HUNDREDS of children from across the county have taken part in a parade through Oxford to mark the start of Oxford's first ever three-day celebration of Christmas festival. Lantern parade heralds start of three days of festivities
Since Jo Watkins opened Darn It and Stitch, in Blue Boar Street, off St Aldates, three years ago, it has become a magnet for anyone who loves needlework or knitting. It stocks hundreds of different yarns, knitting needles, patterns, zips, buttons
THE Main Road in Bladon is blocked after an accident involving two vehicles. There are reports that the Northbound road is blocked due to the collision at Lower Road. Automatic updates will be posted to our Live Traffic Service
MUSIC lovers wait patiently for the band to strike up. While others mingled in the background, they had already taken their seats for a concert by seven leading modern jazz musicians at the Carfax Assembly Rooms in Oxford in about 1960
It was a hot day as two shirtless men handled this huge bell, one of six, the largest weighing more than a ton, lowered from the tower of All Saints Church in 1983. The tower was undergoing a major overhaul and the bells were being taken away
Fifty years on from his death, the life of CS Lewis and his inspirational writing is still inspiring people from Oxford and beyond. Reg Little and Tom Burrows report Douglas Gresham FIFTY years ago, on the day the assassination
A NORTH Oxford pub which caters for foodies as well as real ale fans has reopened following a major refurbishment. The Anchor Inn, in Hayfield Road, has reopened after being taken over in June by an Oxford company which runs a number of cocktail
A 43-year-old woman has been charged after a train hit a car on the Sandy Lane rail crossing in Yarnton. Heather Bister, of Austin Drive, Banbury, appeared at Banbury Magistrates’ Court today. British Transport Police confirmed the woman had
SPORTSWOMAN Janette Cardy, who fought her way back to fitness after suffering a stroke at the age of 40, has told how she had to conquer a further last-minute injury to secure her place with Team GB at the World Aquathlon. An athlete since childhood
ICE skaters will perform a fairy tale Christmas show next month. More than 100 performers will take to the ice across one weekend and this year the show features international, national and local skating champions. The gala show will also include
KIDLINGTON Concert Brass is blowing its own trumpet, or cornet, after being promoted back into the brass band world’s competing ‘elite’ for 2014. The 27-strong band – which includes a nurse, an accountant, a hairdresser and a physicist — was demoted
IT has taken 10 years to complete and has even attracted the attention of the Queen. But St Michael and All Angel’s Church in Leafield, near Witney, has now been fitted with a new £300,000 roof. The leaking roof at the 153-year old church has
THE father of a teenager killed on the road was among speakers delivering a “hard hitting” safety message to 4,000 school pupils. Oxford High School student Olivia Jefferies, who was known as Livi, died instantly when the car she was driving veered
Sobell House is the final team to be shortlisted for the Hospital Hero award. Earlier this year, Donna Cassettari’s mother, Pamela Rodgers, passed away at Sobell House in Oxford after a nine-year battle with cancer. Mrs Cassettari, 52, has
There are delays on the A40 in West Oxfordshire after a crash just over the border in Gloucestershire. The busy route is closed both ways at Great Barrington, and the closure is affecting traffic between Witney and Northleach in Gloucestershire
GREENPEACE activist Phil Ball, who has been held in Russia for the past two months, has been granted bail, Greenpeace has said. Father-of-three Mr Ball, from Chipping Norton, was one of 28 activists and two journalists seized from their ship,
A SUMMER celebration of Oxfordshire’s art talent is to hold a pre-Christmas weekend of events for the first time. Oxfordshire Artweeks will showcase the work of 100 artists across as many venues on Saturday and Sunday. Every May more than 1,000
OXFORD United supporters and former Milk Cup- winning players will join forces for the Yellow Army’s Big Walk tomorrow. Former Manor Ground stars Les Phillips and Alan Judge will tomorrow unite with fans for a walk to the Kassam Stadium, before
Charlize Theron’s J’adorable gold choker. Rosie Huntington-Whitely and any of her near-naked lingerie sets. Keira Knightley in that white biker suit. We’re told all the time by feminists that we shouldn’t want to look like the women in the adverts
Apparently I've been missing a trick by never getting into I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here. People whose opinion I usually respect have been yabbing on about what great telly it is, thanks to those pocket-rockets Ant and Dec. I’ve always
It’s been a while since I had a candlelit soiree. There’s nothing better than a good homecooked meal with friends. Food brings people together and puts a smile on their faces. I planned a supper party last week, my debut since giving birth
Strictly fever has gripped the nation again. And of course it’s taken us all completely by storm, what’s not to love? It’s certainly compulsive viewing for most people I know. Last week I spotted a middle-aged man totally absorbed in the Strictly
A man has been ordered to give up more than £30,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Police said a raid on Gareth Dodd’s home in Yarnton, in December 2011 under the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered cannabis, MDMA, an air rifle, and £30,090 cash.
ITS colours represent equality, peace and truth. And yesterday, more than 300 pupils at St Joseph’s School off Headley Way, Oxford, wore the colours of the Phillippines flag, right, – red, blue white and yellow – to raise money for the victims
TARA Nickfarjam (North Oxford) and Charlie Ferrett (Virgin Active) won the county’s Mini Red tournament. Nickfarjam (North Oxford) defeated Patrisia Radan (Bicester) 10-7 in the deciding match, while Ferrett, who was playing on home turf, beat
OXFORD Sports inflicted an 8-0 whitewash away at Oxford City to take the lead in Ladies’ Division 1 of the Thames Valley Winter League. Witney top Division 2 after they won 8-0 against Goring and previous leaders Woodstock B were beaten 6-2 at
You may recall that campaigning organisation The Pig Idea launched a bid in June this year to change European law to allow smallholders and hobby pig-keepers to feed kitchen waste to their animals. The idea met with resistance from major players
Bang! I never thought I would say this but right now I wouldn’t mind being Richard Hammond. It has nothing to do with his fast cars (though I wouldn’t complain if he gave me one). it is his new show on the BBC about the universe! I am a “see it, touch
Our beloved dog, Toby, views our garden as his territory to be guarded from enemy invasion at all times. So when a neighbour’s cat had the nerve to pay a visit recently, a noisy battle of meowing and barking erupted. The cat, of course, was the
Did anyone else see Helen Mirren’s appearance at the Evening Standard Awards this week where she picked up a gong for The Audience? I was astounded on Monday morning to see the front page of most papers and realise here is a woman touching seventy
At a small gathering of friends this week, conversation between myself and two other singletons focused on what constituted the perfect first date. Needless to say I suggested that there was no better psychological declaration than to share a plateful
When I was a child Advent calendars were magical things. The countdown to Christmas had begun and every day you got to open a little door to unveil a suitably festive illustration. Chatting to friends of a similar age – around 50 – we can all remember
One of the conversations between doctors and patients that doesn’t work well from either side often starts along the lines of: ‘So you think it is all in my head doctor?’ As a society, we still have a stigma about mental health. This means that talking
Mike Nicholson, the director of admissions at Oxford University, has this week admitted that in the past students had been accepted who, in his words, were ‘the rich and the thick’. On the surface, a surprising statement, if not a little brave.
Mired in mess? Crowded by clutter? Always losing your keys? You’re not the only one. But Christmas is coming – and with it the snowstorm of chaos and clutter. Before you have a panic attack, there is a coach to help you get your house – and mind
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people say to me: “I just don’t have the time to exercise”. Well, this really makes me angry! It’s like saying I don’t have the time to live longer and live healthily. Think of your wife or
The first public consultation into the Northern Gateway development was held at the Oxford Hotel, Wolvercote last night. Oxford City Council wants to build a business and science park, along with 200 homes, on 100 acres of land in North Oxford
The trial of two brothers accused of accepting “suspicious” metal from undercover police officers has been adjourned until Monday. Joey Smith, 24, of Adderbury, and Tommy Smith, 36, of Bloxham, deny seven charges of attempting to disguise, convert
WITH less than 24 hours notice, a team of personnel from RAF Brize Norton flew out to lead the Government’s aid effort in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. But Squadron leader David Blakemore – who captained the flight – said it was all
OXFORDSHIRE 3rd hit top form to thrash Isle of Wight 14-1 in their County Championship Division 6 South West clash. The rampant visitors beat Wiltshire 13-2 three weeks ago, and continued where they left off in a superb display. Leading 3-1
THE people of the Philippines have suffered terribly due to Typhoon Haiyan. But amidst the misery the world has reacted. And more quickly now due to the spread of technology. The people of the Philippines know they are not alone and ignored – so
DRIVERS are facing delays after branches from a tree fell onto the Oxford ring road and a car broke down nearby. One lane of the A4142 Eastern Bypass is closed in the eastbound direction between the A423 and A4158 after large branches from a tree
OXFORDSHIRE go for glory in the AEGON Winter County Cup this weekend. Both men and women’s teams are in action in Division 6A at the Gosling Tennis Centre, in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. The men, who name a strong squad, face Cumbria
OXFORDSHIRE Under 15s pulled off a thrilling victory over Berkshire at Eynsham to keep alive their hopes of reaching the National Shires League play-offs. Knowing nothing more than a win would do, the match went right to the wire with Oxon eventually
AN AMATEUR boxer charged with sexual activity with a child is due to go on trial next year. Clinton Townsend, of Field Assarts, near Leafield, is alleged to have breached a sexual offences prevention order on a number of occasions and a sexual
A meeting was held in Woodstock last night into the impact cuts are having on Oxfordshire’s rural community. Organised by Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, it was held at the Marlborough Enterprise Centre. Oxfordshire County Council has
Another man has been charged with violent disorder after a brawl in Gloucester Green in October last year. Mokhtar Bennagi, 23, of London Road, Headington, has been released on bail to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on December 6. Five
A LOCUM doctor accused of abusing his female patients played with a woman’s nipple ring while he examined her breasts, a tribunal heard. Dr Yenugula Srinivas is accused of “sexually motivated conduct” towards eleven female patients while he was
ONE of the most important things to organise as a university student is where you are going to live. But University of Oxford students took it to another level again this week by spending almost 24 hours camping outside an estate agents to guarantee
A FORKLIFT truck driver who used “excessive self defence” to disarm a drunk man wielding a knife has avoided jail. Andrew Greenhough, of Weyland Road, Oxford, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Martin East on June 4 this year. The 32-
A LORRY driver accused of not securing a chain which may have fatally sliced through another vehicle has given evidence in Oxford Crown Court. Christopher Watson took the stand yesterday and told a jury the chains on the back of his flat bed lorry
‘The Prime Minister is coming to Oxford tomorrow on an unannounced visit! He’s not giving any interviews to the media in London or in Oxford for the whole day; but Number Ten just rang me and said the PM had a spare half hour and asked if BBC Radio
SO the power company EDF is raising its prices by less than its competitors. EDF is a nationalised company – France. I think that favours the case for re-nationalisation of all our utilities, gas, water, electricity. Some hope with the clowns we
YOU’D need the hide of a rhinoceros not to sympathise with Jane Cox, right, and other Northway protesters who oppose the Barton West development. For many years Northway overcame its many disadvantages, ie its lack of shops and distance from the city
CHINNOR head coach Matt Goode says his side must improve their away form if they are to achieve their goal of a top-four finish in National 2 South. Goode’s men host Southend tomorrow, looking to get back on track after a 22-20 defeat at Launceston
Drivers are again facing delays on the A34 this weekend due to maintenance work and the transport of a huge transformer from Didcot Power Station. The southbound carriageway will be blocked from 7pm tonight as the last of three 600-tonne transformers
WHEN indie music ruled Britain they were at the top of the pile, living the life of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll. So when the singer for Oxford legends Ride and Alan McGee – the man who made the band famous – met again yesterday, they had some tales
OXFORD’S music community has welcomed the prospect of a new 1,000-seat concert hall for the city. It comes after the first phase of the £16m music development which will culminate in the construction of the concert hall has been approved. St
SKRILL NORTH Mike Ford could turn to a mixture of youth and experience as Oxford City look to recover from last week’s disappointing FA Carlsberg Trophy defeat when they visit Guiseley tomorrow, writes MATTHEW BRUCE. City’s manager has recalled
CALOR LEAGUE Banbury United manager Edwin Stein praised returning midfielder Albi Skendi ahead of his side’s bid for a fourth successive win as Poole Town visit Spencer Stadium in the Premier Division tomorrow, writes MATTHEW BRUCE. Skendi
UHLSPORT HELLENIC LEAGUE Top-scorer Anaclet Odhiambo returns from a one-match suspension as leaders AFC Hinksey entertain Penn & Tylers Green in Division 1 East at Abingdon Town tomorrow. Winger Jelroy Constant is back from injury after
SATURDAY FOOTBALL SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Morecambe. SKRILL NORTH Guiseley v Oxford City. CALOR LEAGUE Premier Div: Banbury Utd v Poole Tn. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn v Merthyr Tn, Yate Tn v North Leigh
A 28-year-old man from Oxford has been released on bail following an assault outside the Randolph Hotel. The victim, a bus driver, was treated by paramedics on Wednesday night and taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital. Details of his injuries are not
A WOMAN died after jumping off a bridge over the A40 and was struck by two vehicles, an inquest in Oxford heard yesterday. Samantha Aris, of Littleworth Park, Littleworth, Oxford, suffered multiple injuries in the incident at Holton Bridge, near
WHILE accepting that all good things come to an end, I feel that introducing parking charges at Water Eaton park-and-ride on November 11 – Armistice Day – was in somewhat bad taste. Worse still was to subject motorists into using a parking meter that
I am writing concerning the Doric development in Botley. Your report (November 12) that the directors of Doric have also developed shopping complexes in Madrid, Zaragoza and Fulham Broadway has come as a surprise to me. At their presentations in
WE are shocked at the short-sighted proposals by Oxfordshire County Council to make further cuts to rural public transport services in Oxfordshire. The county council currently only spends around two per cent of its highways and transport budget
I HAVE only just realised what a remarkable and incredible country and county, run by equally remarkable and incredible politicians, we live in. It appears to be a foregone conclusion that HS2 will go ahead costing at least £40bn, David Cameron
BACK in August I wrote a letter complaining about Oxfordshire County Council giving £10m to BT so as to improve broadband in Oxfordshire while BT were spending millions on their new television sports channels and that they were wrong to do so. In fact
OXFORD United are facing the prospect of clocking up more than 1,200 miles in ten days after their FA Cup tie at Gateshead was rearranged. After Wednesday night’s first round reply was washed out an hour before kick-off, the U’s will again make
LONDON Welsh head coach Justin Burnell has urged his side to be more adaptable as they continue their Greene King IPA Championship promotion push. Although Welsh made it eight league wins from eight by beating Ealing 28-0 at the Kassam Stadium
A MAN in his 50s from the Abingdon area has died after the Porsche he was driving and a lorry collided yesterday. The lorry driver, a 59-year-old from Kent, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on
RYAN Williams is hoping recent performances have proven his worth at Oxford United to earn an extended run in the side. The winger, on loan from Fulham, took time to find his feet, but is becoming increasingly influential. Against Gateshead
ANDY Melville believes having a settled back four has been fundamental to Oxford United’s excellent defensive record this season. While the squad has been hit hard with injuries this season, with the exception of Jake Wright the defensive areas
A 72-year-old died after a three-car crash in Broughton yesterday. The Banbury pensioner died on the A361 Bloxham Road in Broughton when the Toyota Prius he was a passenger in was involved in a collision with a Land Rover Discovery and a Vauxhall
ASA Hall is keen to clear up where his future lies as the midfielder looks to prolong his stay at Oxford United. The 26-year-old’s loan deal expires on New Year’s Day, but he does not want a return to parent club Shrewsbury Town. Hall has featured
South African Open OXFORDSHIRE’S Eddie Pepperell will have to work hard to make the cut after a disappointing opening round at Glendower. Pepperell, from Abingdon, carded a one-over-par 73 to leave him joint 87th and nine shots off the lead
A PREDICTED shortfall of £200m faced by one of the county’s health organisations by 2020 will be “impossible to bridge” it has been claimed. Last night Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said he would try to secure a debate in the House of Commons about
A NUMBER of roads in Oxford are closed today and during the weekend's Christmas Light Festival. Lantern parade heralds start of three days of festivities Closed from 7pm last night until 6am Monday: St Giles Woodstock Road from the
THE anxious family of Greenpeace activist Phil Ball, who has been held in Russia for the past two months, will today learn whether he has been granted bail. Father-of-three Mr Ball, from Chipping Norton, was one of 28 activists and two journalists
A MAN who claimed police planted drugs on him has been found guilty of possessing £380 worth of crack cocaine. Theodore Tyrell, 22, was found guilty of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply on Wednesday, following a three day trial
FORGET about the small versions containing chocolate. A special community Advent calendar is set to make a big impact in Blackbird Leys. Church-goers and estate residents have been working on creating a nativity scene at the Church Of The Holy
A BIN set on fire at the base of an Abingdon multi-storey car park destroyed electrical equipment and caused £8,000 worth of damage, it has emerged. The lift and lighting on levels two and three of the Charter car park were still not working on
ANY of the beancounters who will sometimes put pounds ahead of patients should read Rachel Aldridge’s comments today. Ms Aldridge was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year and it has since spread to her liver. She has been told it is incurable.
MAJOR projects on two of Oxford’s estates could be among the recipients for grant cash from the county council next week. Officers at the council have recommended Wood Farm Youth Centre is given £900 for IT equipment and a games console and that
ILLEGAL parking in Wantage has prompted calls for Oxfordshire County Council to bring in additional parking attendants. Drivers are repeatedly flouting yellow lines on Wallingford Street and Newbury Street in the town centre. Wantage Town Council
A CANCER patient hopes a new form of radiotherapy could prolong her life with her four children. Rachel Aldridge, 45, was diagnosed with bowel cancer – the UK’s second biggest cancer killer – in April last year and it has since spread to the liver
