Drug users are once again meeting in an east Oxford churchyard, despite a clean-up operation by the army. Soldiers unearthed hundreds of discarded syringes at SS Mary and John Church, Cowley Road, almost two years ago during a week-long community project
Ken Coleman thinks it should be made illegal for firefighters to strike (Oxford Mail, October 22). I know from experience if your demands are not backed by the threat of strike action, meaningful negotiations do not take place. Successive governments
We are approaching the time of year when we especially remember those who died in the world wars of the last century and more recent wars. As I write, it is exactly 60 years since thousands gave their lives in the Battle of El Alamein. For more than 80
Your editorial, Profit before passengers, (Oxford Mail, October 22) contains points with which I must take issue. Yes, we are a commercial organisation and as such, we need to make a profit to continue to trade, and to continue our investment in new buses
OXFORD UNIVERSITY 13, NEC HARLEQUINS 17: A crazy decision to run the ball from their own line in injury time cost Oxford University the game against Harlequins at Iffley Road last night. Despite being under the cosh for the whole of the second half, the
A village shop which has been in the same family for almost 70 years has closed. Sisters Pat Calcutt and Ann Grey have closed Leafield Stores But villagers in Leafield, near Witney, are getting together to try to re-open the business as a community volunteer
Controversial plans for estate roads near Witney town centre are back in the melting pot -- thanks to residents protests. The county council's executive was told on Tuesday, October 29, to back down and take a fresh look at a series of traffic calming
A Thame woman has raised more than £1,500 for meningitis research after she did the Great North Run in memory of her father and her niece. Julia Greenhough, of Chinnor Road, lost her father Charles Bowser to septicaemia and her 16-year-old niece Jennifer
Neil Hanlon hit a hat-trick as North Oxford cruised through to the first round of the County Junior League Cup, with a 9-0 crushing of East Oxford. Their other scorers were Derek Moore, Lee Trinder, David Jennings, Tim Green, Nick Green and Toby Webster
Grove went down to yet another frustratingly narrow defeat on Saturday - 26-24 at home to Wimborne - to leave them struggling at the bottom of the table. The lead changed hands seven times, but it was Wimborne who scraped home. The visitors struck first
A brace from James Connolly helped Saxton Rovers to go level with leaders Lambourn Sports after a 4-1 win over Marcham. Derek Palfrey and James Hawthorne were all on target. Lambourn showed no mercy as they thrashed Childrey United 7-1. Sam Mooney led
This is the new look being given to police cars across Oxfordshire. Sgt Ches Adamczyk in the new-look patrol car. Police are replacing their traditional red stripe, or "jam sandwich" markings, with distinctive blue and yellow squares which police describe
Phil Adams made experience count when he beat Steve Walton to win the prestigious men's singles title at the Oxford and District League's finals night at Rover Sports & Social Club. Phil Adams Adams, with numerous major final appearances behind him
A young swimmer who has cerebral palsy has won medals at an international swimming competition in Belgium. Swimmer David Yates, 13 David Yates, 13, won four medals at a competition for disabled swimmers from across Europe, held in Hasselt. He won gold
Two Oxfordshire district councils were organising a drugs awareness day Wednesday, October 30, for staff from 18 schools. The project is a joint venture between South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse district councils. The event is backed by Thames
Firefighters were called to release a two-week-old baby locked in a car in Banbury October 29. One engine from the town's fire station went to the Easington House Hotel car park, in Oxford Road, at about 11am. The fire crew broke a window to retrieve
A documentary film-maker from Islip has won an award at a prestigious film festival in Canada. Paul O'Connor, co-founder of Oxford-based Undercurrents alternative news service, won first prize in the One World festival in Ottawa, Canada. His documentary
Young film-makers at a Banbury multi-media centre could win a coveted trophy. Ten teenagers from the town's Animation Station are looking forward to this year's BAF awards. Their animated film has been shortlisted in the non-professional category. BAF
The wild flora area of Banbury's Southam Road cemetery could be cultivated after complaints from nearby residents that weeds have contaminated their gardens. The area, near Nursery Lane, has been allowed to grow naturally for about 10 years. It is cut
A new housing estate in Banbury will provide homes for people -- and local wildlife. Bryant Homes accepted a challenge by Cherwell District Council to build habitats for wild birds and animals at the Hanwell Fields development. The builders have incorporated
Headington Roadrunners' ladies won the team prize at the Stroud Half Marathon, ran in atrocious weather conditions on Sunday. (RAWXML: <image large="sport-athletics.gif" small="sport-athletics.gif" type="portrait"></image>They were led home
Striker Scott Taylor could make his Banbury United comeback in the Dr Martens Cup first round at Ilkeston Town tonight (Wed). Taylor, who was sidelined by a knee injury before going away with the RAF to Cyprus, last played for Banbury on August 31 when
Stand-in striker Tom Fisher hit a four-timer as Harwell Village marched into the Berks & Bucks Junior Cup with a 5-2 win over Compton. Fisher opened the scoring after 13 minutes and doubled their advantage on 26 minutes. Compton looked well-beaten
The UK's leading freestyle riders will make a rare appearance at November's International Motorcycle and Scooter Show (15-24 November, NEC, Birmingham). Reigning UK Freestyle champion Chris Brock is already confirmed as one of the riders to take on the
Thousands of visitors from all over the world will soon be visiting the Mini car plant -- without setting foot in Oxford. Virtual tours of the Cowley factory are to feature on the Internet at www.mini.co.uk Plant spokesman Martina Mertes said: "There'll
There was a feeling of achievement when SS Mary and John churchyard in Cowley Road, Oxford, was cleared of drug addicts. Soldiers were called in to help police clean up the site which had long been a haven for users and dealers. At last, worshippers and
An estimated 20,000 drivers are due to sample Subaru's new performance car icon -the Impreza WRX STi - thanks to a sponsorship deal involving the UK's newest racing circuit. Subaru's Harvey France, centre, with Duncan Vercoe, left, and John Pratt, joint
A Didcot Army cadet is brushing up on drill after being given the honour of parading the cadets' national standard at the Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance. Steven Cooper, 17, with Albert Orr, 82 Steven Cooper, 17, of Queensway, Didcot
An 18-year-old woman was indecently assaulted while walking near St Frideswide Church in Botley Road, Oxford. The attack happened at about 12.30am on Tuesday, October 29, after the offender started talking to the woman. He took her to the churchyard where
Children raised £75 for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, just days after thieves took £500 from their nursery school. Nursery school children Jack Jordan, Simon Teague, Ruby Jacobs-Clarke, Daniel Mills, Shanell Lewis, Emmi Merrill, Riane Idris
Concerts by primary school children will raise money for an international polio appeal. Pupils from 19 schools will perform two concerts at St Mary's Church, Banbury, to boost a Rotary Club campaign aimed at wiping out polio worldwide by 2005. The concerts
Oxford was among six British cities today chosen to be shortlisted for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008. Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle & Gateshead and Oxford were named as the front-runners for the coveted title by
Blewbury villagers have been reassured they are not about to lose their parish church. After a majority of people who took part in a survey said they were worried that the church might close, its rector, the Rev Edwin Clements, replied in his parish newsletter
Striker Scott Taylor could make his Banbury United comeback in the Dr Martens Cup first round at Ilkeston Town tonight (Wed), writes NICK FARRANT. Taylor, who was sidelined by a knee injury before going away with the RAF to Cyprus, last played for Banbury
Tyre specialists Merityre, which has branches in Witney and Abingdon, is recommending drivers have their tyres filled with nitrogen. The company says the gas keeps the right pressure for longer than those filled with compressed air. It can also fit a
People carriers continue to be the darling of the secondhand market as demand for used two and three-year-old models, and older, continues to grow, according to Manheim Auctions. Chief auctioneer Andrew Shepherd said he saw strong prices wherever he went
MG cars are responding to the demands of the summer's open top motoring season with a new, high specification MG TF SE Sprint. Caption goes here The MG TF Sprint is derived from the MG TF 135 and MG TF 160 with enhanced features that include: Gunsmoke
MG Rover has launched a '180 Sports Auto' to boost the performance MG ZT range, providing a choice between the five-speed manual ZT 160 and ZT 190 models. Caption goes here Using the 2.5-litre KV6 quad-cam alloy engine, the 180 Sports Auto is specified
A Wonderbra-style advert for this year's Motorshow was branded "pathetic" by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt as she prepared for a visit today to the show. Posters for the Birmingham-based show feature a woman in a bra with the caption: "
A pensioner's bungalow was damaged when an electricity cable snapped in strong winds. Villagers have blamed Southern Electric, saying it would not have happened if the telegraph pole carrying the cables had been better maintained. The cable hit the bungalow's
Former patients and staff have celebrated the opening of a £8.5m Oxford Trauma Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital. The 56-bed centre was built in less than 18 months. Former patient Alan Smith, senior nurse Tracy Enoch and David Highton help cut the
A new survey to find out if people in Wallingford want residents' parking schemes -- and would be willing to pay for them -- is to be carried out by the town council. Responses to the last survey on the subject 11 years ago did not warrant any action
Residents in a Wallingford street, opposed to a planned housing development, have asked town councillors to back their protest. They said they do not object to houses going on the site, but they do object to so many of them. They fear the extra traffic
Chipping Norton cruised to a 29-0 victory at home to Oxford with tries from Jon Hickman (2), Richard Holland and Jason Gillett. Adam Smith added three conversions and a penalty for Chippy, who dominated the rucks and mauls.
Littlemore recorded their first Division 1 win of the season and their first victory at Milton Keynes for a number of years when they triumphed 18-14. A try by prop Chris Shipley and a penalty from Adam Thompson put Littlemore 8-7 ahead after half-time
Witney produced their most commanding performance of the season with an emphatic 41-11 victory at Buckingham. Fly half Francis Grant made Buckingham pay for their indiscretions with a personal haul of 26 points. Two penalties by Grant and a superbly worked
Leaders Oxford Harlequins were given their stiffest test of the season, when they scrambled home 15-11 against Abbey at Horspath Road. After playing into a strong wind, Quins trailed 11-0 at half-time, as Abbey scored a try and two penalties. Quins, who
A late try by replacement forward Rob Thurlow earned Bicester an unconvincing 22-15 victory over winless Wallingford at Oxford Road. Bicester's fourth win in five matches puts them second in the table, but it was a sluggish display by the home side. Wallingford
England rugby internationals Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard are the star attractions when Oxford University RFC open their doors to local schoolchildren at Iffley Road tomorrow. Jason Leonard About 60 youngsters from between the ages of ten and 13 years
The British Horse Society has welcomed plans by the British Fireworks Association to remove air bombs and bang rockets from the market by January. Dinah Harris, of Hailey, near Witney, welfare officer of the Oxfordshire branch of the BHS, said: "It is
A witney day centre for the elderly will not have to pay business rates. As a registered charity, the Elms Day Centre at Church Green was already entitled to 80 per cent rate relief. Members of West Oxfordshire District Council cabinet have awarded 20
A householder who put up a fence without planning permission to protect his garden from dog mess has been ordered to take it down. Planners say that Lea Park estate at Thame was built to an open plan design and should stay that way. Peter Churchman, of
Middleton Cheney ruined BCS Bardwell's unbeaten record in Division 1 as they inflicted a 3-1 home defeat. It was perfect revenge for Cheney who last week lost 2-1 at home to the same opponents. The visitors dominated early on and were rewarded for their
A 27 year-old driver who collided with another car, causing a man's death, escaped a driving ban. Peter Puffitt, 35, died following a two-car collision on the A361 between Burford and Chipping Norton in March. Bicester Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday
OXFORD UNIVERSITY 13, NEC HARLEQUINS 17: A crazy decision to run the ball from their own line in injury time cost Oxford University the game against Harlequins at Iffley Road last night. Despite being under the cosh for the whole of the second half, the
Traffic lights on Oxford's busy Abingdon Road were destroyed when a car collided with them. The uprooted traffic lights Despite completely uprooting the traffic lights on Tuesday, October 29, the driver of the Vauxhall Cavalier escaped unharmed. Rush-hour
An 18-year-old Banbury woman is awaiting sentence for racially aggravated assault. Lindsay Paterson, of Albert Street, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on October 29. She admitted assaulting Sukhvir Purewal in the town between November 1 and November 4
Banbury Cross Players are staging a J B Priestley comedy at The Mill from November 6 to 9. When We Are Married involves three families, the Helliwells, Soppitts, and Parkers. They are all well-respected members of the community and are celebrating together
Volunteers are needed to help run an Oxford charity shop. Debbie Brown, manager at Cancer Research UK's store, at 81 London Road, Headington, is urging people to join her for as little as a few hours every week. She said: "The existing team is absolutely
The new Education Secretary Charles Clarke was due to make his first public speech in Oxford on Wednesday, October 30. Mr Clarke, who replaced Estelle Morris following her resignation last week, was expected to declare that he would push ahead with the
Concerts by primary school children will raise money for an international polio appeal. Pupils from 19 schools will perform two concerts at St Mary's Church, Banbury, to boost a Rotary Club campaign aimed at wiping out polio worldwide by 2005. The concerts
With another summer already a distant memory, a new season of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League gets under way this weekend with the first round at Ascott-under-Wychwood. Mathew Ashton It looks as though it will be status quo as far as the ladies'
Tempers boiled over in the visitors' dressing room at Macclesfield last night after Oxford United's eight-game unbeaten run had been cruelly ended. Reports, from several sources, indicated that there was a fight - or at the very least a scuffle - as well
Former St Mirren striker John McCracken, 43, hit a brilliant five minute hat-trick as Stonesfield kept up their 100 per cent record in Division 1 with a 7-0 win over Wootton, writes JOHN SMYTH. Their others came from Chris Searle (2), Nick Higgs and Tom
Banbury-based Proton KR rider Jeremy McWilliams suffered both the highs and the lows at last weekend's Australian Moto-GP. He had the joy on Saturday of clinching pole position, using his lightweight three-cylinder machine to good effect around the sweeping
Hi-tech company Bookham Technology says its prospects are rosy, despite mounting losses following a spending spree. Losses after exceptional items rose to £22m during the third quarter, compared to £13.5m for the same period last year. However, revenues
Leisure group Whitbread is considering selling or closing underperforming Beefeater restaurants as it looks to revive the chain. Chief executive David Thomas said he was keen to shake up the operation which has three outlets in Oxford and one in Abingdon
The result of a pay and conditions ballot by thousands of workers at BMW's Cowley car factory in Oxford was due to be announced on Wednesday, October 30. The company has offered a package worth eight per cent over two years. If the staff vote to accept
Lord Mayor of Oxford Gill Sanders backed a campaign to raise money for homeless people by shaking an Oxford Sleep-Out tin during a street collection. Sleep-Out co-ordinator Andrew Smith with Mrs Sanders More than £125,000 has been raised in the past seven
Politicians, residents and elderly people have joined forces to fight the closure of a old people's home. Spencer Court in Woodstock has been earmarked for closure in 2004 as part of a re-organisation of residential care homes for elderly people in Oxfordshire
Residents in Watlington have bought their community hospital three years after it was closed down by the NHS. The £1.4m sale means a GP surgery and 60-bed care home planned for the site should be built next year. Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust,
Residents in Watlington have bought their community hospital three years after it was closed down by the NHS. The £1.4m sale means a GP surgery and 60-bed care home planned for the site should be built next year. Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust,
Blewbury villagers have been reassured they are not about to lose their parish church. After a majority of people who took part in a survey said they were worried that the church might close, its rector, the Rev Edwin Clements, replied in his parish newsletter
Motorists who flout parking regulations could be targeted in a £1m crackdown designed to support public transport in Oxfordshire. New bus lanes, parking fines of up to £80, more parking attendants and tougher enforcement of existing restrictions form
An Oxfordshire television production company is leading a campaign to re-instate tax breaks for small screen film-makers. Ellis Iddon, right, and Phil Meagher, who run Winklemania Winklemania, which is based in Chipping Norton, is to have its latest £2.5m
Tempers boiled over in the visitors' dressing room at Macclesfield last night after Oxford United's eight-game unbeaten run had been cruelly ended. Reports, from several sources, indicated that there was a fight - or at the very least a scuffle - as well
OXFORD UNIVERSITY 13, NEC HARLEQUINS 17: A crazy decision to run the ball from their own line in injury time cost Oxford University the game against Harlequins at Iffley Road last night. Despite being under the cosh for the whole of the second half, the
On the opening day of the British International Motor Show, MG Rover Group took orders for new cars to the value of £1m at showroom prices. The company is actively selling vehicles from its stand and a number of "motor show special offers" have been made
An Oxfordshire television production company is leading a campaign to re-instate tax breaks for small screen film-makers. Ellis Iddon, right, and Phil Meagher, who run Winklemania Winklemania, which is based in Chipping Norton, is to have its latest £2.5m
