THE MUCH-HERALDED signing of Oxfordshire’s military covenant reached an unforeseen stumbling block on Monday.

Brigadier Neil Baverstock OBE, resplendent in his uniform, gave an inspiring speech about the importance of the covenant at a ceremony at County Hall.

But when he stepped up to the stage to sign the document, he realised he’d forgotten one thing... his pen.

Cue much scrambling to find one among the assorted dignitaries, councillors and MPs.

Luckily a biro was quickly discovered and dignity returned.

SO Oxfordshire County Council has been shortlisted for “most effective political team of the year” at the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards 2011.

Apparently, judges found “a clear established political vision, with a strong understanding of place and leadership, evident in positive local outcomes and community action.”

And it added: “The team has a commitment to enabling, encouraging and developing frontline councillors to lead in their wards.”

As one opposition councillor commented: “Reassuring, isn’t it? Especially for Ian Hudspeth.”

Mr Hudspeth, who challenged for the leadership of the ruling Conservative group in April, was dropped from the cabinet team in May.

Effective and efficient then?

The awards dinner is at the HiltonHotel, in London’s Park Lane tonight. The Insider will find out who goes and who pays.

IT MUST be tough being a policeman when you know what you want to say but you’re not quite sure if the language is politically correct any more.

Take this police description put out after two women went round shops in Shrivenham, Wantage and Childrey last week, distracting staff with money and change while stealing goods: “They are described as two females with very tanned skin, both are of large build and spoke English with strong accents.

“Both wore long multi-coloured skirts and one wore a headscarf.

“One of the females had several gold teeth.”

COUNCILLORS are used to coming under fire from residents, but, it would seem, computers have joined in.

When the Oxford city councillor for Barton, Van Coulter, posted a comment on the Oxford Mail’s website he was asked to type in the verification code “need hair”.

The random phrase was close to the bone for the Labour member, who, diplomatically speaking, wears his hair in a very close crop.

The Insider hears he took it on the chin though (where he sports a full beard).