Witney's 40-year connection with Nepal is being given a fresh impetus by the town's Rotary Club. Rotarians are raising funds for an aid post, which could be used to help mountain climbers suffering from altitude sickness. Dr Sandy Scott, a trustee of
A group of Canadian students learning about the history of the Hudson's Bay trading company visited Witney. The Hudson's Bay company used to place regular orders for blankets which were made in Witney. They are still woven at the Early's blanket mills
A charity dog walk is being held next month in Enstone to raise funds for a group which enables dog owners and their pets to visit elderly people in care or hospital. The PAT Dog Walk is being held at Ditchley Park, near Chipping Norton, from 11am on
Plans to put a mobile home on a poultry farm have been withdrawn. Dr Lutfi Radwan, of Heath Lane, Bladon, near Woodstock, wants to house about 2,000 chickens in fields at Hampton Gay, near Kidlington, and submitted a planning application to Cherwell District
Nine-year-old Alex Body made friends with a 9ft Burmese golden python at his after-school club in Benson. Alex Body with the snake The python and several other snakes and reptiles were taken to the Scamps club from a Hertfordshire rescue centre to give
Scouts and guides will be celebrating St George's Day with a parade through Cowley, Oxford. Last year, 750 young people and their leaders took part in the parade and a similar number is expected this year. The parade will take place on Sunday, April 21
An elderly Woodstock couple lost their pension book and cash after a conman called at their home. The man burgled the couple's home in Banbury Road on Friday, April 12, after claiming he was from the council and was going to tidy the garden. He asked
A new section of a conservation area in Dorchester has opened. The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner, far right, with honorary secretary of Hurst Water Meadow trustees, Dr Peter Pritchard, and trustee chairman Cllr Roy Tudor Hughes at Buck
A man was killed and three other people were hurt when a car crashed on the M40. The accident happened at 7am on Sunday, April 14, on the northbound carriageway between junctions six and seven, between Lewknor and Milton Common. No other vehicles were
Young asylum seekers met the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire to share their experiences of life in the county. Helen Kariuke was one of 35 students who met the High Sheriff, Lady McLintock, at Oxford School, on Friday, to discuss a project on what it means
Children and their parents celebrated the 10th anniversary of a creche at Bicester and Ploughley Sports Centre in Queen's Avenue. Charlie Cassidy at the celebrations The creche was set up to help parents wanting to take up an activity, or go shopping
Paddington Station will be closed on Sunday, May 5, due to engineering work. As a result, all Thames Trains services to and from London will start and terminate at Ealing Broadway. The number of trains operating will be reduced as Ealing Broadway does
Cattle will make a comeback at this year's Thame and Oxfordshire County Show. If there is no resumption of foot and mouth by mid-May, sheep and goats will also return to the show. Food and farming minister Lord Whitty has announced a licensing regime
Soldiers from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon received medals after their return from a six-month tour of duty in Northern Ireland. Eighty members of 4 Transport Squadron of 4 General Support Regiment were based in Belfast, providing transport for units on
Muslims from Banbury accepted an invitation from MP Tony Baldry to celebrate the Festival of Eid at the House of Commons. A party of Muslims from the town travelled to London to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, and Home Secretary
Muslims from Banbury accepted an invitation from MP Tony Baldry to celebrate the Festival of Eid at the House of Commons. A party of Muslims from the town travelled to London to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, and Home Secretary
Hockey, basketball, swimming and cycle speedway HOCKEY English Women's League Div 2 play-off: Firebrands 2, Rover Oxford 3. BASKETBALL National League Div 1: Mansfield 70, Oxford Devils 87. SWIMMING Home Counties League (Temple Cowley): 1 City Oxford
North Berks League, Lord Jersey FA, PL Soccer Kits Banbury League, Morrells Oxford Sunday League, Autotype UTV League NORTH BERKS LEAGUE North Berks League Cup final: Warborough Res 4, Coleshill Res 5. North Berks Charity Shield semi-finals: Kintbury
Elsevier Youth League, Oxford Mail Boys League, Giles Sports Witney League ELSEVIER YOUTH LEAGUE JBMT quarter-finals: Florence Park 5, Steventon 2; Milton A 1, Berinsfield 0; Cholsey 3, Buckingham Ath 2; Oxford City 3, Barton 2. Under 17 League: Didcot
Staff at a car marketing and fleet management company are celebrating after landing a key contract from a major manufacturer. QEK Global Solutions, based in Upper Heyford, has been signed up by Renault to handle the management of its demonstration fleet
Manufacturing companies are being offered a helping hand to race into the future with a service launched in Oxfordshire. The Government's manufacturing advisory service, set up in partnership with the South East England Development Agency, was launched
The future looks bright for one of the region's leading hi-tech industries. Key industry figures and academics gave an upbeat assessment of the outlook for the UK's photonics industry at a seminar organised by Oxford Innovation. Photonics involves the
Businesses in Oxfordshire are being given extra time to sign up for the county's premier business event. The deadline for entries to the 2002 Oxfordshire Business Awards has been extended to April 30. Last year's event attracted 200 entries -- a record
New police call centres should make it easier for people to pass on details of crimes. Two 24-hour police inquiry centres and two emergency control rooms will open later this year to replace the seven control rooms across Thames Valley. Thames Valley
A volunteer driver is demanding a higher mileage rate for taking patients to hospital in his people carrier. Brian Eastoe, of Drayton, near Abingdon, said he could transport twice as many patients but was paid the same as people with standard cars. Oxfordshire
The campaign by South Oxfordshire District Council to introduce wheelie bins was done back to front, according to Wallingford councillors. Members had just heard cabinet member Robin Peirce detail the need for extra recycling and how the wheelie bins
County Councillor Don Seale has defended his right to stand for re-election as a district councillor in west Oxfordshire, despite his Gloucestershire address. Last year, Labour county councillors called for Cllr Seale to resign from the executive board
THE choir of New College, Oxford, has joined forces with the Academy of Ancient Music, directed by Edward Higginbottom, to record a CD of choral music written for English coronations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The CD, which includes Handel's Zadok
Couples with a marriage ceremony on the horizon found answers to all their questions at the Oxford Mail Wedding Fair. Wedding dress designer Jo-Ann Hall was one of the many wedding gown designers, florists, photographers, and caterers ready with suggestions
Cirencester Utd 3, Clanfield 1 CLANFIELD'S unbeaten six-game run came to end in the last few minutes of this hard-fought encounter. The visitors took the lead after nine minutes when good work by John Steedman and Ryan Pratley set up Neil Barrett for
Scouts and guides will be celebrating St George's Day with a parade through Cowley, Oxford. Last year, 750 young people and their leaders took part in the parade and a similar number is expected this year. The parade will take place on Sunday, April 21
Young asylum seekers met the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire to share their experiences of life in the county. Helen Kariuke with the High Sheriff, Lady McLintock Helen Kariuke was one of 35 students who met the High Sheriff, Lady McLintock, at Oxford School
So many Oxford United players are worried about their futures that it's created an air of nerves in the dressing room, according to manager Ian Atkins. But the situation is likely to continue for a few days yet because he is set to produce another list
Thame produced a much-improved second-half performance to earn a share of the Ryman League Division 1 points with a 1-1 draw at Yeading on Saturday. The home side had dominated the opening exchanges and should have had more than a one-goal advantage at
Veteran striker Steve Jenkins was a hat-trick hero as Banbury picked up three vital points with a 3-0 victory over Wisbech at The Stadium on Saturday. It means Kevin Brock's side are almost certain to avoid relegation from the Dr Martens Eastern Division
Thame produced a much-improved second-half performance to earn a share of the Ryman League Division 1 points with a 1-1 draw at Yeading on Saturday. The home side had dominated the opening exchanges and should have had more than a one-goal advantage at
THE choir of New College, Oxford, has joined forces with the Academy of Ancient Music, directed by Edward Higginbottom, to record a CD of choral music written for English coronations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The CD, which includes Handel's Zadok
Abingdon Utd 1, Tuffley Rov 0 There was plenty of action, if few goals at the Northcourt, as both sides created a host of chances, but left their scoring boots at home. The first strike on goal was the only one on target - and it counted. A long ball
Abingdon went down to their first defeat in four Ryman Division 3 as Aveley clinched promotion with a 2-1 victory at Culham Road on Saturday. Another ill-tempered affair, which was not helped by some bizarre refereeing decisions, culminating in a late
Four teenagers have been sent to a young offenders' institution for their part in a series of robberies. Mark Duffy, 17, who admitted four charges of robbery and two of attempted robbery, and Peter Pennington, 18, who admitted three charges of robbery
The European School at Culham, near Abingdon, is marking the 150th anniversary of its buildings with a series of events this year. Among the activities are art and literature competitions, scientific and geographical projects and lectures on the history
One of Abingdon's two remaining old coaching inns, the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Bridge Street, is undergoing a £500,000 refurbishment programme. The new owner, Malik Mushtaq, said: "This is a wonderful old hotel that forms an important part of Abingdon
A volunteer driver is demanding a higher mileage rate for taking patients to hospital in his people carrier. Brian Eastoe, of Drayton, near Abingdon, said he could transport twice as many patients but was paid the same as people with standard cars. Oxfordshire
Plans to put Benson's two schools on one site have divided the village. Oxfordshire County Council have proposed moving the infants school from Westfield Road to the junior school site in Oxford Road, which is owned by the village. The site was bought
Cholsey is ready for fun and games this year. The Millennium Games, which involved families throughout the village in competitions, are to make a comeback as the Jubilee Games. The village will be divided into the same "houses" and compete against each
Nine-year-old Alex Body made friends with a 9ft Burmese golden python at his after-school club in Benson. Alex Body with the snake The python and several other snakes and reptiles were taken to the Scamps club from a Hertfordshire rescue centre to give
Witney's 40-year connection with Nepal is being given a fresh impetus by the town's Rotary Club. Rotarians are raising funds for an aid post, which could be used to help mountain climbers suffering from altitude sickness. Dr Sandy Scott, a trustee of
A group of Canadian students learning about the history of the Hudson's Bay trading company visited Witney. The Hudson's Bay company used to place regular orders for blankets which were made in Witney. They are still woven at the Early's blanket mills
Council benefits staff are setting up market stalls to check people are not missing out on their benefit entitlements. The benefits awareness campaign has been launched by West Oxfordshire District Council. Staff will visit the district's three markets
Hook Norton 0, Pewsey Vale 0 This Division 1 West top-of-the-table showdown finished in stalemate at The Bourne on Saturday. The goalless draw still leaves Hooky six points clear at the top, needing three more victories to ensure promotion. In front of
Veteran striker Steve Jenkins was a hat-trick hero as Banbury picked up three vital points with a 3-0 victory over Wisbech at The Stadium on Saturday. It means Kevin Brock's side are almost certain to avoid relegation from the Dr Martens Eastern Division
A man was killed and three other people were hurt when a car crashed on the M40. The accident happened at 7am on Sunday, April 14, on the northbound carriageway between junctions six and seven, between Lewknor and Milton Common. No other vehicles were
Cattle will make a comeback at this year's Thame and Oxfordshire County Show. If there is no resumption of foot and mouth by mid-May, sheep and goats will also return to the show. Food and farming minister Lord Whitty has announced a licensing regime
Abingdon went down to their first defeat in four Ryman Division 3 as Aveley clinched promotion with a 2-1 victory at Culham Road on Saturday. Another ill-tempered affair, which was not helped by some bizarre refereeing decisions, culminating in a late
Oxford City gave a disappointing end-of-season display as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against current Ryman Division 1 form side Barking at Court Place Farm on Saturday. After an even first half-hour, once the visitors went ahead, they controlled midfield
North Berks League, Lord Jersey FA, PL Soccer Kits Banbury League, Morrells Oxford Sunday League, Autotype UTV League NORTH BERKS LEAGUE North Berks League Cup final: Warborough Res 4, Coleshill Res 5. North Berks Charity Shield semi-finals: Kintbury
Elsevier Youth League, Oxford Mail Boys League, Giles Sports Witney League ELSEVIER YOUTH LEAGUE JBMT quarter-finals: Florence Park 5, Steventon 2; Milton A 1, Berinsfield 0; Cholsey 3, Buckingham Ath 2; Oxford City 3, Barton 2. Under 17 League: Didcot
Quarry Nomads 1, Eton Wick 0 QUARRY Nomads moved out of the bottom two relegation spots in Division 1 East for the first time in months thanks to Saturday's victory. In a close encounter, Quarry kept plugging away and were rewarded when James Ford picked
Kidlington 2, Headington Am 0 Kidlington's greater passion and determination decided this local derby. The first half was evenly contested, but after the break, Kidlington firmly took control. Fraser Gills put them ahead on 48 minutes when he converted
Oxford City gave a disappointing end-of-season display as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against current Ryman Division 1 form side Barking at Court Place Farm on Saturday. After an even first half-hour, once the visitors went ahead, they controlled midfield
Wallingford kept their title dreams alive with an important 4-1 win over Chessington & Hook in Saturday's Combined Counties League Premier Division game. Andy Parr gave Wallingford the lead, with Chessington equalising after the break before they
Two tries from full back Chris Nash helped Bicester beat Wallingford 30-11 on Saturday to lift the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 title. Fly half Stuart Cassidy and skipper Martin Ewens also grabbed tries for Bicester, who make an immediate return to
Purton 1, Ardley Utd 3 WITH both sides level on points before this game, it was always likely to be a close affair, and so it proved. Purton opened the scoring on 34 minutes through ex-Ardley striker Steve Tucker with a well-hit shot. A goalmouth scramble
A flag celebrating International Earth Day will fly from the town hall next Monday, to remind Oxford residents to take care of the environment. Green county councillor Craig Simmons, and Green city councillor Elise Benjamin brought back the flag from
Neighbours saved an Oxford man by raising the alarm after his house caught fire. Mick Brackett, 53, had fallen asleep at his home in Pipit Close, Greater Leys, Oxford, shortly before 7pm on Saturday. Neighbours heard the smoke detector in his house, got
Nurses taking part in a pilot scheme to sort waste helped to save £16,000 a year in one ward at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. Claire Smith with the bins A system to segregate expensive clinical waste from ordinary rubbish by using colour-coded bins
Soldiers from Dalton Barracks in Abingdon received medals after their return from a six-month tour of duty in Northern Ireland. Eighty members of 4 Transport Squadron of 4 General Support Regiment were based in Belfast, providing transport for units on
Bishop's Cleeve 0, Didcot Tn 2 Didcot produced a fine all-round display in disposing of Bishop's Cleeve to keep alive their hopes of a top-five finish. Top scorer Ian Concannon struck a post before Didcot went in front on the half hour mark. Dwaine Strong
A charity dog walk is being held next month in Enstone to raise funds for a group which enables dog owners and their pets to visit elderly people in care or hospital. The PAT Dog Walk is being held at Ditchley Park, near Chipping Norton, from 11am on
A new hostel for single mothers has opened in Witney. The project, Godstow Cottage, was officially opened last week. It provides accommodation for eight women, and is the first of its kind in the town. Teresa Harman, Stonham project worker, said: "The
An elderly Woodstock couple lost their pension book and cash after a conman called at their home. The man burgled the couple's home in Banbury Road on Friday, April 12, after claiming he was from the council and was going to tidy the garden. He asked
A couple from Charlbury praised firefighters for a quick response when the roof of their home caught fire. Colin and Eithne Nutt were at home in Thames House, Market Street, on Saturday, April 13, when the blaze started. After being alerted by passersby
County Councillor Don Seale has defended his right to stand for re-election as a district councillor in west Oxfordshire, despite his Gloucestershire address. Last year, Labour county councillors called for Cllr Seale to resign from the executive board
Wallingford kept their title dreams alive with an important 4-1 win over Chessington & Hook in Saturday's Combined Counties League Premier Division game. Andy Parr gave Wallingford the lead, with Chessington equalising after the break before they
Hockey, basketball, swimming and cycle speedway HOCKEY English Women's League Div 2 play-off: Firebrands 2, Rover Oxford 3. BASKETBALL National League Div 1: Mansfield 70, Oxford Devils 87. SWIMMING Home Counties League (Temple Cowley): 1 City Oxford
Results from the weekend, April 13-14 ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 1: Wakefield 13, Henley 13. ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Midlands Div 1: Malvern 38, Banbury 5. South West Div 1: Keynsham 22, Chinnor 16. Southern Counties North: Chipping Norton 17, Milton
Children and their parents celebrated the 10th anniversary of a creche at Bicester and Ploughley Sports Centre in Queen's Avenue. Charlie Cassidy at the celebrations The creche was set up to help parents wanting to take up an activity, or go shopping
Motorbike fan and police Inspector Ian Edwards will often ride his own Suzuki to work at Bicester police station. Insp Edwards, 42, has taken over from Insp Carole Haveron as the officer in charge of Bicester police at the Queen's Avenue station. "I love
Results from Ryman League, Dr Martens League, Football League Youth Alliance, Cherry Red Records Hellenic League, Combined Counties League, Suburban League, Oxfordshire Senior League, RT Harris Oxford City FA, Witney and District FA RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1
North Leigh 1, Henley Tn 0 Striker Harry Burnley proved to be Henley's undoing for the second time in a week. Burnley scoring both North Leigh goals in Tuesday's win at Henley, and he came off the bench to snatch the winner in Saturday's return fixture
Two tries from full back Chris Nash helped Bicester beat Wallingford 30-11 on Saturday to lift the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 title. Fly half Stuart Cassidy and skipper Martin Ewens also grabbed tries for Bicester, who make an immediate return to
Plans to put Benson's two schools on one site have divided the village. Oxfordshire County Council have proposed moving the infants school from Westfield Road to the junior school site in Oxford Road, which is owned by the village. The site was bought
THE choir of New College, Oxford, has joined forces with the Academy of Ancient Music, directed by Edward Higginbottom, to record a CD of choral music written for English coronations in the 17th and 18th centuries. The CD, which includes Handel's Zadok
Cholsey is ready for fun and games this year. The Millennium Games, which involved families throughout the village in competitions, are to make a comeback as the Jubilee Games. The village will be divided into the same "houses" and compete against each
Couples with a marriage ceremony on the horizon found answers to all their questions at the Oxford Mail Wedding Fair. Wedding dress designer Jo-Ann Hall was one of the many wedding gown designers, florists, photographers, and caterers ready with suggestions
TWO people were injured when a light aircraft crashed on take-off at an Oxfordshire airfield. The crew aborted the take-off and the aircraft hit a bank at RAF Weston-on-the-Green, on Saturday, April 13. The 13 people on board were going on a parachute
Council benefits staff are setting up market stalls to check people are not missing out on their benefit entitlements. The benefits awareness campaign has been launched by West Oxfordshire District Council. Staff will visit the district's three markets
Motorbike fan and police Inspector Ian Edwards will often ride his own Suzuki to work at Bicester police station. Insp Edwards, 42, has taken over from Insp Carole Haveron as the officer in charge of Bicester police at the Queen's Avenue station. "I love
The European School at Culham, near Abingdon, is marking the 150th anniversary of its buildings with a series of events this year. Among the activities are art and literature competitions, scientific and geographical projects and lectures on the history
A Banbury woman who admitted fraudulently obtaining housing and council tax benefits has been given a conditional discharge. Rachel Wilcox, 30, of Hornbeam Road, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud totalling £2,342 in a case brought by Cherwell District Council
Results from the weekend, April 13-14 ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 1: Wakefield 13, Henley 13. ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Midlands Div 1: Malvern 38, Banbury 5. South West Div 1: Keynsham 22, Chinnor 16. Southern Counties North: Chipping Norton 17, Milton
So many Oxford United players are worried about their futures that it's created an air of nerves in the dressing room, according to manager Ian Atkins. But the situation is likely to continue for a few days yet because he is set to produce another list
Results from Ryman League, Dr Martens League, Football League Youth Alliance, Cherry Red Records Hellenic League, Combined Counties League, Suburban League, Oxfordshire Senior League, RT Harris Oxford City FA, Witney and District FA RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1
Businesses in Oxfordshire are being given extra time to sign up for the county's premier business event. The deadline for entries to the 2002 Oxfordshire Business Awards has been extended to April 30. Last year's event attracted 200 entries -- a record
An Oxford-based electricity and gas sales business sold off after the collapse of US energy giant Enron is set to expand under its new owner. Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has decided not to refer British Gas's purchase
The Oxfordshire Business Awards are one of the highlights in the county's business calendar and now is the time to start thinking about putting your name forward. This year, organisers are looking to build on 2001's highly successful format in a bid to
One of Abingdon's two remaining old coaching inns, the Crown and Thistle Hotel in Bridge Street, is undergoing a £500,000 refurbishment programme. The new owner, Malik Mushtaq, said: "This is a wonderful old hotel that forms an important part of Abingdon
A couple from Charlbury praised firefighters for a quick response when the roof of their home caught fire. Colin and Eithne Nutt were at home in Thames House, Market Street, on Saturday, April 13, when the blaze started. After being alerted by passersby
A Banbury woman who admitted fraudulently obtaining housing and council tax benefits has been given a conditional discharge. Rachel Wilcox, 30, of Hornbeam Road, pleaded guilty to benefit fraud totalling £2,342 in a case brought by Cherwell District Council
A flag celebrating International Earth Day will fly from the town hall next Monday, to remind Oxford residents to take care of the environment. Green county councillor Craig Simmons, and Green city councillor Elise Benjamin brought back the flag from
Supermarket staff across Oxfordshire is helping recruit women to raise money to fight cancer. A team of Tesco workers will give a boost to this year's Oxford Race for Life, in University Parks, which is one of 100 5km runs for women -- organised by Cancer
Plans to put a mobile home on a poultry farm have been withdrawn. Dr Lutfi Radwan, of Heath Lane, Bladon, near Woodstock, wants to house about 2,000 chickens in fields at Hampton Gay, near Kidlington, and submitted a planning application to Cherwell District
North Leigh 1, Henley Tn 0 Striker Harry Burnley proved to be Henley's undoing for the second time in a week. Burnley scoring both North Leigh goals in Tuesday's win at Henley, and he came off the bench to snatch the winner in Saturday's return fixture
