A Great Britain crew, which includes three members with Oxfordshire connections, successfully defended their World Championship para-rowing mixed coxed four title at Chungju, South Korea. Henley duo Oliver Hester, who rows for the town’s Leander
MANY consider it a secret society shrouded in mystery, but Oxfordshire’s Masons say nothing could be further from the truth. While many of the society’s practices – such as its famous secret handshake – are destined to remain undisclosed, the Oxfordshire
A group of Oxford residents want to tackle the city’s housing supply problem head on. In order to lower their bills, they want to set up a “co-housing”, communal estate. Each resident would have their own front door, but they would share a dining
THE Rock Doctors were the star attraction at a party in the Highwayman Hotel in Kidlington on Sunday night. Funds from the party – £180 so far – were raised for Kidlington Girl Guides, which encourages girls to get involved in anything from adventure
SIX-YEAR-OLD Oliver Soulman enjoyed a free trip with his teddy bear on a steam powered train. Each youngster with a teddy got a free trip on a Great Western Railway Pannier Tank locomotive at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor
AN afternoon of military colour with music, singing and dancing took place on Sunday in aid of The Soldiers’ Charity. The event was held at Waterperry Gardens and included music from the Scots Guards Association pipes and drums and the Abingdon Military
THE SOUND of a farmer’s whistle could be heard across Wytham on Monday as sheep dog trials descended on the village. More than 50 farmers and their dogs from across the country came to the North Berkshire Sheep Dogs Trials Association event at
FOUR-year-old Freya Alsworth proudly showed off the butterfly painted on her face at the Wootton and Dry Sandford Community Centre fun day. Freya, from Wootton, said: “I loved my butterfly and kept it on all day.” The fun day on Bank Holiday Monday
I LOVED seeing the picture with my portrait of ‘Queen Jean’ recently, above. The ‘Faces and Places’ workshops being run have seen all ages, including grand-parents, parents and children, create some lovely and diverse images of this area. (I had
WITHOUT, for the moment, wishing to enter into the pros and cons of the first-past-the-post system versus various forms of proportional representation, it so happens that Dr Caroline Lucas, pictured, representing some of ‘eccentric’ Brighton, is our
GRAHAM Butler (Letters, August 26) rightly expresses outrage at Archbishop Justin Welby’s refusal to accept the role of vice-patron of the RSPCA, but this should come as no surprise. The Archbishop is merely supporting his fellow Old Etonians,
As the end of the results season approaches, I would like to congratulate all those students who have successfully passed an examination this summer. Although we hear the most about A-levels and GCSE pass rates, there are many other qualifications
I’m astonished that, at a time when the Liberal Democrat/Conservative Coalition Government is forcing local councils to make massive cuts in essential services, the local Liberal Democrats should be urging even more cuts in order to bring back a bureaucratic
JUST a short line to Mr Glyn Limmer (Letters, August 22). I am not an anti-smoker or in fact an ex-smoker. I just don’t think people should be allowed to pollute the air where sick people are being treated – not too unreasonable methinks. If
I am writing concerning Glyn Limmer’s recent letter about smoking. I have never smoked and am anti-smoking. I do have a life – which is more than you can say for those who have died of smoking-related diseases. Also smokers don’t just die,
VOTERS in Didcot are facing another by-election after town councillor Jane Murphy was ordered to leave after failing to attend meetings for the past six months. Mrs Murphy, a town councillor for six years, last attended a council meeting in February
OXFORD University can hold rather revealing conferences... but not often to this extent. Jesus College played host to a corset conference, with corset makers, models and enthusiasts gathered to share top tips and show off their laced-up wares.
YOUNG criminals in Oxford have turned to art in a bid to give something back to community. Eight young people finished a three-week programme run by Oxfordshire County Council on Friday that has seen them make and sell artwork, giving profits to
BOSSES at superstore Morrisons could switch to another town instead of Wallingford after district councillors imposed planning conditions on the chain’s bid to open a foodstore. Town mayor Bernard Stone is warning that Morrisons executives are
The welcome refurbishment that is soon to be carried out by owner Peter Borg-Neal at the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Abingdon was discussed in Gray Matter earlier in the year. It was also the subject of a fascinating background article by my colleague
LOLLIPOP lady Karen Edwards could save your life one day. The 54-year-old grandmother of six is among 12 people who have been trained to rescue people from floods. On Saturday members of Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue (OXSAR) had a top-up
WHATEVER you think of Oxford City Council, it would be hard to deny it’s serious about tackling homelessness. To spend £10 million on anything in the middle of the seemingly endless economic crisis is impressive. And that is on top of a noteworthy
Congratulations to the Ashmolean. It’s remarkable that after just two months the museum’s latest fundraising appeal is the second most successful in its history. Although there have been a number of large donations from wealthy benefactors, the
An Oxford film maker is looking for people who saw the ska group Symarip in the late 60s and early 70s for a new film. Sharon Woodward, a fan of the group, is a director specialising in local heritage, who recently made a documentary about her
Parents have been urged to vaccinate their children against measles ahead of the new school year. There were six reported cases in Oxfordshire last year and one so far this year. But there has been a recent rise in the number of cases nationally
A free multi-sports session is being held for young people in Rose Hill tomorrow. Those aged 15 to 21 can pick up tips from an Oxford Hoops Basketball Club coach, test their fitness through drills and circuits and play football. The session
PERFORMER Amanda Saville thrilled crowds at the Uffington White Horse Show as she raced between stakes of fire in a chariot. The display was one of several at the annual show in Fawler Road, Uffington, on Sunday and Monday. About 7,000 people
CROPREDY: A red tractor was stolen by a burglar who forced open a padlock to break into a barn. The crime happened in School Lane between 5pm last Wednesday and 12.30pm on Saturday. Call police on 101 with information.
BANBURY: A bag, mobile phone and sat nav were all stolen from a car by a thief who smashed the front passenger window. The purple Ford Fiesta was broken into in Concord Avenue between 2.45pm and 4.50pm on Friday. Call police on 101 with information
A MAN spotted dumping about 30 signal crayfish onto a road has been cautioned by police. He was seen by an off-duty officer at about 8pm on August 13, in Church Green, Witney. The 20-year-old from Witney admitted the offence and has been given
FORMER England star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff passed on tips to youngsters during a coaching week at Bloxham School. The ex-all rounder visited his Andrew Flintoff Cricket Academy where 5-12-year-olds also received wicket-keeping, speed, agility
Divisions 6-10 TIF Ali starred in East Oxford 2nd’s Division 7 top-two clash with Long Marston 2nd. Ali hit 116 as East Oxford raced to 302-6 from their 45 overs, with Atif Liaqat also notching 70. Ali and Liaqat were the pick of the bowlers
Division 5 OXFORD 3rd maintained their promotion bid by dominating their draw with fellow contenders Leighton Buzzard 2nd. Adam Hall scored 105no and Alf Symons added 62 in Oxford’s 230-7. Then Callaem Biel collected 7-60 as Town were restricted
UNDER 17 BOYS OXFORDSHIRE ended their campaign with an encouraging first-innings defeat away to Sussex Under 17s at Blackstone. The four-wicket loss came after Sussex beat Oxon by 230 runs in a one-day match at the start of the season.
CAULCOTT: Cigarettes, cash and keys were taken by a burglar who raided a house in South Street. The crime happened between 8.30pm on Thursday and 9.30pm on Friday. Police asked witnesses to call 101.
FARINGDON: A third suspect has been released on bail after armed police were called to a housing estate on Sunday. The 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs, assisting an offender and criminal damage, after the incident
UNDER 13 GIRLS OXFORDSHIRE enjoyed three victories during a successful Malvern Festival, which featured some superb individual efforts. First up, Oxon defeated Essex by nine wickets, with Lucy Thomas hitting 95 not out. Essex were restricted
SUMO wrestling, jousting, fairground rides, and plenty of cupcakes were on the menu at the first Littlemore Fair. The bank holiday fun day at The George pub in Sandford Road on Monday has been booked in again for the same time next year. Rania
Division 3 HORSPATH 2nd’s promotion hopes were dented by former England opening bowler Darren Gough, who has been turning out for Dinton 2nd. Gough hit 58 in Dinton’s 271-5 declared from 42.4 overs. The match then came to a thrilling climax
KIDLINGTON: Someone tried to force their way into a van using a screwdriver. The white Mercedes Sprinter was targeted in The Moors betwen 5pm on Thursday and 8am on Friday. Police asked witnesses or anyone with information to call 101.
Division 4 MATTHEW Warner took 6-47 to dismiss Horley for 145 and clinch a 33-run win for Kingston Bagpuize. Earlier he had top-scored with 38 and Martin Shepherd had hit 35 in the Baggies’ 178-7, during which Dave Eaton claimed 4-52. The
MATCH OF THE DAY THE Division 4 title race will almost certainly go down to the final weekend of the season after second-placed Great & Little Tew 2nd thrashed leaders Didcot. The South Oxon side would have been crowned champions if they
OXFORD: A 24-year-old has been ordered to do 200 hours of community work after admitting driving dangerously. Ayaz Shaukat, of Normandy Crescent, admitted driving his red Honda Civic dangerously in Botley Road on Sunday, May 26. He appeared
OXFORD: The UK Independence Party will not field a candidate in the North ward by-election next month, after failing to get enough people to nominate one. The deadline to register as a candidate for the election on September 19 was Thursday, but
GRAFFITI often divides opinion, and a new piece painted on the front of Clems nightclub in St Clement’s Street, Oxford, is no different. City councillor Graham Jones said he had received six complaints from people since it was created last week
CRICKET-MAD Dave Dowling has arranged a charity match to raise funds for cancer care after winning his fight with the killer disease. The 46-year-old, who lives in Greater Leys, Oxford, is back to health after undergoing surgery for bowel and colon
THE future of an Oxford pub is still uncertain after plans to build three homes on its car park were approved. Oxford City Council has approved proposals for three and four-bedroom homes on the car park of the Crown and Thistle in Old Road, Headington
HE WAS born in Tanzania, his first language is Dutch and he was living in Kuwait when it was invaded by Iraq in 1990. But his love of his adopted home town Faringdon has earned him the British Empire Medal. Titus Anno Sjoerd Vogt, 56, has dedicated
UNDER 16 BOYS OXFORDSHIRE cruised to an eight-wicket win away to Shropshire in their final warm-up match before the Jersey Festival at Shrewsbury. The hosts won the toss and opted to bat, but they were quickly in trouble as Tom Costley and
Oxford City & County Ladies pipped Didcot 71-68 to claim a place in the National Top Club quarter-finals at Royal Leamington Spa on Saturday, September 14. City & County, who were national champions in 2008, suffered defeats in the singles
Headington's Gary May saw his run in the Two Wood Singles Championship come to an end in the last 16 with a 16-9 defeat by Ben Render (Nafferton, Yorkshire) at Worthing. He had reached the third round by beating Wootton Bassett’s Dave Snell 17-
Oxfordshire Senior League Oxford University Press’s Marlon James was sent off in their Premier Division clash after an incident which left Launton Sports’s Denny Bishop with bite marks on a shoulder. The flashpoint came after 75 minutes of
A KILLER was found dead in his prison cell the day he was due to arrange a parole meeting for his freedom. George Ireland, 56, died of natural causes in Bullingdon Prison, near Bicester, an inquest at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court heard yesterday
THEIR eyes first met on Valentine’s Day in an Oxford classroom during the Second World War. Today, Peter and Diana Humphries celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Mrs Humphries, 86, said: “I’m somewhat amazed it’s been 65 years. “When
Division 2 CUMNOR are promoted to the top flight after winning at Challow & Childrey by seven wickets. The home side posted a competitive 199-8, thanks principally to Aussie Luke Stutter’s 58. Adam Cook claimed 3-52 and then led the
West Witney caused a major shock by ending Headington A’s bid for a fourth successive Oxford & District League Cup triumph with a 70-62 win in the semi-finals at South Oxford. An impressive start was key to West Witney’s success as they sprinted
Carterton and Headington have two sides apiece through to the Summertown Trophy finals day at Banbury Chestnuts on Sunday, September 8. Carterton A topped Division 1, while the B team finished runners-up in Division 2. Headington A went through
Headington’s Howard Watts snatched the Hawker Cup from Banbury Borough’s grasp with a dramatic last bowl for a 42-41 win in the final at Oxford City & County. Borough led 41-39 with one end to play on each rink in the Oxfordshire Bowling Association
Witney Town BC held a successful open day to celebrate receiving a £50,000 grant from Sport England to build their new pavilion on The Leys.
Hagbourne's John Heapy was a member of the Berkshire team, which won the Middleton Cup for the first time since 1982 with a 115-105 victory over Devon in the final at Worthing. He played at No 3 in Robert Newman’s rink, which won 18-14 against
Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon holds his annual open day on Saturday, September 21 (10am). There will be an outdoor schooling session an hour later followed by a parade of his horses.
BANBURY: Thieves broke in to a hairdressers through the roof to steal £7,000 worth of products. A skylight on Hair Concepts in Marlborough Road was wrenched off with a tool during the break-in just before 9pm on Friday. Police spokesman Michelle
A CRITICAL report has finally been published into why emergency abdominal surgery was scrapped at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury. It reveals that the number of patients suffering serious complications with gall bladder surgery at the hospital
Division 1 RICHARD Beer was the toast of Oxford Downs, who edged closer to avoiding the drop after enjoying the better of a draw at Shipton-under-Wychwood. Beer battered 77 not out in Downs’ 223-8, which also included handy contributions from
A 40-year-old man yesterday admitted burgling a house in Bullingdon Road, Oxford. Raul Ascencao, of Barnes Road, Oxford, stole an Apple MacBook Pro, iPad and cash in the June break in. Ascencao was convicted on August 9 of another burglary,
A member of the Royal Logistic Corps yesterday pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court to affray. Lance Corporal Stephen Bradley, 29, of Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, admitted the offence, which happened on April 30. He was granted unconditional bail
MAY the straws be with you. This Luke Skywalker scarecrow made by six-year-old Daniel Richardson and his brother Christopher came third in a summer holiday scarecrow making competition. Daniel said: “We love Star Wars so we made a Luke Skywalker
OXFORD City Council wants to spend £10m buying houses for the homeless. It currently houses abut 120 separate people or families in temporary accommodation such as bed and breakfasts. But it fears that figure may rise because of Government
STAFF at the Toni & Guy hairdressers in Oxford were left “heart-broken” after a fire damaged the shop. The salon at 21 George Street could be closed for several weeks after the front of the shop was damaged by the blaze. Staff at the shop
SAM Hollingshead realised a dream when taking all ten wickets for Tiddington in the Cherwell League. But he admitted his feat was slightly dampened by still finishing on the losing side. The 24-year-old seamer finished with figures of 10-65
FROM today, you need no longer worry if you don’t know what a fauxhawk, selfie or food baby is. Oxford University Press has announced that they are among new words which are being added to its world-famous dictionary. The Walton Street company
A 32-year-old man was headbutted and kicked and punched by a stranger in a city-centre attack. The assault happened at 2.45am on Saturday in Queen Street near the Crabtree and Evelyn store close to Carfax. The victim suffered a cut to his forehead
CRICKETERS B confirmed their position as top dogs by sealing the Greene King Oxford & District League Premier Section title with a 2-1 win at New Club A, writes ANDY BEAL. The leaders did not have it all their own way, though, losing the opening
OXFORD’S Ashmolean Museum is celebrating its second most successful annual appeal ever as the total nears the £100,000 mark. So far £97,000 has been raised by the museum’s birthday appeal, which was only launched in June to celebrate the museum
GREENE KING OXFORD & DISTRICT LEAGUE Premier/Section 1: Vikings Sports B 2, Red Lion A Eynsham 1; Three Pigeons 3, Garsington Sports A 0; Six Bells C Kidlington 1, Gladiators A 2; Red Lion B Eynsham 2, Ampleforth Arms A 1; New Club A 1, Cricketers
