Poor old Javier Bardem. Fresh from his success in 'No Country for Old Men' he's about to hit our screens in a film version of 'Love in the Time of Cholera' - Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece of magic realism. What was he thinking? More to the point
Police briefly closed the A40 Oxford Northern Bypass tonight between the Banbury Road and Green Road roundabouts after receiving reports of a man acting strangely on the Marsh Lane flyover. The road was closed for 10 minutes from 8.30pm. A police spokesman
The champagne corks were flying tonight as a west Oxfordshire pub opened its doors for the first time since last summer's flooding in the Evenlode valley. But it is also a case of fingers crossed as Swan Inn landlord Richard Lait and neighbours in Ascott-under-Wychwood
A HOMELESS Somali man today denied stabbing a stranger after an argument in an Oxford bus queue. Ahmed Aw-Adam, 32, told Oxford Crown Court he did not have a knife with him on the night of the alleged attack in February last year. The former Unipart
A homeless Somali man today denied stabbing a stranger after an argument in an Oxford bus queue. Ahmed Aw-Adam, 32, told Oxford Crown Court he did not have a knife with him on the night of the alleged attack in February last year. The former Unipart
Documents containing about 200 people's financial details were found strewn across a road after they apparently fell off the back of a lorry in Wantage. Thousands of sheets of bank, mortgage and pension details, as well as names, addresses, phone numbers
An Oxford nightclub which had its licence suspended over drink-related problems is considering appealing and has promised it is business as usual this weekend. The Imperial, in Park End Street, had its premises licence suspended for six weeks by the
OXFORD East MP Andrew Smith has been asked by the leader of Oxford's Green Party to declare how much he pays his wife for constituency work. Detailed expense claims of all MPs dating back to 2004 look set to be published by the end of the year. This
A SENIOR scientist for a multi-national coffee company stole £136,000 by faking invoices for translations he downloaded free from the Internet. Oxford Crown Court heard Dr Satwinder Panesar, 52, a former chemist at Kraft Foods in Banbury, fraudulently
THE Government would "lose no sleep" about taking away Oxfordshire rail operator First Great Western's franchise, despite a possible loss of premium payments to the Treasury, MPs were told today. Rail minister Tom Harris said FGW had "let down their
GANGS of youths hanging out in streets committing antisocial behaviour were targeted by police in Headington. Officers from the area's neighbourhood team carried out a crackdown between Saturday and yesterday. PC Chris Miles, who organised the operation
Customers were tested for drugs before they could go for a pint in an Oxford pub. About 80 people were tested with a drugs itemiser outside the Blackbird, in Blackbird Leys, last Friday night, with the promise of more crackdowns to come. Two people
A pub landlord has been told to install security cameras to combat what police say is a severe drugs problem - or face being closed down. Police said the licence at the Wheatsheaf, in Wantage Road, Didcot, should be reviewed by South Oxfordshire District
The Government would "lose no sleep" about taking away Oxfordshire rail operator First Great Western's franchise, despite a possible loss of premium payments to the Treasury, MPs were told today. Rail minister Tom Harris said FGW had "let down their
North Oxford plan to build on their centenary celebrations by improving their course and clubhouse. The club, who turned 100 last year, are also reducing full membership fees and freezing subscription for juniors and students. Chairman David Young
Mother-of-four Terri Amos has launched a franchise for Oxfordshire of a guide to things to do for children up to the age of 11, Raring2go! The first edition is on its way to local primary schools, libraries, nurseries and leisure centres. It will be
Roger Wroe exploded onto the scene as Chipping Norton's new captain after falling foul of this pratical joke. Wroe's, whose ball exploded on impact (right), has been a member at Chippy for 20 years and is a committed supporter of their junior section
Gangs of youths hanging out in streets committing antisocial behaviour were targeted by police in Headington. Officers from the area's neighbourhood team carried out a crackdown between Saturday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 18. Pc Chris Miles, who
FRILFORD HEATH Ladies' March Stableford (Green Course) - Div 1: 1 C Bickerton 38pts, 2 J Manson 34 (cb), 3 C Wadsworth 34. Div 2: 1 J Kilpatrick 37, 2 M Wilson 36, 3 H Mercer 35. NORTH OXFORD RNLI Medal: 1 R Brock 79-17=62, 2 S Horne 73-10=63, 3 S
A senior scientist for a multi-national coffee company stole £136,000 by faking invoices for translations he downloaded free from the Internet. Oxford Crown Court heard Dr Satwinder Panesar, 52, a former chemist at Kraft Foods in Banbury, fraudulently
Oxford's annual Easter egg roll has been blown out on Friday because of the stormy weather expected to hit the city. Organisers have called off the 17th annual event at Shotover Country Park, in Headington, amid fears the forecast gale force winds would
Lynn Evans is winding down his involvement after a long and distinguished contribution to Oxfordshire rugby. The Welshman is heading off to North America on an RFU-sponsored coaching development programme, having stepped down as Chinnor's director of
Oli Tsui's rapid progress as a rugby official has seen him appointed a touch judge for next week's Hong Kong Sevens. The 18-year-old Oxford Brookes University student has only been refereeing for 18 months, but is now preparing for the world's best-known
Controversial plans to build a skatepark in Oxford's Cowley Marsh Park, due to be decided next month, are the last throw of the dice, campaigners say. The group trying to provide permanent facilities for skateboarders and BMX bikers said if the bid
Henley Hawks' on-loan winger Mark Odejobi scored a try as England wrapped up the RBS Under 20 Six Nations championship. The Wasps youngster crossed in the second half of England's 43-14 victory over Ireland at Kingsholm, which also confirmed their Grand
Touch rugby is returning to Oxford this summer after a promising debut in 2007. The In2Touch Oxford league starts on Monday, May 19 and mixed and men's teams are being invited to enter. Last year saw 14 teams enter the weekly competition at Oxford
A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death today at the inquest of a Witney motorcyclist. Lawrence Gunter, 59, was killed in a collision outside Hilltop Garden Centre on the B4022 at Ramsden in April last year. Mr Gunter, of Manor Road, attempted
Huddersfield Giants' former Oxford Cavalier Darrell Griffin avoided a lengthy ban after his weekend sending-off. Griffin, who comes from Witney, was dismissed for verbally abusing referee Phil Bentham at the end of Huddersfield's 20-19 Super League
Oxford East MP Andrew Smith has been put under more pressure to declare how much he pays his wife for constituency work, following the latest furore over expense claims. Detailed expense claims of all MPs dating back to 2004 look set to be published
An Oxford primary school has finally opened an educational after-hours school club after a four-year wait. Botley Primary School, in Elms Road, opened the weekday club this week because it believes there is a shortage of childcare in the area - alth
The country's first 'green gym' club, which combines keep-fit with doing practical conservation work, celebrated its 10th birthday with work at a nature reserve. Sonning Common Green Gym joined up with members of other green gyms for a work party cutting
One of The Apprentice's most memorable contestants visited Oxford to promote her special brand of motivational skills. Jo Cameron, 37, from Leamington Spa, was catapulted into the nation's living rooms during the second series of the hit reality TV
Oxford & District's successful season continued with an astonishing fightback to win the Midland Counties Fours Champ- ionship at Avon Valley BC. Playing against a strong Northamptonshire side, the Oxford team of Eddie Pilgrim, Dale Hall, Howard Watts
CLUB MATCH Oxford & District 117, Rivermead 105 (Oxford skips first): B Newman 23, G Chamberlain 20; J Michensen 21, R May 12; W Griffiths 19, R Strong 15; A Tozer 28, D Brown 12; R Plested 13, J Richardson 17; J Goodchild 13, P Fowkes 29. OXFORD &
Former Zimbabwean Test cricketer Henry Olonga has stepped in to help Charlbury CC's new pavilion appeal - with a concert. The pavilion was condemned after disappearing under the floodwaters last July. And now the club need to raise £250,000 to replace
North Oxford CC sealed their Kidlington Indoor League title triumph with a 4-2 win over Punchbowl. RESULTS Banbury Winter League - Handicap Shield quarter-finals: Tysoe SC 2, Banbury Cross 0 (w/o); Grimsbury 2, George 0; Banbury 1, Bowling Green 2;
Witney's run in the National Under 17 Cup came to an end in the last 16 with a 22-14 defeat at Widden Old Boys in Gloucester. Ali McRoberts scored Witney's opening try, which he converted himself, while Oli Crook powered over in the second half with
7.35: Time Cracker, KILLEHEEN ZORRO, Amazing Chloe, Cadoxton Taff 2, Clomantagh Star, Addacrim Dash 3. 7.50: Geronimo Tiger 3, BURBANK VIXEN, Merlaboo Slippy 2, Stormy Sinatra, Seans Best, Agassi Sarah. 8.05: Agirlcalledsue 3, Finchogue Sadie, KINGSBROOK
With politics today, it would appear that everything is going to get worse before it gets better. The EU is no joke. It poses the greatest threat there has ever been to our democracy, freedom and privacy. Recent letters in the columns of the Oxford
Oh, wow! We have a new bus shelter in Blackbird Leys Road by Windrush Tower, after waiting years in all weathers (Oxford Mail, March 10). But what a pity it's facing the wrong way. We who use that bus stop know full well which way the wind blows -
Once again, residents at Barton, Oxford, have proved what can be achieved with a bit of hard work and determination. On Tuesday last week, the new Underhill Circus was officially unveiled. It was a culmination of a project that was inspired and driven
I write to congratulate Thames Valley Police on their latest 'new project' - the opening of a police office at Barton, Oxford (Oxford Mail, March 12). It's brilliant - somewhere for the public to meet the police. Alas, it is not new. Before 1968
Thomas the Tank Engine will roll into Didcot Railway Station next month after being delayed by four weeks. The centre's popular Day Out with Thomas event will run from Friday to Sunday, April 11-13. The centre normally hosts Day Out with Thomas events
A bumper 850 jobs could be created in Grove if a new business park is built on the edge of the village. Developers are eyeing up a patch of farmland near Bellingers Garage between the A338 Station Road and Letcombe Brook. The multi-million-pound plan
THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire has risen to its highest level for six months. New figures for February show 3,697 claiming benefit, 151 up on the previous month, making it the highest total since last August. Figures
I note that the car park at the southern end of Oxford's Port Meadow is being closed for a few days at the end of the month for essential maintenance. For all the use it is to people visiting the meadow, it might as well stay shut for good. I pass through
From time to time, without my ever having asked for the favour, I am sent a free copy of Richard Ingrams's excellent publication, The Oldie. One came last week, announcing that the Rev Ian Paisley had been named Oldie of the Year. A pity there was not
First, an apology - unsolicited by anyone - to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Last week, having been misinformed by the Radio Times, I confidently asserted that I'd Do Anything, the TV talent show on which he is a judge, was plugging one of his own West End productions
The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Oxfordshire has risen to its highest level for six months. New figures for February show 3,697 claiming benefit, 151 up on the previous month, making it the highest total since last August. Figures
Five years after the start of the Iraq War, is anyone unaware of its events, the lies we were told and what Iraq is like today? Television has fed us programme after programme analysing and dramatising the war, until some people may be suffering from
Take a dozen experts, all interested in Fairtrade products and local foods; add the Bishop of Oxford and leave them in discussion for an hour or two; and the outcome is positive. Fairtrade products and local food, it was decided, can sit side by side.
Dried fruit mixes, sugar and fresh bananas are Fairtrade ingredients that can be purchased in most leading supermarkets now. The Co-op has a particularly fine range. This means that you can bake some very tasty cakes using a great number of Fairtrade
The prayers of parents, desperate for something to entertain the kids during Easter, have been answered. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a rollicking fairytale full of magic and mystery, based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, which reveal
Prominent Wallingford businessman and member of the Tappins Coach family, Bill Tappin, has died in Wallingford Hospital at the age of 96. He was born at The Crown Inn, Finstock, in 1911, but moved to be near relatives in Wallingford when his father,
Commissioned by the Musée d'Orsay and riffing on The Red Balloon, Albert Lamorisse's Oscar-winning 1956 short, The Flight of the Red Balloon is Taiwanese auteur Hou Hsiao-hsien's most accessible picture to date. That said, it's also a typically measured
The founder of Witney Motor Company has died at the age of 82. Trevor Campbell Elsmore had been ill with pneumonia and died at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital on March 6. He started Witney Motor Company as a second-hand car dealership in 1958 after
Margaret Wilson, former headmistress of Stephen Freeman Primary School in Didcot, has died aged 78. Mrs Wilson was born in Witney in 1929 and lived above her parents' grocery store in Corn Street. She went to teacher training college in Brighton before
Harry Cracknell, former head of catering and hotel management at Oxford Polytechnic and Oxford Mail food columnist, has died aged 91. Mr Cracknell trained at Westminster Technical College in London before working at the Dorchester Hotel, the Royal Palace
It would seem that I pay reviewing visits to the White Horse Inn at Duns Tew at intervals of roughly ten years, to judge from evidence in our cuttings library at Newspaper House. A sensible critic, I suppose, might have dug these articles from the archive
It may not be as big as Glastonbury, but Witney's eight-day music festival promises to be just as colourful. That's because music fans are being encouraged to wear wacky wellies' when they turn up to enjoy a feast of folk, jazz, ska and indie music
What fun the young Oxfordshire artists must have had producing the work that now hangs in the North Wall Gallery, in South Parade, Oxford. They have created such vibrant, happy pictures that they deserve to be seen and praised by us all. The Young Artists
Wantage middle-distance star Tom Penfold highlighted his pedigree by scooping 1500m gold in the British Universities Championships at Sheffield. The 23-year-old, who is studying chemistry at Birmingham University, strode ahead of the opposition to
The 1780s was a seminal decade for the development of the string quartet. In the spring of 1782, Haydn published his set of six quartets Op. 33, establishing the modern form of the genre. Mozart had already been inspired by Haydn's earlier collection
Steve Kimber and Hatti Dean (pictured) produced impressive displays as Oxfordshire's men's and women's teams finished in creditable positions at the UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championship at Nottingham's Wollaton Park. In the men's event, Oxfordshire's
Schoolchildren drinking alcohol are used to having to dodge the police, but ones in Wallingford also now have to watch out for their headteacher. Wyll Willis head of the 1,100-pupil Wallingford School in St George's Road, has patrolled the town with
Hollywood is a soul-destroying place, didn't you know? Shocking, isn't it? It's full of egocentric greedy men who have no taste or decency! Well, I never. Such are the revelations of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, a sledgehammer blow of a satire, powered
Witney Roadrunners Tony Lock, George Reynolds, Lazloe Boden and John Atyeo won the men's team category in the Clanfield Off-Road Relays. Anchor man John Atyeo clocked the second fastest time of the day, crossing the line in 19mins 48secs to secure first
For their customary Easter offering, the Burford Singers turned this year to Bach's St John Passion, imbuing this intensely dramatic work with a real sense of purpose and commitment. Brian Kay's inspired conducting ensured a thrilling and heartfelt performance
Woodstock Music Society's pre-Easter offering was a typical mixed bag, from Debussy's sparkling Petite Suite, to the anguished Stabat Mater of the little-known Karol Szymanowski, and finally to the second part of Handel's Messiah. As always, this was
It was always clear that the ever-reliable Simon Callow would rise to the demands of his star role in Peter Shaffer's Equus. He brings all the necessary gravitas - plus a welcome measure of wit - to his portrayal of the committed, if a tad world-weary
Forty five years in show business and nothing's changed. She still detests injustices and her commitment to stop exploitation of the vulnerable is as positive as ever - only the names of the politicians have changed. Wearing a stunning, glittering outfit
There's a bit of trouble with immigration control at the Pearly Gates. Cheerful and friendly the tribal Chief may be, but his record down on Earth wasn't entirely satisfactory. He may have been much loved by his people, but he shot an elephant, a sacred
This was the last gig in a nationwide tour for this hybrid band put together by London-based musician and DJ Charlie Dark, organised by the Contemporary Music Network and the first event in the new Oxford Contemporary Music season. Described as "a culture
'I can't stand this kind of thing," my neighbour remarked at the beginning of the Oxford Bach Ensemble's performance of the St Matthew Passion. I hasten to add that he was not referring to Bach's masterpiece, but to conductor Paul Plummer's announcement
The Rising Sun Arts Centre is like a hidden, battered gem, hidden just outside Reading's inner ring road and a short distance from where the Oracle shopping centre sits, a simpering, greedy teenager on the banks of the River Kennet. Whereas events in
David Edgar's new play Testing the Echo is named after something a visitor in Britain is not supposed to do: test the echo in one of the British Library's reading rooms. It epitomises many of the play's questions, not least of which is to do with what
The sun streamed through the small gap I had left in the thick, full-length curtains after not closing them properly the previous night. Suddenly, the brightly decorated bedroom was awash with light and colour. And though I wouldn't normally entertain
A BEAUTY spot despoiled by rubbish has been branded "disgraceful" by people who use the area next to the River Thames. Land between Abingdon Bridge and Abingdon Lock, opposite the Abbey Grounds in the town, a popular place for dog walking, has also
Police, fire and ambulance crews were called after a Land Rover towing a trailer carrying a tractor overturned near Botley. The accident happened shortly before 1pm today on the A420 near the Botley interchange. One person was released from the Land
A beauty spot despoiled by rubbish has been branded "disgraceful" by people who use the area next to the River Thames. Land between Abingdon Bridge and Abingdon Lock, opposite the Abbey Grounds in the town, a popular place for dog walking, has also
POLICE, fire and ambulance crews were called after a Land Rover towing a trailer carrying a tractor overturned on the A420 near Botley today. The accident happened shortly before 1pm on the Oxford-bound carriageway near the Botley interchange. One
FORMULA 3 rookie Will Bratt stunned the FIAT Spanish F3 Championship regulars during testing at Jarama near Madrid yesterday, the 19-year-old ending the two-day outing fastest of all, a full six tenths of a second clear of his nearest rival. At the
POLITICIANS will today get their first chance to vote in Parliament on controversial plans to shut down Oxfordshire post offices. The Conservatives are seeking support for a Commons motion calling on the Government to "suspend" its programme of 2,500
ONE of Oxford's biggest Easter celebrations has fallen foul to bad weather which has been forecast over the Bank Holiday weekend. The 17th annual egg rolling contest at Shotover Country Park, which has attracted as many as 1,000 people in recent years
One of Oxford's biggest Easter celebrations has fallen foul to bad weather which has been forecast over the Bank Holiday weekend. The 17th annual egg rolling contest at Shotover Country Park, which has attracted as many as 1,000 people in recent years
Oxfordshire Senior Cup Five extra-time goals and another Mark Simms hat-trick propelled North Leigh into the final as they recovered from conceding a last-gasp stoppage time Kidlington equaliser to run riot at Court Place Farm on Tuesday. Kidlington
FIREFIGHTERS were called to Craven Way, Didcot, last night after a car was set on fire. Police were informed about the incident, which took place at 10.50pm. No one was hurt.
Politicians will today get their first chance to vote in Parliament on controversial plans to shut down Oxfordshire post offices. The Conservatives are seeking support for a Commons motion calling on the Government to "suspend" its programme of 2,500
Pegasus Theatre has been a major support to young and developing performers and theatre practitioners since it opened in 1975. The theatre then, as now, offered a supportive environment where experiment, risk and cross collaboration were positively encouraged
Never has an audience been so diverse - from grown men leering hungrily in the wings, to six-year olds standing on their seats to get a better glimpse of the fab Sugababes. In short, everyone wants a piece of the action - women and girls want to be
A man known as "The Ant" - who is accused of trying to escape police custody in Oxfordshire - had his case adjourned yesterday at Oxford Crown Court. The 41-year-old from Lovelace Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, denied the charge and was due to face trial.
Poor old Javier Bardem. Fresh from his success in 'No Country for Old Men' he's about to hit our screens in a film version of 'Love in the Time of Cholera' - Gabriel García Márquez's masterpiece of magic realism. What was he thinking
ORGANISERS of Oxfringe were set to announce this year's arts and theatrical festival events line-up today. The launch, which takes place on the steps of the Ashmolean Museum in Beaumont Street, Oxford, will be accompanied by a live band and takes
A CITY nightclub could be closed for six weeks after police produced a dossier of disorder detailing alcohol-related violence and underage drinking. The Imperial, in Park End Street, was informed this week that its premises licence had been suspended
COMMUNICATION blunders led to a cyclist dying on the side of the road after an ambulance took about an hour to turn up. Patrick Royle, 31, passed out in Hollow Way, Cowley, Oxford, after suffering heatstroke during a charity bike ride in July 2006.
In-form Oxford United striker Matt Green says he's determined to get his goals tally up to double figures this season. The on-loan Cardiff City striker has only been at Oxford since the end of January, although he also had an injury-punctuated month
It has not been a good month for the South Central Ambulance Service. We reported how an ambulance called to Grove, near Wantage, was misdirected to Grove in Bedfordshire. Now an inquest hears details of an earlier incident in which charity cyclist
The management of the Imperial Nightclub in Oxford can count itself lucky to be opening its doors tonight. The complaints filed by police against the Park End Street establishment were serious enough to warrant instant closure. But the city licensing
THE manager of one of the best known community pubs in Oxford said she hoped a £100,000 transformation would finally improve its reputation. Bridgett Harrison-Steele, manager of The Bullnose Morris in Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, has overseen the
VILLAGERS could be prevented from getting NHS-funded prescriptions from a pharmacy at their local health centre because of a 50-year-old law. Residents in Bloxham, who live within a mile of the chemists at Godswell Lodge Surgery, have been told they
A NEW strategy on beating climate change has been drawn up by Cherwell District Council - and residents are being asked to chip in with ideas. Cllr Kieron Mallon, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "There is a lot we can do to
Shoppers and businesses have been put on red alert for fake bank notes after police seized a batch of high-quality counterfeit cash. There has been a significant rise in recent weeks across Oxfordshire of counterfeit cash being handed over in shops,
FOUR cyclists are setting out on a cycle ride from Land's End to Ambrosden today to raise money for an Oxfordshire children's charity. John Sammons and his team will set off on their 300-mile journey from Cornwall and hope to pedal into Oxfordshire
PUPILS past and present gathered at Gosford Hill School in Kidlington to celebrate 75 years of teaching. Former pupils visited their old school on Saturday to celebrate the landmark anniversary and herald a new era. The ex-pupils, who were at the
TICKETS for a star-studded comedy show in aid of Oxford's Helen and Douglas House hospice have sold out more than a month in advance. Childish Things 4, at the New Theatre in George Street on Sunday, April 20, will feature comedians Bill Bailey, Jimmy
THE transatlantic slave trade and the plight of enslaved Africans throughout history might seem a million miles away from Oxford. But a group of young actors from the city are out to demonstrate just how the African story relates to people today.
A FORMER dumping ground for stolen mopeds and bikes has been levelled to make way for a new children's play area. The patch of grassland in Nightingale Avenue, Greater Leys, had sat unused for 13 years before a plan to extend the Dovecote Centre was
A city nightclub will be closed for six weeks after police produced a dossier of disorder detailing alcohol-fuelled violence and underage drinking. The Imperial, in Park End Street, was told yesterday its premises licence had been suspended until May
North Leigh reached the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final after a crazy 7-2 extra-time victory over Kidlington at Court Place Farm. Kidlington's James Philpott bagged an injury-time equaliser, but North Leigh then scored an incredible five goals in extra-time
Yate Tn 1, Banbury Utd 2 Nicky Gordon scored an 88th-minute winner for Banbury United in the BGB Southern League Premier Division last night. Yate Town dominated the first half and scored through Scott Brice after 19 minutes. But Gordon equalised
