Archive
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Seedy Santa's out to sell you short
Shoppers in Oxfordshire are being warned to be on the look-out for counterfeit and illegal goods in the run-up to Christmas, writes Jonathan Gunning. Trading standards officers across the region are joining a national campaign to target rogue traders
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#100,000 computer burglary
Computer thieves broke into Oxford Brookes University and stole equipment worth up to #100,000. They smashed a ground floor window to gain access to the university's computer block at the Gipsy Lane campus in Headington. Staff arrived to find valuable
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Children jump for joy at news of top award
A pre-school has become the second in Oxford to win the prestigious "Aiming High certificate, writes Madeleine Pennell. Ebbeneezer's After School Club at St Ebbe's First School in Whitehouse Road, has been presented with a certificate by Lord Mayor Maureen
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Report is a good birthday present
A school celebrating its 25th anniversary has been given one of the best presents it could hope for. An Ofsted report praised St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Thame. The inspectors' report said: "The school helps children grow into mature,
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Honour for aid degree
Oxford Brookes University has won a prestigious award from the Queen for its pioneering degree course for humanitarian aid workers, writes Madeleine Pennell. It is the first time Oxford Brookes has won the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further
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Plays, musicals and show in and around Oxfordshire, November 17 - 24
Apollo Theatre (0870 6063500): until Sat 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30, Grease starring Steve Houghton as Danny. English National Ballet presents Nov 21 and 22, (Tues and Wed) 7.30pm, Wed mat 2, Triple Bill; and on Nov 23 to 25 at 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30, Swan Lake
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New deal for boys' league
Football for youngsters in Oxfordshire has a new sponsor - your very own Oxford Mail. The county's only daily newspaper has signed a three-year deal with the Oxford Boys' League to back the fantastic set-up that gives youngsters aged from seven to 16
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United eyeing Jamaican ace
Joe Kinnear's determination to strengthen Oxford United could see a free-scoring Jamaican international arriving at the Manor Ground next week, writes Jon Murray. United's director of football says he has put the wheels in motion to get the 6ft 4in striker
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Carterton lifted for Vase battle
Carterton Town, Oxfordshire's last survivors, are rallying the troops for their FA Carlsberg Vase second round replay against St Blazey at Kilkenny Lane tomorrow. Town look set to be a lot stronger for the replay following last week's thrilling 4-4 draw
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Rugby: Sampson back to lift Hawks' hopes
After a two-week break, Henley Hawks welcome back Jerry Sampson as they return to National League 1 action with a match against London Welsh at Old Deer Park. The lock forward has been absent for four weeks his longest break away from the game for four
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Football: Fixtures - Sunday, November 19
All Sunday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides **SAM WATERS OFA CUP 2nd round: Star Wands v Barton Utd, Arncott v Real Armas, Thame Utd Social v Blackbird Leys (Sunday), Dynamo Toby v Witney Tn SC, Easington v AFC Blackbird, Horseshoe v Henley YMCA.
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V. S. Naipaul Letters Between a Father and a Son Edited by Gillon Aitken
This collection of letters reveals a fascinating picture of the bewildered student who arrived in Oxford from the West Indies, intending to forge a career as a writer in England. Somehow with not-always-helpful introductions and admonitions from his journalist
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Richard's 21st Century Bicycle Book by Richard Ballantine (Macmillan, 16.99)
Richard's Bicycle Book the cyclist's 'bible' was first published in 1972 and inspired millions of cyclists to get out and ride, and to attempt their own simple repairs. Despite its glossy pictures, this revised and updated version is a bit thin on practical
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Double gift help
Shoppers looking for Christmas gifts will have two bites of the cherry. Thame is running two charity fairs this year, instead of just the one. At both, local and national charities will man stalls for their own funds while making a donation to the organisers
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Lots of passion for arty fashion
School pupils have beenstrutting their stuff for a charity fashion extravaganza, writes Jonathan Gunning. Girls from Wychwood School, Banbury Road, Oxford rehearsed hard for their catwalk routines for the Millennium Year Fashion Show, which took place
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Festive fun for charity
Villagers are preparing to banish the winter blues with a two-day festive celebration. The villages of Ardington and Lockinge, near Wantage, are planning a weekend of pre-Christmas music and entertainment. The events include a fun musical revue on Saturday
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Spruce look for central street
A huge Christmas tree will be bringing some festive sparkle to Oxford's Broad Street thanks to the combined efforts of businesses and the city council. The council has decided not to have a Christmas lights display in the city centre this year, but shoppers
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Jane's 32,000 TV winnings
Mother-of-two Jane Rider was celebrating today after winning 32,000 on TV's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? A little richer: Jane RiderThe former can-can dance champion, of Wensum Crescent, Bicester, who reached 8,000 on Monday's show, answered two questions
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Readers can be greener
Many homes in Oxford will now be able to take part in a newspaper recycling service, writes Andrew Ffrench. More than 10,000 homes, which are not already covered by the city's green box recycling service, will soon be served by a special Saturday newspaper
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School reunion planned
We are planning a school reunion for the Class of '73 from Spendlove School Charlbury. The reunion will take place on Saturday, December 2 between 7.30 and 11pm. We have managed to find most, but not all of the original class members. If you can help
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Is the 10/10a bus really the worst in Oxford?
From: Lee Bailey, Headington Is the 10/10a bus really the worst in Oxford? Are there others out there who are fed up with their time being wasted by an uncaring company? In my experience, individual complaints to Stagecoach do little to improve this non-service
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The Road to Mecca at the Old Fire Station, November 21 - 25
The Road to Mecca, by Anthol Fugard is the story of a struggle against repression, focusing on Miss Helen, who lives alone in a desolate South African village. It is directed by Jean Meiring, a South African post-graduate at Magdalen College.
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Calamity Jane at the Oxford Playhouse, November 20 - 25
The Oxford Operatic Society performs the popular musical Calamity Jane at the Oxford Playhouse from Monday to Saturday. Calamity Jane, was originally written for the screen, primarily as a vehicle for the Warner Brothers star Doris Day. It is a romantic
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The true world of Terry Pratchett
Author Terry Pratchett did not have an audience in mind when he set out to write his first Discworld novel. He just wrote because he wanted to, writes Helen Peacocke. Now he sells more books than any other living British author. Stephen Briggs, director
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Rugby: Fixtures - Saturday, November 18
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides **ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 1: London Welsh v Henley. **ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Midlands Div 1: Banbury v Newbold. South West Div 2 East: Abbey v Chinnor, Witney v High Wycombe. Southern Counties
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Hans pays tribute to old teammate
Oxford speedway legend Hans Nielsen has paid tribute to former Cheetahs teammate Simon Wigg who died from a brain tumour, aged 40, on Tuesday, writes John Gaisford. The multi-world champion, now retired from the sport after an illustrious career, said
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Discovering Czech cinema
The proud film industries that once operated behind the Iron Curtain crumbled with the withdrawal of state subsidies. Yet, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that cinema in the Czech Republic is flourishing once more, writes David Parkinson. Indeed
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Survive the Christmas spending feast
Unless you're one of those organised people who likes to pick up a few gifts during the January sales it's likely you have barely thought about Christmas. But there's still time to tackle the huge task without having to panic buy. Research shows that
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Lifting lid on pioneer mobile phones - November 22
The technology behind connecting the Internet to mobile phones, WAP, or wireless application protocol, is to be discussed by the Oxfordshire Media Network, at the Oxford Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford, on Wednesday, November 22, from 5pm to 7.30pm.
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Invitation to art gallery
Art lovers are invited to a study day at the UK's first gallery dedicated to Chinese art. The Khoan and Michael Sullivan Gallery at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, will feature modern and traditional Chinese painting from November 22. To book a place on
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Organic move pays off
Organic butcher Fellers of the Covered Market, Oxford, has been named Best Specialist Retailer of the Year 2000 by the Soil Association, writes David Duffy. The nationwide competition run with national newspaper Mail on Sunday generated a record 785 entrants
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BMW set to break sales record
Car maker BMW is set to break a worldwide sales record this year, writes David Duffy. Fuelled by the success of the 3 Series and the X5 sports activity vehicle the car group, which is building the new Mini at Cowley, has already sold more than 683,000
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So why aren't Spearmint sweeping the nation?
As their name suggests, Spearmint offer a fresh slant on music. Theirs is an infectious blend of classic British pop sprinkled liberally with northern soul. Songwriter and singer Jessica MeyersThey've released a series of instantly appealing singles,
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We can sniff it out
A Witney firm is gearing up to fight the growing menace of drugs in the workplace, writes Sarah Parker The growing problem of substance abuse in the world of business and commerce is being tackled by a drug-busting security firm based near Witney. Grosvenor
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Looking for Mr Goodbean
The nation's latest obsession is coffee - the drink that has changed lifestyles throughout history, writes Sarah Parker. It is believed that coffee was first cultivated in Ethiopia, perhaps in the sixth century. Seven hundred years later it was being
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Opportunity knocks
David Duffy finds out how business angels are backing Oxfordshire's cutting-edge entrepreneurs There are half a dozen different definitions of the word angel, and the most important to businesses in Oxfordshire is not among the front runners. Business
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Car firm fumes at fifth raid
A car hire firm has had to call in security specialists after relentless targeting by thieves, writes Phil Clee. Thrifty Car Rentals has suffered a major crime wave over the past two-and-a-half months at its premises on the Osney Mead industrial estate
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Addict nurse turned to forgery
A nurse who became addicted to pain-killing drugs made out false prescriptions to get 13,000 pills from a local pharmacy, magistrates heard. Philippa Scott, 28, of St Hilda's Close, Didcot, worked at the Oak Tree health centre at Ladygrove in the town
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Delays for road work
New traffic calming measures are being put on hold until residents have been properly consulted, writes Andrew Ffrench. That was the decision taken at Oxfordshire County Council's highways and road safety sub-committee yesterday following fierce opposition
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More heart centre complaints likely
A flood of complaints about the under-fire Oxford Heart Centre are expected after the unit was criticised in an official report, writes Victoria Owen. Since 1996, 21 patients have complained about the centre, but Oxfordshire Community Health Council predicts
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New homes OK up to a point
Villagers have welcomed plans for 300 houses but drawn the line at talk of building 1,570 of them, writes Peter Barrington. Parish councillors sounded out residents this week to agree on their response to the latest proposals for Bicester housing growth
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Honour for aid degree
Oxford Brookes University has won a prestigious award from the Queen for its pioneering degree course for humanitarian aid workers, writes Madeleine Pennell. It is the first time Oxford Brookes has won the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further
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Blencowe is new Abingdon boss
Jon Blencowe has been confirmed as the new player-manager of Abingdon Town, writes Russell Smith. The 29-year-old midfielder has been in charge on a caretaker basis since Bob Rayner quit at the end of September. During that time, Town have won four out
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Panto turn again
As Christmas nears the curtain will shortly come up on the panto season - oh yes it is! Mistletoe and kisses are just some of the many treats in store for the audiences of Dick Whittington and His Cat, at The Theatre, Chipping Norton next Friday. Jim
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What's on in and around Oxfordshire, November 17-24
Friday, November 17: Restore, plants, crafts and card shop: Manzil Way, off Cowley Road, Oxford, open weekdays from 9am-4pm. Touch for Health: Drop in clinic at The Asian Cultural Centre, Inner Bookshop, 111 Magdalen Road, Oxford, 10am. 01865 246190.
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Lots of passion for arty fashion
School pupils have beenstrutting their stuff for a charity fashion extravaganza, writes Jonathan Gunning. One of the models struts here stuffGirls from Wychwood School, Banbury Road, Oxford rehearsed hard for their catwalk routines for the Millennium
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Football: Witney sweet on McSherry
Striker Ian McSherry has signed for Witney Town and comes into the squad for the Eastern Division clash against struggling St Leonards at Marriotts Stadium tomorrow. The young forward, who was formerly with Swindon Town, trained with Witney in pre-season
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Football: City snap up Canadian star
Canadian international striker Simon Vickers, who has been on trial with Oxford United this week, has signed non-contract forms with Oxford City. Vickers trained with City last night, and is included in the squad for tomorrow's Division 1 game against
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Angling: Flooded rivers bring new fears over fry
The weekend floods put paid to any sport on the rivers for many anglers, writes Peter Stone. Concern has been expressed that last season's fry will be washed away, which would be a disaster for local rivers. This summer has seen a welcome influx of immature
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Badminton: Student quartet setting fast pace
Oxford University's quartet of Helen MacMullen, Paul Freeman, Nicola Cavill and Mike Palmer are setting a fast pace in Division 1 of the Five Disciplines League, writes Dick Hashman. They scored a second 150 maximum from two outings and have established
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Concerts and recitals in and around Oxfordshire, November 17-24
Friday, November 17: Sheldonian Theatre: Peter Jablonski (piano). Programme to include Grieg, Six Lyric Pieces; Debussy, Five Preludes; Chopin, Polonaise No 1, Three Mazurkas; Liszt, Three Hungarian Rhapsodies. 8pm. 0870 7500659. Exeter College: The Cherwell
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Football: Fixtures - Saturday, November 18
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides **FA CUP 1st round: Macclesfield v Oxford Utd. **RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1: Oxford C v Ford Utd, Romford v Thame Utd. Div 3: Wingate & Finchley v Abingdon Tn. **DR MARTENS LEAGUE Eastern Div: Banbury Utd
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Iris And The Friends A Year of Memories by John Bayley (Abacus, 7.99)
This book carries on the story begun in Iris: A Memoir. The last year or so of novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch's life in the North Oxford home she shared with her husband and later in an Alzheimer home in Botley provides the framework. As Bayley
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The Clear Stream A Life of Winifred Holtby by Marion Shaw (Virago, 8.99)
Holtby, feminist writer and anti-war propagandist, is perhaps best known now as the subject of Vera Brittain's Testament of Friendship. The pair met while studying at Somerville College, Oxford, after they both lost loved ones in the First World War.
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Lifting lid on pioneer mobile phones - November 22
The technology behind connecting the Internet to mobile phones, WAP, or wireless application protocol, is to be discussed by the Oxfordshire Media Network, at the Oxford Centre, 333 Banbury Road, Oxford, on Wednesday, November 22, from 5pm to 7.30pm.
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100,000 computer burglary
Computer thieves broke into Oxford Brookes University and stole equipment worth up to 100,000. They smashed a ground floor window to gain access to the university's computer block at the Gipsy Lane campus in Headington. Staff arrived to find valuable
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It'll be all white on the night in Witney
Shoppers will enjoy a white Christmas in Witney even if it does not snow. The town will be decorated with new white Christmas lights thanks to the Chamber of Trade, Town Council and Witney Town Hall Charity. The Chamber of Trade, who organise and provide
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Barrows are best
From C Tompkins, of Tucker Road, Oxford After visiting many sites around the world it is a pleasure when in Oxford not to be continously hasseled by street hawkers. Instead visitors to our fine city have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs from a well-presented
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Comedy at the Pegasus, November 17
Trading Faces, the mask theatre specialists, return to the Pegasus Theatre tonight with Tempting Fate, a hot passionate comedy inspired by the original story of Carmen. In this version of Carmen's tragic tale, the company expose the gritty uncompromising
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The art of celebration
An arts group celebrated its tenth anniversary with a winter exhibition. Almost 200 works of art were on display at the Silver Band Hall, High Street, Kidlington. The Kidlington Arts Group was formed by former students at Kidlington Adult Education Centre
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Special service
A record 95 children and adults are to be confirmed at a special Millennium service. The special Deanery confirmation service in St Helen's Church, Abingdon, on Advent Sunday, December 3, will be performed by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Dominic
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Children in Need events around the county
**Holistic massages are on offer at The Old Bull pub, High Street, Burford, with qualified local practitioner Lucy Johnson volunteering her services between 10.30am and 6pm, in aid of Children in Need. **Karate students aged three to six from Botley Mini-Rangers
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Concert raises the musical tone
A trio of musicians livened up a school day with strange sounds and instruments. They widened the horizons of youngsters fed mainly on a diet of commercial pop music. The group, Travelling By Tuba, called in yesterday to give workshops and a concert to
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Festive fun for charity
Villagers are preparing to banish the winter blues with a two-day festive celebration. The villages of Ardington and Lockinge, near Wantage, are planning a weekend of pre-Christmas music and entertainment. The events include a fun musical revue on Saturday
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Food for thought
Witney bakers the Fabulous Bakin Boys are providing a tasty snack for reviewers reading a new children's book from Oxford University Press, writes Maggie Hartford. The bakery is sponsoring Simone's Diary, by Helen Pielichaty, which is the diary of a girl
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Choice for Dreams
Furniture company Dreams Direct has taken industrial premises in Granville Way, Bicester, on a new lease for ten years, said agents Lambert Smith Hampton, writes Maggie Hartford. Jon Silversides, of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "This letting further demonstrates
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Search for young tycoons of year
A search has started to find the brightest budding young business tycoons in Oxfordshire, writes David Duffy. The Livewire young entrepreneur of the year competition is open to people aged 30 or below who have been trading for at least three months and
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Magnet firm 'on path to recovery'
Orders and sales are up at Oxford Instruments, which said its recent cost-cutting exercise and restructuring was starting to pay off, writes Maggie Hartford. After cutting 150 jobs this year, the group saw half-year operating profits up 300,000 to 500,000
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Firms team up with F1 ace in drive to beat crime
Companies in Oxfordshire are teaming up with motor racing boss Jackie Stewart in a new drive to fight business crime and improve community safety. The three-times Formula One world champion is backing the Thames Valley Police Firms Community Safety Trust
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Residents in rat-run road fear
Parish leaders believe their village will become an even busier rat-run for drivers if Thames Valley Police are allowed to build a new headquarters nearby, writes Peter Barrington. Bucknell residents claim that since the M40 opened in 1991, the main road
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Grieving gran's fury over keys
A housing association has been criticised for demanding the keys to a young man's flat the day before his funeral, writes Nigel Hanson. Simon Dawson, 26, was found dead by the railway tracks at Cholsey, near Wallingford, on October 17, and an inquest
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Sting in the tail in RAF base fight
Rock star Sting is a surprise ally in the fight to secure the future of RAF Brize Norton. The singer has launched a High Court action to stop 33 jets being based near his country home at Amesbury in Wiltshire. The legal threat comes amid an escalating
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Keeping it in the family
Father and son Simon and Howard Grater are starring in two musicals, write Jonathan Gunning and Peter Barrington. Simon, 43, is appearing as Hank in Calamity Jane at the Oxford Playhouse next week and Howard, 13, is the Artful Dodger in Oliver! next April
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What's on at cinemas in Oxfordshire, November 17 - 24
ABC Magdalen Street, Oxford (0870 333063)Little Nicky, 12, daily 1.15, 3.45, 6.15, 8.45pm. ______________________ ABC George Street, Oxford (0870 333064)What Lies Beneath, 15, daily 2 (not Sat and Sun), 5, 8.05pm. Billy Elliot, daily 2.20 (not Sat and
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Art and museum exhibitions in and around Oxford, November 17 -24
Museum of Modern Art (01865 722733, infoline 01865 813830): Tues-Sun 11-6, Thurs 11- 9, until Jan 7, 2001, Matt Mullican. Thursday viewpoint talks at 6.15pm: Nov 23, Rachel Withers; Nov 30, Cathy Gale. In the cafe gallery: Isidro Ramirez re:creation,
