Archive
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Rapid expansion causes concern
Families living in Headington are expressing alarm at developments they say threaten their community, a public meeting heard. More than 100 people voiced their concerns at Oxford Town Hall last night over future plans for the area. The John Radcliffe
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MoD site may take asylum-seekers
Ministry of Defence land outside Bicester has been shortlisted as a possible site to house 750 asylum-seekers. The Home Office is looking at eight sites around the country and will choose four to become new centres. If Bicester is chosen, the centre is
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Science lectures
A series of lectures are being held this week during the Oxford Trust's annual Festival of Science and Art. For more details on the event, which is designed to improve interest in science and technology, and to book places, call Anne Lechelle on 01865
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New era for school
Gosford Hill School, in Kidlington, is looking forward to a new era with the appointment of a headteacher, new buildings and an ambitious bid for Government funding. New head David Jones comes to the school, in Oxford Road, from Lord Williams's School
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Buddy Post helps pupils
Parents and teachers at a Witney primary school have come up with a novel idea for pupils who are feeling lost or lonely at playtime. A Buddy Post -- similar to a bus stop -- is now in place in the playground at breaks and lunchtimes at Our Lady of Lourdes
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Kitchen boost
A grant of £270 is being used to improve a community cafe. The award from Oxfordshire Community Foundation will buy kitchen equipment for Marcham village hall to provide free hot meals for isolated and elderly people.
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Board loses 30 exam papers
Teachers at an Oxford boys' school have complained to the Government after an examination board lost 30 exam scripts. The Master of Magdalen College School, Cowley Place, Oxford, has written to Education Secretary Estelle Morris over the conduct of the
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Money saved
South Oxfordshire District Council will save £30,000 a year by sharing a catering contract with water research company HR Wallingford. Catering Alliance will serve both premises.
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Safer village
Residents in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, are being urged to take action to make their community safer. At a meeting on Sunday, February 3, in the village hall, details will be given on how they can help each other. Local beat police officer
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Views wanted
All age groups are being asked for their views on what activities they would like to see provided by West Oxfordshire district council. The council is developing a cultural strategy and is keen to get the views of everyone. Town and parish councils and
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Farm's new arrivals go on show
Visitors to a west Oxfordshire farm shop have been able to take a look at the first lambs of the year. Over the next couple of months 600 ewes at Foxbury Farm, in Brize Norton, will be lambing. Last year, farmer Colin Dawes opened a farm shop, which is
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Tuition cuts hit hard of hearing
Witney MP David Cameron called in at Carterton Community College to join a group of people with hearing difficulties. He was interested in practical problems as he watched them receiving instruction in lip reading from tutor Kay Colyer during his visit
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Football: Banbury aces on goal trail, plus tonight's fixtures
Strikers Matty Gooderick and Ben Milner seek to rediscover their scoring touch as Banbury United bid to end a run of six games without a win when they visit Corby Town in a Dr Martens Eastern Division derby tonight. Banbury Utd (v Corby Tn, away): from
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House bid fails
Plans for a two-bedroom, end-terrace house at 37 Greenwood Meadow, Chinnor, have been rejected by South Oxfordshire District Council.
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Artist changes colour
A white children's illustrator experienced a different side to British society after being transformed into a black man for a television show. Father-of-two Simon Smith, 35, who describes himself as liberal, is taking part in the BBC's Trading Races programme
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MP backs plea
Bicester MP Tony Baldry has joined more than 100 MPs in supporting a petition from Macmillan Cancer Relief. The charity builds new cancer centres and then gives them to the NHS, but current tax laws mean they cannot claim back the VAT -- currently worth
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Rugby: We need a home base, says Hobley
The problems of playing rugby at Bodicote Park at present were highlighted by Banbury's player coach Martin Hobley, whose side prop up Midland Division 1 this season. "The campaign began badly, when we lost our main club sponsor, Alcatel, a week before
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Football: Church rocked by North, plus other results
Leaders Oxford Community Church slipped to a 2-1 defeat against North Oxford in the only RT Harris Oxford City FA fixture to beat the weather. Mark Hume fired North into the lead in the clash at Oxford Brookes University Westminster Institute of Education
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Bicester budget attacked by sole Labour councillor
Bicester's only Labour town councillor has criticised this year's budget. Les Sibley, who is also an Oxford county councillor, has described this year's town budget as diabolical. He said: "I don't think the residents are getting a fair deal. There is
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Football: Banbury aces on goal trail, plus tonight's fixtures
Strikers Matty Gooderick and Ben Milner seek to rediscover their scoring touch as Banbury United bid to end a run of six games without a win when they visit Corby Town in a Dr Martens Eastern Division derby tonight. Banbury Utd (v Corby Tn, away): from
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Airbase plan faces inquiry
The future development of Heyford Park -- the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase -- will be argued at a public inquiry. One of the main points to be debated will be how plans by North Oxfordshire Consortium (Noc) comply with a planning brief prepared by
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Athletics: Rhodes stars in capital display
White Horse Harriers' Josephine Rhodes produced a star display for Oxfordshire athletes at the Southern Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill in London. It was some consolation for Rhodes, who missed out on the Oxfordshire schools cross country
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MoD site may take asylum-seekers
Ministry of Defence land outside Bicester has been shortlisted as a possible site to house 750 asylum-seekers. The Home Office is looking at eight sites around the country and will choose four to become new centres. If Bicester is chosen, the centre is
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Greyhounds: Tomorrow's Oxford Card
7.45 450m A8 Seen Nikita...(Maurice Massey) Magiorino...(Tony Magnasco) TRINCA DUBH...(Paddy Curtin) Primary Image 3...(Nick Colton) West Cork Pride (W)...(Gilly Hepden) Berry Bea (W)...(Ron Bicknell) 8.00 450m A6 Loughteen Bell 3...(Angie Kibble) Broadacres
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Top writer sheds light on routine
Award-winning children's author Philip Pullman has a date at the bottom of his garden every day which he keeps without fail. Former teacher Mr Pullman, 55, a writer for 30 years, maintains a regular working rhythm, seeking inspiration for his full-time
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A golden chance to celebrate
Golden Jubilee celebrations in Oxfordshire will be a huge success, according to organisers, despite fears the anniversary will be an anti-climax. At the launch of the celebrations yesterday, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner, refuted claims
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Football: Vickers shown the red card
Oxford City 1, Harlow Tn 2 New signing Simon Vickers was sent off as Oxford City crashed to a home defeat in Ryman League Division 1 last night. It occurred just before half-time, when Harlow's Moore threw a punch after upending Vickers. Both players
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Rugby: Junior and mini results
Colts: Maidenhead 38, Bicester 9 (pens A Smith 3). Under 16: Bicester 0, Oxford 29. (tries S Jenks 2, W Higgins, D Hope, A Hammond; cons DThompson 2). Under 14: Witney 0, Oxford 7 (try J Dixey; con D Shaw). Under11/12: Wheatley 0, Oxford Harlequins 26
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Football: United cleared over missile
Oxford United have been cleared of any blame following the missile-throwing incident at The Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day. One of the 2,600 Luton Town fans at the Division 3 derby that day hurled a cigarette lighter on to the pitch, and the incident was
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Greyhounds: Tomorrow's Oxford Card
7.45 450m A8 Seen Nikita...(Maurice Massey) Magiorino...(Tony Magnasco) TRINCA DUBH...(Paddy Curtin) Primary Image 3...(Nick Colton) West Cork Pride (W)...(Gilly Hepden) Berry Bea (W)...(Ron Bicknell) 8.00 450m A6 Loughteen Bell 3...(Angie Kibble) Broadacres
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Animal magic
Mitsubishi is launching a third generation of the Animal Cab, producing 1,100 of the special versions with extreme sports gear manufacturer Animal. Based on the L200 Double Cab, the special edition is priced from £17,995. Other L200 models start from
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Van-tastic
Volkswagen has introduced a new entry-level version of the Transporter panel van, the 888 Special. The new model, powered by an 88 horsepower, 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, is priced at £10,495 on the road, plus VAT. The van is covered by a three-year
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Shell help
Shell has launched a rescue and recovery service in conjunction with Green Flag motoring assistance, whoich aims to offer a simple and more cost-effective breakdown package. Shell Breakdown Assistance offers three cover levels that all include home-call
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Evolution VII
Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed prices for the official factory-built and approved European specification Lancer Evolution VIIs which go on sale in March. Two versions will be available, the RS II 276 horsepower model which will be priced at £29,995.
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Driver is fined and banned
Magistrates heard that police followed a drink driver as he drove his car home in the early hours after it had broken down the previous day. Lwimba Chickange, 37, of Wessex Road, Didcot, who holds a Zambian driving licence, was fined £200 with £55 costs
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A golden chance to celebrate
Golden Jubilee celebrations in Oxfordshire will be a huge success, according to organisers, despite fears the anniversary will be an anti-climax. At the launch of the celebrations yesterday, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner, refuted claims
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Public inquiry
Plans for a two-storey two-bedroom house in Spring Lane, Horspath, will come under scrutiny at a public inquiry at Cuddesdon Village Hall on March 5.
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Hottest hatch
Citroen's Saxo VTS and VTR combination has been crowned the UK's undisputed hot hatch champion for 2001, taking the title for an incredible fifth year in a row by outselling rivals from Ford, Renault and Volkswagen. During the year, the 120 horsepower
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Skoda soars
Skoda has set a record for sales in 2001, with total UK car sales of 36,053. This represents an increase of 23.2 per cent, compared to an overall market increase of 10.5 per cent. Skoda ended the year with market share of 1.5 per cent. The Fabia led the
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Robin is doing good business
Performers in Hook Norton take to the stage tonight to begin their sell-out pantomime production. The Hooky Players' panto, called Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood, involves about 40 people. The panto is being performed from tonight until Saturday. Director
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Tragedy at car plant
Macbeth, Shakespeare's gripping tale of murderous ambition, is to be staged in the stark surroundings of the BMW car plant in Cowley. The play, more usually performed in the plush settings of traditional theatres, will be acted out on the factory floor
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Safety at work drive backed
The mother of Banbury student Simon Jones, who was killed in an accident at Shoreham Harbour almost three years ago, today backed a national campaign today to improve safety at work. Anthropology student Mr Jones, 24, of Timms Road, died when his head
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Hyundai on show
The all-new Hyundai Coupe took pride of place at Oxford's new Holiday Inn on Monday. Motorworld Hyundai will be displaying the much-heralded new coupe in the lounge area at the hotel, situated just off Pear Tree roundabout until Saturday, February 2.
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The saloon that handles like a sports car
Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class at the Brussels Motor Show in Brussels. The new E-Class will be in the showrooms of Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned sales and service outlets throughout Europe from mid-March. The German
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Park honoured
Abingdon Business Park, owned by Standard Life Investments and managed by Phoenix Beard, received an award from the British Association of Landscape Industries. Judges said planting on the site was rich and diverse.
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Book firm snaps up US rival
A book distributor that has its UK headquarters in Bicester has snapped up a US rival. Advance Marketing has bought Publishers Group West, the largest distributor for independent publishers in North America. Managing director Mike Kidd said: "This move
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Scheme to aid war on rogue traders
A scheme to strengthen consumer watchdogs and crack down on rogue traders, piloted in Oxfordshire, is to be extended to cover the whole of the UK. Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson unveiled a £10m package of measures known as the National Performance
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Cannabis found after police stopped driver
A man found guilty of possessing hundreds of pounds worth of cannabis with intent to supply has been sentenced to community service. Daniel Constable, of Curbridge Road, Witney, had the drugs in his Volkswagen car when it was searched by police on March
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Popular publicans call time
Villagers gave a great send-off to long-serving pub landlord and landlady Jim and Barbara Adams. The couple have called time at The George in Sandford Road, Littlemore, Oxford. They leave tomorrow and admit shedding a tear or two when a surprise party
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Tuition cuts hit hard of hearing
Witney MP David Cameron called in at Carterton Community College to join a group of people with hearing difficulties. He was interested in practical problems as he watched them receiving instruction in lip reading from tutor Kay Colyer during his visit
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Drivers aim to educate cyclists
Cyclists are being offered an education by bus drivers in a bid to make Oxford's roads safer. Training officers from Stagecoach Oxford and the Oxford Bus Company are to hand out new leaflets entitled Bus Drivers and Cyclists in Harmony to cyclists. The
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Road repairs finally start
Road resurfacing work that has been dogged by delays and communication blunders finally got under way yesterday. Residents in William Street in New Marston, Oxford, had been told to move their cars, so the work to repair hazardous potholes could start
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Top writer sheds light on routine
Award-winning children's author Philip Pullman has a date at the bottom of his garden every day which he keeps without fail. Former teacher Mr Pullman, 55, a writer for 30 years, maintains a regular working rhythm, seeking inspiration for his full-time
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Bowls: Gillett ready for tester
Chipping Norton bowler Les Gillett will be looking to upset the odds when he takes on newly-crowned world singles champion Tony Allcock in the Welsh Masters first round at Llanelli today.
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Athletics: Witney race to runners-up
Witney Roadrunners' under 11s boys produced a tremendous performance at the Southern Region Indoor Championships, finishing second just behind the Isle of Wight. In total, eight boys and four girls from Witney competed in Portsmouth, with the girls' team
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Five years for raping boy, six
A teenager who attacked, strangled and raped a six-year-old boy has been jailed for five years after a judge described his crime as horrendous. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted luring his victim from a playground in Bartlemas
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Rugby: Junior and mini results
Colts: Maidenhead 38, Bicester 9 (pens A Smith 3). Under 16: Bicester 0, Oxford 29. (tries S Jenks 2, W Higgins, D Hope, A Hammond; cons DThompson 2). Under 14: Witney 0, Oxford 7 (try J Dixey; con D Shaw). Under11/12: Wheatley 0, Oxford Harlequins 26
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Police say attack had echoes of Bulger case
The vicious assault of a young boy could easily have been another Bulger case, according to the detective leading the inquiry. Det Sgt Ian Richings, the Oxford CID officer in charge of investigating the 15-year-old's rape and assault of a six-year-old
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Football: United cleared over missile
Oxford United have been cleared of any blame following the missile-throwing incident at The Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day. One of the 2,600 Luton Town fans at the Division 3 derby that day hurled a cigarette lighter on to the pitch, and the incident was
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Football: Louis strike is just not enough
Northwood 3, Thame Utd 1 Thame United squandered a goal lead as the crashed at Northwood in Ryman League Division 1. It scuppered their hopes of building on their recent good run. James Saulsbury cleared a half chance from Northwood in the opening minutes
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Late New Year
A belated New Year's party will be held by The Seven O'Clock Club at 7.30pm tonight at Bullingdon community centre, in Peat Moors, Headington. Deputy Lord Mayor Dr Bob Hoyle will join the revellers.
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Prison play plea
Volunteers are needed to keep young children amused while their parents visit inmates at Huntercombe Young Offenders' Institution. You will work six afternoons a year on average. Call Christine Tucker on 01491 875094 or Jenny Boyd on 01491 872109 for
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Farm's new arrivals go on show
Visitors to a west Oxfordshire farm shop have been able to take a look at the first lambs of the year. Over the next couple of months 600 ewes at Foxbury Farm, in Brize Norton, will be lambing. Last year, farmer Colin Dawes opened a farm shop, which is
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Tragedy at car plant
Macbeth, Shakespeare's gripping tale of murderous ambition, is to be staged in the stark surroundings of the BMW car plant in Cowley. The play, more usually performed in the plush settings of traditional theatres, will be acted out on the factory floor
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Village revamp
A scheme to make Eynsham village centre more pedestrian-friendly has been approved by West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet. The £110,000 project will include a public space for activities ranging from community events to markets. The district council
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Five years for raping boy, six
A teenager who attacked, strangled and raped a six-year-old boy has been jailed for five years after a judge described his crime as horrendous. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted luring his victim from a playground in Bartlemas
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Schools take centre stage
Teachers from Spain and Austria went into the classrooms of a Bicester school as part of a special project. Brookside Primary School, in Bucknell Road, Bicester, is among schools in the town that are part of a scheme to forge links with schools in Europe
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European links for Bicester school
Teachers from Spain and Austria went into the classrooms of a Bicester school as part of a special project. Brookside Primary School, in Bucknell Road, Bicester, is among schools in the town that are part of a scheme to forge links with schools in Europe
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Park honoured
Abingdon Business Park, owned by Standard Life Investments and managed by Phoenix Beard, received an award from the British Association of Landscape Industries. Judges said planting on the site was rich and diverse.
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Schools take centre stage
Packed audiences at Didcot Girls' School need no reminding of the foot-stomping tunes in Rogers and Hammerstein's popular classic Oklahoma! The lively musical is enhanced by imaginative choreography and colourful costumes in the joint Girls' School-St
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Boathouse plan
Bryony Nielsen is asking South Oxfordshire District Council to let her replace the boathouse at Willow Mead, in Pickets Lane, North Stoke.
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Home planned
Approval to convert a garage and a storage building at a house in High Street, Watlington, into a home is being sought from South Oxfordshire District Council.
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Barn plan
A certificate of lawful development for the light industrial use of a barn at Lodge Farm, in Old Reading Road, Crowmarsh, is being sought from South Oxfordshire District Council.
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Scheme on cutting edge
South Oxfordshire District Council and the Anchor Staying Put Home Improvement Agency have launched a repairs service for the elderly and disabled, based at the council's Crowmarsh headquarters.
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House changes
Major alterations to The Orchard in Upper Bolney Road, Harpsden, including removing the roof, building a new one with rooms in the roof space and putting on a new skin, are proposed in a plan before South Oxfordshire District Council.
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Hope for home
Nettlebed's old church hall and the former primary school's dining hall could be converted to a home if a plan before South Oxfordshire District Council by Oxfordshire County Council is approved. The old school is being replaced with a new one and the
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Home working
West Oxfordshire District Council is piloting a scheme to allow staff and councillors to work from home. Pilot schemes have been in use since last June with four members of staff from different departments working from home, or teleworking. The council's
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International links for Bartholomew
E-mail pen-pals and video conferencing are in the pipeline as school pupils aim to link up across Europe. Teachers from schools in France, Spain and Holland came over to get the wheels rolling at Bartholomew School, Eynsham. They were among teams of staff
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Buddy Post helps pupils
Parents and teachers at a Witney primary school have come up with a novel idea for pupils who are feeling lost or lonely at playtime. A Buddy Post -- similar to a bus stop -- is now in place in the playground at breaks and lunchtimes at Our Lady of Lourdes
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Football: Gallagher on cup duty
Premiership official Dermot Gallagher will referee next Tuesday's Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-final between Banbury United and Oxford City at The Stadium. It is planned to hold the semi-final draw after the game.
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Theatre founder to step down
The director and co-founder of Chipping Norton Theatre is to retire. Tamara Malcolm will leave in May -- 27 years after the theatre first opened its doors. Mrs Malcolm, an actress for 17 years and a former student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
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Rugby: We need a home base, says Hobley
The problems of playing rugby at Bodicote Park at present were highlighted by Banbury's player coach Martin Hobley, whose side prop up Midland Division 1 this season. "The campaign began badly, when we lost our main club sponsor, Alcatel, a week before
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Fridges will be removed
People who dump their old fridges in the countryside could find themselves in hot water. That is the warning issued by West Oxfordshire District Council, which has set up an environmental hit squad to combat illegal dumping. It follows recent reports
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Rugby: Banbury facing up to uncertain future
We will survive. That's the strong message coming from members of crisis club Banbury RFC. The club's very existence has been put in doubt following a series of financial and legal troubles at Bodicote Park. Since Banbury Recreational Facilities, the
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Cannabis found after police stopped driver
A man found guilty of possessing hundreds of pounds worth of cannabis with intent to supply has been sentenced to community service. Daniel Constable, of Curbridge Road, Witney, had the drugs in his Volkswagen car when it was searched by police on March
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New watchdog lacks 'ordinary' people
A row has broken out over the people chosen to serve on watchdog bodies monitoring the pay and conduct of local councillors. All eight are from the professional classes, ranging from a property lawyer to marketing consultant, retired businessman to managing
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Better facilities
Prefabricated classrooms at Lord Williams's Upper School in Oxford Road, Thame, are to be removed to make way for a single storey extension of three classrooms and a materials store.
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Market place facelift takes step forward
Faringdon market place is set to undergo a major improvement scheme, if councillors give the go-ahead. On January 3, members of the Vale of White Horse District Council's executive agreed to carry out public consultation, including an exhibition about
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Athletics: Lisiewicz and Northrop lead Headington bid
The fourth round of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League takes place this Sunday, with the event going out of the county for the only time this season. The hosts for round four, are Cirencester Athletics Club, with the race being held at Cirencester Park
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Poppy appeal nets £10,000
The Bicester and Launton branch of the Royal British Legion this year raised £10,679.62 for the Poppy appeal. The money was raised between October 29 and Remembrance Day on November 11. Local groups contributed to the appeal, with 1st Bicester Beavers
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Football: Gallagher on cup duty
Premiership official Dermot Gallagher will referee next Tuesday's Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-final between Banbury United and Oxford City at The Stadium. It is planned to hold the semi-final draw after the game.
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Ice hockey: Stars qualify for semis
Oxford City Stars victory over Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday means they have qualified for the semi-finals of the English National League Cup. With two teams qualifying only Telford can now catch Oxford in the Southern Group. The Northern semi-finalists
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Rugby: Gemmell in line to lead Blues
Oxford University will again be led by an overseas player next season, if the latest indications emanating from Iffley Road are a guide. For the first two matches this term, the Dark Blues have been skippered by New Zealander Fraser Gemmell. The back
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Fifth Beetle
Volkswagen's new Beetle range has been further expanded with the addition of a 1.9-litre, 100 horsepower turbo diesel engine. The £14,175 car brings to five the number of engines available in the car.
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Let it be Autonomy
General Motors has revealed the first car to be built around a fuel cell system. Called AUTOnomy, the car has been designed from the ground up around the new technology rather than being integrated into a production vehicle.
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All that Jazz
Honda is gearing up for a busy spring with the appearance of the Jazz small car and new CR-V being simultaneously launched through the company's 200 British dealerships in February. The Civic diesel appears in May, in both three and five door body styles
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Corolla takes to the air
Toyota has painted an advertisement on the side of the jet aircraft to promote the new Corolla. The 757's windows match up with the front and rear door windows on the Corolla. Toyota Iceland decided on the theme "Take off with the new Corolla"and decided
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New prize for Mini
The new Mini has been voted Small Car of the Year by the UK's best-selling motoring magazine. The car, made at the BMW Cowley plant, won the award from BBC Top Gear Magazine. It was picked by a panel of road-test judges. Last year, the Mini was voted
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£850 price cut
Toyota has cut £850 off the price of its MR2 Roadster which now starts at £17,130 on the road. All models are powered by a 1.8-litre, 138 horsepower engine and are equipped with power steering, electric windows, remote central locking, Sony radio/cassette
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Twister & shout
Nissan has added a new special edition model to the Almera range, called the Twister. The car, which comes with air conditioning as standard, is available in either 90 horsepower 1.5-litre three- or five-door versions , with prices starting at £9,995.
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Rugby: Junior and mini results
Colts: Maidenhead 38, Bicester 9 (pens A Smith 3). Under 16: Bicester 0, Oxford 29. (tries S Jenks 2, W Higgins, D Hope, A Hammond; cons DThompson 2). Under 14: Witney 0, Oxford 7 (try J Dixey; con D Shaw). Under11/12: Wheatley 0, Oxford Harlequins 26
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Staff put out fire
Quick-thinking hotel staff had already dealt with a kitchen blaze by the time firefighters arrived. Flames engulfed a grill at the Great Western Junction Hotel, Didcot, after fat dripped from bacon yesterday morning. Two members of staff, Anna McDonagh
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Schools take centre stage
Packed audiences at Didcot Girls' School need no reminding of the foot-stomping tunes in Rogers and Hammerstein's popular classic Oklahoma! The lively musical is enhanced by imaginative choreography and colourful costumes in the joint Girls' School-St
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Crash: one hurt
Three cars and a van were involved in an accident at the Heyford Hill roundabout on Monday morning An ambulance and police were called to the scene and one person was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
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New prize for Mini
The new Mini has been voted Small Car of the Year by the UK's best-selling motoring magazine. The car, made at the BMW Cowley plant, won the award from BBC Top Gear Magazine. It was picked by a panel of road-test judges. Last year, the Mini was voted
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Tragedy at car plant
Macbeth, Shakespeare's gripping tale of murderous ambition, is to be staged in the stark surroundings of the BMW car plant in Cowley. The play, more usually performed in the plush settings of traditional theatres, will be acted out on the factory floor
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Student faces drug trial
An A-level student faces trial on drugs charges. Joseph Bell, of Blacksmiths Hill, Aynho, near Banbury, has pleaded not guilty at Oxford Crown Court to two charges of producing the Class A drug bromo-STP and a separate charge of attempting to produce
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Sales success
Land Rover is celebrating record sales in the UK with more than 45,000 vehicles sold, 15 per cent up on the previous year. The best-selling Land Rover was the Freelander with 24,812 vehicles sold, an increase of 19 per cent over 2000. Freelander sales
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Parade of Rovers past and present
The first of the new Range Rovers and the last second-generation Range Rover produced by Land Rover will join a cavalcade of historic vehicles to their final resting place at the Heritage Motor Centre, at Gaydon, Warwickshire. Both vehicles will leave
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Jams 'are way of life'
Many motorists now accept traffic jams as a way of life with more drivers leaving extra time to complete journeys, says a major annual motoring survey. Drivers believe that more than 70 per cent of motorists speed on motorways, although only 42 per cent
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Spielberg casts new Lexus star
A Lexus concept car stars alongside Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg's upcoming summer blockbuster. The filmmaker has cast the luxury car as the car of the future in his highly-anticipated film, Minority Report, due to be released by Twentieth Century Fox
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Football: Church rocked by North, plus other results
Leaders Oxford Community Church slipped to a 2-1 defeat against North Oxford in the only RT Harris Oxford City FA fixture to beat the weather. Mark Hume fired North into the lead in the clash at Oxford Brookes University Westminster Institute of Education
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Athletics: Rhodes stars in capital display
White Horse Harriers' Josephine Rhodes produced a star display for Oxfordshire athletes at the Southern Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill in London. It was some consolation for Rhodes, who missed out on the Oxfordshire schools cross country
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It's showtime!
On a wet and windy weekend, what better way to cheer yourself up than to visit the Road Racing and Superbike Show at Alexandra Palace. The mighty Suzuki B-King held court to a constant bustling crowd under the glint of spotlights, while Triumph seemed
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New director
West Oxfordshire District Council has promoted head of technical services Cath James to become strategic director (environment). She is part of the council's senior management team.
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In conference
A new conference venue is set to be completed next month as part of a hotel's £8.5m development project. The Cranmer Conference Centre is the latest addition to business and leisure facilities at Oxford Hotel, Wolvercote Roundabout, which has just received
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Future's bright for Orange
Mobile telephone group Orange has revealed 206,000 UK customers have signed up to the network in the last three months. It now has 12.4m overall but the figure is down significantly on the 1.6m it took on in the same period to December 31 last year. The
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Genetics company buyout pays off
An Oxfordshire genetics firm is helping its loss-making US parent company to deliver "exceptional" sales growth. Orchid BioSciences, which last year took over Abingdon-based Cellmark Diagnostics, said it expected to be profitable by late next year, several
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Computer boss, 50, to step down
The chief executive of computer company RM is resigning at the age of 50 to "do something different". Richard Girling will quit in April after 21 years at the educational computer and software provider, now based at Milton Park, near Abingdon. Mr Girling
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Fridges will be removed
People who dump their old fridges in the countryside could find themselves in hot water. That is the warning issued by West Oxfordshire District Council, which has set up an environmental hit squad to combat illegal dumping. It follows recent reports
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Plans for new city centre store
City centre food shoppers have been given another boost after it was revealed a new supermarket is to set up in a prime location. Sainsbury's has plans for a 7,500sq ft store in Oxford's Magdalen Street. This means that the Northgate Quarter development
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Safety at work drive backed
The mother of Banbury student Simon Jones, who was killed in an accident at Shoreham Harbour almost three years ago, today backed a national campaign today to improve safety at work. Anthropology student Mr Jones, 24, of Timms Road, died when his head
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Residents air mast concerns
Councillors in Oxford have agreed to do their best to get mobile phone masts installed away from homes. Annie Davy, of Kenilworth Avenue, east Oxford, spoke on behalf of residents concerned about the health risks posed by the masts at a meeting of the
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Board loses 30 exam papers
Teachers at an Oxford boys' school have complained to the Government after an examination board lost 30 exam scripts. The Master of Magdalen College School, Cowley Place, Oxford, has written to Education Secretary Estelle Morris over the conduct of the
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Plans for new city centre store
City centre food shoppers have been given another boost after it was revealed a new supermarket is to set up in a prime location. Sainsbury's has plans for a 7,500sq ft store in Oxford's Magdalen Street. This means that the Northgate Quarter development
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New watchdog lacks 'ordinary' people
A row has broken out over the people chosen to serve on watchdog bodies monitoring the pay and conduct of local councillors. All eight are from the professional classes, ranging from a property lawyer to marketing consultant, retired businessman to managing
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Board loses 30 exam papers
Teachers at an Oxford boys' school have complained to the Government after an examination board lost 30 exam scripts. The Master of Magdalen College School, Cowley Place, Oxford, has written to Education Secretary Estelle Morris over the conduct of the
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Police say attack had echoes of Bulger case
The vicious assault of a young boy could easily have been another Bulger case, according to the detective leading the inquiry. Det Sgt Ian Richings, the Oxford CID officer in charge of investigating the 15-year-old's rape and assault of a six-year-old
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Rapid expansion causes concern
Families living in Headington are expressing alarm at developments they say threaten their community, a public meeting heard. More than 100 people voiced their concerns at Oxford Town Hall last night over future plans for the area. The John Radcliffe
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Top writer sheds light on routine
Award-winning children's author Philip Pullman has a date at the bottom of his garden every day which he keeps without fail. Former teacher Mr Pullman, 55, a writer for 30 years, maintains a regular working rhythm, seeking inspiration for his full-time
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Rugby: Gemmell in line to lead Blues
Oxford University will again be led by an overseas player next season, if the latest indications emanating from Iffley Road are a guide. For the first two matches this term, the Dark Blues have been skippered by New Zealander Fraser Gemmell. The back
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Rugby: Banbury facing up to uncertain future
We will survive. That's the strong message coming from members of crisis club Banbury RFC. The club's very existence has been put in doubt following a series of financial and legal troubles at Bodicote Park. Since Banbury Recreational Facilities, the
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Rugby: Junior and mini results
Colts: Maidenhead 38, Bicester 9 (pens A Smith 3). Under 16: Bicester 0, Oxford 29. (tries S Jenks 2, W Higgins, D Hope, A Hammond; cons DThompson 2). Under 14: Witney 0, Oxford 7 (try J Dixey; con D Shaw). Under11/12: Wheatley 0, Oxford Harlequins 26
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Science lectures
A series of lectures are being held this week during the Oxford Trust's annual Festival of Science and Art. For more details on the event, which is designed to improve interest in science and technology, and to book places, call Anne Lechelle on 01865
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Robin is doing good business
Performers in Hook Norton take to the stage tonight to begin their sell-out pantomime production. The Hooky Players' panto, called Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood, involves about 40 people. The panto is being performed from tonight until Saturday. Director
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Theatre founder to step down
The director and co-founder of Chipping Norton Theatre is to retire. Tamara Malcolm will leave in May -- 27 years after the theatre first opened its doors. Mrs Malcolm, an actress for 17 years and a former student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
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Schools take centre stage
Packed audiences at Didcot Girls' School need no reminding of the foot-stomping tunes in Rogers and Hammerstein's popular classic Oklahoma! The lively musical is enhanced by imaginative choreography and colourful costumes in the joint Girls' School-St
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Drivers aim to educate cyclists
Cyclists are being offered an education by bus drivers in a bid to make Oxford's roads safer. Training officers from Stagecoach Oxford and the Oxford Bus Company are to hand out new leaflets entitled Bus Drivers and Cyclists in Harmony to cyclists. The
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Country opening
A new flagship superstore providing products for people living in the countryside has come to Oxfordshire. Countrywide has opened a shop and head office in Ducklington Lane, Witney, on the site of the former Peugeot car dealership.
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House survey
A survey has found that about 1,000 of the 38,000 houses in West Oxfordshire are not in permanent occupation. Of these, 750 are used as second homes and the rest are empty for long periods of time. At the moment their owners get a 50 per cent council
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OAPs warned over conmen
Pensioners in south Oxfordshire are being warned to be on their guard against doorstep conmen after thefts from homes in Didcot, Abingdon and Wantage. In all three distraction burglaries, men claiming to be electricity company officials talked their way
