Archive

  • Millions join double Bank Holiday getaway

    The double Bank Holiday getaway is under way with millions of Britons setting off to destinations in the UK and overseas. The late Easter and the Royal wedding have resulted in employees having to take only three days off next week in order to to get

  • Estate gets long-awaited replacement pavilion

    PLANS FOR a £350,000 pavilion on an Oxford estate have finally been rubber-stamped. Work is set to start on the new Barton Pavilion over the next few weeks, and building will be ready for the new football season. In 2008, community leaders complained

  • Bicester car clue in hunt for prisoner

    Police today released a photograph of a car in which a man who absconded from a prison is believed to have left Bicester. Jarreau Charles walked out of HMP Springhill in Grendon Underwood on Tuesday and it is believed he was picked up by a

  • Woman hurt after brick thrown through Oxford taxi window

    Police today appealed for witnesses after a brick was thrown through the window of a taxi in Oxford. The incident happened in New Road at about 1.40am on Saturday. The taxi, a green Volkswagen Passatt, was travelling along New Road towards the city

  • Timless Appeal from the Master of Suspense

    Life-long Alfred Hitchcock fan GILL OLIVER, of Witney, explains why she’s so excited about this year’s Oxford Film Festival. Mention Alfred Hitchcock and most people think of the famous shower scene in Psycho but that’s only the tip of the

  • Not Out Of Fuel Yet

    FAST & FURIOUS 5 (12A) Action/Thriller/Romance. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson, Elsa Pataky, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Matt Schulze, Tego Calderon, Don Mar, Joaquim

  • Gin Slinger

    Wine has monopolised meal times for thousands of years, writes KATHERINE MACALISTER. Yet it has taken The Feathers to bring this matter to our attention. Not from the kindness of their hearts you understand, but because with a cellar of 92 different gins

  • Evans' Above

    Niki Evans couldn’t be less star-struck if she tried. She may have been watched by millions on The X Factor, landed a top job in the West End, and embarked on a huge national tour with Blood Brothers, but in her eyes she’s still just a working mum. Katherine

  • Fever Pitch

    As we look forward to the start of the Oxford Mail Film Festival, Tim Hughes meets a fan of the silver screen who has brought the majesty of movies into music. SCARLETTE Fever is all about films. Not just a movie buff – she’s far more serious

  • Living with coeliac disease isn't easy

    FOR most people, eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast and then a sandwich for lunch seems easy. But for more than 6,000 people in Oxfordshire, these simple foods could lead to ill health and eventually infertility or even bowel cancer. Sarah Sheldon

  • Money Isn't Everything...

    ARTHUR (12A). Comedy/Romance. Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner, Geraldine James, Nick Nolte, Luiz Guzman. Director: Jason Winer. Money makes the world go around but it can’t buy you love or a flawless

  • Great Times

    After taking part in EastEnders’ live anniversary special, Simone James said goodbye to the soap and bagged the lead role in the stage version of Dickens’s classic Great Expectations. “I was just lucky enough to be there at the right time

  • What's Up Doc?

    Dr Phil Hammond is hilarious. He has me in stitches during the interview. And yet there is a slight feeling of concern. After all Dr Phil is a GP, so should we really be laughing about such serious matters? And should he really be on tour? Katherine MACAlister

  • Sibling Rivals

    Tim Hughes talks to Lee Newell, frontman of cocky Britpop upstarts, Brother. FOR a new band, Brother have wasted no time in winning friends…and making enemies. But just as you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs…you can’t

  • 'Don't leave riverside pub shut for the summer'

    DRINKERS are calling for one of Abingdon’s most popular riverside pubs to be reopened in time for the summer season. The Nags Head, in Bridge Street, was boarded up in January after landlord Tracy Smith quit, blaming high rents and tough winter trading

  • US operation will help Ronnie walk

    THE parents of a four-year-old boy with cerebral palsy have raised £60,000 in just five months to pay for a life-changing operation. Young Ronnie Jacob will jet off to a hospital in St Louis, Missouri, USA, next month for specialist surgery, followed

  • Village home for £1.6m

    An 18th-century cottage that was once the home and surgery of a village physician has gone on the market. The Doctors House, in Little Milton, is set in grounds of 1.7 acres with a wildlife pond, tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool. There are

  • Local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 4.25 BMW 5381 Electrocomponents 273.6 Nationwide Accident Repair 102 Oxford Biomedica 5.65 Oxford Catalysts 97.5 Oxford Instruments 746.5 Reed Elsevier 525.25 RM 146.75 RPS Group 220.7 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Capital stuff! London buyers help keep market afloat

    London buyers are helping keep the Oxfordshire property market afloat this year, according to agents. Butler Sherborn, which has offices in Burford, promotes houses from the county to buyers in London via the Move to the Country Show, organised by the

  • Buy-to-let market in city is buoyant

    The buy-to-let market is still buoyant with a trend towards let-to-rent, according to agents. Jane Foster, of College and County, said: “Demand for rental properties is high and we still have people who want properties for investment purposes. “Rents

  • Oxford United striker Constable signs three-year deal

    James Constable has signed a new three-year contract with Oxford United. The striker’s contract was due to run out at the end of next season. But he has now signed a new deal and pledged his future to the club by extending his contract until 2014.

  • Shaila leaves behind a powerful legacy

    THOUSANDS of people from ethnic minorities in Oxfordshire will have cause to be grateful to Shaila Srinivasan, who died last week, aged 59, after a short illness. Dr Srinivasan was born into an academic family in Kerala, South India, but grew up in Delhi

  • Death of a popular Quarry man

    CLIFFORD Gurl, a prominent pub landlord and “Quarry man through and through” has died, aged 85. He has been described by friends as “a good bloke” who was popular with all his punters. Mr Gurl,left, started his pub career at The Duke of Edinburgh in

  • Looking out for the Easter bunny

    CHILDREN are going hopping mad for Easter, hunting for bunnies in the sun. Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, have been holding a Big Bunny Hunt throughout the Easter holidays. Children have to find the bunnies hidden around the gardens, mark their

  • Britons set off on Easter getaway

    The first of an estimated two million Britons going abroad over Easter have set off wondering whether the foreign weather will match that of the UK. Those staying at home are having to contend with congested roads and some disrupted rail services

  • Awards for seven county businesses

    BUSINESS bosses across Oxfordshire are celebrating the Queen’s birthday today with the announcement that seven companies in the county have won Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. Five winners of the prestigious awards have achieved the accolade in the international

  • Campaigners vow to keep up the fight

    A LONG-RUNNING battle over new homes in Wallingford has turned a major corner with a planning application submitted for 400 homes. Prupim, the property arm of Prudential, submitted the outline application to South Oxfordshire District Council

  • 2,000 sign up for new garden waste scheme

    More than 2,000 people have signed up for Oxford’s controversial new garden waste collection scheme. Residents have already joined the £35-a-year Oxford City Council scheme which is set to go live across the city on May 3. The scheme replaces the free

  • Local share prices (AM)

    AEA Technology 4.1 BMW 5390 Electrocomponents 272 Nationwide Accident Repair 102.5 Oxford Biomedica 5.75 Oxford Catalysts 98.5 Oxford Instruments 748.25 Reed Elsevier 527.25 RM 148.5 RPS Group 221.6 Courtesy of

  • AUNT SALLY: Parker racks up Abingdon treble

    Barrington Parker became the first player in the 29-year history of the Abingdon & District Winter League to win three successive singles titles at Abingdon United. Parker, of the Fox, Steventon, completed his treble with a 3-1 win over Abingdon

  • AUNT SALLY: Oxford smash rivals for six

    The Oxford League won the Inter League Shield for the sixth consecutive year with a 2-0 victory over Bampton in the final at General Foods, Banbury. Oxford beat Kidlington 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Bampton edged past Banbury 2-1.

  • Trucker killed by his own HGV

    AN HGV driver died after being crushed by his lorry when he failed to put on the parking brake, an inquest heard. Gary Walters from Crowmarsh Gifford, near Wallingford, had coupled his cab to a trailer full of components when the whole unit

  • RUGBY UNION: Real cup on show this year

    THE Oxfordshire Cup winners will definitely be able to lift the correct trophy after Sunday’s final at Iffley Road. Last year, Oxford Harlequins failed to return the main cup and their wing Ollie Campbell lost the Ron Grimshaw Memorial Trophy – presented

  • Bank raid plea

    BANBURY: Police have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses after two men robbed a bank security officer who had just collected cash. The security officer was attacked as he collected cash from NatWest Bank, in Bridge Street, at about 12.30pm

  • Driver denies danger charge

    OXON: A driver has appeared in court to deny causing death by dangerous driving. Stephen Hocknell, of Hollybush Road, Carterton, pleaded not guilty at Banbury Magistrates’ Court. The 20-year-old was bailed to appear at Oxford Crown Court at a date yet

  • Don't be afraid of the big bad wolf

    THE Big Bad Wolf may have got a bad press in fairytales, but a new puppet show in Oxford aims to reveal the truth. Wolf Tales is the latest production from Pickled Image, which uses puppetry, shadows and songs to create exciting shows for children.

  • GOLF: Results round-up

    SHAW GIBBS OXFORDSHIRE FOURSOMES LEAGUE Section 1 Chipping Norton 1 (1pt), Studley Wood 2 (3) (Chipping Norton first): C Heslip & S Allen lost to N Lawton & J Fathers 6&4, A Johnson & R Whiston bt J Alford & L White 3&2, S Kench &

  • CRICKET: Challow set up Tew clash

    GREAT & Little Tew will play Challow & Childrey in the second round after both won their opening matches. Tew enjoyed a comfortable five-wicket victory at Kidmore End, while Challow beat last year’s county finalists, Cumnor, by 14 runs. However, it

  • RUGBY UNION: McKeen captains Barbarians to victory

    OXFORD University’s Canadian international No 8 Stan McKeen captained the Barbarians to a 43-35 victory over Bedford Blues in the Mobbs Memorial Match. McKeen, who hopes to represent Canada in the 2011 World Cup, led a Barbarians side, whose replacements

  • RUGBY UNION: Hepburn starts as England edge it

    HENLEY College prop Alec Hepburn helped England Under 18s reach the FIRA/ AER Championship final after beating Wales 38-34 at the Stade Jaques Fouroux in Auch, France. Hepburn started at loose-head as England battled back to secure a final showdown with

  • GOLF: Harrhy’s drive sets up Frilford victory

    ROB Harrhy drove the final green to seal Frilford Heath’s 2½-½ victory over The Oxfordshire in Section 1 of the Shaw Gibbs Oxfordshire Foursomes League. Harrhy reached the 298-yard 18th hole on Frilford’s Green Course, setting him and Joe Richardson

  • Cash boost for Jericho revamp

    CASH from the sale of a sheltered housing block looks set to help boost a community scheme redeveloping the heart of Jericho. Plans to create a new public square, shops, a community centre, a bridge over the Oxford Canal and to reopen the Jericho Boatyard

  • GOLF: Harrison proves ace at Bicester

    A HOLE-in-one from Suzy Harrison helped her team win Bicester’s Mixed Grey Spears Trophy. Harrison aced the 116-yard par-three eighth hole with a seven-iron – her shot bouncing twice and finishing in the cup. Playing with her husband Simon Harrison,

  • Luton Town Reserves 0, Oxford United Reserves 1

    Oxford United Reserves returned to the top of the Totesport.com Combination East Division after a 1-0 win at Luton Town. Conditions were tough on a dry pitch at Barton Rovers, but United grabbed the points thanks to a late goal from Aaron Woodley

  • POINT-TO-POINT: Waley-Cohen proud of pointing roots

    Owner Robert Waley-Cohen and his jockey son, Sam, have enjoyed phenomenal success at jump racing’s top table this season. Long Run’s stunning victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase plus Oscar Time’s gallant second in the John

  • H&M fashion firm opens in Witney

    FASHION firm H&M opened in Witney today bringing more trade and jobs to the town. The Gazette took a look at the new store, as staff members put the finishing touches to it. The 670-square metre shop, in the Woolgate Centre, has created

  • Who received royal approval?

    “Export or die”, said a character in the 1959 film I m Alright Jack, starring Peter Sellers as the moth-eaten old shop steward. And this year’s crop of Oxfordshire Queen’s Awards for Enterprise — which themselves date back to today 55 years ago (the

  • COMMENT: Show some sense

    MARTIN YOUNG is well within his rights to carry on his fight to get an area of wasteland in Oxford recognised as a dump. If the land was designated a dump he could put pressure on planning authorities to agree a chalet on the site. The

  • RUGBY UNION: Banbury missed a great chance

    OUTGOING Banbury Bulls head coach Grant Holmes says they must learn lessons if they are to avoid being a yo-yo club. Holmes officially stepped down on Saturday after Banbury’s final match of a season, which saw them relegated from Midlands

  • Cameras sceptic

    I HAVE have always had an open mind on the use of speed cameras. If honest evidence can be provided for or against their use then I will consider fixing my opinion. However one piece of alleged evidence provided by Superintendent Rob Povey (Oxford Mail

  • GOLF: O'Connor bags county crown

    KATHERINE O’Connor retained the Oxfordshire Ladies Championship after a dominant display at Burford. The 21-year-old Tadmarton Heath member defeated Tilly Magill (Woburn) 4&3 in the final to collect her third title – having first won in 2007. O’Connor

  • Agenda for life

    IF I have an “agenda” – and Steve Chandler avers that I have (Oxford Mail ViewPoints, April 15) – then the first item thereon must be: Forbidding the taking of life, followed by: Forbidding the making of weapons. However, human beings being the strange

  • No response to parking complaints

    As a resident in the Vale of the White Horse I have written to the district council chief executive David Buckle several times about the parking charges in such places as Wantage. Having received no reply from him I am hoping a letter to you will result

  • The Insider - a weekly update from the corridors of power

    Barton ward Oxford city councillor Mike Rowley was in a rush to get hold of something before this week’s full council meeting. The Insider spotted the Labour man running full pelt down St Aldate’s, suit jacket flailing behind. Minutes

  • Simple solution

    One simple act could have prevented the damage to the flats at Rose Hill in Oxford caused by the theft of a small amount of copper piping (yesterday’s Oxford Mail). Shut off the water at night and at weekends. Dear oh dear. DAVID BUCKWELL, Wytham

  • Alarming advert

    USURY. The dictionary definition is: lending of money at interest esp. at exorbitant rate. We are in a period where money is hard to come by and many are struggling to keep their heads above water. Either my eyes deceive me or there is a firm advertising

  • ATHLETICS: Marley's in the groove

    Bicester athlete Nigel Marley was delighted with his performance after finishing 82nd in Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon. In sweltering temperatures, Marley, who was running for first-claim club Coventry Godiva, clocked a personal best time of 2hrs 33mins

  • Parties too pricey

    PRIME Minister David Cameron told us on the TV news that we must all have a street party for William and Kate’s wedding. How many people can afford it? Food has gone through the roof. Petrol, gas, electric, water are going the same way and now, Brenda

  • BAR BILLIARDS: Marlborough champs

    Marlborough are Section 2 champions – despite losing 3-2 at home to nearest rivals Vikings, writes PETE EWINS. Sean Stratford (4,170) put Vikings in front, but Ian Major (4,420) levelled. Pete Soanes (3,540) restored Vikings’s lead, only for Chris

  • Cycling writers taking the wrong approach

    Once again I find myself incensed by the inane comments from your cycling columnists. I will not dwell on the fact that my grandfather was killed by an idiot on a bike, riding on a pavement, a subject aired in Tuesday’s On Yer Bike. No, as a pedestrian

  • Date set for witness intimidation trial

    The trial of four men accused of witness intimidation will start again in Reading on August 8. Byron Haines, George Kirika, Callum Spencer and Dexter Williams are charged with intimidating John Amadasun in the trial of Eze Eke, who was convicted of murdering

  • Drink and drug cocktail killed gardener

    A LANDSCAPE gardener from Carterton died after taking ketamine and alcohol, a coroner heard. Adam Hawkins, of Manor Road, was discovered dead at his home by his family on November 23 last year. Consultant pathologist Dr Ben Phillips, who conducted an

  • £50m Bank Holiday blow to county economy

    A £50m blow at a time when Oxfordshire’s economy is at its most fragile. That’s the estimated effect of the unprecedented build-up of bank holidays about to hit Oxfordshire’s businesses. The Mini plant is just one of scores of firms affected as it

  • Sangare epitomises Oxford United spirit

    Centre half Jimmy Sangare feels Oxford United have a strong team ethic. The French defender says his dramatic goalline tackle at Accrington was just one example of how the players are prepared to dive in where it hurts to help each other out. Sangare

  • DIDCOT-BASED BOMB EXPERT KILLED: Tributes paid

    A SOLDIER has become the first female bomb expert to be killed in Afghanistan. Captain Lisa Head, from Didcot-based 11 EOD Regiment, was critically injured in an explosion in Helmand Province on Monday. The 29-year-old was later flown

  • COMMENT: All fitting tributes to the Fallen

    IF YOU are ever looking for a fitting tribute to any of the service personnel from Oxfordshire killed in Afghanistan, it is the spirit that lives on in their loved ones. The relatives of those who have died in service have shown immense dignity

  • Unsightly impediment

    Sir – The advent of wheelie bins has already caused widespread blight all over Oxford. This situation is now to be compounded with yet another bin to take garden waste. The perfectly practical, easy-to-use hessian bag can at least be stowed away in a

  • Soldier's widow helps out his comrades

    “I WANT to make him proud – if Charlie was here, he would be doing all this anyway.” Those were the words of widow Heather Wood, who has launched a charity in memory of her soldier husband, to support his comrades and their families. Warrant Officer

  • Murder trial told of 'burgling device'

    Alleged killer John William Cooper made a “well engineered” burgling device, a jury in Swansea heard. The tool was found in a field by detectives investigating a violent robbery in 1996, along with a gun later found to have the blood of Peter Dixon,

  • Bank holiday bonanza set to cost county firms £50m

    A £50m blow at a time when Oxfordshire’s economy is at its most fragile. That’s the estimated effect of the unprecedented build-up of bank holidays about to hit Oxfordshire’s businesses. The Mini plant is just one of scores of firms affected as it

  • Family pays tribute to 'a beautiful son'

    THE family of a 16-year-old boy who died in a crash have paid tribute to their “beautiful boy”. Eddie Lynch, from Kidlington, died after a grey Audi A6 car hit his stationary red Aprilia moped near Deddington on Friday night. In a tribute, his family

  • Resting place

    Sir – I walk along the straight footpath next to Rose Hill Cemetery, from Church Hill Road to Rose Hill most days of the week. Everyone is short of money but it would be so nice to have a bench to sit down on about halfway along this footpath — preferably

  • Flooding fears

    Sir – As a resident of Cogges Hill Road, Witney, and opposed to the Cogges Link Road, my heart sank further when I read that a new report states that our houses will be at risk of flooding if this road is built. During the 2007 floods, it was impossible

  • Erosion of democracy

    Sir – It now seems certain that the area committee structure of the city council is to be dismantled, following the decision of the executive board on April 13. Whatever the merits of this, we should all reflect on the manner of the implementation

  • Significant builders

    Sir – A footnote to Chris Koenig’s engaging article (Romantic Decay is over for Osney Mill, April 14) on Osney Mill and the once mighty Osney Abbey. The Augustinian Priory of that name was indeed founded by Robert D’Oilly in 1129, in this case Robert

  • Unsatisfactory result

    Sir – Professor Elliott writes (April 14) that he understands AV. I wish I had the same confidence. He cites two examples, Oxford East and Oxford West and Abingdon, where he claims that the second preferences of the runners-up in the last General Election

  • British workmanship

    Sir – When I read some of the critics re: the high-speed rail line, HS2, you’d really think that they wants us to be going back to the horse and cart. The claim of ripping up the countryside, laying waste to parts of England is baloney as we have, the

  • Unfair charging

    Sir – In his letter (April 14) and in an article the previous week councillor Tanner extols the virtues of the new pay-for garden waste scheme where one is given a 240-litre wheelie bin, to be emptied once a fortnight, at an annual charge of £35 (£1.34

  • Bin too far

    Sir – Little old ladies, and many enfeebled oldies like me, can squeeze through their terraced houses and manoeuvre their green garden bags, so that our great, muscular refuse operatives don’t have to take any risks of straining themselves. This, to

  • Funders beware

    Sir – The new Jericho health centre in Walton Street has raised controversy, but I would like to add comments as a local resident and member of Jericho Watch. The three-storey building will house the health centre on the ground floor, other stuff on

  • Maximum damage

    Sir – Irene Gill, responding to my letter about the thwarting of Oxford city’s schemes for monster wind turbines ringing the city, asked what our position was on electricity pylons. In fact we campaign constantly to have electricity cables “undergrounded

  • Why did they stop?

    Sir – In his letter of April 7, councillor James Macnamara stated that Cherwell planning applications were advertised in our local newspapers. He seems unaware that they are no longer published in my local newspaper. In Kidlington, my local newspaper

  • Evidence needed

    Sir – I have always had an open mind on the use of speed cameras. If evidence can be provided for or against their use then I will consider fixing my opinion. However one piece of alleged evidence provided by Superintendent Rob Povey (Report

  • Rats are hazardous

    Sir – I could not believe what the environmental services department was telling me when I asked for the vermin control officer to visit. Astonishingly, but presumably in order to sound good in the debating chamber, a number of councillors have introduced

  • Clean up squalid A34

    Sir – Roger Blackburn (Letters, April 7) asks what he may do in retirement now that he does not have to sort household rubbish. He is clearly a man with public spirit. The answer to his question is that he could join me in forming a pressure group to

  • Rethink recycling bags

    Sir – I notice a report (April 7) that the green garden refuse sacks will no longer be used after April 29, when they will be replaced by brown wheelie bins. This may be all right for those living in large houses with direct access between front and

  • Headington under stress

    Sir – Headington is paying dearly for flaws in current planning processes. Development is now market led and it is the developer who is in control, rather than the town planner of 30 years ago. Now, it is planning pfficers who ‘facilitate

  • Man rescued in Blackbird Leys flat fire

    A MAN was rescued from a burning Oxford flat last night with help from a neighbour and a PCSO. Firefighters were called to the blaze in Knights Road, Blackbird Leys, at around 6.15pm. Crews immediately tackled the blaze, in the kitchen

  • Parky at the Pictures (DVD 21/4/2011)

    In the year she received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Sam Wood's weepie Kitty Foyle (1940), Ginger Rogers returned to her light entertainment roots in Tom, Dick and Harry (1941), which reunited her with Bachelor Mother

  • Parky at the Pictures (In Cinemas 21/4/2011)

    There have been several films featuring only two actors. The best-known is Sleuth, which starred Michael Caine alongside Laurence Olivier and Jude Law in the 1972 and 2007 versions. Always more compelling, however, was John Boorman's Hell in the Pacific

  • Waste watch

    Few subjects are guaranteed to provoke controversy as much as waste collections. Whether it was switching to alternate weekly collections, the arrival of multiple wheelie bins, or, as can be seen from the correspondence on these pages, a move to

  • Vandals snap hospital saplings in half

    FOUR tree saplings planted by schoolchildren at an Oxford hospital have been snapped in half by vandals. Six months ago staff at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, in Headington, planted apple trees and woodland bulbs by the cycle path near

  • Double-take for property agent

    WHEN details of a new property crossed estate agent Rachael Hodnett’s desk, they were instantly fami-liar. Lower Panshill Farm, in Murcott, near Kidlington, was the family home where she spent most of her childhood. Miss Hodnett, who works at Summertown-based

  • Choko links communities across the globe

    Based in the village of Cholsey, a benevolent community has set up Choko: a community project that links Cholsey with a World Vision Area Development Programme (ADP) called Kodumela. Choko helps support the project in the Limpopo area of South Africa

  • Win £500 worth of H&M gift cards

    TO celebrate the opening of H&M’s new store in Witney today we have teamed up with H&M to offer a fantastic prize. We are giving five readers the chance to win a £100 gift card each, to put towards your own more sustainable wardrobe, made from