APPLICATIONS for the vacant manager's job at Oxford United have continued coming in at a steady rate, writes JON MURRAY. And United chairman Kelvin Thomas says there are ten candidates already who, he believes, would make a good U's manager. Among those
JIM Smith bounced back into management with his old Midas Touch last night – by inspiring Oxford United's away under-achievers to a 3-1 win at Mansfield. It was United's first league away victory since their triumph at Northwich on September
Jim Smith's first game back as caretaker boss proved a lot more successful than his last one as manager 13 months ago as the U's chalked up only their second away win of the season. And it even came on Setanta! A goal in each half from
Oxford United wasted an early lead as Mansfield hit back to go into half-time level at 1-1 in tonight's Blue Square Premier clash at Field Mill. James Constable headed in a Chris Carruthers cross in the eighth minute, only for Mansfield's Nathan Arnold
Police arrested three men on suspicion of hare coursing in Swyncombe at about 1am today. The arrests come after the neighbourhood policing team vowed to tackle rural crimes in the area. Insp Stewart Haveron said: “We responded to a report by a local
Police are appealing for information after a house was burgled in Wantage. Between 3pm on Saturday and 10.45am on Thursday burglars smashed the side door window to get into the house in Stockham Way. PC Maria Morrisey, based at Abingdon police
Police are appealing for witnesses following two distraction burglaries in Banbury. At 7.30pm on Tuesday, a man in his seventies heard a knock on an internal kitchen door in his property in Sandford Green and found two men in the kitchen. One of them
Fire crews tackled a fire at a three-storey building in Abingdon today. Firefighters were called to Jenyns Court shortly after 12.30pm to extinguish a cooker alight in a flat. Two crews from Abingdon and Didcot attended. No one
There is nothing quite as magical as a trip to the cinema as the festive season approaches. And this Christmas, for the second year running, the Oxford Mail and Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street, Jericho, Oxford, are proud to present our
A taxi driver yesterday spoke of his “living nightmare” as he denied sexually assaulting two women passengers in his cab. Former BMW worker and father-of-three Baber Khan, a minicab driver with Royal Cars, told Oxford Crown Court he had never
The spirit of Christmas shone brightly at Christ Church Cathedral, in Oxford, at a fundraising event for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The charity traditionally holds evenings of festive carols and music in some of Britain’s most beautiful
BMW bosses tonight said there were no current plans for more job cuts at the Cowley plant following a slump in Mini sales. Year-on-year figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed sales of the car in the UK had tumbled
Bonn Square in Oxford, which reopened last Friday following a £2m revamp, was cordoned off on Wednesday night amid safety fears, after the temperature plummeted. Contractors sprayed cleaning materials on to the square to prevent chewing gum from sticking
Two Witney brothers are the envy of their schoolmates after getting an exclusive look around the set of the Dr Who series. They even have a replica key to the Tardis time machine – after their father correctly answered a question about the popular children
The Christmas light display in Oxford’s Cornmarket Street, featured in the city council’s newsletter, looks too good to be true. And, unfortunately, it is. The council has admitted it used a computer-generated image to publicise its plans for the festive
I write thisletter in a vain attempt to counter the wave of Obama-mania which seems to have gripped the political establishment. From the far left through to the Conservative Party, Barrack Obama is being feted as the new saviour of the world. I dispute
AN ORPHANAGE for girls in Kenya could be finished in time for Christmas after help from an Oxford businesswoman. Gay Goodall has been raising money to help establish the centre and has recently returned from a trip to check on its progress. Earlier
Re (Oxford Mail, November 14, Braced for council tax increases), the article implies that we may be faced with over-the-top increases in our council taxes next year. Have those who are to make these decisions taken into account that there is a recession
We have had a nail-biting time this week, what with murders in the Kathmandu Valley averaging one a day, strikes, and anxiety over atrocities in Mumbai and Karachi which seem a little too close for comfort. But the stiff upper lip has been maintained
Well, that’s it. My 2009 budget is complete. I’ve decided what car to buy, how much I’ll spend on holidays, what my socialising budget will be and what updating costs I need for the house. The fact that my planned budget spend exceeds my income is not
Teenagers now appear to be making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Drink is being blamed as the cause of many of the problems. But I am afraid all it is doing is making teenagers feel more isolated by society. Branding them troublemakers
A school that offers children who struggle with mainstream education a second chance has been rated outstanding for a second time. Northern House School, in South Parade, North Oxford, caters for children aged between five and 13 with behavioural, emotional
The run-in to Christmas could be a “make or break time” for some businesses in Witney as the credit crunch and economic downturn hit the high street. That is the hard-hitting message to shoppers from the chairman of the town’s chamber of trade
A £2m project to improve and extend a school for children with a range of learning difficulties has begun in Wantage. The Oxfordshire County Council-funded redevelopment will replace temporary classrooms, renovate existing facilities and improve access
Deaths and explosions in Wallingford and Dorchester will be at the centre of ITV’s Christmas schedule as the mayhem that is Midsomer Murders hits the screen with the latest episode Days of Misrule. This week, the cast were in Dorchester and in
AEA Technology 18.75 BMW 1741 Electrocomponents 136 Nationwide Accident Repair 99.5 Oxford Biomedica 6.3 Oxford Catalyst 116 Oxford Instruments 128.5 Reed Elsevier 521.25 RM 158.5 RPS Group 112.25 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
A masked burglar leapt from a hotel balcony after being disturbed by one of the guests. The man, wearing a woollen beany hat and a balaclava covering his face, scaled a nine foot fence to climb onto a balcony at Springs Hotel in North Stoke, near Wallingford
A 23-year-old man has been remanded in custody over the death of a passenger in a car crash near Woodstock. John Biddle, 23, appeared at Banbury Magistrates’ Court today, charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Leonard Parker, 21, of Cornish
A plaque has been unveiled at Oxford Castle to St Frideswide, the city’s patron saint. The honour is part of the castle’s timeline, which tells the tale of the Oxford’s development and events which occurred on the historic site. The timeline dates
Young families should grow their own vegetables in a bid to cut the cost of living, the secretary of an Oxford allotment plot has suggested. Reg Curnock, secretary of the Blackbird Leys Allotment Association, is currently trying to find tenants
Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at the Springs Hotel in North Stoke, near Wallingford. At about 8.10pm yesterday, one of the residents found a man trying to get into his hotel room through patio doors that lead to a balcony. The
Chinnor coach Jason Bowers hopes tomorrow’s National 3 South trip to Lydney will help them bounce back from their Havant horrow show. The Gloucestershire side, who are immediately above Chinnor in the table, are usually a tough nut to crack on their
Oxford Harlequins will field an unchanged pack for the first time this season when they host Coney Hill in South West 1 on Saturday. Injuries to Neil Spottiswoode and Nick Sevier mean a reshuffle in the back line. Anthony Cope moves to fly half, Andy
The third round of the Five Disciplines League Division 1 was hosted by Headington A at Headington School where the in-form hosts increased their lead. They won three disciplines against contenders Windrush to triumph 221-205. The surprise
FA Carlsberg Vase WITNEY United boss Andy Lyne hopes that his players will put on another stirring cup performance as they bid for a place in the last 32 of the FA Vase at home to Buckingham Town on Saturday. Witney have won twice on
British Gas Business Southern League Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace says his players need to maintain their decent form in the run-up to Christmas as the Division 1 South & West table starts to take shape. Didcot went top after last
FTL Futbol Hellenic League Headington Amateurs face their toughest test of the season so far when they host leaders AFC Hardwicke in Division 1 West. The Gloucestershire side boast a 100 per cent away record. They hope to have Jay Hill back from a
Shoppers in Oxford say lowering VAT will not make a difference to them this Christmas. The change, which cut VAT from 17.5 to 15 per cent, was intended to boost public spending on the high street, but according to a survey carried out by the
A home furnishing firm with its headquarters in Oxfordshire has been placed into administration today. The Pier, which employs 57 at its head office in Milton Park, Abingdon, has become the latest victim of the economic turmoil. Joint administrators
A 23-year-old man has been remanded in custody over the death of a passenger during a car crash near Woodstock. John Biddle, 23, appeared at Banbury Magistrates’ Court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Leonard Parker 21, of Cornish
SATURDAY FOOTBALL BRITISH GAS BUSINESS SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Banbury Utd v Hitchin, Oxford City v Bashley. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn v Andover, North Leigh v Thatcham, Winchester City v Abingdon Utd.
Oxford United's Blue Square Premier game at Mansfield Town tonight has been given the go-ahead following a pitch inspection. Officials were forced to take a look at the Field Mill pitch following heavy overnight rain, but were satisfied it
A man arrested in connection with an alleged £56,000 fraud from an Oxford woman has been bailed pending further inquiries. Eric Fretten, 61, formerly of Cowley Road, Oxford, was arrested by police in October on suspicion of fraud by false representation
A man arrested in connection with a £56,000 fraud involving an Oxford woman has been bailed pending further inquiries. Eric Fretten, 61, formerly of Cowley Road, Oxford, was arrested by police in October on suspicion of fraud by false representation,
Simon Webbe blasted David Van Day after being voted off 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' last night (03.12.08). The former Blue member slammed the ex-Dollar singer for making an intentionally light-hearted comment about suicide. Simon said
A 22-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of armed robbery at an Oxford taxi office. At about 1.30am on Monday, two men walked into Radio Taxis in Magdalen Road and forced the operator, a 24-year-old man, to hand over cash. They then assaulted
Sixty cyclists were fined for riding through pedestrianised areas of Oxford city centre yesterday. The £30 fines were handed out to cyclists caught in Cornmarket Street and Queen Street between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. Pc Steve Higa, who led the operation
Sixty cyclists were fined for riding through pedestrianised areas of Oxford city centre yesterday. The £30 fines were handed out to cyclists caught in Cornmarket Street and Queen Street between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. PC Steve Higa, who led the operation
Bonn Square in Oxford, recently re-opened following a £2m revamp, was cordoned off last night for safety reasons after the temperature plummeted. Contractors sprayed cleaning materials on to the square to prevent chewing gum from sticking to
Bonn Square in Oxford, recently reopened following a £2m revamp, was cordoned off last night for safety reasons after the temperature plummeted. Contractors sprayed cleaning materials on to the square to prevent chewing gum from sticking to
Sales of the Cowley-based Mini have fallen in the UK, new figures have revealed. Figures released by the Society of Motor of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show they fell by 58 per cent in November. Just 1,723 cars were sold compared
A man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in East Oxford on Monday. The 22-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of armed robbery. He has been bailed until Monday, January 5. At about 1.30am on Monday, two
Troops from the Didcot-based 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, have marched through the town as part of a homecoming parade. Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets as the soldiers marched from the Orchard Centre
Sales of the Cowley-based Mini have plummeted in the UK, new figures have revealed. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show they tumbled by 58 per cent in November. Just 1,723 cars were sold compared to 4,104 for the
Harry Potter fans queued up at Borders in Oxford last night to snap up some of the first copies of JK Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The book shop in Magdalen Street stayed open until 1am to cater for fans wanting the Beedle tales, which Rowling
Harry Potter fans queued up at Borders in Oxford last night to snap up some of the first copies of JK Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The bookshop in Magdalen Street stayed open until 1am to cater for fans wanting the Beedle tales, which Rowling
Martina Navratilova disappointed herself by winning just two meals for camp. The former tennis star put herself forward to compete in ‘Wash and Cry’, which saw her rummaging through a hamper of dirty clothes – mixed in with foul-smelling jungle pulp
RECORD donations have been made to the Poppy Appeal in Wantage this year, despite cash being stolen from two tins in the town. The organiser of the appeal in Wantage and Charlton has thanked the public for their support in raising £12,832 for this year
The jaunty ten-a-penny house sparrow of my London childhood is in decline, according to a recent RSPB survey. It’s serious too. Numbers in Britain have fallen by 68 per cent since 1977. So I feel privileged to see them regularly in my garden
A 58-year-old man has been charged with gun offences. Roger Paige, of Letcombe Hill, in East Challow, near Wantage, was charged last night with three counts of failing to comply with firearms licences. Police raided arrested Mr Paige
Nicola McLean branded David Van Day "vile" as she left 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'. The glamour model was the latest evictee from the reality contest yesterday (02.12.08) and immediately launched into an attack on the former
George Takei has vowed to send Joe Swash's pictures to a magazine for gay men. The 'Star Trek' actor - who has shared a kiss on the mouth with the former 'EastEnders' star while on 'I'm A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!' - was impressed with
Just the other week I drove to Stroud to help a fellow wine-writer taste her way though dozens of the UK’s top-selling wine brands. It was a jolly affair; primarily because Mel was in fine form and had gone to the effort to make fresh bread and delicious
Everyone appreciates good wine at Christmas and you cannot go wrong with this selection of ideal gifts for friends and family. There is something here for everybody and for every occasion. Why fight your way through the crowds when you
A plan to sell off the homes of lock keepers has been shelved after a vocal campaign against the move. The Environment Agency was taken aback by the strength of support after details of a scheme to sell off or lease ten out of 22 lock keepers’ properties
Police are still trying to search for witnesses five months after a motorway crash in which a 29-year-old man was killed. Ross Shears died when the car he was travelling in collided with a Ford Transit van on the M40 between junction seven at Milton
Katty Baird, BBOWT volunteer, finds out how our wildlife survives the harsh winter months. Surviving the winter chill Winter is upon us once more, and as you reach for your central heating button or snuggle under a thick duvet, spare a thought for our
Dr George McGavin knew exactly how to bring his message home when he introduced the bee as a contender in a debate on “The World’s Most Invaluable Species.” He first reminded his audience of the news that Britain was running out of honey, and there would
Aled Jones “couldn’t resist playing” Commotio’s latest CD, Night, on his Radio 3 show. Classic FM presenters have added it to their regular playlist, and one of the tracks — Richard Allain’s Ubi Caritas — has even made it on to Classic FM’s recent Smooth
Please mind the dragon, I was urged. I was grateful for the warning, even though the slinky green creature, which comes complete with a crimson mouth and the brightest of white teeth, was a bit difficult to miss. By chance, the dragon is resting on a
The drivers of a car and a van escaped injury last night following a collision near Oxford’s Blackbird Leys estate. The accident at 7.45pm in Sandy Lane involved a VW Golf and a white van. Vicky Brandon, a spokesman for Thames Valley
A hot hatchback with a bit of comfort and a few luxury touches has been launched by Renault, and it will go on sale in Britain in January. The new Clio Renaultsport 197 Lux, priced £16,995, gets features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate
You can tell instantly by looking at the rear of Volkswagen’s Tiguan if the person at the wheel is seriously into off-roading. If the badge says Escape, you know this vehicle means business. All Tiguan models come with four-wheel-drive as standard, but
Sir – Oxfordshire County Council’s proposals to introduce a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in the Divinity and Southfield Road area are ill thought out, dangerous and discriminate against vulnerable road users, such as people in wheelchairs, the elderly
The Which? Complete Guide To Greener Driving, has rooted out some great credit crunch wheel deals, all for for much less than £10,000. With the UK’s new car sales having slumped by 23 per cent in October — the biggest monthly fall for 17 years — the
Until December 7, Nissan showrooms have some recession-busting deals on offer. There are savings on some new-car prices, and 20 per cent off selected accessories. Examples include a three-door Micra three-door 1.2-litre Acenta selling for £7,995, saving
What a coup for Vauxhall -— in one of the toughest trading markets for car makers in living memory, its new Insignia family car has been voted the 2009 Car Of The Year. It was a close-run thing for the Insignia — just one point separated the winner
Sir – In your report about the Angel and Greyhound Meadow (November 27) you say that the council has accused Magdalen College of ‘unreasonable behaviour’ in wanting to increase the cost of the lease. This accusation is based on a misrepresentation
Sir – There have been several letters in recent weeks justifiably challenging the county's transport proposals for Oxford's centre. Noel Newson’s letter (November 27) should be especially heeded, given his long involvement with transport in Oxford.
A large supermarket on the western side of Oxford is being put forward as the centrepiece of a proposal to redevelop Botley’s shopping centre. Much of the 1960s precinct could be demolished to make way for a new shopping area with an upgraded public
Shopkeepers in a run-down Oxford precinct have welcomed plans to redevelop their 1960s concrete centre – even though it could take 20 years. Traders in Botley’s West Way shopping centre have been fighting to get the area spruced up for years because
Sally Adams is eager to become a mother and is on the look-out for an egg donor – but she thinks only Oxford and Cambridge women may fit the bill. For more than a decade, Ms Adams has been trying to become pregnant and has spent more than £15,000
Sir – Having been told that the cost of the Bonn Square renovation was £2m, anticipation was great for the opening on Friday evening when I looked around it. I was horrified to see the central obelisk in memoriam to the 1st Oxford Batallion lost in
Sir – Do any of your readers know where I can obtain a telegraph pole from? I jest not! In your newspaper there was really interesting article (Weekend, November 20) about owls and this explained how and where from owl nesting boxes could be obtained
Sir – The wonderful thing about Summertown is the variety of its independent shops. How shocking therefore to read (November 20) that landlords are doubling rents, and in the middle of a recession. The landlord's agent attributes this to the arrival
A PLAN to sell the homes of lock-keepers has been all but abandoned after a powerful local campaign against the move. The Environment Agency was taken aback by the local support after The Oxford Times revealed details of a money-raising scheme to sell
When Christopher Bulstrode first inquired about joining the army there was laughter at the other end of the telephone. For at 56 he was seeking to sign up at a time of life when others might be contemplating retirement. And did this well-meaning
Sir – Janet Tomlinson and Michael Waine's letter (November 27) states that “Whatever happens, there will always be a school place for every child who needs one”. But in North Oxford there is a four-year-old who has been offered a place at a city school
Sir – The other day, as I cycled into the Broad from the western end, I found the whole area pervaded by noxious fumes. I soon identified the source: it was one of those open-topped city tour buses. I caught up with it at the traffic lights and had
Sir – Your headline “Bonn Square is set to open again” (November 27) perpetuates a misunderstanding which the council has done nothing to correct. Bonn Square was the name given in 1974 to a short stretch of New Road, and this piece of roadway has
Sir – I sincerely hope that the cabinet member for schools, Michael Waine, is sucessful in his quest to obtain the funds from our Government to improve Oxford's schools. Cheney School desperately needs money for refurbishments and should go to the top
THE Volvo XC60, with Volvo’s unique Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), is one of only five cars to receive the highest rating in Euro NCAP's new assessment procedure for evaluating the degree of whiplash protection offered by passenger cars in rear-end
Sir – I have made a practice of calling out to some of the less considerate cyclists ‘Pavements are for pedestrians’ and wished to have some of the stickers bearing those words to put on bicycles thoughtlessly parked on (and across) narrow pavements
Sir – I have recently booked two seats for a show in The New Theatre. The cost was £37. As I do not live in Oxford I am unable easily to buy the tickets directly from the box office. They came through a ticket agency which charged £6.50 for a ‘service
Sir – Your recent editorial, Waste Money (November 13) should remind councillor Fooks that it is not always possible to deliver what consultees want. It looks as if councillor Tanner, like councillor Fooks, will be unable to deliver the weekly food
Citroën’s new Berlingo Multispace has been named ‘MPV of the Year’ in 4x4 & MPV Driver magazine’s 2009 awards, whilst the company’s Hypnos concept was named ‘Best Concept Car’. The new version of Citroën's Berlingo milti-purpose vehicle beat off all
THE Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel has been honoured at the Los Angeles Motor Show by the Green Car Journal, being crowned ‘2009 Green Car of the Year’. The Jetta, which took centre stage at the Los Angeles Show, is the first diesel vehicle to receive
Sir – Although the principle of treating animals with respect and kindness is admirable, I think that animal rights activists objecting to the Oxford animal lab need to take a reality check. As omnivores most of us eat slaughtered animals on a regular
Sir – As a reply to people concerned about the cost of the new animal facility in Oxford, I think it must be kept in mind that the reasons the lab was built are not merely to reduce the costs of bringing the inefficient system of having various facilities
Sir – In the pavement of Cowley Road, by Manzil Way, is a bronze ‘pavement jewellery’ ingot dedicated to Nelson Bean, inscribed 1881 with a plan of the Old Cowley Workhouse. Does any one know why this recognition of Nelson Bean was made? Apart
Sir – We were interested to read, in Reg Little’s article about the television drama The Devil’s Whore (Feature, November 20), the claim by co-writer Martine Brant that ‘Cromwell may well have actually planned the siege of Oxford from’ Wytham Manor.
Sir – On behalf on behalf of local residents I welcome the decision of the east area committee to reject Oriel College’s application to build three-storey student accommodation blocks in Bartlemas Conservation Area. This conservation area
