Archive
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Art brings young and old together
Generations young and old have been sharing their experiences during a 10-week project. Ten children from Millbrook Primary School, Grove, have been visiting Grove Day Centre thanks to ITHACA, an arts organisation which works with the disabled and older
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Signs of change
School pupils could soon be learning sign language in a bid to improve communication with the hard of hearing. Oxfordshire County Council's learning and culture culture scrutiny committee has voted to explore the possibility of pupils in the county learning
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Pupils hit the mark
A Didcot school's emphasis on PE and sport has been recognised with a Sport England award. Greenmere School is among more than 100 primary schools to receive an Activemark for promoting the benefits of physical activity throughout the school. A group
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Help for hospital
Pupils at a Didcot school have raised hundreds of pounds for charity in six weeks. A class of about 30 children at St Birinus School, in Mereland Road, collected £700 for the Offering Support to Children and Relatives charity. The charity, run by Oxford
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Pupils urged to aim high
The female boss of Didcot's gas-fired power plant gave schoolgirls an insight into what is still regarded as largely a man's world. Nina Skorupska, station manager of Didcot B Power Station, told pupils at Didcot Girls' School's certificate evening how
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BAR set to unveil new challenge
Brackley-based British American Racing will unveil their 2003 challenger in Barcelona on January 14. The BAR-Honda 005 will be revealed, before a three-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya. Jenson Button will join teammate and 1997 world champion Jacques
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Motorsport awards announced
The Motor Sports Association, the national governing body of motorsport in the UK, has set up annual awards to recognise and reward up-and-coming motorsport journalists working in UK racing and rallying. With support from Renault UK, the MSA Young Writer
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Hospital trust overspends by £3.2m in one month
NHS managers have overspent £3.2m in one month as they try to improve services at Oxfordshire's major hospitals. In October, the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, which is responsible for Oxford's John Radcliffe, Churchill and Radcliffe Infirmary,
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Mini plant enjoys double success
Managers at BMW celebrated two major successes when the 200,000th Mini rolled off the production line, and industrial action was avoided when workers agreed a new pay deal. The landmark chilli red-coloured Mini was given a last polish on December 16 and
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Spring blooms at school
Spring will be bursting out all over Milton Primary School when 100 bulbs planted by pupils begin to bloom. Pupils Charlie Roberts and Charlotte Phillips The collection of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, tulips and lilies were planted out in the wild
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Tony Stradling
A physics professor who pioneered research into semiconductors has died at the age of 65. Tony Stradling was born in Solihull in Warwickshire in 1937. In 1955, he studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, on an Open Scholarship. He made his name as a lecturer
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Mechanic appeal
The Abingdon Division of the St John Ambulance Brigade, which also covers Didcot and Wallingford, is hoping to recruit a qualified mechanic to help keep the brigade's ambulances in good condition. Anyone interested should call Paul Wiggins on 01235 519509
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Duchess wins council approval
The Duchess of Kent has been given approval by South Oxfordshire District Council for extensions and changes to the house she has recently bought in Brightwell Baldwin, near Wallingford. Listed Forge Cottage was bought earlier this year by the reclusive
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Bicester outplayed
Southern Counties North: Bicester were outclassed 36-3 by a well-organised Aylesbury side. The Bicester defence were subjected to constant pressure from the livewire home backs, who repeatedly spun the ball wide. Bicester were forced to include four inexperienced
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Banbury let lead slip
Midland 2 East: Banbury Bulls, having lost to Market Bosworth by more than 40 points only three weeks ago, showed home much they have improved when going down only 24-13 in the return at Bodicote Park. In fact, Banbury actually led 13-0 just after half-time
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Witney's pressure to no avail
Southern Counties North: Witney enter the Christmas break on the back of a poor display that resulted in Olney stealing the points with a 10-3 victory in a dour encounter at Hailey Road. The Witney pack seemed to have the edge, but too often, silly errors
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Promotion hopes dented
Berks, Bucks and Oxon League: Chipping Norton's promotion hopes were dented when they lost 29-10 away to leaders Henley Wanderers. Henley scored an early try through No 8 Matt Vines, before Chippy hit back with a drop goal by Adam Smith. Some sterling
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Grove go down fighting
South West 2 East: Even though they were without influential skipper Mike Turner and flanker Ian Hall, Grove only went down 15-7 against Chippenham, who beat them by 31 points on the first day of the season. Grove took the lead inside two minutes, when
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Candles to be lit at public service
An open-air service in Chipping Norton on December 21 will remember people who have died in 2002. Everyone is invited to join the short inter-denominational service outside the town hall, at 7pm. From 6pm, people will be able to light candles of remembrance
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Bid supported
Thame town council is supporting an application by Brothers hairdressers to add a cafe to their Buttermarket premises.
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School appeals for Paris funds
A special school has launched a fundraising effort to send pupils on a trip to Paris. John Watson Special School, in Wheatley, has launched the appeal to pay for 12 children and eight staff to go to Paris next year. The aim of the trip is to help the
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Stable drama
Wantage Baptist Church's Sunday school will perform a nativity play called Stable Manners at 10.30am on December 22.
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Drawing on young artists
More than 100 youngsters used their artistic talents to illustrate the world of medicine. Dr Paul Bryan From doctors and nurses, to patients and injection needles, 135 pictures were submitted for a competition run by the Church Street Practice in Wantage
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Unsafe hall forces fair under canvas
A fair held to raise funds for a village hall had to be held under canvas when insurers withdrew their cover -- because the existing hall was unsafe. Hall committee members Sally Lloyd and Peter Cook Customers shopped in an old army and scout tent because
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Muslims campaign for own school
Muslims in Oxford are campaigning for a state-aided Islamic school to be built in the city. The Iqra School Committee has been set up to lobby Oxfordshire County Council for help in establishing the school which would teach pupils the National Curriculum
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Setback for Banbury
South League Regional Division: Banbury suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by bottom club Newbury, the Berkshire club's first win of the season.
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Oxford turn up the heat
Berks, Bucks & Oxon League: A powerful second half-display saw Oxford turn their forward superiority into points as they beat Pennainians 34-0 in the Division 1 clash at the Southern Bypass. Oxford's Dan WheelerOxford led by just Dan Wheeler's penalty
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Comeback stuns Harrow
South League Division 2: Abingdon stay top after coming from behind three times to overcome Harrow 6-4 at Tilsley Park. Nathan Conn shoots against Harrow Harrow made a confident start and took the lead after five minutes when Nick Lenton intercepted Phil
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Leaders Henley held in cliffhanger
National League Division 2: In a splendid example of running rugby, Esher and Henley fought out a thrilling 26-26 draw to share the points. With the referee awarding only eight penalties throughout, one octogenarian spectator told Hawks' coach Nigel Dudding
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Relegation fears heighten
South League Regional Division: City of Oxford remain deep in relegation trouble after losing their vital home clash against Sunbury 4-2 - in a game ruined by an over-zealous umpire. Due to numerous injuries and work commitments, City went into the game
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Centre 'too close to rifle range'
A refugee support group has condemned Government proposals to put a proposed asylum seekers' accommodation centre within earshot of a rifle range and training area. The public inquiry into plans to build a 750-person asylum seekers' centre on MoD land
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Shelley on song
Shelley Arms A pulled off a thrilling 5-4 victory in their Greene King ODDA Section 2 clash with rivals Crown & Thistle after a 3-0 pairs success saw them crown an excellent fightback. A fine win from Simon Powell over Paul Weller gave them a 1-0
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Music continues
Seasonal music at Bicester Village outlet centre continues until Christmas, with Bletchingdon and City of Oxford silver bands, and Oxford Classic Jazz Band, still to perform.
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Community fair aims to recruit more volunteers
Charity organisations are hoping to start the new year by recruiting new volunteers at Bicester's first community fair. The event, which has been organised by Homestart Bicester, the town's Citizens Advice Bureau and the Experience Corps, is taking place
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Darts results
Results from recent matches in the ODDA . . . Men's Premier & Section 1: L'more RBL 1, Cowley C 8; Cherwell 6, Rowing Machine 3; Cowley B 2, Shelley C 7. Section 2: Three Horseshoes A 6, East Oxford 3; Shelley A 5, Crown & Thistle 4; Crispin 6
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Alastair Welch
The funeral takes place on December 20 of Alastair Welch, former chairman, secretary and treasurer of Didcot Hospital League of Friends. Mr Welch, pictured, left, getting ready to bowl at a Didcot Hospital fete in 1998 He died on December 12 at the age
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Cheetahs' rescue bid is dashed
Oxford Cheetahs' future looks increasingly bleak after talks to keep league speedway at Sandy Lane broke down. No offers have come in for the club. However, owner Steve Purchase confirmed that there have been extensive talks regarding the transfer of
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Atkins sets festive target
Manager Ian Atkins has set in-form Oxford United a Christmas target to put pressure on the leading teams in Division 3. Ian Atkins The U's have won five games in succession without conceding a goal and are handily placed in ninth in the table, with a
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Ex-staff plan to meet
An event for retired Harwell site staff is being planned for June 6, 3003. For details, contact Alec Inns, Harwell Projects, 552 Harwell, Didcot, OX11 0RA or send an e-mail to him on alec.inns@ukaea.org.uk
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Stories offered
A storytime for children under six will be held at Didcot Library on December 19, at 2pm.
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Ex-staff plan to meet
An event for retired Harwell site staff is being planned for June 6, 3003. For details, contact Alec Inns, Harwell Projects, 552 Harwell, Didcot, OX11 0RA or send an e-mail to him on alec.inns@ukaea.org.uk
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Help for hospital
Pupils at a Didcot school have raised hundreds of pounds for charity in six weeks. A class of about 30 children at St Birinus School, in Mereland Road, collected £700 for the Offering Support to Children and Relatives charity. The charity, run by Oxford
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Bid to reduce 'Ben Hur' congestion
A new entrance and cycle path to St Birinus Boys' School in Didcot is being opened to reduce congestion outside the main entrance. At present the chaotic situation in Mereland Road when children arrive and leave St Birinus -- and neighbouring Greenmere
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Girl, 14, 'raped after drinking binge'
A teenager was raped by a man three times her age after an evening out drinking with friends, a court was told. Stefan Spek, 47, of Dirac Place, Didcot, denied raping the 14-year-old girl, on August 13, when he appeared before Oxford Crown Court on December
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Number of refugee children increases
The number of unaccompanied children arriving in Oxford from overseas has risen. Social services are looking after 154 children in the city after they arrived alone looking for help. The Oxford Mail reported in July how foster parents were urgently needed
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Raiders hunted
Ram-raiders reversed a maroon Range Rover with a scaffold pole sticking out of the back into the door of Henley County Jewellers, in Reading Road. The burglars smashed glass cases and made off with bracelets, necklaces and earrings, at 10.30pm, on December
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Buy a calendar
A 2003 calendar showing the position of the moon every day of the year has been produced to raise money for an Oxfordshire campaign to clear a minefield in Mozambique. The Oxfordshire Adopt-a-Minefield campaign being run by the United Nations Association
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Student flats see 25% rise in prices
Parents who bought flats for their student children last year have seen prices in Oxford soar by 25 per cent, according to an Oxford estate agent. Richard Thomas, of Knight Frank, said that although rental yields had fallen as a result of an oversupply
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Police challenged to cut robbery by 16 per cent
Thames Valley Police have been set a target of reducing robbery by 16 per cent by the end of June. Initially, the force's target up to the end of September was to stop robbery and street crime increasing, after being faced with a 35 per cent increase
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Life's suite for primary pupils
The use of computer technology at Blewbury Primary School has taken a major step forward with the opening of a computer suite. Dr Mike Marshall, chairman of governors, said: "Previously, with only two or three computers in each classroom, children could
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Bright children reap rewards
Bright children who have benefited from after-school tuition received certificates for their impressive performance in a ceremony at Oxford's Natural History Museum. Certificates and medals were awarded to outstanding Kumon students in Oxfordshire at
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Timber firm gives £10,000 for science
A school has benefited from a £10,000 donation to cement its new status as a specialist science college. Matthew Arnold School has built a new science building at its Cumnor Hill site, following a £100,000 grant from the Department of Education. The school
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Football ap-peels to pupils
Children at Hagbourne Primary School learned how pupils in East Africa make footballs from banana skins. "It was a stark lesson in recycling for the benefit our children," said Hagbourne headteacher Richard Jones during a visit from Josephine Nkibuuka
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Union and charity back special schools in crisis
Union members and charity fundraisers have lent their support to two special schools for vulnerable children which are threatened with closure. Representatives of the Oxford Round Table and the National Union of Teachers have written to Oxfordshire County
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Kite swoops for championship
A racing car prepared in Carterton won the 2002 Alfasud Cup. Jeff Kite, driving an Alfa Romeo Sprint prepared by Alfa Centauri, won the title with ten wins. Kite, of Guildford, who clinched the title with four rounds left, was so impressed with their
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National Front sets up branch in town
The National Front has claimed it is opening a branch in Bicester to oppose Home Office plans to build an asylum seekers centre outside the town. Members of the far-right group have been attracted to the town by the on-going opposition to proposals for
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Francis 'Ron' Hitchcox
A retired police sergeant who patrolled the streets of Wantage, has died at the age of 84. Francis Herbert Hitchcox, known as Ron, died in his sleep two days after celebrating his birthday. He was born in Banbury in 1918. In 1938 he joined Berkshire Police
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District warns of 'sharp' increase in council tax
South Oxfordshire District Council's portion of the council tax is set to rise sharply next year. Council leader Jan Morgan said she was disappointed with the financial support offered by the Government. Latest figures suggest the council will receive
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Harlequins' game postponed
South West 2 East: Oxford Harlequins' game against Amersham and Chiltern was postponed, following the sudden death last week of the Bucks club's hooker, Steve Jones.
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Kept afloat
A flag day street collection in Chipping Norton raised £319 for the Jubilee Sailing Trust. The money is to go towards the upkeep of two tall ships for mixed crews of able-bodied and disabled sailors.
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Storytime thriving again
Christmas storytime will go ahead at Witney library. Librarians recently made an appeal for more parents to allow their children to attend the holiday sessions. The appeal was successful and attendances have been up during November and December. Now a
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Shop closure
Thame's one-stop shop in the town hall will be shut on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
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Friends protect the past
A pair of friends who have known each other more than 77 years have put their heads together to produce an historical book about Brize Norton. Kathy Timms and Clare Hicks Kathy Timms and Clare Hicks, pictured, have always lived in the village and decided
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Parish needs £15,000 to mend organ
Parishioners are being asked to pull out all the stops to raise £15,000 to restore their church organ. People in Chinnor have already raised £45,000 for the organ in St Andrew's Church, which will cost £60,000 to mend. Once the work is complete, the organ
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Net effect
The village table tennis club is looking for new members. Call 01235 224984.
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Play staged
The Wantage Mummers will perform a traditional play in Wantage's Market Place at noon on Boxing Day.
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Pies and song
Mince pies, mulled wine and music will be served at the Vale and Downland Museum, Church Street, Wantage, at 7.30pm on December 18. Tickets cost £4.
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Canal clean-up
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust working group will be restoring the waterway in the Wantage area from 9am on December 23. Call Roy on 01865 820140 for information.
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Wallingford batter Phoenix
South League Division 2: Wallingford recovered from three straight defeats to batter Phoenix 5-1. All the goals came in the second half, with Kevin Shaw putting Wallingford ahead at a short corner. Phoenix equalised with 20 minutes remaining, but Wallingford
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Rover suffer setback
South League Division 1: Rover Oxford missed the chance to go second in Division 1 when they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Old Merchant Taylors. It took two goals in the first 15 minutes by the home side before Rover raised their game. James Pilinger and
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Devils still lack the killer touch
Oxford Devils threw away a five-point half-time lead as they lost 82-78 to close rivals Kingston Wildcats in their National Basketball Conference clash at the Vale of White Horse Tennis & Leisure Centre. Arthur Robinson In front of their largest crowd
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Hawks pipped by Wycombe
Women's hockey round-up: Oxford Hawks Ladies lost 1-0 to Wycombe Rye in a friendly on a weekend when there were no league matches. Hawks 3rd enjoyed better fortune, beating Newbury 4-1, with goals by Clare Turner, Charlotte Godwin, Rachel Williams and
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Chinnor pipped at the post again
South West 1: Chinnor slipped into the relegation zone following their 15-11 defeat away to leaders Dings Crusaders. Losing by the smallest of margins is now becoming an all-too-familiar story for Chinnor - and once again the difference was down to goalkicking
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Badge honour for cub leaders
Cub Scout leaders Elaine Robinson and her daughter Dawn have both gained their Wood Badges. Elaine is leader of the 1st Heyford Cub Scout pack and Dawn is her assistant leader. The Wood Badge is the ultimate training award in the Scouts. They were presented
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Oxon teams warm up
Oxfordshire's BMW WilliamsF1 and Mild Seven Renault F1 teams have completed pre-Christmas winter testing sessions at the Jerez circuit, in southern Spain. The Grove-based Williams team ran Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gene through a host of end-of-year tests
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Police vow to tackle drunken yobs
Drunken troublemakers will be publicly shamed if they run riot at Christmas. Police in Banbury have promised a crackdown on disorderly behaviour over the festive period. Insp Simon Eatwell said: "We'll come down hard on drunken yobs. We'll charge them
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Workshops sponsored
Scientific software developer Tessella, of Abingdon, is sponsoring a series of workshops for teachers and volunteers as part of the Oxford Trust's 2003 Festival of Science. Anyone who wants to organise a science event is invited to learn how to run a
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Bus firm reports eco-boost
Transport group Go-Ahead, which owns the Oxford Bus Company, said 65 per cent of its buses were now designed to minimise air pollution. Its latest environmental and social report is the first from the company to address staff, community and social issues
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Keep fit fan has a roaring weekend
A fitness enthusiast received an X-type Jaguar for the weekend after winning a keep-fit challenge in aid of the new Douglas House respite centre for young people being built off Magdalen Road, east Oxford. Sue Baker, a member of the SOLLutions Fitness
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Timber firm gives £10,000 for science
A school has benefited from a £10,000 donation to cement its new status as a specialist science college. Matthew Arnold School has built a new science building at its Cumnor Hill site, following a £100,000 grant from the Department of Education. The school
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Report identifies skills shortage
The nuclear industry is not suffering from a skills shortage, but more radiologists and radiographers are needed in the health sector, according to a report. The Government report was produced by the Nuclear Skills Group. The group includes Rear Admiral
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Lawyers raise copyright alarm
Patent lawyers are warning that research companies in Oxfordshire could be hit by a change in copyright law. Marks & Clerk, which has an office at Oxford Business Park, Cowley, said that from March companies would have to pay licence fees to photocopy
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Pupils urged to aim high
The female boss of Didcot's gas-fired power plant gave schoolgirls an insight into what is still regarded as largely a man's world. Nina Skorupska, station manager of Didcot B Power Station, told pupils at Didcot Girls' School's certificate evening how
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Crown court for fraud trial
A woman accused of obtaining £134,000 from the NHS by deception will appear at Oxford Crown Court next year. Shauna Bowen-Thomas, 35, of Cardiff, faces 20 counts of obtaining property by deception between July 25, 2000, and March 25, this year. She is
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Festive cheer fills homes and churches
People in Oxfordshire are getting in to the Christmas spirit, with dazzling displays of lights, festive decorations and giant snowmen. Canon John Crowe decorates Dorchester Abbey Scaffolding inside Dorchester Abbey has a festive feel. The Abbey is undergoing
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Green supporters catch a ride
Green Party councillors and other environmentalists took an unusual form of transport to mark the opening of the Oxford Green Fair. The event was held at Oxford Town Hall on December 14. It was designed to promote Green issues such as recycling, clean
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Bright children reap rewards
Bright children who have benefited from after-school tuition received certificates for their impressive performance in a ceremony at Oxford's Natural History Museum. Certificates and medals were awarded to outstanding Kumon students in Oxfordshire at
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Holder return set to boost City fortunes
Oxford City are set for a pre-Christmas boost with former striker Jorden Holder returning from his studies in America to play for them over the festive season. Jorden HolderHolder, 20, who plays football for Central Connecticut State University in the
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Student flats see 25% rise in prices
Parents who bought flats for their student children last year have seen prices in Oxford soar by 25 per cent, according to an Oxford estate agent. Richard Thomas, of Knight Frank, said that although rental yields had fallen as a result of an oversupply
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Work off the flab
The Ramblers Association is inviting hikers to work off the seasonal excess with three walks. They will leave the Portway car park in Wantage at 10.20am on December 27, for a walk around the Letcombes. The second is a ramble along the Thames, from Buckland
