A MAJOR housing development on the edge of Wallingford could push more cars through the town, a county councillor has warned. A planning application for 555 homes at Slade End Farm has been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council. The
A WOMAN who wrote a negative review of a pub on travel website TripAdvisor has claimed she has been barred as a result. Jane Hepburn, from Berrick Salome, near Wallingford, posted the review after she was disappointed with the food and service
Have you been out trick or treating? Here's a selection of readers' pictures of their ghoulish get-ups. If you reckon your little one was more horrifying, email us a picture or send us a (Trick or) Tweet via @TheOxfordMail. A scary pair from
A crash involving two vehicles on the M40 has blocked one lane on the southbound carriageway. According to the latest traffic reports, vehicles on the road are moving slowly between junctions 11 (Banbury) and 10 (Cherwell Valley Services), where
DAVID Hunt has joined Barnet to become the second Oxford United player loaned out in as many days. The 32-year-old has joined the Vanarama Conference leaders for three months and the paperwork was completed in time for him to feature away at Welling
OXFORD: A student scooped £3,000 from an online retailer to help him through the new academic year. Thomas David, 22, is one of six winners of the Amazon Student prize fund. The University of Oxford PhD student, who is researching Materials
The Oxford Mail has teamed up with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust to celebrate the outstanding work of its hospital staff. Finalists for this year’s Hospital Heroes awards have been chosen and a total of 10 entries for the individual and team
A TEA party was held to thank the volunteers of a not-for-profit shop which has been running for 15 years. The Iffley Community Shop was re-launched by Sue Reynolds following the closure of the old village shop in 1999. Alan Whitaker, a volunteer
WORK to redevelop the towers in Blackbird Leys are set to start next July once plans are approved by Oxford City Council. The proposals for Windrush Tower and Evenlode Tower are set to go before councillors at the East Area planning committee and
DANIEL Browne makes his first start of the season as part of a much-changed London Welsh side for tomorrow’s LV= Cup opener at Bath (3). Browne, who is returning from injury, comes in at blindside flanker against one of his former clubs, with Ben
Oxford needs to grow by quite a lot in size to inject some vitality into the local economy. At the moment it is stagnant. More houses means more people, therefore more money going into the area. This will never happen, however, because the university
OXFORD laboratories seem to be at the forefront in the search for cures for some of the major diseases, including Ebola, and it’s said that, in time, we may be able to find cures for all of them. This sounds very commendable, but I have this gut
IT was surprising to see PM and Witney MP David Cameron get himself in a flap over the amount we owe the European Union. It’s a pity that Mr Cameron has such a poor working relationship with our European partners that he can’t negotiate a decent
I am greatly concerned about the hype surrounding the redevelopment of the Botley shopping precinct. Having been the recipient of hate mail, and my wife recently having been “spoken to” at our doorstep rather rudely by an elected member of the
Want to give your opinion? Email letters@oxfordmail.co.uk
HAVING read and listened to so much negative comment about the West Way redevelopment scheme I feel I must voice an opinion for the silent majority. I was born in Botley before the last war and although I have lived away from the area for a while
ZORB balls, mud slides and a medieval-style catapult machine gave children plenty to do at a play day in Witney. Youngsters were encouraged to take part in activities at The Leys recreation ground on Wednesday, in an event organised by Witney Town
Jam-loving youngsters got a sweet surprise this week as a children’s author visited the city. Author and illustrator Sarah McIntyre signed copies of her book Jampire during the Story Museum’s sticky activity session on Tuesday. The children
ROBOTS took centre stage at a family science day at Didcot Cornerstone Arts Centre. Children and their parents got to design, build and test simple robots and machines at a hands-on activity day, as well as try the real thing brought along by scientists
PARENTS made the most of the half-term Halloween festivities at Notcutts Garden Centre in Nuneham Courtenay. The day of scary fun for children included face painting, witch-hat making and, for the adventurous, a witch hunt. Evie Merrett, three
TOTS found their rhythm at a Baby Boogie class at The Leys Children Centre in Blackbird Leys, Oxford. The tiny dancers were treated to reggae, rock, pop and a range of other musical styles at the event for under-fives. Lucy McGlynn took her
OXFORD chums Gabriel Andlauer-Turner and Rory Vivian, both seven, had some crafty fun during a visit to Harcourt Arboretum. They took part in the Nuneham Courtenary attraction’s hedgehog trail and then made some spiky creatures of their own. Rory
A RISING birth rate, more caesarean sections, obesity and striking staff are just some of the issues Oxford’s Lesley Page faces as President of the Royal College of Midwives. Her dedication to the profession that dates back to her qualification
THIS week I, along with many people in the world with access to the web, asked myself an important question: what the hell happened to Bridget Jones’s face? The actress who played our loveable Bridge, Renee Zellweger, appeared on a red carpet with
If you are reading this article in a public place look around and see how busy and stressed many people are. Look at those who are in a rush, on their phones or iPads . How many of them are really taking any time out for themselves? We are
Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more excited about the way technology is moving I discovered 4D printing. With 3D printing taking off in a huge way, influencing all aspects of life and science from healthcare to homes, it seemed that printing
Liz Nicholls finds out how demand for firework displays at home are rocketing as well as rounding up big and little professional bangs on offer for charity Eyes turn to the skies at this time of year for the county’s glittering Bonfire Night displays
Know a three-year-old who’s stuck for cash? Perhaps they need a loan to tide them over before their pocket money comes through. If so, they’re in luck because this week sees the launch of pocketmoneyloans.com, a new online payday loan shop for
Alison Boulton digs beneath the city's dreaming spires Greeting your grandparents who are in the audience at the O2 Academy in Cowley Road is a nice touch. That’s what one of the band members of Rixton, from Manchester, did when they started
Rebecca Moore meets up with a friend in a rush and has a wave of love for womankind Last week, a friend of mine turned up late to coffee. She fell through the café door, harassed and dishevelled with a look of intense ferocity on her face. I understood
Jaine Blackman discovers a way to give some young visitors a taste of history... and have fun When I decided to take my cousin’s children for a day out to Portsmouth, I’d underestimated their ages. Instead of the expected 11- and 12- year-olds
Growing up as the eldest in a family with four siblings has been a truly positive experience but there was always one aspect that made me look wistfully at only children. Time is the commodity that was understandably short and some of my fondest
Dave Shelton, author of Thirteen Chairs, was at Oxford’s Story Museum yesterday telling some creepy tales. Get in the spirit of Halloween with a spooky story he has written exclusively for Friday Life Afterwards, Mulligan said I should have killed
Sheena Patterson of Oxford Garden Design makes a plea for a gardener’s pal As many of us are going to set off to burn effigies of Guy Fawkes on bonfires this weekend, I’m going to make a plea for a special little spiky gardener’s friend – the humble
How many times a week are you jolted out of rubbish everyday reality to marvel at the beauty of life? Honestly? To stop chasing your tail to plunge into a heartfelt expression of ‘whoa, life is amazing!’? Not often enough, probably, unless
THE driver of a van that came off the road and hit a garden wall has been taken to hospital. He came off the A4260 near Tackley at about 7.45am, causing police to close one lane until the van was recovered. A spokeswoman from South Central
WITH no cash in my pocket, I turned to the credit card to pay my park-and-ride parking fee. My aversion to these machines still reigned and I fumbled as the bus seemed ready to leave Pear Tree. Step forward an exquisitely attired woman probably
Why are pubs dying? Competition from supermarkets? The high cost of a pint in a pub? The drink-drive laws have hit the rural pubs. No-smoking-rules stopped some trade. The asking price of a pub rockets when a pub makes way for several houses. McDonald
A PENSIONER says he is fed up with power cuts ruining his meals and cutting off his favourite TV programmes after his home was hit by 66 outages in six years. Ken Stanbrook, 75, has kept a record of every incident since the first on October 28,
NATIONAL treasure Stephen Fry met fans in the Bodleian Library for a “hackathon”. The host of BBC quiz show QI was in Oxford to promote his new book, More Fool Me, and challenged people to create new ways of presenting the show. The project
MICKEY Lewis says the form of rookie defender Tareiq Holmes-Dennis has surpassed his expectations, allowing Oxford United to loan out Tom Newey to Northampton Town yesterday. Holmes-Dennis, who turns 19 today, had not played a minute of competitive
JOE Riley would consider extending his loan at Oxford United, but is in the dark about where his future lies in the new year. The 23-year-old has started every game this season, becoming an important part of the back four after joining on loan
OXFORD United’s players must be prepared to match Wycombe Wanderers’ work rate when the sides meet at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow, according to Mickey Lewis. Clashes between the teams have been feisty in recent years, with the Chairboys finishing
JUSTIN Burnell says London Welsh may have to bring in some new players to cope with their mounting injury problems. The Exiles still hope to extend a loan deal for No 8 Chris Hala’ufia, from Llanelli Scarlets, but head coach Burnell says others
CAMPAIGNERS will see the publication of a long-awaited environmental impact assessment into Oxford University’s controversial Castle Mill flats development as shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. The assessments are often used when
OXFORDSHIRE County Council leader Ian Hudspeth hit the nail on the head when he said one minor traffic light fault can cause the kind of nightmare experienced by thousands of drivers on Wednesday night. It turns out a workman accidentally broke
REHEARSALS for this year’s Oxford Playhouse pantomime Beauty and the Beast spilled out on to city streets yesterday. Leon Craig, who plays the Dame in the magical musical adventure, couldn’t resist popping across the road to the Ashmolean Museum
A WOMAN threatened to jump off a bridge this morning in Cowley. She was on the Eastern Bypass where it crosses over the Cowley junction, opposite the Mini Plant. A police spokeswoman said they were called at about 5.30am but the situation was
MORE than 500 flags have been delivered as part of the plans for Yellow Army Day tomorrow. A big effort is being made to boost the atmosphere for Oxford United’s home game against Wycombe Wanderers. In addition to hundreds of blue and yellow
OXFORDSHIRE’S roads are at breaking point, the leader of the county council has admitted. Ian Hudspeth urged commuters to avoid driving and take public transport instead to alleviate the pressure and help stop the county grinding to a halt.
An elderly cyclist seriously injured in a suspected hit-and-run was still in a critical condition yesterday. The man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with serious head injuries after the incident at the Eynsham roundabout on Tuesday.
Advice and support will be available for flood victims at a drop-in flood fair today. Residents will be able to discuss flood prevention methods and how to apply for a repair grant of up to £5,000. The fair is being held at West Oxford Community
Police are appealing for help in tracking down this man who has gone missing from his home in Chinnor. Dipash Kumar Kamath, 34, right, was reported missing at 5.40am yesterday and is believed to be in the Chinnor area, according to Thames Valley
A man has been arrested after three people were assaulted in St Thomas Street on Sunday, October 19. A gang of four men attacked a 19-year-old man at about 2am, punching him and beating him, leaving him with bruising that needed to be treated at
A MAN left with a £631 phone bill after a relationship with a woman he met on a dating website is warning others to be wary. Security officer Timothy Brown said he spent hours talking to the woman after meeting her on Oasis Dating. His contract
GARETH Ainsworth is expecting the atmosphere at the Kassam Stadium to crackle when Oxford United host his Wycombe Wanderers side tomorrow. While United’s arch rivals are at the other end of the A420, there is a growing rivalry with the Chairboys
DANCE group Body Politic took Oxford’s Pegasus Theatre by storm as it rolled into town as part of its UK tour. The group, which aims to bring the urban dance community together, put on a dance workshop on Wednesday. Four professional choreographers
A MOTHER who lost her 15-year-old daughter after she took Ecstasy urged MPs to review drug laws yesterday. Martha Fernbeck, a student at The Cherwell School, collapsed and died at South Oxford’s Hinksey Park after taking half a gram of Ecstasy
IT may have ended on a low note with defeat at Carlisle United, but last week marked a major step forward for Andy Whing. The midfielder played every minute of Oxford United’s three games in eight days, his first big test after spending six months
DEVELOPERS behind the planned Botley regeneration have revealed they will fund £10m towards community benefits if the controversial scheme goes ahead. Joint partners Doric and Mace announced where part of their Section 106 agreement money would
HENLEY Hawks will be without regular half backs Will Robinson and Connor Murphy for their trip to Canterbury in National 2 South tomorrow. Fly half Robinson has been loaned back to his employers London Welsh, while Murphy, who is dual-registered
The Oxford Mail Cross Country League begins for another season at its traditional curtain-raising venue of Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday. Action starts with the combined under nine race at 9.55am and culminates with the men’s event at noon.
While Oxford University’s lightweight women, Tethys, had a bumper day in the Upper Thames Autumn Head at Henley there were successes, too, for other local clubs, writes John Wiggins. Tethys, belied their size by winning all of their events in open-weight
FIREFIGHTERS across the county will take part in a four-day national strike this evening. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service staff will join the strike called by the Fire Bridges’ Union after a national dispute over pension reforms. Firefighters
11:13am County Council leader Ian Hudspeth has admitted Oxfordshire’s congested roads are now at breaking point Anne-Marie Cockburn, whose daughter died after taking Ecstasy in Hinkey Park, believes
A FORUM for discussion about disability issues will be held next Thursday. Cherwell District Council will host the Cherwell Disability Forum from 10.45am to 1.30pm at its White Post Road, Bodicote offices. It is open to people with disabilities
KEEN county authors are encouraged to put their writing skills to the test this year. Oxfordshire County Council’s library service launched its Short Story Ebook competition earlier this month. Residents are encouraged to enter their original
A woman was taken to hospital after her vehicle overturned in Heyford Road, Middleton Stoney, yesterday. Police were called at 8.43am to reports of an accident involving a Vauxhall Corsa on the B430 between Ardley Road and Port Way. Heyford
WORK to demolish the former Halfords building on the Botley Road in Oxford to make way for a new Waitrose store is due to begin next week. The demolition programme could begin on Monday with the new store expected to open by the autumn of next
An Oxfordshire war hero met Prince Harry at a service to honour Britain’s military and civilian heroes on Monday. George Cross recipient Peter Norton, from Shrivenham, was credited with saving seven lives by instructing troops while he lay wounded
EVENTS took a spooky twist at Leckford Place School as young actors rehearsed Edgar Allan Poe’s Masque of the Red Death. Youngsters from across Oxfordshire have spent half-term at the school learning three plays with the help of Creation Theatre
A BARMAN is sleeping rough for a week to raise awareness of slavery and human trafficking. Rowan Groom, who works at Wahoo, in Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, pitched his tent in Cornmarket Street, Oxford on Sunday night and said he hopes it will
Oxford City general manager Justin Merritt admits he is desperate to land a new keeper in a bid to end a run of three successive defeats away to North Ferriby United tomorrow. With regular stopper Mark Scott continuing to struggle with a shoulder
UNIVERSITY bosses have put forward plans to screen a student flats development by Port Meadow with trees but ruled out reducing its height. Oxford University yesterdaypublished a long-awaited environmental impact assessment on its Castle Mill development
OXFORDSHIRE celebrated David Buckingham’s 201st cap this weekend during their third team’s resounding 14-1 victory against Worcestershire 3rd. Buckingham, the reigning Oxfordshire men’s doubles champion, has had a successful county career spanning
NORTH Oxford’s unbeaten start to the season in Ladies’ Divison 1 of the Thames Valley Winter League came to an end when they lost 5-3 at Cholsey. Oxford City beat defending champions Oxford Sports 7-1 . In the battle of the siblings, Beth and
Saturday FOOTBALL SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Wycombe Wands. VANARAMA CONFERENCE NORTH North Ferriby Utd v Oxford City. FA TROPHY 1st qual round: Bideford v Didcot Tn, Evesham Utd v Banbury Utd, Poole Tn v North Leigh.
Banbury United boss Paul Davis is hoping that showing his players a dvd of their 5-1 home mauling by Hereford United will ensure it doesn’t happen again. Davis was furious with the attitude of some of his players in Tuesday’s Premier Division loss
Abingdon United’s new boss Gary Ackling will be looking to make it back-to-back wins when his side travel to Farnham in the first round of the FA Vase tomorrow. On Wednesday, Abingdon won 3-0 at Shrivenham in his first match since he took charge
COUNTY NHS workers are to stage a four-hour strike on Monday, November 24 as part of walk-outs across England. Midwives will be among those set to walk out at a yet-to-be-announced time following a national ballot. Members took action after
ONE hundred and fifty Thames Valley Police special constables took part in an operation to arrest 10 offenders who failed to turn up at court. The special constables, part time police officers who volunteer for at least four hours a week, spent
TWO world-leading facilities which could bring new jobs to Wallingford were opened yesterday by Lord Heseltine. The former cabinet minister visited research centre HR Wallingford to open the Fast Flow Facility and Ship Simulation Centre.
A HOMELESS man has been jailed for the “disgusting” crime of trying to spread tuberculosis (TB) by coughing over Oxford City Council workers. David Goodwin, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison yesterday for one charge of assault
AN ONLINE petition calling for two senior county councillors to resign has received 158 signatures since it went live on Monday. Witney resident Paul Mills issued Oxfordshire County Council with a “vote of no confidence” in leader Ian Hudspeth
FRACKING can “release significant energy” county planning bosses have said in guidance to councillors. But Oxfordshire County Council’s David Periam said the authority has to remain neutral as it makes decisions on the underground drilling process
AUDIENCES at Oxford Fashion Week will marvel at the beauty of the models but what about the faces behind the clothes? One of Oxford’s newest designers is Chloe Mellen, who is creating the jewellery for one of the week-long fashion event’s runway
Kidlington will be without striker Ryan Curtin when they host Bracknell Town in the Premier Division tomorrow. Manager Martin Wilkinson’s third-placed side are in good form having lost only one of their last nine league matches. They could
DIDCOT’s Prince of Wales pub could be demolished to make way for a new hotel. However, owner Greene King denies it has been approached by South Oxfordshire District Council, saying it had no plans to sell the “popular and thriving pub”. The
TV star Martin Clunes has been filming scenes for his new drama at a Witney museum. The Doc Martin actor was at Cogges Manor Farm for nine days between Monday, October 20, until yesterday to film ITV show Arthur & George. Set in 1903 it
A VILLAGE butchers famed for bangers endorsed by stars of ITV period drama Downton Abbey is up for two awards. The Bampton Royals pork sausages made by Bampton’s Patrick Strainge Butchers are among eight of its products nominated for the Q Guild
OXFORDSHIRE’S Eddie Pepperell shot a topsy-turvy level-par round to open his BMW Masters campaign in Shanghai. The Frilford Heath player carded seven birdies, three bogeys and two double bogeys for a round of 72 and joint 42nd place.
