A BOMB hoax caller who pretended a terrorist armed with explosives was plotting to blow up a bus on New Year’s Eve has been jailed. Damien Stankiewicz made officers fear an extremist was ready to detonate a bomb on the No.10 bus, forcing them to
A BLACKMAILER who terrified his school friend into handing over his savings showed no emotion as he was jailed for two years. Ryan Roberts denied threatening Thomas Chambers for cash and beating him in his car when he turned up empty-handed on
DOCTORS and midwives are urging pregnant women across Oxfordshire to protect themselves and their unborn child from flu by getting the flu jab this winter. The vaccination is available from the GP, maternity service provider or pharmacy. Health
A ZOO in Brize Norton raised more than £5,000 for a West African crocodile conservation charity. Crocodiles of the World hosted CrocFest UK in October, the country's first festival to raise vital funds for crocodile conservation. The event raised
A MAN still fighting for his life following a brutal attack in Oxford city centre last month has been named locally as former armed robber Eamonn Anderson. A 56-year-old man was left with serious head injuries after a group of five or six men kicked
A DEPARTMENT store in Wallingford is expected to remain closed for Christmas, its store manager has revealed.Pettits in St Mary's Street closed in March last year so the ground floor could be refurbished and nine flats built on the upper floor and
The nation fell silent this morning to mark Remembrance Day and to honour those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country. Oxford Mail asked councillors and residents why it is that they don the poppy and what it means to them
OXFORD Brookes University's rowing successes were honoured this week with the unveiling of two brand new eights boats named after Brookes Olympians Olivia Carnegie-Brown and Scott Durant.On Thursday students, staff and members of Oxford Brookes University
THREE experts discussed their vision for unblocking the A40 between Oxford and Witney at a seminar in the city,The event, held at Oxford Town Hall on Thursday evening, saw three speakers discuss possible solutions to easing congestion on the road, which
Starring in Oliver! is a dream for Nicola Blake. She tells Katherine MacAlister why... NANCY’S journey in Oliver! is almost as adventurous as that of her counterpart – actress Nicola Blake. But unlike Nancy, who comes to a grisly end, Nicola
THE Quarry Women's Institute will hold a Christmas Bazaar next weekend at the Quarry Village Hall.The event will include stalls selling Christmas gifts and Christmas cakes and there will be also be various stalls and refreshments, and a Christmas
A DISTRACTED driver who killed a man after his lorry hurtled onto the opposite carriageway looked distraught as he was jailed for the ‘horrendous’ crash. Rafal Czarniewski held his head down to the ground as he was unanimously convicted of causing
A VILLAGE pub and hotel which has served the community for thirty years is set to close.The Oxfordshire Inn in Heathfield, near Bletchingdon was bought by a private buyer in April last year, with the hotel then valued at £895,000 by Savills.Less than
THE chance to push the plunger on this year's Christmas lights in Bicester is back in the form of giant snowflakes.A scattering of snowflakes have been showered throughout businesses in Bicester and children are challenged to find them.There are 20
A FATHER accused of blackmailing his school friend before beating him in a car claimed the cash was used to clear a drugs debt, a court has heard. Ryan Roberts told a jury of six men and six women he never forced Thomas Chambers to hand over thousands
More than 200 people gathered at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford for an Armistice Day ceremony. The Turning the Pages ceremony was held in the cathedral this morning and the names of soldiers from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
The all-electric Renault Zoe has taken top honours at the 2016 Green Apple Awards, presented at the House of Commons and singling out cars that are both good to drive and economical in the real world. The awards, presented today, were organised
DETECTIVES say they are continuing to investigate the rape of a 14-year-old Oxford schoolgirl but that the reported abduction did not take place. Thames Valley Police also confirmed officers are still to make any arrests since the incident was
TWO OXFORD siblings took to the stage with A-list celebrities last week at a gala held by an American children's charity. Ace and Sky Manthey have been involved with the UK branch of the American charity, Over the Wall, since Ace was diagnosed with
SHREWSBURY Town manager Paul Hurst is backing Oxford United to be challenging near the top of Sky Bet League One towards the end of the season.The Shrews are unbeaten in all competitions since Hurst (inset) took over from Micky Mellon on October 24, with
Oxford United's Emirates FA Cup second round match at Macclesfield Town will be shown live on the BBC. The U's will travel to Moss Rose on Friday, December 2 with a 7.55 kick-off. The winners will earn a place in the third round and a potential
DONALD Trump will need to harness 'the power of doubt' to succeed as US President, two Oxford academics have claimed.Professors Tim Morris and Michael Smets of the Said Business School said the billionaire elected on Tuesday will need a 'whole
CAPTAIN John Lundstram insists nobody’s place in Oxford United’s side is safe – including his own.With head coach Michael Appleton building a bigger squad over the summer months, competition for places has increased.None more so in the centre of midfield
HUNDREDS of communities have been urged to apply for up to five free public defibrillators thanks to a £1m partnership with the British Heart Foundation. The charity has joined up with the Department of Health for the second year. South Central
A 'TOWPATH taskforce' will swoop on the canalside in Jericho later this month.The volunteers, who are always seeking more people to join them, will tackle graffiti and litter, and carry out clearance and towpath maintenance.Tools, materials and
A NEW digital strategy for Oxford City Council is due to be considered next week.On Thursday, senior councillors on the executive board will be asked to approve the draft document.It would commit the local authority to being 'digital by design'
FRESH talent is being sought to put youngsters from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys through their paces for the local football club.Oxford Blackbirds FC is in need of coaches who can manage or run a side, or just assist for a few hours a week.The club
A MONTHLY meeting of Jericho residents is due to take place next week.The Jericho Community Association will gather on Monday, in the Canal Street community centre.They are due to discuss current concerns and events, as well as the management of the community
ONE thing Michael Appleton was looking for this week was that his players would give him a selection dilemma and they have certainly delivered.Seven changes were made for the Emirates FA Cup victory over Merstham, which saw United put five goals past
A CHARITABLE organisation in Witney is inviting local groups to apply for a grant through its 'dream scheme' initiative. Witney Lions Club is looking to use a pot of £3,000 to support projects which make a difference to the community in and around
YOUNGSTERS spent a morning exploring stories through messy and creative play at an Oxford museum.The ABC Story sessions are run every week at the Story Museum where young families will engage creatively with a different book.This week Billy's Beetle
A HOMELESS charity has helped more than 2,000 people in Oxford over the years. But its director believes there are challenges to come as the cost of living increases. Kate Cocker, who runs Crisis Skylight at the Old Fire Station in George Street, said
PROTESTERS angered by plans for a housing development next to the former home of CS Lewis will deliver a petition to the city council next week. The Wychwood Foundation submitted plans for nine apartments for vulnerable adults in a 2.5-storey block
WHEN Didcot dad Matthew Tidbury invented his City of Zombies board game in 2013, he thought the walking dead were pretty scary. He probably never imagined he would be taking his game into a school for troubled children where they threw chairs at
SKATING stars from across the globe will perform alongside Oxford's finest at Oxford Ice Rink's 'magical' annual Christmas show.This year the event, called 'Night at the Movies' will see 150 local skaters perform alongside national
ANIMAL lovers are invited along to learn all about birds at a children's workshop being held at Pets at Home in Bicester.The My Pet Pals sessions about how to care for birds during the autumn and winter are being staged as part of Wild Bird Awareness
A TEENAGE girl reported missing is in hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a lorry on the A34. Thames Valley Police was called at 8.52pm on Wednesday night to reports that a 17-year-old girl was missing from Harwell, near Didcot
THE council in Carterton is putting the call out for picturesque photographs of the town under snow to be used in the mayor's Christmas card. If you have any pictures you think may be suitable for the card, send them to tmarchant@carterton-tc.gov.uk
AN ancestry expert will talk in Abingdon about immigration and emigration.Retired genealogist Ian Waller will chat to an audience at Long Furlong Community Centre and pose the question 'are we really British?'The talk organised by Berkshire Family
A WONDER of wool will welcome visitors to Hobbycraft in Bicester this weekend to help raise funds for charity.Staff at the Bicester Avenue store will don their warmest woolly and get stuck into the Big Knitathon on Saturday.It will run from 11m to 3pm
AN ANARCHIC exploration of William Shakespeare and his influence on contemporary culture is available to view for just two more days at the Museum of Oxford. Thereby Hangs a Tale combines pieces from 18 UK and international artists with works from Oxford
TWO young adults from Blackbird Leys who defied stereotypes by studying at Oxford University have an important message for others: You deserve to be there.The Oxford Mail revealed that despite concerted efforts, not one person from the estate has been
HOCKEY players of the past will pick up their sticks again in Abingdon.Tilsley Park will host 'back to hockey' sessions every Monday from November 21 until December 19.Former players and those wanting to take up the sport will be welcome for informal
NEW management at a city centre coffee shop are aiming to shake off a low food hygiene score by upgrading its dilapidated building.La Croissanterie, in St Aldate's, was given a two-star rating by council environmental health officers in September
MARION Ramsey would be forgiven for wanting to stay on the sofa with a slice of cake to celebrate her 90th birthday.But the beaming thrill-seeker instead stretched her legs over a Harley-Davidson during a special surprise that satisfied a lifelong dream
THE biggest primary school in Blackbird Leys has issued a reminder to parents this week that they should use the correct entrances for safety reasons.In its November newsletter it was noted that Pegasus School, which has about 500 pupils, has seen an
MARVIN Johnson is delighted he is beginning to show signs of his full potential in an Oxford United shirt.The winger joined the U’s on transfer deadline day in August for an undisclosed six-figure fee from Motherwell.By his own admission it took the 25
CLASSICAL singers will perform a comic opera in Kennington.Members of Kennington and District United Church Choirs will take a concert at the methodist church in Upper Road, where audiences can gather for free on December 2 and 3. They will interpret
A DRIVER at the wheel of a lorry which seemed to ‘fall from the sky’ killed a man after his vehicle hurtled onto the opposite carriageway, a court has heard. Rafal Czarniewski denies causing death by dangerous driving on the A420 Buckland near
A BLACKBIRD Leys church is inviting members of the public to remember loved ones who have died throughout November.A basket and box of envelopes have been placed by the alter of the Sacred Heart church in Sawpit Road for anyone who wants to submit the
A FREE networking event will be held on a bus in Carterton on Monday.Local businesses are invited to the Market Square between 10am and 12pm where they will have the opportunity to network and speak with representatives from the town's chamber of
SHOPPERS in Wantage and Grove are being asked to recognise 'exceptional customer service' from local, independent shops and service businesses and their favourite restaurant and pub in a competition for Small Business Saturday.The now-annual local
VOLUNTEERS are needed at one of Oxfordshire's most precious nature reserves.The RSPB is seeking help to manage Otmoor reserve eight miles north east of Oxford, home to uncommon species such as the lapwing, little egret and skylark.Firstly the charity
FOREST protection group the Wychwood Project has invited supporters to its AGM on Wednesday, December 7.The meeting will be held at the Corn Exchange in Witney Market Square from 7.30pm to 9pm.Project leaders will give an update on their activities over
OXFORD City boss Justin Merritt believes he may have found his favoured attacking partnership in Jefferson Louis and Mike Fondop.City entertain Vanarama National League South basement side Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow looking to build on last week’s shock
GRANTS of up to £3,000 are up for grabs to community groups and project across Oxfordshire.The High Sheriff’s Community Integration Award has been established to reward and promote initiatives which 'foster community integration' and 'build
THE RSPB is still looking for a feathered friend to run a project transforming Oxford into a "Swift City".The charity announced its £83,700 project in September, saying it hopes to build and maintain swift nests around Oxford.But it is still
THE CAMPAIGN to Protect Rural England Oxfordshire Branch is looking for a new voluntary trustee.The group said it is seeking a 'strategic thinker to provide vision and leadership to ensure a strong and effective voice for the future of the countryside
UNUSUALLY police have apologised to residents after they arrested four people in Bicester yesterday. Officers operating in Bicester tweeted out their apologies for delaying or inconcenicing members of the public as they made their arrests in Launton
A VILLAGE hall is to get a £2,600 lick of paint.Grove Parish Councillors unanimously agreed to fork out that amount to redecorate the foyer of the Old Mill Hall where they hold their meetings.They agreed to hire Gary Byrne Painters and Decorators to do
IN STREETS across Oxfordshire Poppy Appeal collectors have been out in all weathers raising funds for the cause.Last month there was a dramatic launch to this year's appeal at Vauxhall Barracks, the home of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment
WANTAGE Town’s trip to Bridgwater Town is a must-win game, according to player-manager Stuart Cattell. The Alfredians would move off the bottom of the table with victory over the side immediately above them. “It’s early in the season to be
MATT Williams has warned his high-flying Chinnor side that they have become a target for other teams in the division.The National League 2 South leaders are now the only side in English rugby’s fourth tier with a 100 per cent record after victory over
OXFORD United’s marathon penalty shoot-out with Chelsea has already gone into the record books.But for defender Aaron Martin it is one he is keen to erase from his memory as quickly as possible.The Checkatrade Trophy shoot-out, which only mattered
TEN war memorials across the county have been listed as Grade II as part of Historic England's pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by the centenary of the First World War. Historic England have called communities memorials as 'poignant, physical
SATURDAY FOOTBALL SKY BET LEAGUE ONE Shrewsbury Tn v Oxford Utd. VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH Oxford City v Bishops Stortford. FA TROPHY 2nd qual round: Folkestone Invicta v North Leigh. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier
SHOPPERS in South Oxfordshire can park for free on certain days in the run-up to Christmas in council car parks.There will be free parking in Didcot on Tuesday on December 6, 13 and 20, in Wallingford on Thursday on December 1, 8, 15 and 22, and in Thame
A BICESTER tandoori hopes to curry favour with judges at the Annual British Curry Awards after being shortlisted for an accolade. Jaflong Tandoori Restaurant in Market Square are celebrating the news that it is in the running for Best Spice Restaurant
In the latest Oxford United column written by supporters, MATTHEW CAVILL recalls a famous victory over Manchester United. ON November 6, 1986, Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United and two days later brought his side to Oxford.
AN employment lawyer from Oxford is urging companies to take seriously their responsibilities to close the gender pay gap. Law firm, Blake Morgan, are warning employers not to get caught out by having unfair pay practices as laws and regulations
FUNDRAISERS aiming to make an elderly attack victim feel safe again have been ‘amazed’ by the community’s generosity. Villagers in Sutton Courtenay united in mutual disgust after their 85-year-old neighbour known as Aldo was battered in his own
NORTH Leigh manager John Brough is relishing his side’s status as underdogs as they travel to Folkestone Invicta tomorrow in the second qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Trophy.The Millers have already enjoyed success against higher-placed sides in
THE country fell silent at 11 o'clock this morning to remember the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in conflicts dating back to the First World War. Ninety-eight years ago the First World War finally came to an end on the 11th hour
SIMON Eastwood says he is determined to make the most of a prolonged stint as a No 1 goalkeeper.The 27-year-old has started all 22 of Oxford United’s games this season, keeping eight clean sheets in the process. He has already made more appearances this
THE three Oxfordshire players taking part in the Hertfordshire Under 15 bronze tournament in Welwyn Garden City all returned with medals. Charlie Driver (Minster Lovell) triumphed in the boy’s doubles with Suffolk’s Suket Arya to win his first title at
NOBODY dies on Oxford streets these days. So says my old pal Neville, a civilian guard from the glory years of Bicester Garrison. “It’s 2016 now. You’ve been reading too much Charles Dickens.” “Don’t be so sure,” I replied. “The facts might tell
OXFORD Brookes has revealed plans to sell its entire Wheatley campus for a 750-home estate. The university has long said it wants to sell Wheatley and move its business school and engineering department to Headington by 2022, but this month for
DRIVERS in Oxford face 'total gridlock' unless more is done to plan for the reopening of the Westgate shopping centre, bus company chiefs have warned. With less than a year to go until the revamped mall opens its doors, Stagecoach Oxfordshire managing
MICHAEL Appleton is confident Liam Sercombe will return to training today after suffering a dead leg against Chelsea.The midfielder sat out yesterday’s session after being forced off in the second half of the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Stamford Bridge.But
