Archive

  • Blood donor sessions

    People will be able to give blood across the county next week. Donor sessions will take place on Tuesday, July 30 at Abingdon United FC from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 4.15pm to 7.30pm, and Faringdon Corn Exchange (1.15pm to 4pm and 4.45pm to 7.15pm)

  • Cycling sessions for disabled young people

    YOUNG people with disabilities will be able to try out cycling on specially adapted bikes. The Wheels for All sessions will take place at Witney Artificial Turf Pitch in Gordon Way from Sunday, August 4 between 10am and 1pm. The Oxfordshire

  • Hoax callers warned of prosecution risk

    The ambulance service has warned people against making hoax calls. In the first six months of the year, 171 hoax calls were made across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. South Central Ambulance Service spokesman James Keating-Wilkes said: “We always

  • Ofsted praise for nursery

    SANDHILLS Pre-School Playgroup in Oxford has been praised for the work it does with children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language. Ofsted inspectors judged the pre-school was now good, an improvement on its previous

  • Theatre leader retires after 23 years

    WHEN Euton Daley joined Pegasus Theatre in 1990 he had no idea he would remain there for the next 23 years. Mr Daley – who lives in Cowley with his wife Yasmin Sidhwa (who is head of creative learning at the theatre) and their three children Kema

  • Karate master visits special school

    CHILDREN learning the finer points of karate at Mabel Prichard Special School, in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, had a visit from an expert. British karate champion John Gardiner gave a display to the youngsters, who have been studying karate since January

  • Cars leave verges for 200 spaces in station car park

    PARKING may be a lot easier at Hanborough railway station with the new spaces, but it is safety that is the key step forward, according to county council leader Ian Hudspeth. Mr Hudspeth cut the ribbon to officially open the £435,000 extension

  • What's your favourite Oxfordshire church?

    THEY lead high pressure, hectic lives and moments of solemn contemplation must be few and far between. So Oxfordshire’s splendid array of churches are a welcome respite for Prime Minister David Cameron and BBC Trust chairman Lord Patten. Now

  • 'Lift veil of secrecy which protects blue chip phone hackers'

    OXFORD West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood has said she cannot understand why a report linking blue chip companies to phone hacking was not raised when the Leveson Inquiry was set up. Miss Blackwood is a member of the Commons Home Affairs Committee

  • How to get good in beds

    For gardener and foodie Holly Farrell there’s nothing nicer than picking a fresh, sun-warmed strawberry from her garden. “I grow things that are expensive in the shops and things you can’t beat getting fresh,” said Holly, 31, who lives near Wallingford

  • Food waste ban is costing pig farms and forests dear

    The launch of a new campaign promoting the use of food waste to feed pigs brought back some happy childhood memories. The Pig Idea, being masterminded by food waste expert Tristam Stuart with chef Thomasina Miers, wants to lift the ban on feeding

  • Bring me sunshine

    The sun is out and sales of sun cream are sky high, but is it really that bright to smother yourself in cream and cover up any time you venture out? Like most things in life, the answer is about balance and it seems that we are overdosing on ‘sun

  • When obsession takes over

    “At least with OCD you must have a clean and tidy house,” I once remarked flippantly to a sufferer of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Their withering look and my subsequent research brought home just how crass a statement that was. It’s become

  • My sole-searching secrets? Sorry but they’re classified

    You know the telltale signs: rapid breathing, tension in the fingertips, inexplicable rage. These are all symptoms of the discount demon. As you watch another woman walk away with the last marked-down dress in your size, a voice inside spitefully

  • The Cruella look nailed

    You’re lucky to be reading this because until yesterday, I could barely type. In the pursuit of questionable beauty I visited Strand on New Inn Hall Street, Oxford to have gel nails applied. You know, the ridiculously long ones, currently being

  • Guided by the girls of the age

    It may be more than 100 years old but what has been dubbed the “ultimate feminist organisation” is keeping up with the times – and ruffling some feathers along the way. The Girl Guides – which has nearly 6,000 members (including Brownies and Rainbows

  • Dancing, cockles and muscling in on PM’s day out

    I never dreamt I would nearly fall at Prime Minister David Cameron’s feet! I had a close shave with his ministerial toes as I ran after him and his family at an Oxfordshire festival armed with a BBC microphone.  I put up a helluva chase as he strode

  • Sticky accessory helps me hold together

    There have always been a number of things I just can't leave the house without. Thankfully that list of essential items has, unlike my waistline, shrunk with age. When I was a Brownie it included a 2p piece to make an emergency phone call (even

  • Want that job? You need to talk like the animals

    Research shows that Oxfordshire locals are more likely to get a job than an equally qualified person with a Brummy accent. The idea that the way you speak can completely alter your chances in life is startling. Or is it? Language is one of the

  • Worth taking a trip online for currency choice

    Bagging a savvy deal on currency before you jet off to foreign parts means extra to splash out on cocktails once you get there. There’s more choice about now than ever, both in terms of where and how you buy your currency. Although it might seem

  • Lunch at breakfast is a key ingredient to healthier eating

    When aiming to be fitter and healthier, exercising is less than half the story. It plays a big part in losing weight and body fat, toning and building up muscle and increasing fitness levels. But if you get your diet wrong, you won’t see the benefits

  • Freshmen graduate in a tasty little business

    Ed Boyes and Patrick Drake are men on a mission . . . to change the way Oxonians cook and eat. “We want to reverse the trend away from ready meals and unhealthy convenience food, by making it easy and fun to cook delicious, nutritious meals at

  • When dads-to-be need to deliver

    While Prince William was, not surprisingly, present during the birth of his and Kate’s son (what, you didn’t know?), not all men are so helpful. Or strong-stomached. Indeed, some are so sensitive – or squeamish – they pass out at the critical moment

  • Inquest finds man died of drug and alcohol toxicity

    A WOMAN performed CPR to try and save her fiance, Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court heard. Debra Ferrer cried as she heard Nicholas Smith, 46, had died from drugs and alcohol toxicity, despite her attempts to save him. She told the inquest on Wednesday

  • Crash, bang, wallop... racing goes miniature

    IF you’re interested in crashing radio controlled cars, then a Bicester club is for you. The Bicester Banger Club meets regularly to race and crash their radio-controlled cars and are now looking for new members. Each competitor races their

  • Roadworks cause sleepless nights

    DRIVERS and residents are suffering from extra congestion in Didcot as lorries are re-routed through the town. Oxfordshire County Council is carrying out work on Manor Rail Bridge on the A4130. The diversion route in place is via Station Road

  • Fruits of the forest

    It’s a very curious sensation arriving in the New Forest from the M27. One moment we’re trundling along a noisy motorway. A split second later and we’re enveloped by forest. Within minutes we’re pony-spotting (very easy, as there are about 3,000

  • Former pitman paints for new stage show

    AN acclaimed National Theatre production will premiere in Oxford on Monday. The Pitmen Painters tells of a group of miners who hired a professor to teach them art in 1934. The show at the Oxford Playhouse features artwork from Dennis Day, a

  • Computer games: Taking obession right up to highest level

    Which computer games are impossible to stop playing no matter what the consequences may be? CLAIRE PULPHER finds out We’re all guilty of it. Putting off doing tasks because you’ve found something much better to do. For example, leaving the

  • Kenny Gold: Taking the helm at the Phoenix Picturehouse

    Gill Oliver talks to the new general manager of the Phoenix Picturehouse in Walton Street To its loyal fans, the Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho is more than a cinema, it’s a cherished part of the community So, hearing there’s a new general manager

  • Quad Talk: Am I happy to be back because I'm now an adult?

    JANE MESSINA is not sad in the slightest to be back in Oxford While riding the bus home from Gatwick after a beautiful week in Germany and Austria, I’m overcome with the strangest feeling: I’m not sad to be returning to Oxford. I’m not being facetious

  • First person - Keith Taylor: The fracking fight is starting

    Green MEP for Oxfordshire KEITH TAYLOR on the county’s fracking threat The fight against fracking in Oxfordshire is about to begin in earnest. The Government has announced tax breaks for corporations and compensation for communities as fracking

  • Kids get ready to rock for Oxjam

    THERE is barely a weekend over the summer without a music festival. But while most are aimed squarely at adults, one group of music-lovers is laying on a weekend of fun for a much younger audience. The team from Oxford’s O2 Academy are using their

  • Out & About: Keep on Truckin'

    Marc West meets the beautiful people at Truck festival, Steventon At a time when other small festivals have sold their soul or risk falling like flies, Truck is both the innovator and the survivor – inspiring the underlying theme of this year’s

  • Teen taste: getting to grips with HelloFresh.co.uk

    Teenager Angus Henderson expands his cookery skills with a DIY taste experience HelloFresh.co.uk encourages parents and children to cook together and delivers recipes and their ingredients direct to you at home. Angus Henderson tests three out

  • ANGLING: John's French carp coup

    John Bellinger, from Kidlington, enjoyed a cracking week’s carp fishing in France, landing six fish over 20lb, topped by a personal best of 42lb 7oz. He was in a group of eight anglers from the Six Bells AS in Kidlington, who fished Winton’s Carp

  • TENNIS: Oxon ladies gain promotion

    Oxfordshire's ladies bounced back to Aegon Summer County Cup Division 6 at the first attempt after finishing second in Divsion 7 at Felixstowe. The crucial match saw Oxon defeat South of Scotland 8-1 to secure the runners-up spot. Oxfordshire

  • Parking charge plan seeking public input

    Commuters have until Wednesday to have their say on changes to charges at the county council’s park and ride sites. The county council wants to introduce charges for short-stays from one to 11 hours and raise charges for long stays at Thornhill

  • TENNIS: North Oxford go top

    OXFORDSHIRE WILSON LEAGUE NORTH Oxford went top of Ladies’ Division 1 after defeating Oxford City 4-0. Previous leaders Virgin Active slipped to second thanks to a 2-2 draw with Wantage. Banbury’s 3-1 win away at Cholsey means they still

  • RUGBY UNION: Dark Blues in Biarritz challenge

    OXFORD University will prepare for their Varsity Match campaign with a two-week trip to France and Spain. After a week’s training in Oxford from September 2, the Dark Blues will be based in the Basque region where they will play two matches.

  • CRICKET: OCB move final from Rowant

    BERNARD TOLLETT OXFORDSHIRE CUP ASTON Rowant will no longer host the final, Oxfordshire Cricket Board secretary Peter O’Neill has confirmed. The match between Hors-path and either Great & Little Tew or Thame will take place on Sunday, September

  • CRICKET: Final ball drama as Cumnor edged out

    WILF BENNETT TROPHY OXFORD reached the final after a controversial three-wicket victory at Cumnor off the last ball. Set 161 for victory, holders Oxford needed one run to win from the final delivery. Adam Price swung and missed, while Cumnor

  • Water mains repaired

    Temporary lights are in place on a road in Steventon after a water main burst on a railway bridge on Wednesday afternoon. Engineers repaired the broken pipe overnight and on Thursday morning. After the engineers carried out an inspection, the

  • Eight bailed after police raids on suspected crime ring

    EIGHT people have now been released on bail after police raided addresses linked to suspected organised crime group. Cash, suspected cocaine and cannabis, and an imitation gun were seized after police executed warrants at five Oxfordshire addresses

  • Hospitals and care homes to get £1.5m for dementia care

    DEMENTIA patients in Oxfordshire will see their care homes and hospital wards refurbished thanks to a new £1.5m Government grant. Oxfordshire County Council is the largest recipient of the £50m new pilot fund, which was announced by the Department

  • RUGBY LEAGUE: Thompson targets play-off push

    KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE OXFORD RL captain Alex Thompson has urged his players to mount a big push for their final four matches. Thompson’s side visit Rochdale Hornets on Sunday after a week off, looking to maintain a promotion play-off

  • RUGBY LEAGUE: Griffin banned for brawl

    FORMER Oxford Cavaliers player Darrell Griffin has been suspended for two matches for his part in an on-field brawl. The Salford Reds prop, who hails from Witney, admitted the charge following a fracas in Friday’s 16-12 Super League victory over

  • Anger at new sports field homes bid

    DEVELOPERS hoping to build houses on sports fields next to the former Lord Nuffield Club have renewed their fight with two planning bids. Oxford City Council threw out plans for 43 homes on the site in William Morris Close earlier this year.

  • Smash driver injured

    A driver was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital after an accident on the M40 southbound yesterday morning. The driver crashed a silver Ford Fiesta into the central barrier at 5.17am between Junction 7 (Thame) and Junction 6 (Watlington).

  • OX5 Run raises a record £90,000

    This year’s OX5 Run has now raised a record £90,000 for patients at Oxford Children’s Hospital. The five-mile run, organised by the Oxford Mail, took place on Sunday, March 10 in the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. There were 959 runners

  • Families bowled over by charity fun day

    DESPITE her best efforts, Keira Palmer-Flynn admitted her little brother was better at bowling. The five-year-old, her four-year-old brother Callum and cousins Jack Wheal, four, and Brodie, five weeks, were enjoying a charity fun day at Blackbird

  • Former Oxfam anti-fraud chief denies £62k theft

    THE former head of counter fraud at Oxfam UK denied stealing more than £60,000 from the charity yesterday. Edward McKenzie-Green, 34, is accused of taking £62,857.58 while working in the aid organisation’s Cowley office in 2011. He is also accused

  • Shop death man named

    A man found dead in a Bicester tattoo shop has been named as Mariusz Michalak, 31, of Bletchley, near Milton Keynes. Police were called to Bicester Ink, in Dean’s Court, on Saturday after concerns were raised for the man’s welfare. Police said

  • Road penalties for A40 drivers

    A police operation on the A40 on Wednesday netted 17 offending drivers. Bicester roads policing team and Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) were on the A40 in the Witney area from 8am to noon. Two vehicles were seized for no insurance

  • Store raided for fourth time

    A SHOP has been terrorised by masked raiders for the second time this month and the fourth time in four years. Two men wearing balaclavas and brandishing crowbars entered the Co-op in Ferriston, Banbury, at 6am yesterday demanding staff open the

  • TV man died after pain relief drug overdose, an inquest heard

    A PRODUCER who filmed gritty reality TV shows about drugs and unemployment died after overdosing on strong painkiller, an inquest heard yesterday. Gordon Wilson, 47, worked most recently on Channel 4’s reality documentary Skint, set in Scunthorpe

  • U's fans again snap up all Pompey tickets

    Tickets for Oxford United’s opening day clash with Portsmouth have sold out – for the second time. After selling an initial 2,000 seats for Fratton Park, the club were given an additional allocation of 500. The final few were snapped up yesterday

  • FOOTBALL: City must build on derby romp

    OXFORD City boss Mike Ford has urged his players to use their 5-1 midweek thrashing of a young Oxford United side as a springboard when they host Wycombe Wanderers at Marsh Lane tonight (7.30). A double from Albi Skendi, who last night completed

  • FIXTURES July 27

    Saturday CRICKET SERIOUS CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Tring Park v Banbury. Div 2 West: Aston Rowant v Reading, Oxford v Great & Little Tew. CHERWELL LEAGUE Div 1: Banbury 2nd v Twyford, Leighton Buzzard Tn

  • Why has the opposite strategy been taken?

    Previously the county council have rigorously pursued a policy in Oxford to expand many current one form entry primary schools. The expansion in these schools has served to reduce school resources while doubling pupil intake. This action is opposite

  • Extracting more fossil fuel fills me with dread

    THE hope was that, as fossil fuels started to run out, and that what was left became more difficult to extract, their rising cost would bring about a reduction in their use. The recent announcements that new methods have been developed that make it

  • Cyclists are actually not allowed on footpaths

    When is something going to be done by the police and Cyclox about the illegal (Highways Act and Road Safety Act) practice of cycling on footpaths? Over the last few weeks, I have been sworn at twice by cyclists riding on footpaths because I didn

  • Road would have just added to congestion

    I have to disagree with Ralph Ingham-Johnson (“Shores Green project may work if all of A40 were dual carriageway”, July 18, above) as the CPRE are to be congratulated on stopping Oxfordshire County Council wasting taxpayers’ money on a pointless road

  • Zebra crossing plan approved

    PLANS for a new zebra crossing in Reading Road were approved by the county council yesterday. The crossing will cost £12,000 from developer contributions and is close to the junction with St Lucian’s Lane. It will improve safety for residents

  • Two treated after fire

    TWO adults were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation after a house fire in Thame. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blaze in Chowns Close at 3.06pm on Wednesday Two fire crews from Thame arrived on the scene in five

  • Harry Potter magic at Oxford college

    THERE was only one winner in this dual. Five-year-old Cordelia Scotter-Mainprize, from Iffley Fields, claimed the victory. She was at New College yesterday to walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter for the free Film Oxford annual tours.

  • Inquest into death of man found dead in flat

    An inquest has opened after a man was found dead at a flat. David Ridley, 28, was discovered in Croxford Gardens, Kidlington, on July 15. Police were called to the scene, but his death was not deemed suspicious and was handed over to the coroner

  • Taxi driver assaulted

    A taxi driver assaulted another driver in a spat over a fare collection point. At about 11am on Monday, July 15, a Hackney carriage driver pulled up at a taxi rank in Between Towns Road, Cowley, where a private hire vehicle not licensed to collect

  • Three face trial over sex attack on teen

    Three teenagers are due to appear at Oxford Crown Court today charged with sexual offences against a 14-year-old boy. They are Ghausel Tarakhail, 19, of Cowley Road, Oxford, Iztullah Qudrat, 18, of High Cross Way, Headington, and a 17-year-old

  • CRICKET: Oxford snap up Davies

    SERIOUS CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE OXFORD have signed Oxfordshire Academy wicket-keeper Jasper Davies to boost their Division 2 West promotion push. The Oxford Brookes University student goes straight into the side for tomorrow’s

  • CANOEING: Falcon secure place in nationals

    Falcon Kayak Club, Oxford, are celebrating after winning through to the national championship by taking the regional crown at the weekend. Their strong team of 50 paddlers, skippered by Nick Barnett, won the Southern Region Championship series

  • ROWING: City of Oxford duo strike gold

    City of Oxford’s young rowers enjoyed a spectacular weekend of success with a gold medal and two silvers in the national competition at Nottingham. Such was the high standard of performance from their 15 competing juniors, the club finished fourth

  • The last word goes to...

    A think tank has concluded that those children who often swap schools are less likely to excel academically. However, this may be partly attributable to the domestic and social difficulties which such pupils are more likely to experience in the

  • Officers missed two cars parked illegally

    I am sure I was not the only city resident incensed by the introduction of the administrative fee for residents’ parking permits but accepted it in good grace and with the belief it would assist in tighter enforcement of parking restrictions in my

  • Hunt: Oxford United have all the credentials for promotion

    DAVID Hunt knows all about getting out of League Two and the full back believes Oxford United are capable of “something special” this season. The 30-year-old has won promotion from the fourth tier with Crawley Town, Brentford and Northampton Town

  • We must all fight for our places, says Smalley

    Deane Smalley says no Oxford United players should feel sure of their place in the side for the start of the season as the striker aims to shine against Coventry City tomorrow. The Sky Blues’ visit to the Kassam Stadium will be the final opportunity

  • Bevans eyes fast track in Oxford United first-team

    MATT Bevans is hoping to make his stay in the new Oxford United development squad a short one as the full back targets a place in the first team. The 19-year-old is one of three youngsters, with Kenzer Lee and Josh Shama, signed this summer with

  • Early Oxford United games give Meades added incentive

    THE prospect of trips to Fratton Park and The Valley in the first week of Oxford United’s season has given Jon Meades added incentive to make a quick impact. The U’s begin their League Two campaign with a bang, visiting title favourites Portsmouth

  • COMMENT: Challenge is not cutting where it's most needed

    ARASH FATEMIAN is undoubtedly preparing the ground for some unpleasant financial news over coming months. By raising the prospect of increasing what Oxfordshire County Council charges for certain services or fines now, the county’s finance chief

  • COMMENT: £1.5m funding to combat dementia

    DEMENTIA is a subject many of us will subconsciously glide past, but the chances are it will touch many of our lives at some point. This is a growing issue in the county and across the country. The £1.5m funding from the Government has to be

  • Heath's Oxford United hopes ended by Mullins move

    MATT Heath has been released by Oxford United following the signing of Johnny Mullins. The 32-year-old had been on trial for most of pre-season, playing 45 minutes against Ardley United and Birmingham City. But with Mullins filling the vacant

  • James and the Giant Peach cast out on the town

    THIS is one giant peach found in Oxford’s Covered Market by the cast of a new production that brings a famous Roald Dahl tale to life. James and the Giant Peach is at the Oxford Playhouse today and tomorrow. Actor Tom Gillies, who plays James