ALTHOUGH it may not be a great item of news or even of great interest to your readers, I feel moved to write to you about the recent theft of my bicycle (on Wednesday, March 8, some time between 6.30-10.30pm) from outside the Town Hall, where I was attending the Oxford International Women’s Festival.

It was chained to one of the grilles which protect the windows of the basement rooms and face on to Blue Boar Street. Unfortunately, I had also attached my new helmet to the chain, which fastened the bike to the railings, so that went too.

As we all know, hundreds of bikes are stolen in Oxford each week, probably more so during term-time. but mine was no ordinary bike – it was my trusty steed. As I have osteoarthritis in my hips and knees, plus osteoporosis in my neck and spine plus a deformed right foot, I now find walking slow, painful and tedious. It takes me twice a long to get from A to B and I have to take large amounts of paracetamol to make it possible and bearable.

However, I found that cycling within Oxford was not only quicker, but also less painful and that I could achieve much more in a day. So, if the person who stole my bicycle ever reads the Oxford Mail, I should like him/her to be aware of the impact which this has had on my life. Unfortunately the bike wasn’t insured, as it had been given to me by a friend who was no longer able to use it and who has since died. As it was a gift, it did not occur to me (until now – too late) that I should insure it.

So, if any of you out there happen to see a metallic green Raleigh Shopper cycle – a bit old and battered, but still working, with dynamo lights, black wire baskets fore and aft (useful for shopping) and (ironically) a police label stating that it has been registered with Thames Valley Police, do please let me know (via the editor) or contact Thames Valley Police direct (101) – crime no. 43160068957. It’s worth a try!

JANE MERCER
Oxford