HOMELESS and vulnerable Oxford residents could soon be getting some helpful advice on their legal rights as tenants. The idea is one of a raft of new schemes being planned by Oxford’s network of advice centres, thanks to £232,000 of National Lottery
THE natural beauty of Oxford’s waterways have inspired Matthew Arnold to write about the “stripling Thames” and J.R.R. Tolkien to conjure up the world of Middle Earth. But this picturesque landscape has given the city a rather unattractive problem
YES says Urban planner for Oxfordshire County Council Ben Hamilton-Baillie IFyou need a real bodice-ripper, try Joe Moran’s Crossing the Road in Britain, 1931-1976. The paper illustrates how much of our attitude towards pedestrian and traffic controls
MUMSNET Oxfordshire is looking for volunteers to help new parents support each other across the county. Because Oxfordshire is a large area, the group organises meetings for smaller groups across the county, rather than having one meeting in Oxford
SCIENTISTS could be one step closer to curing the common cold, polio and hand, foot and mouth disease thanks to equipment in Didcot. Diamond Light Source, at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, is the nation’s only synchrotron – a giant
A 1,500-HOME estate north of Charlton near Wantage will be put to councillors for a decision tomorrow night. The “Crab Hill” application will be put to a special meeting of Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee. If approved
6:30pm He says some of the proposals are "naive". 6:29pm Scott Seamons, the executive board member for housing, says the Greens "do not see the ambition for new build housing
RESIDENTS and businesses have raised traffic concerns over plans for an Aldi supermarket in Didcot. Six submissions have been sent to council planners over the scheme for a store in Lower Broadway on the site of a foam company warehouse. They
IT takes a whole lot of breath to play the rauschpfeife, a giant woodwind instument at Oxford University’s Bates Collection. But Sammy Ketland, four, from Edinburgh managed to play a convincing note at a half-term family activity day at the musical
A SUPPORT group for people losing their sight may have to close unless it can find volunteers. The Macular Society Abingdon group appealed for volunteers last May and has managed to stay afloat since. But it now says if it cannot find people
Some refer to the ‘magic of the Cup’, while others speak of the ‘romance of the Cup’. Whichever one you prefer the fact remains that there is something special about the FA Cup. This year there are a few possible fairytale stories left because
HARRY Potter star Emma Watson was taken ill while filming for upcoming 2014 film Noah after drinking stagnant water. The actor, who went to Dragon School, Oxford is reported to have said she was left “tired and delirious” from dehydration after
A MAN charged with murdering Oxford teenager Connor Tremble appeared before a judge today. William Blencowe is alleged to have killed Connor, 17, who was attacked on Thursday night at the flat where he was staying in Fairacres Road, Oxford.
FLOOD response equipment is being removed from Abingdon Road and Botley Road in central Oxford. The Fire and Rescue Service is today withdrawing the high-volume pumps currently stationed on Abingdon Road and Botley Road. The pumps will be moved
FRENCH, Chinese and Indian tourists swelled the ranks of Oxford youngsters making merry mayhem of dough painting at the Old Fire Station in July 1980. The young visitors joined 50 local children aged between three and eight to cause havoc with
SO Michael Gove wants state schools to ‘be more like private schools’ so they can have things such as orchestras and school productions. I wish he had been at Matthew Arnold School last night. Their performance of Les Miserables was stunning, provoking
ALL our thanks go to the excellent team that have maintained the flood blog on the Oxford Mail website. Day after day, starting often before 6am and closing down after 11pm, they have played a key part in keeping all of Oxfordshire moving. They must
I am writing regarding Jim Young’s letter (‘Literacy results’, February 6). The Daily Mail (February 5) has an education article mentioning an OECD report, pointing out that the poorest, most disadvantaged 10 per cent of Chinese pupils outperform
Cycling is an Oxford pastime, I used to love the feeling of tearing up the streets and the ease of hopping on and off my bike where I grew up. My only experience of cycling lately has been after a few beers when I hold onto the base of my mate’s seat
Karl Shead sent in this picture of the flooding caused by run off from farmland at the back of Firtree Avenue in Wallingford
OXFORD United was formed as Headington in 1893, adding the suffix United in 1911 after merging with Headington Quarry. It was created by the Rev John Scott-Tucker, the vicar at Saint Andrew’s Church in Headington and a local doctor named Robert Hitchings
COME on, Dave, use your brains. Stop HS2 immediately and spend the estimated cost of £50 billion on flood defences and compensation for those who have suffered flood damage to their homes. It could bring you thousands of votes at the next election
I AM deeply concerned by the county council’s plans to cut the Oxfordshire Support Fund, especially given it appears that Oxfordshire is one of very few councils in the country considering axing this funding. In these times of economic crisis and
INTERVIEWED in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, Vincent Nichols, leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales, labelled the impact of ongoing welfare reforms a ‘disgrace’, destroying the basic safety net and leaving people in hunger and destitution
IT was gratifying to hear on the news that the Cabinet met at Cobra and are considering making an application to the EU Solidarity Disaster Fund. They have to apply quickly however as there is a deadline and he who hesitates is lost. The Cabinet
A TRAIN station dismantled over 15 years ago will return to Oxfordshire next month, albeit in miniature. The LMS Oxford station was on the corner of Frideswide Square and Rewley Road from 1851 until 1999, when it was taken down to make way for
MICKEY Lewis had no complaints as Oxford United saw a 16-game unbeaten away run in the league brought to a halt by a 3-2 defeat at Newport County last night. James Constable’s 11th goal of the season gave the visitors a lead against the run of
NICKY Wroe says Oxford United cannot afford to dwell on their defeat at Newport County as the promotion race heats up. The U’s suffered a first Sky Bet League Two defeat of 2014 as they went down 3-2 at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night. It also
2:32pm William Blencowe remanded in custody over Connor Tremble death 1:38pm Flood pumps taken away by firefighters in Abingdon and Botley roads
A 20-year-old who breached his Asbo when he used bad language inside St Aldate’s police station will be sentenced next month. Jed Denton, pictured, of Underhill Circus, Barton, admitted shouting and swearing on May 22 last year in an attempt to
A burglar forced open a kitchen window to search a New Hinksey home and steal a laptop. The break-in happened in Chatham Road on February 14 between 2pm and 8.15pm. Call police on 101 with information.
The family of a retired deputy headteacher who died after her car hit a tree have paid tribute to a “great character”. An inquest at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court heard that Charmian Snowden, from Milton, accidentally hit the accelerator pedal instead
Murderers who commit the most “heinous” of crimes can be sent to prison for the rest of their lives, leading judges have ruled. A specially-constituted court declared that sentencing judges can continue to impose “whole-life” tariffs in such cases
RELATIVES of a cyclist killed in a crash on Monday say he was a big character and somebody who everyone could lean on. BMW factory worker Derek Measor, 56, from Chalgrove, died when his bike was involved in a collision with a blue Nissan Micra
COUNTY hospitals will undergo their biggest ever inspection next week in what is a key barrier to long-sought-after foundation status. Some 60 Care Quality Commission (CQC) staff will “descend” on Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital
THE story about the return to the Boor family of a long-lost medal from the First World War is almost spooky given this year’s centenary. This year, above all others, we should remember the sacrifices made during that bloody conflict and this will
IT was dug up almost 40 years ago in grandfather Alan Francis’ garden. And now, through a bizarre set of coincidences, a medal given to a First World War veteran has been reunited with its owner’s family. Mr Francis, 78, came across the silver
IT would appear our hospitals are certainly going to get a thorough health check next week. About 60 auditors and inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will pitch up at the John Radcliffe, Churchill and Horton hospitals, as well as
Emergency fundraising has been launched by The Midcounties Co-operative for flood victims in Oxfordshire. The Member’s Flood Fund was launched this weekend with a £10,000 donation from the society, and will be accessible to members that have been
WORK will be carried out on the railway line south of Oxford next year to make it flood-proof, Network Rail has said. The section of the Oxford line to Didcot at Redbridge is prone to flooding, regularly causing delays during wet weather. The
Ely Brown, who picked up a leg injury at Ascot on Saturday, has not suffered any serious damage, but is unlikely to run at the Cheltenham Festival. Chipping Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon reported that scans done by vets in Lambourn on the leg
The George took closer order at the top of the Oxford City FA table with a 4-1 win over Fairview. But they had to come from behind to take the points after Jack Merrill had given the visitors the lead. However, the home side woke up and took
Two goals from Jack Morton earned Ducklington all three points and moved them into third after their 2-0 Premier Division win over hosts Carterton Town A in the Witney & District FA. Meanwhile, in Division 1 Spartan Rangers went down 3-1 to
Oxford City remain on top of the Oxford Mail Girls League Under 12 section following a crushing 5-0 success over Kidlington Hawks. City led 1-0 at the break but emerged stronger in the second period with goals from Amanda Osorobonacy (2), Emily
A LATE, late goal from Pablo Haysham gave Didcot Town a 2-1 victory at Evesham in Division 1 South & West of the Calor League last night. After a goalless first half, John Mills put the visitors ahead on the hour. Evesham looked to have
FIRMS are facing astronomical insurance rises after being affected by the floods. Gary Soame, a director of Witney Warehouse, a furniture retailer on the West End Industrial Estate, said he was counting the cost of increased insurance rates after
Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill is set to give Harbour Court his prep run for the Cheltenham Festival in a point-to-point this weekend. Hill had hoped a hunters’ chase at Kelso last Thursday would serve the purpose ahead of a crack at the CGA Foxhunters
ADVERTISING in part of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital has been scrapped after a query about use of noticeboards by abortion campaigners. NHS managers said a query about advertising by those on both sides of the argument caused a re-think that
ED Vaizey visited a soil testing laboratory to learn about the latest advances by Oxfordshire’s scientists. The Minister for Culture and Creative Industries visited Wallingford’s Fugro. The Wantage and Didcot MP said: “I was delighted to visit
A 44-YEAR-OLD bricklayer suffering from tinnitus was found hanging just hours after asking his wife how to kill myself, an inquest heard yesterday. Anthony Wheeler, of Shepherd’s Hill, Blackbird Leys, was found by his wife Susan on the morning
A FORMER young boxer is facing jail after he was found guilty of having underage sex with a 15-year-old girl. Clinton Townsend, of Field Assarts, near Leafield, in West Oxfordshire, was yesterday convicted of four counts of engaging in sexual activity
TWO Oxfordshire scrap yard employees convicted in an undercover police sting operation have had their names cleared by appeal judges. Martin Pace, 37, and Simon Rogers, 44, claimed they were the victims of “entrapment’’ in 2012 when Thames Valley
An image of a charity pin stolen in a burglary last week has been released by police. The Felix Fund badge, shown right, was stolen with jewellery and electrical goods in the Abingdon Road break-in on Monday last week, between 7.40am and 2.20pm
Eighteen county roads were closed last night because of flooding.They included: Lower Street, Islip The road from the A329 to Drayton St Leonard Great Brook Road from Buckland Road to Chimney near Aston Grove Road, Harwell The
Heyford Athletic enjoyed a 5-3 extra-time fifth round home victory over West Witney in the John Fathers Oxfordshire Junior Shield. Heyford, from the Banbury District & Lord Jersey League, looked to be home and dry with ten minutes to go when
James Spruyt defeated both the elements and Kidlington Youth Celtic with a four-goal blast. Spruyt proved the difference with all the goals as his side, Rutherford Vipers, saw off Celtic 4-1 in an Under 14 B league clash. Connor Allsop replied
Two goals from Berinsfield captain Brian Rawlings helped end Ardington & Lockinge’s unbeaten North Berks League Division 1 record and put a dent in their title aspirations, writes Phil Annets. Remarkably, Berinsfield, 4-3 winners after being
North Leigh went on the rampage as they cruised into the semi-finals of the Giles Sports Witney & District Youth League's Under 14 Knock-out Cup. They hammered 18 goals past a hapless Bampton Town, who managed just a single effort from Jay
WILLIAM Blencowe appeared in court yesterday charged with stabbing teenager Connor Tremble to death. The 20-year-old accused of the murder was remanded in custody yesterday morning, hours before Connor’s friends gathered outside the flat where
A nurse who tried to smuggle a baby into the UK from Nigeria has been struck off. Gladys Effa-Heap, of Waynflete Road in Barton, and husband Dr Simon Heap were each handed 12-month suspended jail terms and told to do unpaid community work last
PRINCESS Anne arrived in Oxford by helicopter last night for a charity awards ceremony. She spoke with charity trustees as she entered Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall in Norham Gardens. The princess, who wore a blue and green tartan
NORTH Leigh chairman Pete King has expressed his frustration at the chaos caused by the torrential rain to the club’s Calor League fixtures. King, who has been at the helm for more than 20 years, says the bad weather means they haven’t played since
CUTS of about £64m to services across Oxfordshire have been formally approved. Oxfordshire County Council narrowly ratified its budget for the next four years at a five-hour meeting yesterday. The Conservative-Independent alliance, which runs
OXFORD City Council will be asked to grant an extension on the use of the area’s football pitches. Traditionally, goalposts on council pitches are taken down at the end of April. However, the Oxford Mail Youth League say the poor weather has
A LETTER written by Lewis Carroll has revealed he disliked being famous. Signed as Charles Dodgson, his real name, the Alice In Wonderland author – who studied in Oxford in the 1850s – told a Mrs Symonds: “[I dislike] letters of mine being put
THE mayor of Witney, Peter Dorward, is hosting an evening with a Second World War theme at Langdale Hall on March 7. Guests will be asked to wear costumes from the 1940s and the venue, which was a former drill hall, will be decorated with sandbags
DEMOLITION of city centre homes will start next month for social housing and student accommodation. Luther Court, which has 56 affordable homes, will be demolished for 42 affordable properties and 82 for Bellerby’s College students. Oxford
FREE computer programing workshops are being offered to primary schools across Oxfordshire. The children are taught to program their own video games as part of the workshops by technology company ComputerXplorers. So far pupils from Cothill
A RECORD 700 young people have been nominated for this year’s Oxfordshire Youth Awards. More than 200 nominations have been received by organisers Oxfordshire Youth for people and teams since nominations opened in November. On Monday it announced
A 14-year-old boy was grabbed and pushed to the ground as he walked to school in Banbury. The teenager was attacked by another boy wearing school uniform in Upper Windsor Street at about 8.20am on Friday. Police described the attacker as white
THE organisers of the Wilderness Festival at Cornbury Park yesterday announced six-time Grammy Award winner Burt Bacharach will be among the line-up of this year’s event. This year sees the fourth year of the award-winning festival, which will
Ansar Mahmood, 33, of Manor Court, Banbury, admitted drink driving on Castle Street, Banbury, on January 26. Had 60 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the legal limit of 35 mg. Fined £110 and ordered to pay a £20 victims’ surcharge
NETWORK Rail has been warned its refusal to put ramps on a new bridge could damage its relationship with Oxford City Council. The firm has applied to demolish the Grandpont footbridge, near White House Road, and build a replacement for its ongoing
London Welsh’s Greene King IPA Championship fixture away to Cornish Pirates, postponed on Sunday due to waterlogging, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 16 (3pm).
