28

  • Motor sport: Garcia gives Proton a boost

    Spanish rider David Garcia, winner of the European Championship last season, has signed for the Banbury-based Proton Team KR, as test rider for the three-cylinder lightweight MotoGP two-stroke. Garcia will back regular team riders Jeremy McWilliams and

  • Rugby: Toss proves crucial for Chinnor

    South West Division 1 Chinnor skipper James Davies won his first toss for ages - and it was to prove a crucial one as his team came away with their first-ever win at Dorchester. Davies chose to face a strong blustery wind in the first half and Chinnor's

  • Rugby: Henley looked doomed to the drop

    National League Division 1 Henley seem doomed for relegation after losing 25-13 at Rugby in a match they had to win to keep their survival hopes alive. After a bright start, which saw them lead 13-11 at the interval, Henley faded away in what was undoubtedly

  • Motor sport: Montoya is the Juan to watch

    Michael Schumacher cannot afford to yield to BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya this season if he wants to claim a record-equalling fifth Formula1world title. The warning comes from former teammate, and now ITV F1 expert Martin Brundle, who thinks

  • Ice hockey: Oxford crash in finale

    Oxford City Stars' English National League season ended in disappointing fashion as they crashed to a 10-1 defeat at Telford. With a squad weakened by injury, suspension and unavailability, Oxford iced a first line of Josh Grocutt, Ben Lay, Kris Abbott

  • Football: Thame get Louis boost

    Jefferson Louis has given Thame United a terrific boost ahead of tonight's Ryman Division 1 derby with Oxford City. The big striker was due to play for Oxford United's reserve side at Crystal Palace yesterday, meaning he would have played two games in

  • Rugby: Nash treble lifts Bicester

    Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Bicester stay one point clear at the top of Division 1 after a hat-trick of tries by full back Chris Nash led them to a 44-5 victory at home to Drifters. Bicester were out of touch in the early stages, during which skipper

  • Mini gains new extras

    New registration plate day -- March 1 -- sees the Oxford-built Mini introducing two new body colours and nine extra styles of alloy wheels, available on the basic Mini One and the better-equipped Mini Cooper. Other extras available will include satellite

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Drivers given extras for the new plate

    Vauxhall is targeting teenage motorists with a £500 insurance bonus as car-makers launch marketing programmes in the tussle for March registrations. Buyers aged 17-20 of Corsa Club, Comfort and SXi derivatives will get the discount as long as they buy

  • Ideal car for a new age

    From the outside things look promising for the Suzuki Liana. A striking front end, a more startling rear, and even the badge has a story to tell. The Liana -- an acronym of Life In A New Age -- is a contender in one of the hardest-fought sectors of the

  • New Fiesta leads Ford sales charge

    The Ford range of cars continues to sell strongly in British showrooms, approaching the March 2002 new registration and the imminent launch of the new Fiesta. Ford is still the most popular brand for British buyers with Ford Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Galaxy

  • Car sales soaring for 2002

    Car sales so far in 2002 have increased dramatically on last year despite the gloomy economic forecast, according to figures released this week. Research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that almost ten per cent more cars were sold

  • Overland tops range

    DaimlerChrysler has launched a new 2.7-litre common rail turbo diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. At the same time, a new high-powered, top-of-the range 'Overland' version of the Grand Cherokee has been introduced -- the most powerful and luxurious Grand

  • Clio sets the pace

    Long after the passing of Nicole and Papa, Renault's little Clio continues to set the pace in the family supermini stakes. The French car maker has freshened up the car inside and out but, more significantly, has introduced some new hardware under the

  • Skoda sales soaring

    Skoda has roared into the new year with sales in the UK at an all-time high. The Czech car maker set a record for sales in 2001, with total car sales of 36,053. This represents an increase of 23.2 per cent, compared to an overall market increase of 10.5

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Clamour for Cabriolet

    Audi has sold the entire UK 2002 allocation of its new soft-top model in advance of its planned launch in the spring. The car, which costs from £24,620, arrives almost exactly a decade after the debut of the original in 1992. The new Audi Cabriolet will

  • Rugby: Nash treble lifts Bicester

    Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Bicester stay one point clear at the top of Division 1 after a hat-trick of tries by full back Chris Nash led them to a 44-5 victory at home to Drifters. Bicester were out of touch in the early stages, during which skipper

  • Hockey: Battling City fall to ten-man Ramgarhia

    South League City of Oxford slipped into the bottom half of the Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Regional division once more when they 1-0 at home to Ramgarhia in an ill-disciplined match. Ramgarhia were reduced to ten men in the second half when one

  • Murderer begins life sentence

    A glazier who beat a drunken cleaner to death, causing injuries similar to those seen in car crashes, was today beginning a life sentence. Gavin Hodgkinson, 24, of Glebe Road, Didcot, was convicted of murdering Peter Bennett in a brawl outside the Wheatsheaf

  • Library alarm

    Fire crews were called after a smell of smoke was reported at the Central Library in the Westgate centre, Oxford, on Saturday. They found a light fitting on fire, which they removed.

  • Woman hurt

    A woman was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital after she was involved in a collision with a car. The accident, involving a Rover Metro, happened in Kidlington at the junction of the A4260 with the A4165, just before 3pm yesterday.

  • Youths arrested over street robbery

    A man was left with facial injuries after he was robbed in Oxford by a gang of youths. The gang attacked the 55-year-old man as he was walking near the Q8 garage in Oxford Road, Cowley. The attack took place at 10.50pm on Friday. Four youths pushed the

  • Super-sensitive Vectra

    Vauxhall is fitting the all-new Vectra with more than 30 sensors allowing the car to see, hear, feel -- and even smell. The car, which goes on sale in June, sniffs out bad smells with its air quality sensor and bans them from inside the car. It sees headlight

  • C3 surprise

    It's smooth, funky and one of the most eagerly-awaited cars of the year. Citroen's C3 hatchback, which arrives this spring, slots naturally into the Citroen line-up between Saxo and Xsara, with looks that hark back to the 2CV and technology that places

  • Swimmer wants end to mixed changing

    An Oxfordshire woman is turning to the Human Rights Act and the Sex Discrimination Act in a bid to persuade Cherwell District Council to provide single-sex changing facilities at Banbury's Spiceball swimming pool. Linda Ebbage says the present mixed-sex

  • S-Type roars

    Jaguar is launching its most powerful saloon with the first performance version of the S-Type. The mighty S-Type R model, powered by a 400 horsepower 4.3-litre V8 engine, will be a new flagship model for the S-Type range. The range is also being expanded

  • Hail a new King

    The new Range Rover -- only the third new Range Rover model in 31 years -- has gone on sale and immediately voted BBC Top Gear magazine's Car of the Year. And it has also been praised by Prime Minister Tony Blair, who said: "Land Rover is a great British

  • Motor sport: Weekend action guide

    Saturday King's Lynn: Unlimited bangers. 0175 476 2544. Rye House, Hoddesdon: Kart races. 0199 246 0895. Buckmore Park, Chatham: Kart races. 0163 420 1562. Worksop, Notts: Robin Hood Stages. Robin Hood Stages. First day of two-day event. 0122 675 1603

  • Farmers' market

    A Farmers' market will be held on the Playing Close, Charlbury, on Saturday, March 16, from 9am.

  • School quiz

    Charlbury pre-school will be holding a quiz night on Friday, March 8, at the Corner House starting at 8pm. Call 01608 811200 for tickets, which cost £2.

  • Motor sport: Grand Prix Dates

    March 3 - Australian Grand Prix (Albert Park, Melbourne). March 17 - Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang, Kuala Lumpur). March 31 - Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos, Sao Paulo). April 14 - San Marino Grand Prix (Circuit Enzo E Dino Ferrari, Imola). April 28

  • Darts: Fowlers in Oxon call

    Oxfordshire continue their Inter-County Championship campaign this weekend with a trip to the Isle of Wight. The selectors have made a couple of changes, with debuts for John Fowler in the men's A side and Paula Fowler in the ladies' B. Oxon men's squad

  • Scooter sales soaring

    Figures from The Motor Cycle Industry Association show scooter sales went up a whopping 14 per cent last year as thousands of people turned to motorcycles in an effort to beat commuter misery. More than 32,200 scooters were registered in 2001, compared

  • Key order

    Paradigm Technology, Didcot, has won an order from Cornwall County Council Engineering Services Laboratory for a rugged portable touch screen unit for maintenance engineers to communicate reports to head office as quickly as possible.

  • Classy award

    A student who did work experience at a public relations agency in Paris won one of France's top media awards. Melissa McGhee, 21, of Kennington Road, Kennington, flew back to Paris for the awards ceremony of the French Top Com Corporate Business Awards

  • Scores of jobs in store at new shop

    Scores of jobs are being created with the opening of a new discount store in Oxford. Rapidly-expanding chain Wilkinson is recruiting about 80 full and part-time staff for the development on the former Sainsbury's site at Templars Square, Cowley. The 22,000

  • Youths arrested over street robbery

    A man was left with facial injuries after he was robbed in Oxford by a gang of youths. The gang attacked the 55-year-old man as he was walking near the Q8 garage in Oxford Road, Cowley. The attack took place at 10.50pm on Friday. Four youths pushed the

  • Preparations under way for science week

    Oxfordshire is going under the microscope as organisers prepare for National Science Week. Exhibitions, talks, geology trails and workshops are just some of the events taking place between Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 17, in the county as part

  • Crew helps rescue

    A helicopter crew from RAF Benson took part in a mountain rescue on Ben Nevis on February 8. The three-man crew, on a training exercise, took the rescue team up the mountain to rescue a climber with a broken leg. Sq Ldr Dale said: "As an ex-search and

  • Car share scheme may ease traffic

    A car share scheme could make life easier for residents in east Oxford. CARvenience already operates in north Oxford, after Oxford City Council joined forces with car hire firm Avis last year. Avis supplies the vehicles on behalf of the city council and

  • Car park problems hold up shoppers

    Shoppers waited up to 45 minutes to leave Oxford's Westgate car park after ticket machines broke down. Drivers at the car park, off Oxpens Road, are issued with a ticket on entry and insert it in a machine to pay before they leave. Yesterday afternoon

  • Banned driver jailed for chase

    A banned driver who led police on a chase through Oxford has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Mark Glover, 28, of Iffley Road, Oxford, sped away from officers after noticing a police car behind him. Nigel Daly, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court

  • Kitchen transformation gives boost to3 learning

    The clatter of cutlery has given way to the chatter of children at Radley, near Abingdon. The old kitchen at the village primary school has been transformed into a reception classroom, giving the school four rooms for its 75 pupils. Headteacher Radka

  • Motor sport: Toyota Starlets boss hot rods

    More than 150 racers braved the elements at Standlake Arena's opening meeting of the season. Constant heavy rain washed the track and made the racing very quick. The Toyota Starlets of Roger Townsend and Trevor Harvey were head and shoulders above the

  • Swimmer wants end to mixed changing

    An Oxfordshire woman is turning to the Human Rights Act and the Sex Discrimination Act in a bid to persuade Cherwell District Council to provide single-sex changing facilities at Banbury's Spiceball swimming pool. Linda Ebbage says the present mixed-sex

  • Rugby: Mighty Quins on the brink of title triumph

    Southern Counties North Oxford Harlequins are now just one win away from the league title following their convincing 37-3 success at Swindon - and Grove's surprise defeat at Beaconsfield. Australian winger Richard Rouse scored a hat-trick of tries as

  • £4m hospice wins planners' blessing

    Revised plans for the £4m Douglas House Hospice for young adults have been unanimously passed by Oxford City Council. At an East Area Parliament meeting, councillors voted six to none in favour of granting permission, with no objections from members of

  • Bid to list author's home turned down

    A bid to gain listed status for the former home of children's author CS Lewis has been rejected by the Government. The author and Oxford don, best known for his Tales of Narnia, spent 33 years at The Kilns in Lewis Close, Risinghurst, until his death

  • Traders face hard summer

    Traders are facing a summer of disruption after council leaders announced plans to repave Oxford's Cornmarket Street between May and October. Faced with the return of pneumatic drills yards from shop doorways, business leaders are calling for proper consultation

  • Basketball: Devils stay in the hunt

    Oxford Devils stayed in contention for National League Division 1 honours with a morale-boosting 79-65 win at Liverpool on Sunday. A strengthened Liverpool team gave the Devils problems in the first period, but Joe Milnes and Gerry Armstrong kept them

  • Football: Thame get Louis boost

    Jefferson Louis has given Thame United a terrific boost ahead of tonight's Ryman Division 1 derby with Oxford City. The big striker was due to play for Oxford United's reserve side at Crystal Palace yesterday, meaning he would have played two games in

  • Watch meeting

    The Bampton Environmental Watch group is holding its annual meeting on Friday followed by a talk on organic cultivation starting at 8.30pm. Non-members are welcome for a donation of £2.

  • All in tune for festival

    The stage is set for the 90th Chipping Norton Music Festival, which runs from March 1 to 16. Hundreds of performers are lined up for classes for instruments, choirs, family ensembles as well as speech and drama. Louis de Bernieres, author of Captain Corelli's

  • Preparations under way for science week

    Oxfordshire is going under the microscope as organisers prepare for National Science Week. Exhibitions, talks, geology trails and workshops are just some of the events taking place between Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 17, in the county as part

  • Civil Service team close to century

    A record eight teams scored more than 90 points in the Oxford Mail Pub Quiz League. The highest score of the week, 99 points, was recorded by the Bicester Civil Service team. Their opponents, from The Woodman at North Leigh, ended the night with 91 --

  • Farmers' market

    A Farmers' market will be held on the Playing Close, Charlbury, on Saturday, March 16, from 9am.