10 years ago

* Passengers on the 7.25am Oxford-Paddington train are being driven barmy by an automated safety message which is played almost continuously on the journey.

* Firefighters freed two boys, aged nine and 13, who rang 999 after getting wedged in the baby swings at Glimbers Grove Park, Chinnor.

20 years ago

* Hundreds of campaigners demonstrated in Oxford as county councillors met to decide how to axe £25m from schools, social services and road-safety schemes.

* Love-struck shoppers ensured business was brisk at card and flower shops in Oxford for St Valentine’s Day – women were said to have been bitten harder by the love bug.

30 years ago

* The dreary Westgate Centre in Oxford, now owned by developers of the Clarendon Centre, is to have a facelift, with British Home Stores expected to move in.

* Graham Rutson began work on an extension to his home in Boot Street, Stonesfield, and discovered the remains of an ancient slate mine.

40 years ago

* Shopkeepers at Headington suffered broken windows and other damage when Manchester United fans rampaged after their 1-0 defeat by Oxford United – police made 15 arrests.

* Tories in Oxfordshire are showing increased support for Margaret Thatcher as the new party leader now former Prime Minister Edward Heath is out of the race.

50 years ago

* Fire wrecked the Oxford and District Co-op carpet and furniture warehouse in George Street, Oxford, destroying stock worth more than £15,000.

* Oxfordshire Police are leaving their “disgusting building” in New Road, Oxford, and moving to their new £206,000 headquarters at Kidlington.

60 years ago

* Abingdon magistrates refused permission for a 19-year-old girl to marry after her family said she was not yet competent to be a good wife.

* Drunkenness among young people is increasing and the Southern Region, which includes Oxford, tops the list with the worst figures.