Archive

  • Rose agrees new deal

    United midfielder Danny Rose has agreed a new deal which will keep him at the club until the end of the season. He had previously been on a month-by-month contract. "I'm happy to stay here and fight for my place," he told United's website. "Darren

  • Craig itching for some action

    Oxford United striker Craig McAllister says he's itching to get back and show what he can do after his freak hamstring injury. The former Woking and Grays striker, who had such an impressive debut for the U's when they beat Altrincham 4-0, then suffered

  • MP calls for Mosquito inquiry

    OXFORD West and Abingdon MP Evan Harris has called for an investigation into the use of high-pitched buzzing devices, called Mosquitos, to ward off groups of teenagers from public places. Dr Harris, who has not called for an immediate ban, said: "I

  • Romantic gestures aid appeal fund

    Love will be in the air in classrooms at one Oxford school on Valentine's Day - and it will all be for a worthy cause. Pupils at Cheney School, in Cheney Lane, Headington, will be sending each other roses, chocolates and Valentine's messages to help

  • 'Investigate Mosquitos' says MP

    Oxford West and Abingdon MP Evan Harris has called for an investigation into the use of high-pitched buzzing devices, called Mosquitos, to ward off groups of teenagers from public places. Dr Harris, who has not called for an immediate ban, said: "I

  • Death spot to be made safer

    Traffic lights could be removed to improve safety at a junction where a cyclist was run over by a refuse truck. Oxford University student Tsz Fok, 22, was crushed to death under the wheels of the truck at the junction of Broad Street and Parks Road,

  • Mixed views on waste changes

    MAJOR changes to the way rubbish will be collected across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse have received mixed reactions from householders. The two district councils are joining forces to introduce a new waste collection service next year

  • Plea issued after burglary

    POLICE tonight appealed for witnesses to a burglary that happened in Rectory Road, Hook Norton. Between 4.30pm and 8.40pm last Friday thieves forced the front door open and carried out a search of the house. Nothing was stolen. Det Con Newman, who

  • Laptop stolen in daylight raid

    POLICE tonight appealed for witnesses to a daylight raid on a house in South Side, Steeple Aston. Between 9.50am and 2.05pm on Wednesday, February 6, thieves broke into a house through the back door and stole a laptop and a TV. Det Con Lee Newman

  • Carnival team given Rio inspiration

    THE bright colours and raucous partying of Rio's Carnaval celebration are set to infuse this year's Cowley Road Carnival. Organisers of the Oxford carnival, which attracts up to 25,000 people each year, travelled to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil at their

  • Mixed views on bin change bid

    Major changes to the way rubbish will be collected across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse have received mixed reactions from householders. The two district councils are joining forces to introduce a new waste collection service next year

  • BAR BILLIARDS: Shelley stroll in for victory

    Shelley Arms moved within two points of the top of Buildbase Oxford & District League Section 2 after a 5-0 victory at home to Corner House B. Phil Chaundy (2,970) got them off to a winning start, ably suppported by victories from Martin Coulthard,

  • Silent tribute to councillor

    A MINUTE'S silence was held at County Hall today in memory of former Grove and Wantage county councillor Jim Moley. Mr Moley, who died last month aged 70, had served on the county council for ten years and was a former mayor of Wantage. By-elections

  • CRICKET: Moulsford could fall short of ton

    Moulsford village club are 98 not out, but fear they might not reach their century. The club, near Wallingford, who were founded in 1910, are desperately short of players for their list of Sunday fixtures. The matter will come to a head at their annual

  • 'Landmark' building planned for city

    A DISUSED Oxford pub could make way for an art deco-style block housing shops and flats, if a restaurateur's plans are approved. Clinton Pugh wants to demolish the Friar pub, in Marston Road, and replace it with the "landmark" building. He hopes

  • ATHLETICS: Harriers pair are in the medals

    White Horse Harriers veterans Bruce Charles and Richard Jegou had successful weekends at the superb Lee Valley indoor athletics arena. Competing in the pentathlon, Charles put in some gritty performances to pick up the silver medal in the vet 65 category

  • ATHLETICS: Headington trio crowned champs

    Headington Roadrunners trio Jude Craft, Phillippa Prescott and Chris Dettmar all landed titles following the final round of the Chiltern Cross Country League at Wing, Buckinghamshire on Saturday. Craft romped to an impressive victory in the senior/veterans

  • Play area opens after year-long project

    A play area which features recycled materials has opened at a county school. Pupils at Chilton Primary School, near Didcot, are celebrating the completion of a year-long project to build the outside area. The school's eco co-ordinator, Derek Dodd,

  • Pub site plans unveiled

    A disused Oxford pub could make way for an art deco-style block housing shops and flats, if a restaurateur's plans are approved. Clinton Pugh wants to demolish the Friar pub, in Marston Road, and replace it with the "landmark" building. He hopes his

  • Talented twosome aim high

    Two talented school friends have got through to the semi-finals of a music contest. Laura Hand and Bex Hayzelden, who both go to the School of St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon, battled it out against 10,000 singers and bands to get through to the

  • Carnival team gets some Rio inspiration

    The bright colours and raucous partying of Rio's Carnaval celebration are set to infuse this year's Cowley Road Carnival. Organisers of the Oxford carnival, which attracts up to 25,000 people each year, travelled to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil at their

  • Region among EU's wealthiest

    Some of the wealthiest people in the European Union live in Oxfordshire. Bracketed as one region with Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, it is the only part of the UK outside inner London to figure in the top 10 wealthiest parts of the union's 27 member

  • Silent tribute to councillor

    A minute's silence was held at County Hall today in memory of former Grove and Wantage county councillor Jim Moley. Mr Moley, who died last month aged 70, had served on the county council for 10 years and was a former mayor of Wantage. By-elections

  • In the lap of the Gods

    It is impossible to describe how cold it feels when you walk off a plane on to the runway at Kittila Airport in northern Finland. There is a wondrous sense of adventure as you realise you are surrounded by PROPER snow, but as that first blast of -12C

  • Today's local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 82.25 BMW 2670 Electrocomponents 191.75 Nationwide Accident Repair 115 Oxford Biomedica 26.25 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 181 Reed Elsevier 594 RM 207.5 RPS Group 270.25 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • 'Beauty queen life is just amazing'

    Miss England Georgia Horsley is urging young women in Oxfordshire to take part in this year's Miss Oxford competition after enjoying "the most amazing time of her life". Georgia, 21, won Miss England last year, following in the footsteps of Eleanor

  • Boy, 11, hit by bus

    Police want to speak to witnesses after an young boy was injured by a bus in Eynsham. The 11-year-old was hit by a slow-moving Stagecoach No. 100 bus outside Park Cottage, in Oxford Road, last Wednesday at 7.30am. He received a serious head injury

  • New plea on bus collision

    POLICE officers today renewed an appeal for witnesses after a collision between a bus and an 11-year-old boy in Eynsham a week ago. At about 7.30am on Wednesday, February 6, the boy was hit by a slow-moving Stagecoach 100' bus outside Park Cottage

  • Teenagers join police action group

    A group of teenagers in Chipping Norton have had enough of their age group being branded as troublemakers - and have set out to change opinions. Duncan Davis, Emily Manning, Holly Whitaker, Nick Frampton and Annabel Yeomans, all sixth-formers at Chipping

  • The Insider

    Car woes continue for my dog-sitting source who was unlucky enough to get a £20 penalty at 8.15am in a residents' parking zone - he used a visitors' parking permit at the weekend, but thought he could get away with not filling out one for Monday as he

  • BOWLS: Philpotts end Allen's reign

    Oxford & District's John and Mike Philpott broke the stranglehold of clubmates Chris and Glenn Allen on the Oxon & Bucks area father and son pairs crown. The Philpotts ended the Allens' domination of the event in recent years with a 19-12 victory in

  • BOWLS: Crawley falls at the first hurdle

    Oxford City & County's Andy Crawley bowed out 21-9 to Devon's Rob Paxton in the first round of the English Indoor Bowling Association Champion of Champions Finals at Gunton Hall, Norfolk. Crawley, winner of the City & County singles before reaching

  • AUNT SALLY: Dempsey to face Weller in decider

    Jason Weller and Peter Dempsey will battle it out to be the Banbury Indoor League's singles champion. They fought their way through four rounds, with Weller beating Darren Kettle in the semi-finals, while Dempsey defeated Martin Lewis. Kettle had

  • GREYHOUNDS: Thursday's Oxford runners

    7.35: Young Kelly 3, PLUM SMUGGLER, Big Foot Four 2, Joson, Spice Aplenty, Ledwell Leader. 7.50: Bold Lass 3, BROADACRES AOIFE, Sober Rocket, Chasing Cars 2, Spot Kick, Margan Fillette. 8.05: Glowing Prospect, CROSSNESS, Right So Sire, Brother Charlie

  • GOLF: Gowing seals Frilford joy

    Anie Gowing sealed victory for Frilford Heath in their 3.5-1.5 Mail on Sunday Classic first-round win at home to Goring & Streatley. The five-handicapper finished one up against Goring's Helen Jacobs, who could have halved the match. Other Frilford

  • Day 4: Soldiers coping with the worst of it

    Tim Hughes continues his reports from the frontline of the war on terror. Today he meets some of the remarkable men and women supporting Oxfordshire's troops on the battlefields of Afghanistan. LLOYD Nolan Crockford leads an extraordinary double life

  • Teenager charged with arsons

    A teenager has been charged with two arson attacks in Chipping Norton. The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces two arson charges in connection with fires in the early hours of Monday, October 22. Rubbish left for collection

  • Teenager charged with theatre arson

    A TEENAGER has been charged with two arson attacks in Chipping Norton. The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces two arson charges in connection with fires in the early hours of Monday, October 22. Rubbish left for collection

  • Dogs could be banned

    Dog walkers could be banned from their village recreation area because owners are failing to clean up after their pets. Sports teams have urged Grove Parish Council to consider banning dogs from the ground off Cane Lane and Wasbrough Field. They said

  • Children's poems chosen for book

    Ben Taberner may only be 12 years old, but he has his head in the stars. The young science-lover, from Bicester, is among 20 budding poets at Woodeaton Manor School, near Kidlington, to have their poems published after entering a competition. His is

  • New country park is proposed

    The creation of a new 2.5sq mile country park has been recommended in a report. It says that the park, to the north east of Didcot, would provide vital green breathing space for the rapidly expanding town, which is expected to double in size over the

  • High hopes for VW Tiguan

    OXFORDSHIRE motorists gave Volkswagen's new compact 4x4 the thumbs up at Motorworld's launch party. Orders were taken for the new Tiguan and the Oxfordshire dealership has a full diary for test drives over coming weeks. More than 100 guests visited

  • RUGBY UNION: Clarke relishes chance

    Peter Clarke admits he has to prove himself as a captain and player after being elected Oxford University skipper. But the 25-year-old flanker, who takes over from Joe Roff, is confident he will be up to the task. Clarke, who is the first Welshman

  • RUGBY UNION: Wallingford confidence growing

    Wallingford forwards coach Simon Henderson says their confidence has grown as the season has gone on. The south Oxfordshire club lie second in Southern Counties North, six points ahead of third-placed Buckingham, so look odds-on for a play-off spot.

  • Gordon Rollins

    A "good old fashioned pub landlord" has died at the age of 88. Gordon Rollins, who kept the Eagle Tavern, in Witney's Corn Street, was one of the longest serving landlords in Oxfordshire. Mr Rollins owned the pub, which was bought by the Hook Norton

  • RUGBY UNION: Academy kicks off

    A new academy for 16 to 19-year-olds officially gets under way in Oxford next Wednesday with the £50,000 backing of construction company Leadbitter. The Leadbitter Oxford Rugby Academy launches at 7.30pm when the squad will train and play at the Southern

  • Cecil 'Jake' Jacobs

    Cecil 'Jake' Jacobs, former Oxford headmaster and RAF pilot, has died aged 87. Born in Headington, Oxford, where he lived until he passed away, he went to the primary school in Margaret Road, and then the secondary school in St Ebbe's. On leaving

  • RUGBY UNION: Rudman wins competition

    Congratulations to Mike Rudman, who won our Greene King IPA competition and will receive an England rugby supporters' kit. Rudman correctly answered that England's opponents in the 2007 world cup final were South Africa. Oxford licensee and Newbury

  • Stab victim 'serious but stable'

    A Bicester teenager who was stabbed at the weekend is in a serious but stable condition in hospital today, police said. The 19-year-old victim was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, on Sunday evening after being stabbed with a knife in the

  • Stabbed teenager 'serious but stable'

    A BICESTER teenager who was stabbed at the weekend today remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The 19-year-old victim, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, on Sunday evening after being stabbed with a knife in the abdomen

  • Police target drink and drug crime

    New moves to crack down on drink and drug-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour are to be launched in Oxford. Police are keen to introduce Shop and Pubwatch schemes in Cowley in a bid to get retailers, pubs, police officers and other agencies talking

  • Unemployment figure rises

    THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire rose again last month. Latest Government figures show 3,546 people claimed benefit in January, a climb of 116 on the previous month. Figures for council areas across the county

  • FOOTBALL: Banbury have two sent off

    Banbury United had two players sent off as they exited the BGB Southern League Errea Cup at the quarter-final stage with a 1-0 defeat at home to Hillingdon Borough. Wayne Blossom got his marching orders for an alleged elbow on Mark Kirby in the 40th

  • Unemployment figure rises

    The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire rose again last month. Latest Government figures show 3,546 people claimed benefit in January, a climb of 116 on the previous month. Figures for council areas across the county show

  • FOOTBALL: Peirson seals dramatic victory

    Didcot Town reached the BGB Southern League Errea Cup semi-finals in dramatic style with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Cirencester Town following a 2-2 draw. Andy Williams put the home side ahead on three minutes, only for a Jamie Heapy own goal

  • FOOTBALL: City's high fives

    Oxford City proved too strong for battling Worcester & Bletchingdon at Court Place Farm as they cruised into the Oxfordshire Senior Cup semi-finals with a 5-0 victory A James Saulsbury penalty after Darren Pond was brought down set them on their way

  • No realisation

    Almost all the freedoms, privileges and levels of care we have enjoyed in this beloved country of ours were won by the long and arduous struggles of men and women of the Christian faith over many centuries, and mostly at great personal cost. How strange

  • Another battle

    Another skirmish in the second Battle of Woodstock is imminent. The forces of the VanBrugh Trust (aka Blenheim Estate Trust) have proposed a new housing development on the eastern approach (Banbury Road) to Woodstock. The proposal is for a barn conversion

  • Don't listen to the doomsters

    We now have even more idiots jumping on the 'save the planet, global warming' bandwagon and swallowing every mantra that emanates from the mouths of hysterical so-called experts. If they used any intelligence they might have, they would discover the

  • Environmental action

    Messy offices can stop workers from doing their jobs properly and can result in them wanting to quit. Research by Lloyds TSB shows that factors such as a lack of natural light, untidy workspaces and dirt can distract and demoralise staff. Now experts

  • Stomp

    I had expected the evening to be one long racket. That's how I remember Stomp from the last time I saw it, about 10 years ago. But either my memory is at fault or the show has changed - more likely the latter. For entertaining packed houses at the

  • Car fire treated as arson

    Fire crews tackled a car fire in Barton Village Road, Oxford, last night. A Peugeot 206 was destroyed in the blaze which is being treated as arson. Thames Valley Police has been informed about the incident.

  • Blaze in student accommodation

    Firefighters were called to student accommodation in Oxford during the early hours of today following a fire in a bedroom. The blaze started in the second-floor bedroom of a large four-storey accommodation block for St Peter's College, in New Inn Hall

  • County's jobless total rises

    The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire rose again last month. Latest Government figures show 3,546 people claimed benefit in January, a climb of 116 on the previous month. Figures for council areas across the county show

  • Car destroyed by fire

    FIRE crews tackled a car fire in Barton Village Road, Oxford, last night A Peugeot 206 was destroyed in the blaze which is being treated as arson. Thames Valley Police have been informed about the incident.

  • Firefighters tackle college blaze

    FIREFIGHTERS were called to student accommodation in Oxford in the early hours today following a fire in a bedroom. The blaze started in the second-floor bedroom of a large four-storey accommodation block for St Peter's College in New Inn Hall Street

  • YOUTH FOOTBALL: Dan's the man for Eynsham

    Giles Sports Witney Youth League Dan Hayman hit a four-timer as Eynsham thumped Marsh Gibbon 10-1 in the Under 14 B League. Greg Ward added a brace, with further strikes from Stanley Bijury, Tom Grant, Bradley Scoones and Tom Pomfret, while Will

  • Housing slump 'wouldn't affect city'

    DESPITE concerns at dark clouds gathering over the UK property market, housing experts reckon Oxford is immune to a slump. Research by estate agents Knight Frank found Oxford the third best place to buy in Britain, pointing to good links to London,

  • Gang stamped on man's head

    AN RAF serviceman described the moment a gang of teenagers beat him unconscious in a "vicious and unprovoked" attack. Senior Aircraftsman Peter Forrest, speaking from his bed at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, pleaded for the public to help catch

  • Buzz off

    The Mosquito is apparently working well in parts of Oxfordshire. The device lets out a high-pitched sound, which only young people can hear, and has been used effectively in dispersing troublemakers from shopping centres. Yet the Children's Commissioner

  • Cowardly attack on the brave

    The vicious attackers behind the brutal assault of RAF man Peter Forrest need to be caught and brought to justice for this sickening, unprovoked assault. That an innocent man should be targeted in this way while enjoying a quiet ride home after a night

  • Fog warning for drivers

    Drivers were issued with a severe weather warning this morning as a blanket of freezing fog covered Oxfordshire. Visibility was reduced in places to less than 50ft and drivers were advised to use their fog lights and take extra care on the roads. Met

  • On patrol in 'Slipper City'

    CAMP Bastion rises from the Afghan desert like a mirage. In the midst of a desolate sea of sand and rock, the British have built their largest overseas base since the Second World War. Visible on the horizon as a series of lookout towers and earth-filled

  • Sixth sense

    A SIXTH-form information evening takes place at Gosford Hill School, Kidlington, today. Formal talks are scheduled for 6pm and 7pm, after which there will be the chance to consult teachers.

  • Students in debate win

    A TEAM of pupils will go on to debate important issues after winning first place in a competition. Abingdon School entered five teams in the Abingdon Rotary Club's YouthSpeak public speaking competition. And a team from the lower school - Luke Carter

  • Red light for safety work

    A TRIAL scheme to improve safety on the notorious bend in Packhorse Lane, Marcham, is to be scrapped, as it was not supported by residents. Last July, traffic lights were installed on the A415, reducing vehicles to single file. The trial was

  • Nature reserve to get a makeover

    NATURE lovers could be set to benefit from new facilities at woodland south of Kidlington. Plans are afoot to rejuvenate 47 acres of land adjacent to sports pitches at Stratfield Brake, leased by the Woodland Trust. The charity - which runs more

  • Rural debate

    RURAL organisations are invited to a free networking event today to explore some of the changes facing communities in the countryside. Oxfordshire Rural Community Council and Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council are hosting the event at Didcot Civic

  • Lolita loses

    LOLITA - the contender for the country's poshest cat - is licking her paws after losing out on the title to Queen Tiffany Dior, a rival from the West Midlands. Lolita made the final three of the Disney-run competition, by wowing judges with her pampered

  • Housing slump 'wouldn't affect city'

    Despite concerns at dark clouds gathering over the UK property market, housing experts reckon Oxford is immune to a slump. Research by estate agents Knight Frank found Oxford the third best place to buy in Britain, pointing to good links to London,

  • £10m boost for research

    RESEARCHERS will receive £10m in Government funding towards pioneering treatment for diabetes. The Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, based at the Churchill Hospital in Headington, is one of six centres across the UK to benefit

  • £316,000 overhaul for centre

    WORK has started to give an Oxford children's centre a £316,000 overhaul. Pictured with hard hats at the ready are Leah Hastings and Kami Walls, both three, with teacher Jo Rooney. The Windale Children's Centre, in Windale Avenue, Blackbird Leys,

  • Coat flies home after 60 years

    ARDENT Oxford United supporter Jim Cobley - known as the 'fan in the flying jacket' - has tracked down the story of a pilot who once wore his famous coat in the Second World War. Mr Cobley, 74, has sent the jacket to an Air Force museum in Canada,

  • Traders fear for future

    TRADERS in Headington are predicting a bleak future and believe there is little reason for customers to shop in the area. Shopkeepers think a lack of variety and high parking charges have led to a decline in the number of people walking through their

  • Crime-fighters become poster pin-ups

    CRIME-FIGHTERS on an Oxford estate are turning into poster pin-ups in a bid to make sure people know who they are. Sgt Martin Ford, PC Jerry Kidd and Police Community Support Officers Thomas Coulman, George Dean and Simon McSweeney have had

  • Drugs hidden in Kinder Eggs

    A DRUG dealer who picked up a Samurai sword when police raided his caravan is starting a two-year jail sentence. Oxford Crown Court heard Gino Schillaci, 33, hid packages of crack cocaine and heroin underneath the seat of a police car after he was

  • Attacked serviceman tells of ordeal

    An RAF serviceman last night described the moment a gang of teenagers beat him unconscious in a "vicious and unprovoked" attack. Senior Aircraftsman Peter Forrest, speaking from his bed at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, pleaded for the public to

  • Italian restaurants

    I have bean reading comments on the internet about the opening of Jamie Oliver Italian restaurant in Oxford, sad comments, some personal, but I think most of the comments come from people with a brain as large as a pea. Comments like that we have enough