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Today is the deadline for a postal ballot called by dons in Oxford University’s ‘parliament’ on reducing the Castle Mill student flats in height. Critics say the blocks blight historic views of Oxford and a report found that 22 views had been damaged

OXFORD United have strengthened their attacking options before tomorrow's clash with Morecambe by signing Armand Gnanduillet on loan. The 23-year-old striker joins from Chesterfield until the end of the season and completed the paperwork in time

A CAMPAIGN that calls for more support for new parents has chosen Oxford to launch its first local group in the UK. The 1,001 Days Oxfordshire group is part of a national movement which will call on the Government to prioritise the first 1,001

A CAFE at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital which pumps profits into patient care has increased takings by more than £1,000 a week. The League of Friends cafe on level two atof the hospital in Headington was revamped extensively in December and

A MAN who swallowed a goldfish has been sentenced to 120 hours unpaid work to be carried out over 12 months. Luke Berry, 26, was also banned from keeping fish for five years following the incident on August 16 last year. Our top stories

ALL lanes have reopened after the M40 was closed northbound between J8 for Wheatley and J9 for Bicester. Routes were closed for about two hours today following reports of an overturned car. Police were called to the scene of a serious road

2005 * More than 500 unwanted cars and motorcycles have been collected free of charge by councils in Oxfordshire, in a two-week amnesty to prevent illegal dumping. * City councillor Susanna Pressel has billed County Hall for two stolen bicycles

With reference to your reports of the sporting regime at Northfield School in Littlemore, Oxford in the early 1950s (Memory Lane, February 9), I wonder if I could add a couple of extra details that might be of interest. The sports master and coach

I was interested to see the picture illustrating your article on the new DVD about Oxford (Oxford Mail, February 3). It shows a small cart below Carfax Tower, which was originally part of the former city church of St Martin’s. The cart belonged

I worked in the production typing pool at Morris Motors, Cowley, and posed as a model alongside one of the cars produced at the factory. Two photographs of me with a Morris Oxford appeared in the company’s Teamwork magazine in 1956 and the one,

Woodstock Carnival was blessed with good weather in 1986 and crowds came out to enjoy it. The theme that year was Woodstock Through The Ages, and Hugo Morris, 10, pictured left, and Gary Peasley, 11, took a step back in time by dressing as chimney

Police heaped praised on eight teenagers who helped recover the body of a boy from a mountain in difficult conditions. Seven pupils from Peers School, Littlemore, and one from Henley Grammar School took it in turns to carry a stretcher for two

Can anyone help in the search for Margaret Rachel Hull? She left Oxford and sailed to America in July 1940 to escape Hitler’s bombs and spent four or five years there before returning to the UK. Now the family with whom she stayed as a refugee

A MOTHER-OF-THREE who fraudulently claimed more than £33,000 in benefits escaped jail after being given a suspended sentence. Armanie Heatley previously pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly making a false statement and two counts of benefit

Corporal Heber Slatter lost his life as the First World War was drawing to a close. He died in the spring of 1918 after being wounded in a fierce battle as the Germans made a final desperate effort to win the war. Corporal Slatter – known as

A group of walking parishioners solved a heating crisis at Holy Trinity Church at Headington Quarry, Oxford. The money they raised from a 10-mile trek through seven parishes meant the church could pay for a new boiler, to replace the one that was

Workers at Pressed Steel were well known for their long service. High wages and job security meant many stayed for years at the Cowley car body factory. Their loyalty to the company was demonstrated annually by the large number of staff who were

Villagers looked back on 50 years of life when they staged an exhibition to mark the golden jubilee of their village hall in 1971. Parish council chairman Mr F J Faulkner is pictured with Brownies Pamela Brown and Barbara Bolton and the display by

IT WAS lift-off for young Michele Schmidt when a special visitor arrived at her school. He picked her up with the greatest of ease – no surprise, really, as the Green Cross Code man was actor Dave Prowse, a former heavy weightlifting champion.

IN September 2012 headteacher Lee Ryman achieved her dream when she opened a new non fee-paying independent primary school in Cholsey. Now she is thinking big and wants The Treehouse School to branch out with a new £350,000 premises in the village

I USED to wake the middle of the night, planning our next rendezvous. Often on dark winter evenings we’d meet on seedy back streets. Sometimes in the early hours of the morning we’d have chance encounters in motorway service stations. It would happen

A VICAR saying goodbye to parishioners in Barton said she would miss the people “more than anything” as she leaves for a new challenge. Rev Maggie Thorne said she was “called by God” to move on after being at the helm of St Mary’s Church, in Bayswater

Yours Faithfully Dr Hojjat Ramzy, Imam and director of the Oxford Islamic Information Centre AS A man of peace, I totally disagree with the killing of innocent people. The majority of Muslims and members of other faiths have condemned the

SEVEN of Oxford’s colleges have signed up to trial a landmark scheme to work with city arts organisations. From April it will allow groups receiving funding from Arts Council England to request space for rehearsals, performances, and meetings through

Sir – Faced with the Strategic Housing Market Assessment’s finding that more than 106,000 dwellings need to be built in Oxfordshire by 2031, it is understandable that groups such as ROAR press the case for localism in planning. Yet whatever one

Sir – Chiltern Railways intends Oxford Parkway to attract hundreds of commuters to London from West Oxfordshire. They would drive to Water Eaton via the A40, A44 or A4095 and either Wolvercote or Pear Tree: already-congested bottlenecks on the edge

Sir – The news that the landslip north of Banbury should be cleared by Easter will be a welcome announcement for rail passengers. However, I would urge the rail companies to restore a full service during the rush hour as soon as possible, at least

Sir – From midnight last night until 11am this morning a rave took place in Kings Wood just outside Woodstock. These, what I would usually call a lot worse but in this case let’s say, louts, ruined a beautiful area of forest, having a fire and

Sir – The requirement to replace the vibration-damaged First Turn Bridge in Upper Wolvercote, Oxford - which crosses the Oxford - Bicester railway line - was not discussed at the Evergreen 3 public inquiries because it was never listed in any scheduled

Sir – Whilst the aim of commemorating war dead with the planting of trees is laudable, the destruction of wildlife habitat and damage to biodiversity of a local site is not. Over the past two weeks, local residents have viewed with dismay work

Sir – I chanced upon your town’s now ex-crier Anthony Church a couple of years ago while visiting Oxford. I was interested in talking to him as he was proudly wearing a medal from the Falklands War in 1982, something I, genuinely, was involved in.

Sir – There is a vast and increasing quasi-feudal inequality of wealth in our country, which no major political party appears to be facing up to. The Conservative Party and UKIP would make it worse.  The former would reduce inheritance tax and the

FANS went wild as Kanye West left in a blacked-out Mercedes from the Museum of National History this afternoon. Students flocked to see the superstar after news broke late last night that The Oxford Guild society managed to convince the rapper

Sir – I was pleased to see recognition given to the life and great achievements of the historian Sir Martin Gilbert (Feature and obituary, February 12). However, it is a shame that in one key respect the obituary was in error. Sir Martin did not

Sir – Dr Hojjat Ramzi of the Oxford Islamic Centre, while condemning the murder of the Charlie Hebdo journalists – as no doubt he also condemns the similar attack in Denmark – has argued  that ‘freedom of speech should not extend to a freedom to insult

A SECONDARY school head teacher said he took his school from “needs improvement” to “good” by asking for students’ help. Chris Harris, head teacher of Larkmead School in Abingdon, said the key to success had been getting pupils involved in how

  Sir – Contrary to Robin Gill’s arguments (Letters, February 19), the Charlie Hebdo cartoons of the Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him), depicting him in various pornographic poses, are patently not free speech but hate speech, which serves no

Sir – It will soon be March and many Oxford residents will be giving up their time to take part in OxClean, an annual event that makes a real difference to the cleanliness of our streets. In response to this fantastic effort I would like to urge

Sir – I fully agree with your piece on the new housing plan. To make matters worse, the local plan put together by the Vale of White Horse District Council overstates hugely the number of houses required and if only the leader of the council would

Sir – As a heritage professional and part-time tutor in the University’s Continuing Education Department, I and others have been teaching joined-up approaches to heritage and landscape management for decades. In the context of the recent vote in Congregation

Sir – At last, Oxford University offers something of an apology for the failures that have resulted in the damage its flats have caused to Port Meadow, but how disappointing it comes in response to an internal challenge from disillusioned dons, rather

Sir – Andrew Baker (Letters, February 19) writes that he likes the Castle Mill blocks and considers them an enhancement to the view from Port Meadow. His opinion is certainly idiosyncratic when one remembers that they were runner-up in the 2013

Sir – On February 19, you reported a council planning officer as recommending that the expansion of Campsfield should be approved. He said that the objectors are opposed 'on the grounds that.... it is ethically and morally unacceptable to incarcerate

Sir – On February 19 you published a photograph of the Queen inspecting the archaeological excavations in St Ebbes (actually in Church Street, not Queen's Street as indicated in your caption) in 1968. I took a photograph at almost exactly the same

Sir – We hear many, often expensive, ideas for improving transport in and around Oxford. I have a suggestion which I’ve not seen before (apologies if I’ve missed it) and which might help at relatively modest cost. This is to provide orbital buses

Sir – Network Rail’s new Oxford Parkway station and rebuilt Bicester Town station will open this year. Chiltern trains will serve them, and next year will reach Oxford itself. Each station may soon gain several hundred thousand passengers a year.

Sir – As a Waterways resident since 2003, I admit to being a little surprised when I read Reg Little’s article (Report, February 12). I live as close as anyone to the railway line, indeed the line is about 50 metres from my back garden. Although

Sir – Now that the forces of thrusting modernity have triumphed over fusty heritage (Rebellion by dons over Port Meadow fails, February 12), Oxford University is free to truly move into the 21st century. Instead of a tired stone-built dome in Radcliffe

Sir – Surely there has never been more column space, and invective, as that devoted to the Castle Mill Flats controversy. At this point I need to insert a warning: anyone of a sensitive disposition should stop reading, for I am about to utter a

Sir – Some years ago I voted in Congregation against a motion to disenfranchise members over the age of 75. There were some brilliant speeches for the opposition, notably from Professor Dummett. I remember looking at the young dons who voted for this

Sir –I should very much like to believe that the proposed changes to Frideswide Square will greatly improve the flow of traffic around this key strategic point. Alas, reviewing the artist’s impression of the new road layout, I find it impossible

Sir – Oxford University’s Vice Chancellor Andrew Hamilton urged the governing Congregation in their debate about the Castle Mill blocks not to put ‘buildings before students’. And the Student Union President Louis Trup has been triumphalist about student

Sir – Goodness me! How the Labour Party has changed. As Drew Carter once voted Green (Letters, February 5), so I voted Labour, and more than once. That was when the Labour Party stood for something worthwhile. In common with many who are now Greens

Sir – Ed Turner is quite right to be frustrated by new rules that mean councils can no longer oblige developers to include affordable homes in sites of 10 homes or fewer (Report, February 5). This is bad news for Oxford which has many smaller sites

Sir – On a cold February day I had some time to spend in central Oxford without any necessary errands to be done. I decided not to go into any shop which left a front door open to the outside, since this increases energy use for heating and contributes

Sir – Your article about more shops to support the expansion of Wantage over the next 15 years does seem to make some rather unjustified assumptions. The way people shop has changed markedly over the last few years and high street shops have been

Sir – I enjoyed the live performance of Love’s Labour Lost transmitted to the Phoenix Cinema, but I did not enjoy trying to follow the introductory presentation, distracted by people coming in late and still chattering. You would not go on chattering

Sir – A few years ago, Oxfordshire County Council was petitioned to clear up all the litter on the A34. This desperately needs doing again. The council seem very reluctant to do their statutory duty about this. Carole Thin, Oddington

Sir – Find a little sympathy for the dons who voted to retain the flats overlooking Port Meadow. After all, “it’s not their field”. John Porter, Oxford

Sir – The suggestion made by Witney Oxford Transport group that a new rail station should be opened at Yarnton in order to serve Witney to Oxford commuters is an interesting one. Spokesman Richard Stow says that the £35m available to Oxfordshire

Sir –Your report about the revitalised Corn Exchange, Witney, (February 12) included the observation that some people are unhappy about the proposed sale of the Langdale Hall, and the reply from the mayor, Jeanette Baker, that Witney Town Council could

  Sir – Hojjat Ramzy was misguided in his remarks in Westminster calling for long-cherished rights of free speech in the UK to be curtailed (Oxford Islamic leader calls for limit to the right of free speech, February 12). Though Dr Ramzy deserves

Sir – In response to the article in your paper (February 5), Oxford Cohousing group hopes that Friends of Quarry will choose us as their development partner, as part of their bid to save Stansfeld Outdoor Education Centre. We are a community group

1:02pm Before then we'll be back with updates from #oufc v Morecambe tomorrow night. See you there/on here. — @OxfordMailOUFC 02 March 2015 1:02pm

WATCH the key moments as Oxford United stood firm to claim a goalless draw at Fratton Park. Video via Oxford United's official Youtube channel

ONE of my resolutions this year was to go out for a walk every day. It was, I admit, partly inspired by the fitness gadget I was given as a present, which sets a challenge of a certain number of steps I should achieve in 24 hours, and lets me see

AS A man of peace, I totally disagree with the killing of innocent people. The majority of Muslims and members of other faiths have condemned the acts carried out at the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris in January, and made it clear these in no way

BOSS Michael Appleton hailed a new-found trust with his Oxford United players as they delivered a disciplined performance to claim a point with a goalless draw at Portsmouth. The home side had won four of their previous five games, but could not

THE SKELETON of a woman thought to be nearly 400 years old has been unearthed at an Oxford college. The remains were found with a Charles I period coin during excavation works for a building project at St Cross College, Pusey Street. Archaeologists

RYAN Clarke was thrilled to preserve his perfect record against Matt Tubbs on the way to a hard-fought clean sheet at Fratton Park. Oxford United’s keeper produced one of his best performances of the season in a goalless draw where Portsmouth created

JAKE Wright was delighted to shut out what he felt was one of the best attacks in Sky Bet League Two as Oxford United drew 0-0 at Portsmouth. The hosts played Jed Wallace behind Matt Tubbs and Ryan Taylor, who between them had scored seven goals

PUPILS across the county will find out today whether they have got their first-choice of school as Oxfordshire County Council issues places for secondary schools today. Applications for school places had to be sent by parents to the council by

TWO dancing grannies took over the streets of Oxford as the city’s main annual dance festival got into full swing. Dancin’ Oxford’s launch saw professional and community groups perform in the city. Among those drawing in the crowds was ‘Granny

PLANS for new legislation following the death of a Headington boy will be announced by the Minister for Health this week. Care Minister Norman Lamb will announce the findings of a study that could shake up England’s learning disability care system

OXFORD United’s defensive strength was praised by Andy Awford after his Portsmouth side was held to a goalless draw. Pompey had been free-scoring in the run up to the game as they aim to make a late charge to the Sky Bet League Two play-off positions

Gloucester City 1 Oxford City 7 The goals rained in for Oxford City as they stunned Gloucester City in Vanarama Conference North at Cheltenham Town’s Whaddon Road yesterday. City recorded their biggest win of the season with skipper Darren

Reece Bayliss scored on his home debut but could not save Wantage Town from a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to midtable side Mangotsfield in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West on Saturday. The result leaves Daniel Barry’s side anxiously

Oxford City general manager Justin Merritt was delighted with his side’s performance in their 7-1 demolition of hosts Gloucester City  in the Vanarama Conference North yesterday. A devastating attacking display saw the visitors score four times

Didcot Town reignited their play-off bid with a surprise 2-0 win at home to Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West leaders Merthyr Town on Saturday. Second-half goals from Adam Learoyd and John Mills – his 40th of the season in all

A £3m cash boost will make a proposed cycling link between East Oxford and the city centre using a new bridge over the Thames a reality. Today the Government announced Oxfordshire County Council has been successful in its bid for the city’s share

Goalkeeper Luke Sanders was the hero with a remarkable four saves in the penalty shoot-out as Kidlington edged past hosts Tuffley Rovers 2-1 on spot-kicks in the Uhlsport Hellenic League's Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup second round. Tommy Castle

Assistant coach Ollie Smith said London Welsh were simply not good enough after his side were convincingly beaten by London Irish in the Aviva Premiership at Oxford's Kassam Stadium. The Exiles conceded eight tries, six in the first half, to go

MORE than 350 youngsters in Oxfordshire have been identified as potential victims of groomers, the Oxford Mail understands. Tomorrow Maggie Blyth, the independent chair of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board, will present a report into

4:07pm A man who swallowed a goldfish has been ordered to carry out unpaid work  2:15pm Kanye West is going to be in Oxford today

SEVEN of Oxford’s colleges have signed up to trial a landmark scheme to work with city arts organisations. From April it will allow groups receiving funding from Arts Council England to request space for rehearsals, performances, and meetings through

The traffic lights at Kennington roundabout are causing problems this morning. It is reported that some of the lights are stuck on red at the junction of the A423 Southern By-Pass Road and A4144 Abingdon Road. Traffic lights aren't working

North Leigh’s Division 1 South & West play-off hopes suffered a big blow when they lost 2-0 on their first Evo-Stik Southern League visit to Larkhall Athletic on Saturday. The hosts, who occupy the final play-off place, now have a six-point

Banbury United seemed on course for a vital victory in their battle against relegation from the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, when they led fellow strugglers Arlesey Town 2-0 at half-time on Saturday. But the visitors were unable hold

A MEMORIAL garden to a murdered teenager will allow her family to make a “new start”. The garden is to remember Jayden Parkinson, who was killed aged 17 by her former-boyfriend Ben Blakeley in countryside south of the town in December 2013.

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Portsmouth 0, Oxford Utd 0. VANARAMA CONFERENCE NORTH Gloucester City 1, Oxford City 7. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Arlesey Tn 2, Banbury Utd 2. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn 2, Merthyr

A CITY heritage group has called new proposals for getting residents more involved in planning decisions nothing more than a “boxticking”exercise. Earlier this month Oxford City Council ended a six-week consultation on how it should inform people

A VILLAGE’S threatened Post Office may have secured its long-term future following crunch talks, its postmaster has said. The future of the Cumnor branch was in doubt following an assessment by the Post Office as part of its national transformation

A special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon in your area. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations to the public on Thursday 5th March, 11am-3pm, at Brackley Town Hall, Market Place, Brackley