I have never contemplated cheating to gain an unfair advantage in sport and I’m not going to start. Even now, if someone offered me a super drink that would get me playing back in the Premiership and an England cap I would say no! I couldn’
GETTING the long-term unemployed back to work is an issue that has vexed governments for decades. Oxfordshire’s 17,000 jobless – 4.6 per cent of working age people – rank below England’s rate of 7.8 per cent for the 12 months from April 2012.
AMONG organisations sub-contracted by the 18 firms which run the Work Programme for the Government is charity Blue Sky, which provides employment for people with criminal records. Ministers hope such voluntary community groups will bring specialist
EMPLOYMENT minister Mark Hoban explains why the Government's Work Programme has benefitted people's lives. The Work Programme is changing people’s lives for the better. And figures published recently show the scheme is helping large numbers of
A ROAD in Steventon is closed after a water main burst. Drivers are unable to use the B4017 between the A4130 and Hanney Road near to the railway bridge. Trains are not affected, but Thames Water is waiting on Network Rail to give it the clear
WITH the recent hot weather who could forgive these three for jumping in the River Thames? But they were taking a dip for a very serious reason – to raise money for an autism charity. It was organised by Abingdon author Alison Mercer, whose
Our friends at Reading Festival reveal the latest tranche of additions to the bill - just as weekend tickets sell-out With just weeks to go before the country's greatest pure rock festival kicks off, the organisers behind Reading Festival reveal
A FIRE being linked to the dry weather has swept across swathes of countryside in Oxfordshire. The grass fire covered an area of two square kilometres near Clifton Hampden, prompting a response from eight fire engines and a police helicopter, which
TOO much time in front of iPads, computers and televisions is harming language development of babies and young children, an Oxford speech therapist has warned. Nicola Lathey, who runs the Owl Therapy Centre in Oxford, has what the author believes
Shakespeare MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Amphitheatre, Saïd Business School, Oxford Until July 27 n Call 07950 298720 or enchantedplayers.co.uk “Some Cupid kills with arrows... some with traps!” so warn the Enchanted Players who are taking
A LOCAL quarry operator has warned against the dangers of swimming in water-filled quarries during the hot weather after four people died in Britain in a fortnight. Paul Hillier, of Kidlington-based Smiths & Sons, said he was concerned about
THE new director of a bereavement charity aims to use music and art to help people through their grief. Helen Mackinnon has returned to the city to lead SeeSaw, the child and family bereavement service based in Headington. She said: “I was
A JUDGE has jailed two members of a family found guilty of "prolonged neglect" of animals at Crunchy's Animal Rescue. Today District Judge Tim Pattinson sentenced Angela Russell, her father, three children and niece, who were all convicted of 16
Hanborough will meet Risinghurst in the final of the Steve Dixon Memorial Cup. Aston Leach (51) and Scott Akers 40 not out led Hanborough to a comfortable win over Hanney. Hanney did well to restrict Hanborough to 204-9 then set about chasing
INFECTION with a virus raises the risk of throat cancer, researchers at Oxford University have found. More than a third of those who had oropharyngeal cancer were infected with the HPV virus. HPV — or human papillomavirus — can spread through
CHILDREN taking part in the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign turned the tables on parents and staff to run their own event. As part of Kidstock, a joint collaboration between the Kidlington Primary Schools, pupils from West Kidlington Primary School
ABINGDONIANS have had their first look at a £300,000 scheme designed to make Wotton Road safer for children cycling to school. The local and national government funding with pay for a 200-ft cycleway alongside the footpath between Trendell Place
LUKE Ryan said Oxfordshire’s batsmen had not prized their wickets highly enough as they slipped to a 35-run defeat against Wales at Abergavenny. Oxon’s captain was left frustrated as his side failed to chase down the 226 they needed for victory in
Chris Jenkins was in exceptional form as he clanged off 16 dolls (5-5-6) to inspire Gladiators A to a 3-0 win at New Club A although the game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests. The Gladiators only won the first two legs by the odd doll
Would-be burglars tried to break into a home in Chatsworth Drive, Banbury, but were disturbed by neighbours. The attempted burglary happened on Monday. They left in the direction of Bankside. Call police on 101.
A silver Mercedes was stolen in a burglary in Cherwell Heights, Banbury. The property in Homestead Road was raided on Tuesday last week when thieves forced open a window. Burglars stole a set of keys and took the Mercedes C350 from the drive
A man is alleged to have made threats and then spat on the head of a woman in Walton Street, Oxford. The man had approached the woman and a man at 3.20pm on Thursday. After the incident, he ran off in the direction of Beaumont Street. Information
A GOVERNMENT inspector has approved plans to give major infrastructure projects in Oxford a funding boost. Oxford City Council is set to become one of the first authorities in the country to be given new powers to bill developers for major projects
FLASH flooding hit Oxford yesterday leaving one unlucky driver stuck under the railway bridge in Botley Road. The motorist had to push his Nissan Micra out of the ankle-deep water after a torrential storm opened up over the city just before 10am
A SUPERB 94 from Oli Price set up Oxfordshire Under 12s’ commanding victory in their friendly with Buckinghamshire at Abingdon Vale. Oxon posted 170-8 from their 40 overs, with opener Price dominating. He hit ten boundaries in his knock, which
Charlie Fisher enjoyed a champagne moment to remember with a sensational innings in the Division 1 clash with East & West Hendred. Fisher smashed 144 not out to help Minster Lovell to 294-6. Eddie Dunn chipped in with 59 before Jack Simpson
A library book has been returned to Oxford City Library – 55 years late. The book, Regency Furniture 1795-1820, by Margaret Jourdain, was due back at Oxford City Library on November 30 1958. It was brought into Witney library by an elderly
JAMES Coles hit a scintillating unbeaten century from 62 balls as Oxfordshire Under 10s cantered to a nine-wicket victory against the Best of Districts Under 11s at Didcot. The Districts, made up of aspiring Oxon players, started strongly, with
It has been most gratifying and appropriate to see the BBC announce the 8lb 6oz, (See above, July 23,) weight of the royal baby in imperial units. Sadly, the BBC seems to have such a love affair with metric units that they are normally used even
THE first six months of the year have seen more suspected air rifle attacks on animals in the county than in any of the three years before. The RSPCA has raised concerns that the hot summer weather will see further incidents that can leave pets
FIVE homes in Oxford have been raided by police this morning in a series of dawn raids. And a total of eight arrests have been made in the city as officers executed several warrants under the Misuse of Drugs act. Shortly after 7am officers
A 41-year-old man was given a caution after police raided a property in Isis Avenue, Bicester, and found 17 cannabis plants. The raid happened on Friday at 4.15pm. The man was initially arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled class B drug
Three former directors of a Banbury IT firm have been cleared of lying to investors after two trials. Timothy Whiston, 45, with fellow executives Stephen Graham, 49, and John Whelan, 46, were accused of lying in the accounts of healthcare software
OXFORD Brookes University believes students will be “more internationally recognised” when major changes about how degrees are graded are launched. The university is set to be the first in the country to give students American-style ‘grade-point
ECB Women’s Under 17 County Championship Performance Group 2 OXFORDSHIRE suffered two heavy defeats in the space of three days, going down to Sussex and then Essex. On Thursday, Oxon were beaten by nine wickets by Sussex at Charlbury. Only
Under 13 girls OXFORDSHIRE are top of ECB Women’s Performance Group 2 after beating Buckinghamshire by two runs in a thriller which went down to the final ball at Banbury. Oxon hit 148-5 from their 35 overs and looked to be cruising when Bucks
An inquest into the death of 15-year-old Martha Ferback will be opened today. Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter is expected to open the inquest at County Hall and adjourn it to await the outcome of an investigation. An initial post-mortem examination
A NEW £3.5m pipeline is to be built by Thames Water to help serve customers in southern Oxfordshire. The four kilometre pipe will carry water from Woods Farm treatment works near Streatley to the reservoir at Moulsford near Wallingford. The
Dr Jonathan McWilliam, the county’s director of public health, will address councillors on the state of peoples’ health. Dr McWilliam, who works for the NHS and Oxfordshire County Council, will address the Oxfordshire Health & Wellbeing Board
Councillors will seal the fate of a kebab van in Headington at a meeting tonight. The city council has received 33 complaints about the First Class Diner van in Warneford Lane. Parents and staff at nearby Cheney School say it undermines the
Abingdon Bowling Club defeated Bowls England 110-100 in an exhibition match to celebrate their centenary year. In a closely-contested game, Bowls England led after ten ends. Abingdon fought back in the second half with Peter Rogers’ rink picking
Karl Johnston was the star in Didcot 3rd’s 79-run win over Shipton-under-Wychwood 3rd in Division 8, hitting a club record 118 to help Didcot to 241 all out from 42 overs. Shipton couldn’t match them, struggling to 162 after being bowled out in
Banbury Borough’s Calvin Carpenter completed a full set of Oxfordshire Bowling Association titles by capturing the pairs crown with AJ Docherty at South Oxford. The duo triumphed 20-18 against Headington’s Shaun Claridge and Mark Charlett in the
Horspath’s march to the Cherwell League title continued apace on Saturday, when they brushed aside in-form Shipton-under-Wychwood to extend their lead at the top. Shipton came into the game on the back of three wins on the bounce, but within 45
Under 17 boys OXFORDSHIRE nearly pulled off a remarkable outright victory in their first ECB Championship game of the season away to Bedfordshire at Ickwell. Losing on first innings, Oxfordshire made an attacking declaration in their second
DESPITE a post-election pledge by the coalition Government to reduce animal experiments, new official figures show that the total has again risen. The Home Office points out that the dramatic increase is due to more GM mice being used, but genetically-altering
I am writing in response to (Path is on track, July 9, pictured, and (Bollards plan, July 19,). It is wonderful news that the cinder track connecting Old Marston to the cycle track into the Science Area of Oxford is to be surfaced imminently.
LAST Saturday, July 20, the Fun Day in Bury Knowle Park was a great success, with young and old enjoying the afternoon which had been organised and run by the local churches, providing everything free, including the tea and cakes. A big thank you
A FRIEND of mine, Mr John Falconer, stopped me today and asked if I had fallen out with the editor of his favourite paper, the Oxford Mail, as I had not had a letter published recently. I pointed out to him there was no problem. The editor is very
A DELIGHTED Mike Ford praised Oxford City’s discipline as they thrashed local rivals Oxford United 5-1 in last night’s pre-season friendly, writes DAVID PRITCHARD. The visitors went ahead through an Asa Hall penalty, but City hit back in style
A former statistician with suspected asbestos poisoning died as she slept in a chair, an inquest heard. Margo Marillier was 66 when she died at Oxford’s Sobell House Hospice on March 2. Recording an open verdict at County Hall yesterday, Oxfordshire
SEVEN football fans yesterday admitted being part of fights and disorder ahead of a league game. Two Oxford United and five Bristol Rovers fans were caught up in trouble around the Kassam Stadium on February 9. Oxford magistrates were told
OXFORD & DISTRICT LEAGUE (Sponsored by Yarnton Nurseries) Division 1 Banbury Chestnuts 60 (1pt), Carterton 102 (5) (Banbury skips first): R Maries 21, D Clanfield 18; D Munslow 12, G Walker 24; B Ray 19, R Clanfield 25; A Northcote
Oxford City & County’s Gail Gilkes was the team manager as England claimed victory in the British Isles Women’s Junior International Series for the fourth consecutive year. Gilkes saw her team beat Wales 106-49 in the title decider at Victoria
Oxford City & County A won 5.5-0.5 at Witney Mills to go top of Division 1 in the Oxford & District League, sponsored by Yarnton Nurseries, for the first time this season. Mark Hancock’s four led the way for City & County – the third
Abingdon Vale 2nd are now five without a win, but came close at Tiddington 2nd in Division 5. Jason Cardy (80no) and Chris Butcher (61) took Vale to 203-3, then Steve Griffiths picked up 3-60 to make the hosts sweat. But John Mackie (73) and
Lloyd Belcher bagged 7-44 for Horspath 2nd, who thrashed Shipton-under-Wychwood by eight wickets in Division 3 David Bugge was the main contributor to Shipton’s 151 all out. Horspath cruised to 155-2 inside 40 overs with Steve Green (73no) and
Oxfordshire’s Middleton Cup dreams were shattered with a 131-94 defeat by Berkshire in the quarter-final at Chesham. Oxon, going into the game on the back of a great performance against Kent, could not reproduce the same form and ended up losing
Ali Morteza smashed 124 not out – his second ton of the season – to lead Cumnor to their ninth win of the summer and a 49-point lead at the top of Division 2. Aston Rowant 2nd had managed 182-9 from their 53 overs, with Andrew Tolson (51) and Hendrik
Green Bank (8-1) got off the mark under National Hunt Rules for Chipping Norton owner-trainer Charlie Longsdon with a 25-lengths romp under Noel Fehily in a novices’ chase at Southwell yesterday.
Under 17 boys OXFORDSHIRE completed a superb 54-run victory over a very strong Buckinghamshire in their ECB County Cup clash at Shipton-under-Wychwood. After posting 247-9 in their 50 overs, Oxon appeared to be staring down the barrel against
I expect that most of you remember the tragic story that hit the national news about a mother who killed her disabled daughter and then herself after years of relentless bullying. This was despite voicing concerns to those who could have helped
I WAS sitting on a wall, listening on my transistor radio to what rather predictably turned out to be the closing stages of the Wimbledon men’s singles final. A short while later a jovial chap approached me, stating that the last he had heard was
Everyone at Meningitis UK/Meningitis Trust was touched to read that Charlotte Nott, five, who l ost her limbs to meningitis and septicaemia, has received prosthetic legs thanks to Oxford United and fans. Meningitis can strike with incredible speed
WE agree with Alan Kimber’s comment regarding planning notices in the Oxford Mail that appeared on July 17, above. The same has happened to Warren Crescent. Three yellow notices at the bottom of Warren Crescent so they can build on green space
THE debate about animal testing for medical research is a complex one. Many of us have probably used products that have been tested on animals. We are living in the 21st century and it is a time for change. Animals of different species react differently
FURTHER to the Oxford Mail last week, a 91-year-old, sadly, died after a heart procedure, an inquest is held; a servicemen’s remains are returned from Afghanistan, an inquest is held and yet, 10 years on, no inquest is required for the unexplained
THE story of Alice in Wonderland was brought to life in Christ Church Meadows with two performances by the Oxford University Dramatic Society. The society performed from Saturday to yesterday to crowds. Phoebe Hames, who played Alice, said: “We
A MAN found dead in an Oxford pub toilet had been there for more than 32 hours after a heroin overdose, an inquest heard. The body of Lee Cooper, of White Hart Mews, Chipping Norton, was found in a cubicle in the men’s toilets of the Jericho Tavern
An 18-year-old woman was overpowered and sexually assaulted by a stranger in the Langford area. The woman was attacked in London Road at about 3.30am on Sunday by a white man aged about 25, slim and short. Investigating officer Det Con Mike
THE birth of the Prince of Cambridge was celebrated across Oxfordshire yesterday. Six of the eight bells at St Giles’ Church, Oxford, were rung at 8.45am to celebrate and the birth was officially announced in the city centre by Oxford’s town crier
Two men remained in hospital yesterday with serious injuries after a crash on the A420. Emergency services were called to the road, at Tubney near Kingston Bagpuize, at about 2.20pm on Monday. The collision involved a black BMW car and a silver
A report into the nursery suspended by Ofsted is expected next week. The Co-operative Childcare in Blackbird Leys was shut last week because of child safety concerns and the provider has refused to release details about the concerns and staff suspensions
THESE three boys born within a few hours of the birth of our future king are all princes in their mums’ eyes. Little Charles Rodley, John Robert Wood and Bailey Bishop-Barrett were just three of the 12 boys born on Monday alongside 12 girls – the
Sir — On Saturday, July 6, the 16.31 Oxford to Paddington train was so full when it left Oxford that it would probably have made the top ten overcrowded trains of all time. Once again, the rail companies have failed to understand both the shifting
Sir — Everyone, or almost everyone, in Oxford is delighted that at long last there will be a John Lewis store in the Westgate centre. On the financial front, there is a bit of a puzzle. The Labour administration have set aside £3.3m or so for ‘
Sir — In my youth I thought nothing of walking around Oxford for hours and carrying all my shopping back to the bus stop. In those days there were buses that ran through the city centre and you could get from Kidlington to Headington without having
Sir — Planners need to revisit and think this matter through! The proposed new Westgate car park has no more parking spaces than the present facility, which is a very tight fit for present cars. More shops, equal more people, more cars and
Sir – After years of planning, Westgate risks being a 20th-century development, arriving just too late for 21st-century Oxford. The city could end up creating more shopping space for large retailers, just as most of their sales are moving online
Sir – In your leader (July 11) on the proposed independent review of the Castle Mill development you say ‘Many will be cheered by the composition of the working group, largely made up of opponents of the scheme and representatives of the city’s
Sir – I like the student flats being built in Roger Dudman Way. They are smart and well set out. From the Walton Well Bridge side, the project promises a sense of style and elegance when completed. The impact on the Port Meadow side does, however
Sir – Geoffrey Fouquet is perfectly correct in his appraisal of the proposed new Science Oxford building on New Road (Letters, July 4). It is an appalling building which will disfigure the road and as well as the loss of the magnificent Register Office
Sir – Ralph Ingham-Johnson suggests (Letters, July 11) testing the proposed Shores Green junction upgrade, on the A40 east of Witney, by crossing over the A40 on the existing farm bridge to the east. Unconfident drivers, or those in small cars,
Sir – For 10 years I lived and worked in Oxford but in 2010 I left for a new academic post in Boston, USA. Last week, I returned for the first time and I have been re-acquainting myself with the city. The Oxford Times had been invaluable in helping
Sir – The garden city movement originally came about due to the concern over overcrowding of industrial cities and the re-population of the countryside. Simply buying up land and developing it with a few nice ‘to haves’ does not make it a garden city
Sir – Following the withdrawal of the county council’s defective minerals strategy, perhaps the council could explain why it pressed ahead when it was warned of these legal defects over a year ago at its own public meetings. The council’s solicitor
Sir – I have read with interest the article about fracking and local people’s fears about it (Report, July 4). It has been agreed internationally that a rise of two degrees Celsius in the global mean temperature could pose risks to human civilisation
JOHNNY Mullins says the success of his loan spell last season meant Oxford United were the only League Two club he would have wanted to join this summer. And the defender, who penned a three-year deal on Tuesday, admits being told he was not in Rotherham
VILLAGERS who rallied together to bring two “career criminals” to justice have been publicly commended for their quick-thinking actions. And the victim has praised the efforts of her neighbours who each played a part in catching the burglars.
OXFORD Brookes may have found a cure for freshers’ flu. It’s decision to adopt an American grade point average, which will rate how well students have done over the entirety of their degree, is an interesting experiment that could mean writing
IT is shaping up to be a glorious and memorable summer. We’ve had the Lions winning the rugby, Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon and the cricketers are marching on in what, until yesterday, had been a sweltering heatwave. And of course it has all
Sir – Kate Humble on the Australian Sheep Farm (BBC2, Friday, July 5) touched on the not inconsiderable issue of sustainability in the meat industry. The figures are quite staggering: half the world’s grain, soy and water supplies are fed to farmed
Sir – My experience in the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre recently for a hip replacement — the treatment and care I received was absolutely excellent — and the food was good if one felt well enough to enjoy it. All I can say about the NOC is wow!
Sir – Your correspondent, Tim Hughes (Weekend, July 11), reviewing Cornbury Festival, suggests that ‘You know that you’ve got things right as a festival organiser, when your regulars include the Prime Minister, Royalty and A-list celebs’. Nothing
Sir – Given his version of religious belief, it is kind of Daniel Emlyn-Jones (Letters, June 11) to suggest a prayer for me and my fellow atheists, but, as he says, it would be rather stupid to pray to something one does not believe in! Ken Weavers
Sir – I am grateful to Mr Emlyn-Jones for his concern for my soul. He offers a short prayer for we atheists to use on the basis that there might just be a God after all and that the safest bet is to indulge in some prayers, just for insurance purposes
Sir – Daniel Emlyn Jones (Letters, July 11) imagines that you can define something without reason. Let’s call it pure guesswork. Mr Weavers appears to think that positing the existence of a God can answer the question as to who or what made things
Sir – In response to Ken Weavers’ assertion (Letters, July 11): “Ultimately, atheism too, is a belief which cannot be proved.” I assert that he his wrong. Atheism is not a belief. One person believes, another doesn’t believe. The person who believes
A GROUP of key players in the fight against child sex exploitation - formed after the conviction of the Oxford paedophile ring - will hold a summit today. Policing and criminal justice minister Damian Green will address child protection experts
A BURGLAR with an “appalling” record said he broke into a house only because he wanted to go to prison. Michael Pope, of Sunnybank Avenue, Coventry, admitted stealing jewellery from a property in Arnolds Way, off Cumnor Hill, on June 18. Julian
NOW, are you paying attention, mummy? Little Hester Perry was among youngsters who got to take charge for the day when they showed off their tour guide skills. Pupils from Year Two at SS Philip and James’ Church of England Primary School, in
FOUR STARS Uncharacteristically crowd-pleasing opera has dominated the programme thus far at Opera Holland Park. It began with that favourite double bill of Cav and Pag and continued with Madama Butterfly. Something rather more unusual came third
Didcot did the double over Wallingford to stay top of Division 4. Simon Pritchard (73), Ian Demain (64) and Matt Jones (33) helped the visitors amass 241-9, despite the best efforts of Mark Carey (4-35). Carey (37) and Ian Harris (34) put up
