Archive

  • Pub price shock in store for revellers

    New Year's Eve revellers may be in for a costly surprise tonight as one in three pubs in Oxford's city centre plan to charge an entrance fee. Clubs and pubs across the city are bracing themselves for a busy New Year's Eve, with thousands expected to see

  • They survived

    An Oxfordshire man who lives in Thailand narrowly escaped death when the country was hit by the Asian tsunami wave on Boxing Day. Richard Balderson, 40, would normally have been working at the Thai beach resort of Phuket but was on holiday in Bangkok

  • Ramblers walk the line to protect paths

    Ramblers walked the line of an ancient footpath south of the Thames between Newbridge and Appleton to highlight the potential loss of thousands of historic paths. The 15th century Higgins's Lane -- nearly a mile of path through fields -- has been won

  • Football: Keyes winning fitness fight

    Witney United should be at full strength when they host Carterton in the all-Oxfordshire Premier Division clash tomorrow. The postponement of the Boxing Day clash at Chipping Norton has given striker Lee Keyes time to recover from a cheekbone injury.

  • Rugby: Henley hoping to draw Bees sting

    Dave Lubans, who led Oxford University to victory in the Varsity Match earlier this month, has joined Henley Hawks. However, the versatile Australian forward, who can play in both the second and back row, is not available for their National League Division

  • Football: Keyes winning fitness fight

    Witney United should be at full strength when they host Carterton in the all-Oxfordshire Premier Division clash tomorrow. The postponement of the Boxing Day clash at Chipping Norton has given striker Lee Keyes time to recover from a cheekbone injury.

  • Developers on course to clash over land

    Developers wanting to build about 500 homes are heading for a clash with planners and councillors over a 48-acre site at Bicester, which is earmarked for industry. Gallagher Estates haz sent about 16,000 leaflets to homes in the town and neighbouring

  • Athletics: Veteran Sykes eyes hat-trick of victories

    Woodstock Harriers' in-form veteran Chris Sykes will be gunning for a hat-trick of Oxford Mail Cross Country League victories, as the competition moves up to Banbury on Sunday. Sykes has produced two stunning performances so far, to head the standings

  • Doudou in the frame

    Ramon Diaz could be about to make former QPR winger Doudou his first signing at Oxford United. DoudouThe 24-year-old has been training with the U's this week, but will not be in the squad to play against either Wycombe on Saturday or Bury on Monday. Diaz

  • December 31: We must not forget

    As 2004 draws to a close, there is plenty to reflect upon for us here in Oxfordshire. Our centre page spread today provides a snap shot of the year's headlines. The Cornmarket Street saga, missing council cash, binge drinking, the ups and downs of Oxford

  • We'll get you

    Drivers who flout city centre driving bans will be prosecuted from June when the law changes. The Department for Transport (DfT) has told Oxfordshire County Council it will be able to fine those who drive illegally into the city via St Aldate's and High

  • Arise Sir Matthew

    Olympic hero Matthew Pinsent, one of only five athletes to win gold at four successive Games, has been knighted in the New Year's Honours. The 34-year-old rower, right, who lives in Henley, receives his knighthood for services to sport. His fellow rowers

  • Football: U's seek derby booster

    There's nothing like a local derby to put things right. Although Wycombe do not come close to Swindon in the 'must beat' stakes, tomorrow's match is crucial to Oxford United if they are to send out a message to the fans that they are capable of mounting

  • Football: Thame boss West is set for Craker boost

    Thame United are set to give former Oxford City defender Lewis Craker his debut after he agreed to join them from Southern League Division 1 rivals Brackley Town. And, should the paperwork be done in time, the centre back will go straight into the side

  • No reason to sing

    SIR -- There was a ring on the doorbell a couple of days before Christmas. On opening it, I found three lads from the village standing there. They proceeded to chant "We wish you a Merry Christmas, etc." "Hold on," I said. "Isn't it usual to sing a carol

  • Trials of a mobile

    SIR -- The contortions of some people when trying to fulfil one task while speaking on a mobile phone never cease to amuse me. With phone clamped between ear and shoulder, they will wander along like Quasimodo heading for a bell ringing session at Notre

  • Walk it all off

    Walk off your Christmas excesses on New Year's Day with the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People association. Meet at 1 The Sands, in Milton-under-Wychwood, at 10am for the 3.5 mile walk. Donations of £1 per adult and 50p per dog are welcome. Children are free

  • Sympathy for good teacher

    SIR -- I read your article about teacher Ian Roblin and his problems at the Cherwell School, Oxford (Oxford Mail, December 21). I write to confirm his account. I was one of his math students from September 2003 until his sudden departure in March. I have

  • Rugby: Henley hoping to draw Bees sting

    Dave Lubans, who led Oxford University to victory in the Varsity Match earlier this month, has joined Henley Hawks. However, the versatile Australian forward, who can play in both the second and back row, is not available for their National League Division

  • Rugby: Nervous Henley clinch it late on

    Henley Hawks chalked up their second league victory when they beat London Welsh 18-14 in a vital National League 1 relegation match at Dry Leas. The large crowd were on tenterhooks as Henley did not secure the winning points until the 78th minute. Ironically

  • Football: The week's sporting calender

    Games due to be played from Saturday, January 1 SATURDAY COCA COLA LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Wycombe Wands. SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Solihull Boro v Banbury Utd. Div 1 West: Brackley Tn v Thame Utd, Oxford City v Ashford Tn. GLS HELLENIC LEAGUE Premier

  • Football: U's seek derby booster

    There's nothing like a local derby to put things right. Although Wycombe do not come close to Swindon in the 'must beat' stakes, tomorrow's match is crucial to Oxford United if they are to send out a message to the fans that they are capable of mounting

  • Football: Thame boss West is set for Craker boost

    Thame United are set to give former Oxford City defender Lewis Craker his debut after he agreed to join them from Southern League Division 1 rivals Brackley Town. And, should the paperwork be done in time, the centre back will go straight into the side

  • Show reels back years

    A musical comedy revue is being performed in Kidlington on January 16. Two for the 1/9d's is being presented by the Time of Our Lives Music Theatre at Exeter Hall at 2.30pm. The show is described as an entertaining mix of music, dance, stand-up and sketch

  • Trap Grounds fight enters next round

    A date has been set next month for the continuing battle over Oxford's Trap Grounds. The city council wants to build 45 affordable homes on the land near Port Meadow but is being blocked by a group of environmentalists, who have won a High Court ruling

  • Workshop waits for decision on funding

    A charity which was on the brink of closure due to a funding crisis will find out early in the new year if a bid for Government cash has been successful. The Pathway Workshop in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, which employs people with learning difficulties and

  • Football: We've got to put it right

    Chris Hackett says that the Oxford United players were devastated by their performance against Kidderminster on Tuesday. But the speedy winger, the only bright spot of an otherwise abject United display, says that their saving grace could be the local

  • Football: U's boss takes a look at Doudou

    Ramon Diaz could be about to make former QPR winger Doudou his first signing at Oxford United. The 24-year-old has been training with the U's this week, but will not be in the squad to play against either Wycombe tomorrow or Bury on Monday. Diaz is known