More than 70 vehicles have been crushed in a blitz against tax dodgers across the Thames Valley. The operation in Oxfordshire by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency in February involved a one-day roadside blitz in Garsington Road, Cowley, which caught
The amount of household waste recycled in Oxfordshire may triple if the county and district councils work together, according to Patrick Coulter, the head of waste management at the county council. As part of this effort, the county council's waste management
Chinnor's ambition to go through the season with an immaculate away record was thwarted when they lost 15-10 at Slough in their last South West Division 2 East game. The result meant that Slough clinched the runners-up and play-off spot . The game was
Abingdon flattered to deceive as they lost 30-8 at home to Henley Wanderers in their last Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Division 2 match of the season. The home side raced into an 8-0 lead in the opening two minutes with a penalty by Xavier Lecocq and
A power failure has caused chaos at a busy medical practice in Oxford as staff lost access to thousands of patients' records for more than 24 hours. The cable fault outside Marston Medical Centre in Cherwell Drive, Marston, happened as doctors and staff
Animal rights protesters were escorted off company premises by police after they climbed a fence and shouted slogans through a loud hailer to staff. Fourteen members of the pressure group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty peacefully left the site at Littlemore
Wootton Sports are the new Witney & District FA Division 3 champions following a 4-2 victory over FC Mills Res. Needing a point to clinch the title, Wootton made no mistake with goals from Steve Brooks (2), Dave Gubbings and Tony Perkins. In the Premier
Oxford city councillors are backing opponents of a scheme to switch voters to different wards. Critics say changes proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission could split up communities in the city. The commission says the number of council wards
Indian film buffs are being enticed to the charms of Oxfordshire, following the release of a guide to 'Bollywood' movie locations. Bicester Village shopping centre and Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, are among the attractions featured on a new map listing
Guides have recruited six village personalities to promote the guiding movement. The six have agreed to become ambassadors for Kidlington District Guides as part of the the Guide Association's Reach Out and Recruit campaign. They are Dr David Evans, of
Construction work on a collapsed sewer - which will close a busy Oxford city centre street - is due to start in a fortnight's time. The start date of April 30 for work by Thames Water in George Street has now been agreed, following consultation with Oxfordshire
A teenager found dead beside a busy road has been described as "wonderful, caring and loving" by his family. The body of Martin O'Connor, 18, was discovered by a jogger at around 8.15am on Saturday beside the northbound carriageway of the A44, between
Parents could get money from the county council for using washable nappies and helping protect the environment. The council is considering incentives of up to £30 to families who stop using disposable nappies. It believes it could make huge savings on
A Ford Orion struck a garden wall as it was being followed by police. The male driver and a female passenger escaped unhurt in the crash, which happened on Sunday afternoon in Sandringham Road, Didcot, at the junction with Stonesfield. Thames Valley Police
It was like watching a Western rodeo at Silverstone on Easter Monday. The British Superbike riders who struggled to hang on to their wildly bucking broncos were out of the saddle more often than not. A damp but drying track had the top racers slipping
Henley secured thedouble over Bedford in English National Division 1- and preserved their unbeaten record in matches between the two clubs - with an 18-10 victory at Dry Leas. Referee Dave Pearson awarded numerous penalties and this was reflected in the
A brilliant all-round display by Dave Clayton was the feature of Bicester's 20-5 Southern Counties North win over Phoenix in their last match. The result means that Bicester will finish fourth from bottom, but their relegation fate will not be known for
There will be Spooky Goings On with the Chuckle Brothers at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford tomorrow afternoon. The Chuckle Brothers Paul and Barry Chuckle, are real-life brothers (real name Elliot) and they started entertaining at a very early age and put
Fiat has proved a past master at producing sharply differing cars from the same platform. The Punto supermini was a hugely successful product through the 1990s, receiving many accolades in the process, including the Car of the Year award in 1995. But
Vauxhall's leading role in the fight against car crime was boosted when the Astra range was named a winner in the motor industry's most important vehicle security honours. The award, from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, is in recognition
A Banbury firm is encouraging drivers in England to fly the flag on their cars on St George's Day - April 23. Car accessory firm Summit Automotive is offering a new St George cross badge for vehicle owners who want to fly the flag in the face of an EU
Skoda is set to launch its fastest and most powerful road-going car, the Octavia RS. The £15,100 performance hatchback, which is powered by a 1.8-litre 180 horsepower turbo-charged engine, has lowered and stiffened suspension. It will arrive in the showrooms
Two thousand sheep belonging to an Oxfordshire family have been slaughtered - even though they may not have been infected with foot and mouth. Kevin Knott, a farmer from Enstone, near Chipping Norton, has told of his sense of loss after his family's sheep
Police are searching for three men who set fire to a stolen Ford Orion on Spiceball Park. The car, which was discovered alight at 1.30am Saturday, was stolen the previous evening from the NCP car park, between Marlborough Road and Calthorpe Street. Witnesses
Egg rolling was the order of the day in Didcot. William Pilcher, six, takes part in the egg rolling competition on the Mound in Ladgrove, Didcot Competitors rolled hard-boiled eggs down the steep mound, off Tyne Avenue on the Ladygrove estate, to see
As part of Community Champions 2001, a series of two-day workshops for people involved in community groups will take place in Didcot. Call Lynne on 01865 768278 for more information.
Animal rights protesters were escorted off company premises by police after they climbed a fence and shouted slogans through a loud hailer to staff. Fourteen members of the pressure group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty peacefully left the site at Littlemore
Milk was the biggest hazard facing firefighters when they tackled a fire in the cab of a lorry. The driver of the ERF articulated lorry, from London, had to pull over when smoke began to fill the cab. Quick action by firefighters stopped the lorry fire
Charlie Bone snatched a last-gasp winner as Steeple Aston lifted the Jersey Cup for the first time in 37 years with a dramatic 2-1 victory over BCS Bardwell in the final at Bicester Town. Steeple Aston grab a last-gasp winner With extra time looming,
A brilliant all-round display by Dave Clayton was the feature of Bicester's 20-5 Southern Counties North win over Phoenix in their last match. The result means that Bicester will finish fourth from bottom, but their relegation fate will not be known for
Oxford City Stars' hopes of reaching the English National League play-off final suffered a setback with Sunday's 4-1 defeat at home to Billingham Eagles. This was the second disappointing home performance in a row from Oxford in the semi-finals. They
An own goal saw Cavalier lift the Doug Hobbs Cup for RT Harris Oxford City FA Division 1 teams with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston in the final at Rover Cowley. Defences were on top with Aston keeper Ryan Bishop and his opposite number Troy Smart
Oxford Harlequins turned on the style in their last game of the season to run out emphatic 68-5 winners over Bletchley at Horspath Road. Teenage centre Henry Pooler raced in for four tries, while winger Steve Chadbone scored a first-half hat-trick for
Oxford City Stars' hopes of reaching the English National League play-off final suffered a setback with Sunday's 4-1 defeat at home to Billingham Eagles. This was the second disappointing home performance in a row from Oxford in the semi-finals. They
A reward of £100 has been offered for the return of a dog taken away in a stolen car. Andrew Clarke appeals for the return of his dog, Dee Andrew Clarke, owner of timid golden retriever Dee, wants to hear about any sightings of his pet after she was taken
Liam Smye, who once helped at the Iffley Road ground on a work experience course, returned there in triumph last week when helping Henley 2nd to lift the David Charles Oxfordshire Cup. A proud Liam Smye with the Ron Grimshaw Memorial Trophy The 23-year-old
Oxford Universities' batsmen dropped anchor on the second day of the match against Middlesex in the Parks yesterday. Resuming at 32 without loss in reply to the county's 269, the Universities struggled to 191 all out. Jamie Dalrymple, who is registered
Consultant research psychotherapist Valerie Sinason will deliver Wantage Counselling Service's Jo Price Memorial Lecture at the Friends Meeting House in St Giles, Oxford, at 9pm on May 9. Tickets for the talk - on working with Dissociative Identity Disorder
The Wantage and District branch of the Royal Air Forces' Association raised £344 for its Welfare Christmas parcel fund, following a raffle and bric-a-brac stall in Millbrook Square in Grove.
The corner shop at 1 Queens Road could be converted back to residential use subject to planning permission.
Milk was the biggest hazard facing firefighters when they tackled a fire in the cab of a lorry. The driver of the ERF articulated lorry, from London, had to pull over when smoke began to fill the cab. Quick action by firefighters stopped the lorry fire
Catchy songs from The Boyfriend will be echoing around Bartholomew School in Eynsham. The Bartholomew Community Theatre is performing Sandy Wilson's musical between April 25 and 28, starting at 7.30pm each evening. Cast members from left, Jo Mills, Karen
There was egg-cellent entertainment at The Tite Inn at Chadlington on Easter Sunday. There was egg racing for all ages on the steep slope outside the pub, pictured above. The open race was won by the pub's chef, Toby Jackson, using a home-made rocket
Pensioners joined together for some old-fashioned fun by parading in home-made Easter bonnets. Fred French, 78, joins in the celebrations at Spencer Court in Woodstock The colourful hats - some decorated with eggs and chicks - were made by residents at
Jonny Dunbar came off the bench at half-time to help England Under 21s to a 10-8 victory over their French counterparts in the Six Nations Under 21 Championship at Newbury. Jonny Dunbar It was the Wantage blindside flanker's second international at this
Sweet-toothed youngsters brought a touch of Easter fun to a town supermarket. Children were invited to try to win a hoard of chocolate by hunting for bunnies hidden throughout Tesco in Abingdon. The winner was Lucy Cross, pictured.
Abingdon flattered to deceive as they lost 30-8 at home to Henley Wanderers in their last Berks, Bucks & Oxon League Division 2 match of the season. The home side raced into an 8-0 lead in the opening two minutes with a penalty by Xavier Lecocq and
Oxfordshire County Council has been accused of passing the buck on foot and mouth restrictions. Banbury MP Tony Baldry said decisions on reopening the countryside were being left to parish councils and individual farmers. Oxfordshire County Council has
Liam Smye, who once helped at the Iffley Road ground on a work experience course, returned there in triumph last week when helping Henley 2nd to lift the David Charles Oxfordshire Cup. A proud Liam Smye with the Ron Grimshaw Memorial Trophy The 23-year-old
Henley secured thedouble over Bedford in English National Division 1- and preserved their unbeaten record in matches between the two clubs - with an 18-10 victory at Dry Leas. Referee Dave Pearson awarded numerous penalties and this was reflected in the
Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Chris Brain makes his first team debut for Thame United tonight in their big Ryman League Division 1 promotion battle at Braintree Town. Brain gets his unexpected chance with Ian Moores abroad for two weeks, and no other
David Kemp urged the Oxford United fans who again called for his head following last night's derby defeat by Reading to "have a reality check". Reading ran out comfortable 2-0 winners with a goal in each half from Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler to boost
Oxford city councillors are backing opponents of a scheme to switch voters to different wards. Critics say changes proposed by the Local Government Boundary Commission could split up communities in the city. The commission says the number of council wards
Manager Brian Hughes has stepped into the breach to lead the fight to save Witney Town. Town's boss has called a meeting at Witney Lakes Golf Club tomorrow (7.30pm) in an attempt to find a buyer or to set up a board of directors. He is urging all businessmen
Construction work on a collapsed sewer - which will close a busy Oxford city centre street - is due to start in a fortnight's time. The start date of April 30 for work by Thames Water in George Street has now been agreed, following consultation with Oxfordshire
A popular artist and life-long admirer of the River Thames has died, aged 78. Painter and sailor Harry Charlwood was a key figure in the Oxford art world, forging a reputation as a first class teacher and graphic designer. Mr Charlwood, who was a well-known
Student Emma Huntly will travel to South Africa in her summer holidays to work with deprived schoolchildren. The 19-year-old, of Manor Road, South Hinksey, Oxford, will travel to the remote town of Nelspruit, in the north-east of the country, in her summer
A reward of £100 has been offered for the return of a dog taken away in a stolen car. Andrew Clarke appeals for the return of his dog, Dee Andrew Clarke, owner of timid golden retriever Dee, wants to hear about any sightings of his pet after she was taken
An old wives' tale that seafood is good for the brain could be true, say Oxford scientists. Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that children with dyslexia and other learning problems benefit from eating fish oils. After testing 40 special
Two pubs have been picked out for special praise by real ale buffs following a tour of Jericho, Oxford. Local members of the real ale campaign group Camra visited seven pubs and gave two of them, The Bookbinders' Arms in Victor Street and the Harcourt
Pensioners joined together for some old-fashioned fun by parading in home-made Easter bonnets. Fred French, 78, joins in the celebrations at Spencer Court in Woodstock The colourful hats - some decorated with eggs and chicks - were made by residents at
A fire at the university sports ground on Iffley Road, Oxford, may have been started deliberately. A bungalow, used as an office and store, was damaged in the fire which began when disused gym mats were set alight. Crews were called out yesterday afternoon
A bride-to-be has won a relaxing break away from frantic wedding preparations, thanks to the Oxford Mail. Susie Wilcock, 24, is taking her fianc Andy Sigsworth, 29, on the special three-day break to Paris on Eurostar, which she won at our Wedding Fair
A VILLAGE for the world's top sailors is being built by workers from Banbury company De Boer Structures, writes Maggie Hartford. The firm will supply a wide range of buildings near the water's edge at Southampton for the launch of the gruelling Volvo
Jonny Dunbar came off the bench at half-time to help England Under 21s to a 10-8 victory over their French counterparts in the Six Nations Under 21 Championship at Newbury. It was the Wantage blindside flanker's second international at this level, having
Oxfordshire County Council has been accused of passing the buck on foot and mouth restrictions. Banbury MP Tony Baldry said decisions on reopening the countryside were being left to parish councils and individual farmers. Oxfordshire County Council has
Plans to build a block of retirement flats have been given a cautious welcome by a town council. An application to build 35 sheltered apartments for the elderly in Chipping Norton, plus manager's accommodation and communal rooms, has been submitted to
Oxfordshire golfers John Mumford and Joe Kingston are one step away from a luxury five-day trip to one of Portugal's top courses. They will qualify for an all-expenses-paid visit to San Lorenzo for the trophy finals if they win the next round of Europe's
Steve Welbourne kept a stiff upper lip as he said goodbye to his beloved moustache. Steve, 47, an agricultural representative of Keyser Road, Bodicote, agreed to be shaved to raise money for the Macmillan Nurses Appeal. The event raised more than £500
Co-op staff at Didcot returned from the Bank Holiday to find the rear of the supermarket in Market Place splattered with yoghurt, eggs and other foodstuffs. Assistant manager John Hayter said he and colleagues spent more than two hours cleaning up the
A Ford Orion struck a garden wall as it was being followed by police. The male driver and a female passenger escaped unhurt in the crash, which happened on Sunday afternoon in Sandringham Road, Didcot, at the junction with Stonesfield. Thames Valley Police
Oxford Devils took a major step towards the National League Division 1 play-off final at Wembley Arena on May 5 by beating Cardiff Clippers 64-83 in the first leg at Cardiff. Devils, playing without power forward Arthur Robinson and centre Tod McNeil,
Indian film buffs are being enticed to the charms of Oxfordshire, following the release of a guide to 'Bollywood' movie locations. Bicester Village shopping centre and Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, are among the attractions featured on a new map listing
Charlie Bone snatched a last-gasp winner as Steeple Aston lifted the Jersey Cup for the first time in 37 years with a dramatic 2-1 victory over BCS Bardwell in the final at Bicester Town. Steeple Aston grab a last-gasp winner With extra time looming,
Manager Brian Hughes has stepped into the breach to lead the fight to save Witney Town. Town's boss has called a meeting at Witney Lakes Golf Club tomorrow (7.30pm) in an attempt to find a buyer or to set up a board of directors. He is urging all businessmen
Shrivenham, who are aiming for promotion to the Hellenic League, are the new North Berks League Division 1 leaders following a 3-2 win at Sutton Courtenay. Christian Ayres scored a brace of goals to cancel out Simon Russell and Billy Geddes' strikes for
Wootton Sports are the new Witney & District FA Division 3 champions following a 4-2 victory over FC Mills Res. Needing a point to clinch the title, Wootton made no mistake with goals from Steve Brooks (2), Dave Gubbings and Tony Perkins. In the Premier
Oxford Devils took a major step towards the National League Division 1 play-off final at Wembley Arena on May 5 by beating Cardiff Clippers 64-83 in the first leg at Cardiff. Devils, playing without power forward Arthur Robinson and centre Tod McNeil,
Scunthorpe effectively secured the league title with a 34-23 win at Banbury inMidland Division 1, but were made to pull out all the stops by a battling home side. It was only after a last-minute try that Scunthorpe could finally breathe easily. Determined
Chinnor's ambition to go through the season with an immaculate away record was thwarted when they lost 15-10 at Slough in their last South West Division 2 East game. The result meant that Slough clinched the runners-up and play-off spot . The game was
Firefighters were called to Donnington Place, to extinguish a dishwasher that caught fire yesterday. Crews from Wantage and Didcot attended.
A bride-to-be has won a relaxing break away from frantic wedding preparations, thanks to the Oxford Mail. Susie Wilcock, 24, is taking her fianc Andy Sigsworth, 29, on the special three-day break to Paris on Eurostar, which she won at our Wedding Fair
Scunthorpe effectively secured the league title with a 34-23 win at Banbury inMidland Division 1, but were made to pull out all the stops by a battling home side. It was only after a last-minute try that Scunthorpe could finally breathe easily. Determined
A teenager found dead beside a busy road has been described as "wonderful, caring and loving" by his family. The body of Martin O'Connor, 18, was discovered by a jogger at around 8.15am on Saturday beside the northbound carriageway of the A44, between
Youngsters did not have to go to the seaside for their holiday camp - it was all set up for them at a sports centre. The full house sign went up at "Camp Windrush" in Witney as boys and girls booked their places for a packed session of Easter school holiday
A Ford Orion struck a garden wall as it was being followed by police. The male driver and a female passenger escaped unhurt in the crash, which happened on Sunday afternoon in Sandringham Road, Didcot, at the junction with Stonesfield. Thames Valley Police
Egg rolling was the order of the day in Didcot. William Pilcher, six, takes part in the egg rolling competition on the Mound in Ladgrove, Didcot Competitors rolled hard-boiled eggs down the steep mound, off Tyne Avenue on the Ladygrove estate, to see
Teachers are calling for a 35-hour week starting this autumn. Unions are to start talks with Oxfordshire County Council to negotiate a reduction in their working hours. They claim many teachers in the county regularly clock up 57-hour weeks as they cope
Two Oxford lecturers have been nominated for a national award which has a £50,000 prize. Dr Mark Moloney, who specialises in organic chemistry at Oxford University, and Margaret Price, of Oxford Brookes' business school, are among 86 entrants in the 2001
Two thousand sheep belonging to an Oxfordshire family have been slaughtered - even though they may not have been infected with foot and mouth. Kevin Knott, a farmer from Enstone, near Chipping Norton, has told of his sense of loss after his family's sheep
Oxfordshire County Council has been accused of passing the buck on foot and mouth restrictions. Banbury MP Tony Baldry said decisions on reopening the countryside were being left to parish councils and individual farmers. Oxfordshire County Council has
More than 70 vehicles have been crushed in a blitz against tax dodgers across the Thames Valley. The operation in Oxfordshire by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency in February involved a one-day roadside blitz in Garsington Road, Cowley, which caught
