Mobile phone theft in Oxfordshire is likely to fall dramatically because of new measures which render stolen handsets useless. Theft of mobiles has been on the increase across the county -- with many stolen to pay for drugs. But most offenders will now
Crowds of pupils, parents, governors and former staff gathered to celebrate the opening of a teaching block at Cranford House School in Moulsford, near Wallingford. More than 100 people watched former headmistress Alison Gray officially open the building
The Conservatives won a district council by-election in Watlington following the resignation of Liberal Democrat member Tim Horton. Mr Horton represented Watlington for many years before his resignation. He faces child pornography allegations. Tory candidate
Pool players staged a 12-hour marathon to raise money for the Down's Syndrome Society. Ten players took part in the fundraising event at Carterton Bowls Club, and hope to have raised more than £500. Dave Bastable, who organised the match, has raised tens
The Witney branch of an adoption society says it is keen to meet Government targets. National Adoption Week starts today (October 14) and there are many children in the care system need permanent homes. Hilary Martin, spokesman for The Father Hudson's
Schoolchildren have won a £5,000 award for taking an interest in their surroundings. Pupils Anna Cox, nine and Zac Spink, 10 The cheque and a cup were presented to Blake Primary School in Witney, by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Lady McLintock. The
Motorists in Chipping Norton are being encouraged to belt up in a joint campaign between Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council. Police officers and road safety officers will be patrolling streets at peak times this week to spot people who
A last-ditch effort is being mounted to stop Witney's planned Cogges link road. The protest is being organised by the conservation group the Witney Society, which was today leafleting every home on the Cogges estate. The group claims the road will cause
Villagers in Uffington have been digging up the past to trace their ancestors' history. Residents teamed up with Oxford Archeology to uncover what is believed to be an Iron Age settlement on the outskirts of the village. The two-day dig, involving 143
Airtrooper Kieran Lewis, of Wantage, will be handing out career advice to potential recruits between October 21 and 25. He will be at the Army Careers Information Office in St Giles, Oxford, to talk about his experiences and training. He joined the Army
Residents in East and West Hanney are among the latest to benefit from a county-wide initiative to give computing skills to rural residents. Roy Hinkley and Hazel Watkins are pictured with tutor Ruth de Wilton, centre, at the War Memorial Hall in East
Full back Tim Barlow is still suffering from a minor hamstring strain and so sits out Oxford University's match against London Irish at Sunbury on Monday (7.30). The in-form Will Rubie moves to full back, with Karelle Dixon coming in on the wing. There
Results from October 12-13 ENGLISH LEAGUE Div 2: Oxford Hawks 2, East Grinstead 3. SOUTH LEAGUE Premier Div 1: Oxted 4, Oxford Univ 2. MBB&O Regional: Banbury 9, Ramgarhia 3; City of Oxford 1, West Hampstead 1. Div 1: Hayes 0, Rover Oxford 5; Bicester
Cherry Red Records Hellenic League round-up (October 12) Gloucester keeper Adam Bennett tips the ball over the bar during Saturday's 3-3 draw against Bicester Bishops Cleeve 1, Didcot Tn 0 DIDCOT lost their un- beaten Premier Division record after an
Launton Village Players visited Hare Leys Farm in the village near Bicester to put the finishing touches to the set for their forthcoming play, Wild Goose Chase. Jackie Webber with fellow company members The comedy is set in the hall of a castle in the
Results for October 12-13 from the RT Harris Oxford City FA, Witney and District FA, North Berks League, PL Kits Banbury District Lord Jersey FA, Morrells of Sunday League and Autotype UTV League RT HARRIS OXFORD CITY FA Couling Cup prelim round: Studley
Results from October 12-13 in Oxfordshire's youth leagues ELSEVIER YOUTH LEAGUE Under 18 League: Barton Utd 16, St Clares 1; Wheatley Ath 6, Thame Yth 0. Under 17 Div 1: Donnington Yth 3, Garden City 1; Easington Spt 1, Fairford Tn 1. Under 17 Div 2:
Arts and community groups attended the launch of the seven-week-long Didcot Festival. Nearly 30 events, ranging from kite-making workshops to the town's Christmas street fair, are planned at 14 venues in the area until the end of next month. Mayor Ian
Part-time hairdresser Claire Leach was ordered to pay £500 compensation for injuries she caused to a friend. Leach and Mandy Lane had known each other for eight years, but parted on bad terms after meeting in a pub. Leach then went to Mrs Lane's home
An Army driver assigned to Green Goddess duties in the event of a national firefighters' strike has been banned for two years after failing a breath test. Magistrates heard that a breath test showed Private Brendan Brooks, 21, of 3 Regiment, Dalton Barracks
The Witney branch of an adoption society says it is keen to meet Government targets. National Adoption Week starts today (October 14) and there are many children in the care system need permanent homes. Hilary Martin, spokesman for The Father Hudson's
Residents in East and West Hanney are among the latest to benefit from a county-wide initiative to give computing skills to rural residents. Roy Hinkley and Hazel Watkins are pictured with tutor Ruth de Wilton, centre, at the War Memorial Hall in East
Fireworks and a barn dance were among the celebrations to mark the formation of Didcot's newest church. Fleet Meadow Baptist Church, formerly a satellite church of Didcot Baptist Church, is now an independent fellowship responsible for its own finances
A woodman has been given an award by the Royal Forestry Society for more than 30 years of service. Dennis Clifford Dennis Clifford, 63, works at Bagley Wood, Kennington. The wood has been owned by St John's College, Oxford, since 1558, three years after
Banbury's Christmas lights will be switched on this year by the winner of a children's fancy dress competition. Primary school pupils are being asked to dress up as pantomime characters for the big night on November 21. There will be prizes for the best
Theatregoers in Banbury can explore murder on Thursday, October 17. Contemporary theatre company 1157, which is dedicated to producing controversial plays, will perform Amnesia at The Mill Theatre. The show is the second of three plays that examine death
A community project with £160,000 to spend is struggling to find staff to run it. The Banbury and District Community Bus Project could lose the money -- a lottery grant -- if it fails to appoint three key workers. The bus, a specially-equipped double-decker
A new text messaging service for football clubs, TV companies and music organisations is being set up by an Oxfordshire information technology firm. Interest in the service was sparked by the television show Big Brother 3, according to the people behind
A virtual world which helps people with Parkinson's disease to walk normally has been created by an Oxford computer company. Oxford Computer Consultants, of St Ebbe's, has designed a head-mounted device monitoring the user's movements which are then transmitted
Staff who lost their jobs when an Oxford computer training firm went into receivership have set up a new company. Andi Sheeka, right, one of the seven directors of C7 Solutions, with Jane Gregory, of Itex Education, which is providing training for the
A teenager was stabbed and robbed of his wallet by three men as he walked home from an Oxford pub on Friday night (October 11). The 19-year-old was attacked in Cowley Road, Littlemore, after leaving the Queen's Arms pub at about 11pm. In the vicious assault
The Conservatives won a district council by-election in Watlington following the resignation of Liberal Democrat member Tim Horton. Mr Horton represented Watlington for many years before his resignation. He faces child pornography allegations. Tory candidate
An Oxford school celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of a new teaching block. Rt Rev Richard Harries with children at the school Pupils at St Barnabas First School looked on as the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, blessed the
A team of Oxfordshire firefighters have proved themselves among the best in the world at dealing with road accidents. Five firefighters from Kidlington fire station travelled to Prague to compete with more than 30 teams from around the world. Nick Quinn
Community groups working to improve quality of life for people in Oxford are being advised to apply for a city council grant. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 29. Groups can apply for a grant if: They are a voluntary or community group
A team of Oxfordshire firefighters have proved themselves among the best in the world at dealing with road accidents. Five firefighters from Kidlington fire station travelled to Prague to compete with more than 30 teams from around the world. Nick Quinn
CONFIDENCE and safety went hand-in-hand able for young cyclists in Oxford. Bryony Wellman practises cycle safety Pupils of Sandhills Primary School completed their cycle safety training course, organised by bicycle manufacturers Raleigh as part of its
A team of health workers has been praised for its work with children at an Oxford hospital, despite being poorly funded. Dr Peter Sullivan and his colleagues run a paediatric gastroenterology unit at the John Radcliffe, in Headington. The NHS says it
Match-turner Chris Hackett heaped praise on his teammates after Oxford United got the home win on Saturday that they have been craving for so long. CelebrationThe flying winger ripped open the Swansea defence and laid on the pass for fellow substitute
Equestrian campaigners were in Banbury on Saturday to try to reduce the numbers of accidents involving cars and horses. Riders Joely Deane, Mel Tomlinson, and Lydia Brinkworth, are pictured left to right, with Herbert the horse, handing a leaflet to Thom
The parents of a teenager left in a coma after an attack outside an Oxford nightclub spoke today of his "miracle" recovery. David Whitcher back home from hospital with parents Maureen and David after being attacked in Oxford Maureen and John Whitcher
A families scheme in Witney is setting up special sessions for fathers. Yolanda Hampshire is pictured with, from left, Isabelle Rainbow, Connor Hambidge and Finley Brown. Yolanda Hampshire is now running the Witney Families Together project was set up
Results from the weekend of October 12-13 ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 2: Doncaster 11, Henley 20. ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Powergen South West Div 1: Chinnor 26, Cinderford 27. Powergen SouthWest 2 East: Oxford Harlequins 60, Grove 17. Powergen Midlands
LEIGHTON TN 3, ABINGDON TN 3: Abingdon were leading 2-0 with 20 minutes left at Leighton on Saturday, but in the end were grateful for a point from Saturday's Ryman Division 3 clash. The home side fought back to lead 3-2 and it took a freak free-kick
GREAT WAKERING ROV 0, OXFORD CITY 1: Another solid performance gave City three more Ryman Division 1 points on Saturday and the only surprise was that their margin of victory was not more emphatic. Despite a late change after Lewis Craker became unavailable
Histon 0, Banbury Utd 3: Banbury moved to within two points of the leaders Bashley after an impressive win at high-flying Histon in the Dr Martens Eastern Division on Saturday. Giving the home side no time on the ball, Banbury impressed from the start
Kirtlington golf club had to close its kitchen after a chip pan caught fire. No-one was hurt in the incident at Vicarage Farm, Kirtlington, near Bicester, on Saturday morning (12 October), but the kitchen has been closed until repairs can be made. Pam
A man has twice been refused permission to speak at forthcoming coming public inquiry because civil servants said his comments could be considered offensive or racist. Eric Sheppard, of Lower End, Piddington, near Bicester, wrote to the Planning Inspectorate
Fireworks and a barn dance were among the celebrations to mark the formation of Didcot's newest church. Fleet Meadow Baptist Church, formerly a satellite church of Didcot Baptist Church, is now an independent fellowship responsible for its own finances
Kirtlington golf club had to close its kitchen after a chip pan caught fire. No-one was hurt in the incident at Vicarage Farm, Kirtlington, near Bicester, on Saturday morning (12 October), but the kitchen has been closed until repairs can be made. Pam
Airtrooper Kieran Lewis, of Wantage, will be handing out career advice to potential recruits between October 21 and 25. He will be at the Army Careers Information Office in St Giles, Oxford, to talk about his experiences and training. He joined the Army
Schoolchildren have won a £5,000 award for taking an interest in their surroundings. Pupils Anna Cox, nine and Zac Spink, 10 The cheque and a cup were presented to Blake Primary School in Witney, by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Lady McLintock. The
Part-time hairdresser Claire Leach was ordered to pay £500 compensation for injuries she caused to a friend. Leach and Mandy Lane had known each other for eight years, but parted on bad terms after meeting in a pub. Leach then went to Mrs Lane's home
An Oxford school celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of a new teaching block. Rt Rev Richard Harries with children at the school Pupils at St Barnabas First School looked on as the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, blessed the
Visitors to Oxfordshire's Museum Store were given the chance to view part of a collection of 50,000 birds' eggs. The county council store at Standlake opened its doors over the weekend to show off some of its collection, including the Jourdain Society
A woodman has been given an award by the Royal Forestry Society for more than 30 years of service. Dennis Clifford Dennis Clifford, 63, works at Bagley Wood, Kennington. The wood has been owned by St John's College, Oxford, since 1558, three years after
A 22-year-old woman fought off armed muggers who attempted to steal her mobile phone. The woman, who has not been named, pushed a man with a gun to the ground when he tried to rob her as she walked home from a Banbury supermarket. The woman was crossing
The chief executive of mobile phone company Vodafone is in Oxford tomorrow (October 15) to tell business students how he plans to put his business back on the path to recovery. Earlier this year, Vodafone announced a £13bn loss -- the worst in British
Launton Village Players visited Hare Leys Farm in the village near Bicester to put the finishing touches to the set for their forthcoming play, Wild Goose Chase. Jackie Webber with fellow company members The comedy is set in the hall of a castle in the
A 22-year-old woman fought off armed muggers who attempted to steal her mobile phone. The woman, who has not been named, pushed a man with a gun to the ground when he tried to rob her as she walked home from a Banbury supermarket. The woman was crossing
CONFIDENCE and safety went hand-in-hand able for young cyclists in Oxford. Bryony Wellman practises cycle safety Pupils of Sandhills Primary School completed their cycle safety training course, organised by bicycle manufacturers Raleigh as part of its
A families scheme in Witney is setting up special sessions for fathers. Yolanda Hampshire is pictured with, from left, Isabelle Rainbow, Connor Hambidge and Finley Brown. Yolanda Hampshire is now running the Witney Families Together project was set up
A teenager was stabbed and robbed of his wallet by three men as he walked home from an Oxford pub on Friday night (October 11). The 19-year-old was attacked in Cowley Road, Littlemore, after leaving the Queen's Arms pub at about 11pm. In the vicious assault
An Army driver assigned to Green Goddess duties in the event of a national firefighters' strike has been banned for two years after failing a breath test. Magistrates heard that a breath test showed Private Brendan Brooks, 21, of 3 Regiment, Dalton Barracks
A man has been detained in a psychiatric hospital after he attacked and imprisoned a former girlfriend. Christopher Cooper, 43, of Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, will be treated at Littlemore Hospital following the attack on Rosemary Mercks-Crockett
A last-ditch effort is being mounted to stop Witney's planned Cogges link road. The protest is being organised by the conservation group the Witney Society, which was today leafleting every home on the Cogges estate. The group claims the road will cause
A community project with £160,000 to spend is struggling to find staff to run it. The Banbury and District Community Bus Project could lose the money -- a lottery grant -- if it fails to appoint three key workers. The bus, a specially-equipped double-decker
A programme to improve security and tackle crime on shopping parades in Blackbird Leys, Cowley and Wood Farm has been an- nounced. In August, Oxford City Council received a £100,000 Home Office grant to protect local shops. After consulting local retailers
A two-year search for a bilingual Baptist minister to lead an all-Punjabi congregation in Oxford has ended, thanks to a magazine advertisement in India. The United Asian Baptist Church in Wytham Street, off Abingdon Road, south Oxford, has welcomed its
Council tenants in Oxford are being reassured that there are no plans to end the right to buy their homes. Statements by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott have suggested that loopholes in the regulations should be tightened, but this has been interpreted
HERTFORD TN 1, THAME UNITED 3: Thame United's poor run of four defeats in their last five games came to an end in style at the expense of form side Hertford in Saturday's Ryman League Division 1 North encounter. Mark JonesFired-up visitors Thame took
Results from October 12-13 in the Nationwide League, the Ryman League Dr Martens League, Cherry Red Records Hellenic League, Football League Youth Alliance, Oxfordshire Intermediate Cup and Seagrave Haulage Combined Counties League NATIONWIDE League Div
