Archive

  • Racing team chief sells site

    Racing chief Tom Walkinshaw has sold the 30-acre Leafield home of two of his former companies -- TWR Engineering and Arrows Formula One Racing Team. TWR Engineering, which has another site in Worthing, Sussex, was sold as a going concern by administrators

  • Young man found hanged in park

    The body of a young man was found hanged from a tree in an Oxford park on May 8. South Park was cordoned off while police examined the scene. Officers said the death was being treated as suspicious. Thames Valley Police spokesman Sian Hickman said officers

  • Jumble on sale

    The 10th Abingdon St Helen's Scout Group is holding a jumble sale and cake stall in the Market Place on May 10, from 8.30am to noon.

  • Dragons get ready to race

    Abingdon's most colourful and entertaining river festival, the Dragon Boat races, has attracted 27 teams for May 11's event. Boats race in last year's event Paddlers in fancy dress will set off down the Thames in their decorated boats, from opposite Wilsham

  • Shaun Aris

    A Long Hanborough man who moved to Inverness 15 months ago was killed in a road accident on April 28. Shaun Aris, 31, who was born and raised in Long Hanborough, moved to Scotland with his wife Annette and two children Benjamin, five, and Joanna, two,

  • Garden dedicated

    A garden at Charlbury railway station has been replanted and dedicated in memory of Sir Peter Parker, the former British Rail chairman and a regular passenger from the station.

  • Homes planned

    Developer George Wimpey is applying for consent from West Oxfordshire District Council to build 122 homes and side roads as part of phase two of the new north east estate in Carterton.

  • RAF band to strike up at party

    The Central Band of the RAF will be taking part in a Party in the Park at RAF Brize Norton. Other attractions at the event on May 31, will include the Wood Green School wind band, the RAF Falcons parachute team, RAF police dog displays, a hog roast and

  • Sporting pupils win praise

    Pupils who had competed for their country or shown commitment to their school team were praised at King Alfred's Community Sports College's annual sports awards. The Year Seven girls football team with their award The ceremony was held for the first time

  • Sculptures created

    Young people are being invited to make sculptures out of recycled materials at The Courtyard Youth and Arts Centre, in Launton Road, on May 10, from 11am to 4pm. Resident jeweller Sarah Tomlin and artists Payam Beint and Vicki Oliver Kennedy will be working

  • Talent earns sweet treat

    Three children were given a chocolate reward for their artistic talent. Sarah Mann and David Lane, with their designs Pictured are Sarah Mann, four, and David Lane, seven. With James Pickup, 10, they were among about 200 young artists who took part in

  • Boy accused

    A teenager has appeared before Oxford Magistrates' Court, charged with assaulting a 93-year-old man outside Thresher off-licence, in Iffley Road, Cowley, on April 29. The boy, aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody.

  • £10k boost for food project

    An Oxfordshire authority has received a £10,000 boost to help promote food hygiene and healthy eating. Cherwell District Council was one of just 10 councils nationwide to be awarded the grant by the Food Standards Agency. Seventy authorities took part

  • Children run to join new sports event

    More than 100 children took part in the first aquathlon at the Wantage Leisure Centre in Portway. Children from the ages of eight to 16 took part in the competition, which involved running around the centre and swimming in the pool. Ben Hutchings is pictured

  • Man arrested

    A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs behind the Oxford Ice Rink. He was bailed until May 16.

  • Call for cash

    New and existing community groups in Barton, Oxford, can apply for up to £1,000 in funding from The Development Pot. Call 01865 764932 for information.

  • Forum meets

    A meeting of Barton Community Forum will take place at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre social club at 7pm on May 8. All residents are welcome to discuss community issues.

  • Jack basks in sun

    The warm weather has attracted all sorts of people, and animals, to Oxfordshire's waterways. Our photographer captured this picture of Yorkshire terrier Jack making the most of the sunshine. Jack was relaxing on the narrowboat Victoria, during a stopover

  • Police name dead driver

    A man who died at the wheel of his car at an accident blackspot on the Oxford to Banbury road has been named by police. The body of Marc Field, 22, was found trapped in his Vauxhall Omega after the car left the A4260 at the Hopcrofts Holt junction just

  • Mrs Warren's Profession

    One of the earliest of George Bernard Shaw's plays, Mrs Warren's Profession -- completed in 1894 -- was not publicly performed for another 31 years. Why so? Because the 'profession' under consideration was the oldest one, so-called, and such a subject

  • Parenting sessions

    A trainee breastfeeding counsellor from the National Childbirth Trust, a midwife and a health visitor will be attending a drop-in session for mothers and babies at Willowbrook Leisure Centre, Ladygrove, Didcot, on May 14. The Bumps and Babies session

  • Cancer battle inspires sister

    A woman who has watched her sister endure months of treatment for cancer has scaled Ben Nevis to raise money for research. Last summer, Jenny Carter, 40, of Wantage, and her sister Gill Parrot, 41, of Grove, discovered breast lumps on the same day. Although

  • Drug charge

    A man arrested near Falcon Close, Blackbird Leys, on May 2, has been charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and being an illegal immigrant. Timarli Foster, 22, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody by Oxford magistrates.

  • Fire delays rail passengers

    Rail passengers had to be evacuated from a high-speed express after fire broke out in an engine compartment as it approached Oxford Station. The blaze, beneath the floor of one of the carriages, was quickly put out by the train's extinguisher system and

  • Thief back in court

    An Oxford man is serving a 14-day prison sentence for theft and possessing drugs while he awaits sentencing for burglary. Gerald Bagshall 34, of Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, admitted burglary. He was given four consecutive 14-day prison sentences for

  • Free hamburgers feed one thousand

    Shoppers and city workers munched free hamburgers and hot-dogs yesterday as Oxford churches began their re-enactment of the Bible's feeding of the 5,000. More than 1,000 people took up the offer of free food barbecued by members of 13 of the city's churches

  • Firefighters tackle peaks challenge

    Firefighters from Oxfordshire will swap their breathing apparatus for climbing gear when they take on Britain's three biggest peaks for charity. Eight firefighters from Green Watch at the Rewley Road fire station in Oxford are taking part in the Three

  • Cold temperature spoils pool opening

    Schoolgirl Melissa Robinson got a short, sharp shock when she dipped her toe in the water to celebrate the arrival of spring. Melissa, from Kennington, near Oxford, froze in surprise when she prepared to plunge into the Hinksey Park outdoor pool - which

  • Waggy hits back in Coventry rumpus

    Oxford Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff has hit back at comments in the Speedway Star following the recent Oxford v Coventry clashes that led to scuffles in the pits at Brandon. A crash involving Oxford's Nicky Pedersen and Bill Janniro and Stuart

  • US billionaire buys former F1 site

    Racing chief Tom Walkinshaw has sold the 30-acre Leafield home of two of his former companies -- TWR Engineering and Arrows Formula One Racing Team. TWR Engineering, which has another site in Worthing, Sussex, was sold as a going concern by administrators

  • Donor doubles attack reward

    An anonymous donor has doubled a reward to help find the person who attacked and robbed an elderly woman, who later died. Gladys Gardner, 83, of Villeboys Close, Abingdon, suffered a broken hip in the robbery and died seven weeks later in the John Radcliffe

  • Cuts leave students fearful of more debt

    Students at Oxford University are facing the prospect of larger debts, after it was decided to cut subsidies towards their living costs. Trinity College has decided to reduce its subsidies for board and lodging -- and other colleges are expected to follow

  • Series of events celebrate centenary

    One of Britain's top independent schools, the School of St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon, starts celebrating its 100th birthday on May 11. Celebrations will include anniversary concerts and an evening gala performance, complete with champagne and

  • The Rev John Blyth

    A former vicar of Launton and a member of the Bicester team ministry, the Rev John Blyth, has died, aged 66. Mr Blyth was a team vicar with responsibility for Launton. In 1984, he became priest in charge of Long Hanborough, Church Hanborough and Freeland

  • Lifeboat meeting

    The annual meeting of the town's branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will be held on May 9, at 7.30pm, at Centre 70 in Goldsmith's Lane. Area organiser David Griffiths will give an update on the RNLI's activities.

  • Centre wins top award

    The Abbey sports centre in Berinsfield is one of the top 10 per cent of centres nationwide -- and has been officially recognised with the Quest award. Quest is Sport England's quality standard, the kite mark for leisure centres. Out of 3,500 centres in

  • Volunteers aid steam railway

    Staff from Raleigh International have been giving a helping hand to the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway. They restored a former Cambrian Railway coach, which is used as a cafe at Wallingford station, and repaired and replaced fencing along the line.

  • Beer and music pays for cricket scheme

    Blues, beer and folk music have provided the money for a new youth cricket scheme at Wallingford Sports Park. The £2,500 needed for the venture came from grants, following the town's Blues and Beer festival, the Bunkfest folk music and dance event, and

  • Car showroom could be protected

    A steel and glass car showroom which is no longer used could become Wallingford's next listed building -- but the prospect has sparked a heated debate. The car showroom, which may be listed The Twentieth Century Society has the former Jenkins car showroom

  • Wool pulled over eyes

    Children in Burford are being asked to be creative with wool to celebrate its importance in local history. The town's visitor information centre will be displaying pieces produced by children from the primary school. As part of a look at the history of

  • Fun for families

    Table tennis and football competitions were among the attractions at the annual fun day held by West Witney Community Churches. Bethan Lee enjoys a biscuit The event was held in Burwell Hall, Witney, and other attractions included a barbecue, cream teas

  • Breakfast means business

    A group of business people is looking for new members to join them for breakfast. The Witney chapter of Business Network International is getting together at the town's Marlborough Hotel at 7am on May 13. It has appealed for solicitors, estate agents,

  • Fair fun raises money

    A STREET fair took over Bampton's Market Square on May 5 to help raise money for pensioners living in the village. The annual event was staged by the Bampton Pumpkin Club, which as well as growing giant pumpkins and marrows fundraises throughout the year

  • Lane opening debated

    Parish councillors are to discuss whether the gate on Cane Lane, Grove, should be removed to re-open the lane to through traffic. Following a public meeting in April, at which the majority of residents were against the plan, the council decided its environmental

  • GPs set to move

    Staff from Wantage's two medical practices hope to move into the town's new purpose-built health centre at the end of the month. The Church Street and Newbury Street Practices aim to move from Garston Lane to the new Mably Way centre over the weekend

  • Parish agrees to youth shelter

    A shelter to give young people in Grove a place to gather is set to be installed, despite neighbours' concerns. A public meeting had been held to discuss the siting of the shelter after residents feared there would be increased noise and vandalism. But

  • Elderly offered 'MOTs'

    'MOT' health checks are being offered to pensioners at newly-launched drop-in clinics in villages. Emma Webb, 95, and Bertha Chapman, 97, chat to nurse Caroline Smith at a drop-in clinic Patients registered to the White Horse and Fern Hill GP practices

  • Pub night aids charity

    Pub regulars helped raise £200 for the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity after the landlord's brother died of the disease. A fashion show and raffle was held at the George and Dragon, Fritwell, near Bicester, in the memory of Tony Ward's brother Graham,

  • The Rt Rev Frank Weston

    The Right Reverend Frank Weston, former Archdeacon of Oxford and Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, has died, aged 67. Rt Rev Frank Weston, pictured as he prepared to move to Ripon in 1998 Bishop Weston had been due to retire at the end of May after a 40

  • Brakspear brewery sold

    The Brakspear brewery premises in Henley have been sold for £10m. Contracts have been exchanged and the deal is due for completion in September. Chief executive Scott Cooper said: "We are delighted we have successfully completed this part of the project

  • Grow your own

    Allotments are available on the Barton estate. For more information contact Tom Trinder on 01865 430166.

  • Money from skills aids Kids

    A skills and promises auction has raised £6,700 for the Cool Kids Club, an after-school club based at Wheatley Primary School.

  • Join the Specials

    A Special Constabulary information and recruiting stand will be in Castle Quay shopping centre on May 10 and 11, from 10am to 4pm. Police aim to double the town's 10-strong force of Specials. Call 01865 846612 or visit www. thamesvalley.police.uk

  • Women questioned

    Two women, aged 21 and 18, were questioned at St Aldate's Police Station, Oxford, after they allegedly robbed a man of his mobile phone in Divinity Road shortly before 6pm on May 5.

  • Biker dies after crash

    A motorcyclist was killed after being involved in a collision with a lorry on the A361 near Swerford. The accident, which closed the road for several hours happened at about 10.15am on May 7. The motorcyclist, who has not been named, died at the scene

  • Police aim to improve security

    Police in south Oxfordshire want to help householders stem a tide of thefts from garden sheds. Alison Smith, crime reduction officer for Didcot, said sheds were seen as easy targets for thieves because they often lacked basic security. Sheds and garages

  • Balloonists aim to get up and glow

    The Oxford Balloon Fiesta is returning to Cutteslowe Park in Oxford for its sixth annual event. On May 10 and 11, hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes, including Bertie Bassett and Sonic the Hedgehog, will be on display. The Russian Baltika hot-air

  • Appeal for foster carers

    Social services are appealing for more people to come forward to be foster carers. The appeal comes as National Foster Care Fortnight is set to start on May 12. Organised by the National Fostering Network, the event is aimed at highlighting the work of

  • Stylish crafts

    Learn to turn old objects into stylish new ones at arts and crafts sessions at Open Door sessions in Barton. The free sessions will take place on Friday mornings, from 9.30 to 11.30am on June 6, 13, 20 and 27 and July 4. For further information call Vicki

  • Club divided over ban on women

    A men-only club is facing a revolt by modernisers determined to let women join. Wallingford Comrades Club was founded in 1919 by officers returning from the First World War. Women are barred from membership and can only drink at the bar at weekends. Moves

  • Asylum seeker jailed

    A man who smashed windows at a police station and a court has been jailed for 21 days. Gokhan Balande, 25, pleaded guilty through an interpreter at Bicester Magistrates Court to two charges of criminal damage and a further charge of attempted criminal

  • Medal honours healthy career

    A pharmacist from Oxford with an illustrious career has won an award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. Ian Simpson, 58, of Beechey Avenue, Old Marston, has been given the Celltech Gold Medal by the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, an organisation

  • Bobbies get connected

    Thames Valley Police are confident new measures to help people contact them quickly and effectively will help them win the fight against crime. One of the most common criticisms of the force is that phones are not answered, or callers are sent round the

  • Campaign over brook steps up

    Community leaders in Blackbird Leys have stepped up their campaign to stop people using a brook running through the Oxford estate as a dumping ground. They said Northfield Brook was in a disgusting state with discarded cans, bottles and bikes. A series

  • Allen's blast sees Oxford to victory

    Australian John Allen confirmed his status as an outstanding all-round sportsman with a blistering innings in Oxford UCCE's narrow win over Gloucestershire 2nd in a 50-over friendly in The Parks on Wednesday. The Oxford University rugby union captain,

  • Atkins lays out his plans

    Oxford United boss Ian Atkins says he will not be making wholesale changes to his squad over the summer months. But he has reiterated that the club must be positive in the transfer market if they want to establish themselves as one of the Division 3 promotion

  • Walk to help Poppy Appeal

    More than 200 walkers, and dogs, are taking part in the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Walk from Harwell on May 11. The main fundraising event organised by the Berkshire branch of the Legion, the walk is expected to raise more than £14,000 for the

  • Demonstration to call for regional weighting

    A demonstratiopn is being held in Oxford to urge the Government to pay weighting allowances to counter the high cost of living in the south. The Oxfordshire Weighting Allowance Campaign (Owac) is staging the protest in Bonn Square on May 9, at 12.30pm