Archive
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School music tuition faces cutback
Music teaching to pupils is set to suffer because Oxfordshire County Music Service has been forced to make cutbacks to balance its budget. The failure of a drive to teach more children has prompted the action, which will involve jobs losses and a reduction
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Disagreement over office block project
An office block with parking for nearly 80 cars is to be built on waste land in Abingdon, but the town council is unhappy with the scheme. It says the development will feed more traffic on to the busy Marcham Road and could interfere with plans to widen
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Outrageous cost of parking car
I am writing to protest at the outrageously high scale of charges in the underground car park at Gloucester Green, Oxford. As a voluntary worker, I organised a charity premiere of the James Bond film in the Odeon, George Street, and parked my car at 5.12pm
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Rural bobby up for top award
A police officer who enlisted the help of more than 100 volunteers to combat hare coursing has been named as one of Thames Valley's top community beat officers. Pc Pete Hale is one of nine nominated officers attending a special ceremony next month for
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Elsie Butler
A former Harwell laboratory assistant, who has died at the age of 89, enjoyed a considerable reputation for her cake baking and decorating skills. Elsie 'Dot' Butler was born and grew up at East Ilsley before moving to Newbury after she married her late
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Cherwell facing threat of legal action
The Oxford Times Cherwell League is facing the threat of legal action. Bledlow Ridge CC are considering taking the league to court after being refused a full appeal hearing to consider a reduction of the loss of points they incurred for fielding an unregistered
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Rover agree to join up with Oxford
Rover Cowley CC, originally formed around 70 years ago under the name of Pressed Steel, have joined forces with Oxford & Horspath CC. Simon PorterThe move means Oxford & Horspath will run five teams next season. The first team will play under
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Father seeks inquiry into son's death
A father who claims his five-year-old son died because of the way he was treated by an Oxfordshire GP has won the right to take his complaint to the High Court. Mr Justice Maurice Kay gave Arpad Toth permission to apply for a judicial review into the
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Match postponed
Banbury's Midland Division 2 East fixture against Mansfield, scheduled for November 30, has been postponed as their opponents are involved in a cup tie. Instead, Banbury take on Rugby Lions 2nd at home in a friendly.
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Buoyant Quins bid to turn on the power
Oxford Harlequins bid for a place in the last 32 of the Powergen Intermediate Cup when they take on Barton Hill in the fourth round at Horspath Road on Saturday (Nov 30, 2.30). While Quins were winning at Amersham & Chiltern last week to stay four
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Nov 27: Red rag to a bull
To even think Kidlington as a suburb of Oxford is guaranteed to raise the hackles of anyone who lives there. To describe the place as a town rather than a village gives rise to more anger. The same goes for Gosford and Water Eaton. They like their independence
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Nov 28: Get out, stay out
Many of us will have dreamed as children of becoming firefighters. The chance to carry out an heroic rescue, climb a giant ladder, train a hose or simply be at the heart of the action, has a certain attraction at a young age. It appears that some people
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Beat officer plans to tackle vandals
Wantage's new beat officer plans to crack down on vandalism. Pc Dick Carr, 44, said he would be on the lookout for vandals in the town. Pc Carr He has already scored one success -- helping to bring two boys, 12 and 13, to trial for vandalising a poetry
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Shopkeeper vents anger with sledgehammer
A shop owner was so infuriated by ongoing building work next door, he smashed up hoardings surrounding the premises with a sledgehammer. John Hudson, who runs Clovers in Grove Street, Wantage, is waiting to hear whether he will be prosecuted for the damage
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New bid to save school
Education chiefs are being urged to save an Oxford school from closure by amalgamating it with one of the county's biggest primary schools. Headington Quarry First School is likely to close in the summer because of falling numbers. But school governors
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Rover desperate
Rover Oxford take on St Albans at Iffley Road on Saturday (Nov 30) desperate for a win to get their English League Division 2 season back on track. Both teams have struggled over the last few weeks, which makes this effectively a six-point match. Rover
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Time to get on yer bike!
Budding cyclo-cross racers get the chance to try out the sport at Sunnymead Recreation Ground, Cutteslowe, Oxford on Saturday, December 7 (12noon). The Oxonian club have organised a beginners' race as part of their annual December 'Christmas Cross' event
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Tesco bids to grow
Tesco is to make another application to extend its store in Bicester, despite its first attempt being foiled by planning guidelines. Tesco wants to increase the size of the store in Pingle Drive, off Oxford Road, from 55,000 sq ft to 75,500 sq ft. Its
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Maskens claims second spot
Jonathan Maskens put up a superb performance to claim the runners-up spot in the Sunday Telegraph Center Parcs Junior Grand Prix finals at La Manga, Spain. Jonathan Maskens The Headington youngster only got a late call to play in the event as a wild card
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Girls may be given pill
Teenage girls will be able to get the morning-after pill at Bicester's two secondary schools. Body Zone clinics are due to be introduced at Bicester Community College and Cooper School next year. The sessions, already in operation at 18 Oxfordshire schools
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Town target hat-trick of wins
Garry Parker is back for Abingdon Town as they bid for a third successive win in Ryman League Division 2 under new boss Pete Lamont when they visit lowly Chalfont St Peter. The former Leicester City midfielder was ineligible for Town's 3-1 defeat at Windsor
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Attempted robbery in garage
A teenager attempted to rob a Banbury pensioner in his own garage. The 69-year-old man was working in the garage of his home in Bretch Hill when the youth appeared with a scarf covering his face. He demanded money and pushed the man against the car. He
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Wilson ready to lead White Horse gallop
White Horse Harriers will look to continue where they left off as they host Round 2 of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Lambourn this Sunday (December 1, 10am). Pete WilsonOn their home soil, and leading the men's standings after a successful opening
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Eynsham 10k results
Overall results from the Eynsham 10k (Top 50 - senior men unless stated): 1 D Duke (Achilles) 32.16, 2 M Beerling (Oxford City) 32.23, 3 N Perry (Swindon) 32.34, 4 R Forsbrook (Cheltenham) 32.59, 5 S Kimber (WSEH) 33.55, 6 T Lock (Witney RR) 34.06, 7
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Veterans star as Shelley fight back
Superb throwing by veterans John Curran and Tom Hartnet helped Shelley dent Clare Car Hire's title hopes in a 3-3 draw in the aunt sally Gladiator Beer Seller Friday Invitation League. The pair both hit sixes, with Curran's coming in a 15-doll haul as
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Midfield duo back for City
Midfielders Andy Smith and Matty Whitehead are set to return as Oxford City bid to upset Braintree Town in the FA Trophy second round at Court Place Farm on Saturday (November 30). Smith (Achilles) and Whitehead (groin) were both missing as City crashed
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United kit man wins heroic status
Oxford United kit man Ken Ridley has been named Worthington's 'Unsung Hero' for the third round of the Worthington Cup, for his commitment to the club and his work in raising money for cancer research. He wins a VIP trip for two to the Worthington Cup
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Joey unsure of future
Joey Beauchamp, who confirmed this week he had settled out of court with Oxford United over his "extra year" contract dispute, says he still doesn't know if he will be able to play competitively again. Joey BeauchampThe recent operation on his broken
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Football fixtures for Saturday
November 30 matches in the Nationwide League, FA Trophy, Ryman League, Football League Youth Alliance, Cherry Red Records Hellenic League, Suburban League, Seagrave Haulage Combined Counties League and Oxfordshire Senior League NATIONWIDE LEAGUE Div 3
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Football matches for Sunday
December 1 games in the Sam Waters Sunday Cup, Morrells of Oxford Sunday League, Autotype UTV League, Midlands County Youth Championship, Eselvier Youth League, Oxford Mail Boys League and Giles Sports Witney Youth League SAM WATERS SUNDAY CUP 3rd round
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Pro beats capt
Professional Paul Bryant's team beat captain Robert Whitby's side by a point in an exciting finish to the Rydor Cup Trophy at Waterstock. Leading 11.5-10.5 following the foursomes and fourball better ball, Bryant's team shared the singles 12-12 to triumph
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Blackwells hires staff after rise
Bookseller Blackwell's has reported its best ever back-to-university sales period, with sales up 2.5 per cent against a 'very aggressive' target. The Oxford-based retailer has announced a series of appointments as it looks to capitalise on the healthy
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November 29: Wanted - your blood
Teenager Sarah Cross knows only too well the importance of people giving blood. She has had more than 800 transfusions since she was 11. The National Blood Service needs 10,000 pints a day for life-saving treatment. But in Oxford, only 5.8 per cent of
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Boost for recycling
A joint operation between South Oxfordshire District Council and local supermarkets to distribute 3,000 free green recycling boxes was a great success. Council staff visited supermarkets in Wallingford, Thame, Wheatley, Henley and Didcot to distribute
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Holy men take to the racetrack
THE TV programme Top Gear sees an unlikely line-up as presenter Jeremy Clarkson, from Chipping Norton, tries to find out which is the fastest religion. An assistant curate from near Thame will be testing his Anglican skills against a Roman Catholic priest
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Official stole £31,000
THE former chief purchasing officer of Oxford University has admitted stealing more than £31,000 from her employers. Patricia Whitehead, 57, of The Slade, Charlbury, admitted 10 charges of theft during an appearance at Oxford Crown Court on November 29
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Residents want action
Residents of an Oxford street say that speed humps in the street make life a misery. They say houses in Cornwallis Road, Cowley, shake as lorries and buses go over the five humps in the street. The residents are angry that Oxfordshire County Council has
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Ex-Beatle leaves £99m in will
Former Beatle George Harrison left £99 million in his will, it has been confirmed. The guitarist, who had a mansion in Henley, died of lung cancer on November 29 last year, aged 58. A High Court document revealed that the gross value of his estate in
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Traders use radios for protection
A new security system in in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, is helping shopkeepers to stop crime. Paul Whitman and Susan Brown with the radios The city council's Shop Watch radio network will give all shopkeepers in Blackbird Leys Greater Leys and Barns Road
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Car recognition kit 'will boost arrests'
Thames Valley Police's Chief Constable Peter Neyroud says a computerised car number plate recognition system will dramatically boost arrest rates. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), to be introduced from April, recognises registrations of vehicles
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Offending welcome sign likely to move
A Welcome to Oxford sign, put up just outside Kidlington's Gosford and Water Eaton parish boundary, is likely to be moved following protests. Residents were outraged when the sign, which promotes Oxford's attractions, was put up on the Old Bicester Road
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Firefighters challenge 'ignorant' hecklers
Striking firefighters in Oxford want to talk to hecklers who hurl abuse as they pass the picket line. Doug Minter, station officer based at Rewley Road fire station, said it was frustrating to hear shouts of "greedy" from people who did not stop to engage
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RACING: Bradley stunned by eight-year ban
FORMER top jump jockey Graham Bradley has been banned from racing for eight years and fined £2,500 by the Jockey Club Disciplinary Committee. Bradley, who lives at Sparsholt near Wantage, was found guilty of charges relating to his self-confessed passing
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No sense of justice
I was appalled to learn that David Blagdon has been sent back to prison (Oxford Mail, November 22). After serving 24 years for a relatively minor offence, he should have been released without conditions. Had Mr Blagdon been a murderer or a child molester
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Praise for soccer fans
With no affiliation to either club, I attended the football match between Wallingford and Wimbledon out of interest and curiosity (Oxford Mail, November 25). I have read various media accounts about incidents in the clubhouse at half-time. But there was
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Barbaric charade
It saddens me deeply still to see so many people willing to defend, support and try to justify the barbaric charade that is fox hunting. The ridiculous rituals and pretence that hunting incorporates only continue to exaggerate the class divide in our
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Merger handling prompts criticism
A formal complaint has been made against the chief executive of Thames Valley Health Authority, Nick Relph, over his handling of a proposed shake-up of the county's ambulance service. The allegation has been made by Oxfordshire county councillor and former
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Leader will strive for better attendance
Keith Mitchell, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, has promised to try to attend as many executive board meetings as possible, after missing his third this year. As part of local government reorganisation last year, the Conservative group and Liberal
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Time to act on traffic threat
When will the powers-that-be do something? That is my question when I see the reactions to Emma Dibdin's accident in Headley Way, Headington, Oxford (Oxford Mail, November 21). Emma's mother is told that a crossing on Headley Way cannot be a higher priority
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Crimestoppers calls lead to 500 arrests
More than 500 people have been arrested as a result of information passed anonymously to the Thames Valley Crimestoppers line. The latest figures were welcomed by Roy Trustram Eve, chairman of Thames Valley Crimestoppers, which was launched in April 1999
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Union brands NHS pay deal 'misleading'
A new deal giving more than a million health workers a 10 per cent pay rise over three years is good for staff and the NHS, Health Secretary Alan Milburn said today. Mr Milburn announced that, after more than three years of negotiations, an agreement
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Defiant 'Digger' gathers support
A sackful of fan mail has encouraged builder Ian Beesley to print fundraising T-shirts after he dug up an Oxford speed hump. About 100 people have written letters of support to Mr Beesley and his wife, Lillian, after he used his JCB to remove a hump in
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Kidnap victim beaten
A woman from Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was kidnapped and beaten before being dumped by a road. The 26-year-old woman, was taken to an unknown location near Abingdon, possibly in the Frilford Heath or Appleton area, and left naked by the roadside during
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John Buzzacott
THE funeral takes place at Oxford Crematorium on Thursday (November 28) of John Buzzacott, of Meadow Way, Didcot. Mr Buzzacott was born and brought up in Falmouth, Cornwall, before serving in the Royal Navy. After the Second World War, he became a marine
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War hero's body found
THE mystery of a missing Second World War hero, described as the most valuable pilot in the RAF, is nearer to being solved after tests proved positive on human remains found in Germany. Wing Commander Adrian Warburton has not been seen since April 1944
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Barnes missing for Hawks
Henley Hawks travel to Lytham St Annes to face Fylde in National League Division 2 (Nov 30) without Steve Barnes, who has been suspended by the club pending the RFU hearing next week, following his sending-off against Bracknell. With Sean Hardy injured
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Who's playing
The likely line-ups for matches being played on November 30, 2002 Oxford Harlequins (v Barton Hill, home, meet Horspath Rd, 12.45): from D Boreham, M Sims, M Nutt, R Rouse, E Recchia, C Penney, A Cope, H Hattingh, Simon Chadbone, J Silversides, R Dow,
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Rugby fixtures for Saturday
November 30 matches in the English National League, Powergen Intermediate Cup, Powergen Junior Vase, English Clubs Champtionship and club games ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 2: Fylde v Henley. POWERGEN INTERMEDIATE CUP 4th round: Oxford Harlequins v Barton
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Nov 26: Fit for a princess
The £1.63m Oxford City Council plans to use improving disabled access to buildings will be money well spent. Disabled people rightly expect equal treatment. Many buildings, which were out of bounds or difficult to get into, are being made accessible under
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Housing projects launched
Talks are going ahead to start social housing schemes in west Oxfordshire villages. One site at Milton-under-Wychwood could provide 14 homes and the district council's cabinet has agreed to provide more than £1m. Cabinet leader Barry Norton said: "This
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Police name crash victim
An elderly woman who died when her car collided with a coach on a country road in east Oxfordshire has been named. Betty Austin, 73, of College Crescent, Oakley, near Thame, was driving between Horton-cum-Studley and Boarstall when her Vauxhall Astra
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New chief to perform a 'health check' on town
Faringdon has become the first market town in the country to employ a full-time project manager to improve its fortunes. Richard Grecian will be responsible for implementing an action plan following an in-depth 'health check' of the town. He is appealing
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Hockey matches for Sunday
December 1 games in the English League and Oxon U14 Girls' League ENGLISH LEAGUE Div 2: Oxford Hawks v Bowdon (1.00). Oxon U14 Girls' League: Newbury v Henley 1st, Wallingford v Henley 2nd, Ox Hawks v W Witney 1st, Bicester v City of Oxford, Banbury v
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Men's hockey matches for Saturday
November 30 matches in the South League, Pizza Express London League and other matches SOUTH LEAGUE Premier Div 1: Oxford Univ v Chichester. MBB&O Regional: City of Oxford v Ramgarhia, PHC Chiswick v Banbury. Div 1: Bicester v Tring, Wokingham v Rover
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Women's hockey matches for Saturday
November 30 matches in the English League, South Clubs' League and Trysports 3 Counties League ENGLISH LEAGUE Div 2: Rover Oxford v St Albans (12.30). SOUTH CLUBS' LEAGUE Div 1: Wimbledon v West Witney. TRYSPORTS 3 COUNTIES LEAGUE Premier: Newbury v Oxford
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On Target for charity boost
A charity is set to benefit from a firm's unwanted office equipment. From left, Sue Pruden with Target driver Rick Gumbert and Target manager Nicola Lessen Target Vehicle Rental, in Churchill Road, Bicester, had three spare photocopiers and about six
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Rampant Gosford crush University
Gosford Hill A showed no mercy to Oxford University in the second round of matches in Division 1 of the Five Disciplines Badminton League at Redefield. The quartet of Erica Green, Gemma Noble, Paul Casey and Wayne Young romped to a maximum 150-78 win.
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Wagstaff linked with Cheetahs move
Northampton businessman Nigel Wagstaff, currently promoter at King's Lynn, could take over speedway at Oxford if current promoter Steve Purchase calls it a day. Purchase is prepared to put the club on the market if Oxford Cheetahs do not get the go-ahead
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Hospitals turn to Spain to find extra recruits
Almost 20 per cent of the nurses at Oxfordshire's main hospitals are now from overseas, with more to follow to help solve staff shortages. The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, responsible for Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill and Radcliffe
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Woodstock take series
Woodstock Harriers finished the Oxfordshire Grand Prix series in style as they lifted the men's title with another fine team performance in the final round - the Blenheim Colour-sponsored Eynsham 10k. The quartet of Nicholas Bainbridge, Bryan Vaughan,
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Wallingford back down to earth
AFC Wallingford boss Dave Crowdy says he has brought his team down to earth after the euphoria of victory in front of a record crowd last week. Wallingford take on Westfield at the Hithercroft on Saturday (Nov 30), with the crowd sure to be just a fraction
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This is the big one, says Sinnott
Thame United manager Andy Sinnott has labelled their FA Trophy tie at Horsham as the club's most important game of the season. "Next to the FA Cup, the Trophy is the biggest competition we play in," said Sinnott, who watched Horsham beat loval rivals
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Wallingford seek grant aid
AFC Wallingford chairman Lindsay Townsend is keeping his fingers crossed that the Football Foundation will give the club grant aid as they seek to join the Ryman League next season. Wallingford's Dave Green rises above Wimbledon's Joe Sheron in last week's
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Bicester in swoop for Arlesey duo
Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview BICESTER Town boss Eddie Nix has snapped up midfielder Michael Simpson and defender Craig Blake from Ryman League side Arlesey Town, writes KIEREN BUSHNELL. The pair go straight into the squad for Bicester's
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Football fixtures for Saturday
November 30 matches in the RT Harris Oxford City FA, Witney & District FA, North Berks League, PL Kits Banbury District and Lord Jersey FA, Giles Sports Witney Youth League and schools games R T HARRIS OXFORD CITY FA Premier Cup: Fairview v Old Headington
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Witney captains drive into office
Witney Lakes' three new captains teed up and drove into office. Wayne Taylor (men), Pam Maynard (ladies) and Robin Day (seniors) will hope to carry on the good work done by their predecessors, James Ormrod, Ann Soutar and Bill Graves.
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Club links businesses
A networking club has been set up to give businesses the chance to meet each other. The scheme is being run by Bicester Innovation Centre, Telford Road, which provides offices for start-up business. It already hosts a fortnightly breakfast club at the
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Account team to offer advice
Oxfordshire business owners and managers looking for guidance through the maze of advice on offer are being offered a new service. Business Link for Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire has set up a new structure which will involve 20 account
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Hi-tech bus system will display time of arrival
Bus users in Oxfordshire could soon know how long they have to wait for the next service, thanks to a hi-tech information system. The Real Time Passenger Information System (RTPI) could be operating at 20 bus stops between Oxford and Kidlington by the
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Soldiers pledge £450 to save injured cat's life
Soldiers at Didcot's Vauxhall Barracks pledged £450 in one afternoon to help save the life of a stray cat. Compo enjoys rest and recuperation The white and tabby tom, nicknamed Compo, suffered a fractured skull and broken jaw after being hit by a car
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Concern mounts over missing teenager
Detectives are increasingly concerned for the welfare of a missing Oxford woman. Khalada Begum Khalada Begum, 18, of Iffley Road, has not been seen since October 7, when she told her parents she was going to attend an interview at Marks & Spencer
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Kidnap victim beaten
A woman from Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was kidnapped and beaten before being dumped by a road. The 26-year-old woman, was taken to an unknown location near Abingdon, possibly in the Frilford Heath or Appleton area, and left naked by the roadside during
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Hospital's new unit will ease pressure
An Oxford hospital plagued by cancelled operations and long casualty trolley waits has opened a 30-bed unit in a bid to reduce the problems. Managers at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, hope the surgical emergency unit (SEU) will provide a
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Defiant 'Digger' gathers support
A sackful of fan mail has encouraged builder Ian Beesley to print fundraising T-shirts after he dug up an Oxford speed hump. About 100 people have written letters of support to Mr Beesley and his wife, Lillian, after he used his JCB to remove a hump in
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GREYHOUND RACING: Stadium cashes in on Christmas spirit
AFTER a disappointing response to Friday night racing, Oxford are gearing up for the big rush on the run-in to Christmas. Friday night was originally brought in to satisfy the seasonal demand, but general manager Jim Snowden admits to starting the new
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CRICKET: Lucky ten avoid Cherwell drop
TEN teams have been spared relegation in The Oxford Times Cherwell League following Rover Cowley's decision to join forces with Oxford & Horspath, writes RUSSELL SMITH. Great Tew head the list of clubs to benefit, their first team remaining in Division
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Electronics firm eyes up market
An expanding hi-tech firm is looking to lead the development of specialised electronic engineering in Oxfordshire. Julius Georgiou, head of the micro-power division, with one of Toumaz Technology's integrated circuits Keith Errey, chief executive of Toumaz
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Don't knock students
I feel that the headline, Students were crude, (Oxford Mail, November 22) should have read We hate students. The letter seemed to knock students. It started with some students at a bus stop using loud and crude language. I would have thought that the
