Archive
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Princess joins carol concert
The Princess Royal visited Oxfordshire last night for a fundraising concert at Dorchester Abbey. Princess Anne on her way to the concert. Princess Anne was guest of honour at The Coming of Christmas, a candlelit performance by the choir of Magdalen College
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University urged to boost state intake
Oxford University has been ordered to attract more students from state schools. Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, said she wanted to see more progress by the best institutions, following an overall increase of around
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Mix-up halts pool safety checks
Stringent health tests at Oxford City Council-run swimming pools were abandoned for two months after a mix-up between departments. City council environmental health officer Denise Ryan takes a sample of water from the pool The Labour-run council stopped
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Funerals arranged as inquests open
A funeral service for 12-year-old Nathan Monaghan, who drowned when he fell into the river Thames while fishing at Sutton Courtenay last month, will be held on Saturday. The service takes place at noon, at St Blaise church, Milton, near Abingdon, where
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Tricky problem of child discipline
You report that police are run ragged by hooligans in Didcot (Oxford Mail, December 12). No-one was brought to book because there were not enough police. Morning-after pills are being given out with no parental know-ledge. Painkillers for illness cannot
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Villagers want children to stop being litter bugs
Villagers are calling on parents to curb their litter-bug children. Marcham parish councillors are collecting a dustbin sack full of sweet wrappers, crisp packets, discarded drink bottles, drink cans, cigarette packets, tissues and newspaper inserts,
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Cowley set for Caribbean return
One of the most well-established sides in the Oxfordshire Cricket Association have reverted to their former name. Cowley Cricket Club, who changed their name from Oxford Caribbean in 1994, have decided to return to the club's old name for their assault
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Children celebrate festive record
Children at Crowmarsh primary school have a record of their 2002 Christmas services of lessons and carols. Parents at the school have contacts with companies who recorded the choir. The CD is available from the school at £5.99 a copy, or £10 for two,
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Chinnor blow as Serdyn leaves
Chinnor's league prospects have taken a dive, followng the depature of lock forward Du Toit Serdyn. The 21-year-old returned home to South Africa last month to finish his studies, and since then, the club have suffered three narrow defeats to slip into
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December 16: Pride or prejudice?
They will be the last to admit it, but sooner or later Kidlington people must accept that their village will one day become a suburb of Oxford. By the same token, and possibly much earlier, Gosford and Water Eaton will be swallowed by its much larger
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December 14: Uncharitable suspicions
We never cease to be amazed at the workings of some people's minds. They seek evil where none exists and suspect the motives behind even the most innocent action. The person who sent the police to the home of a Kidlington family to check that they were
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I feared for my life, axe man tells court
A masked attacker accused of attempting to murder a Witney man with an axe claimed he was only trying to frighten him, a court heard. William Howard, 37, of Bourton-on-the-Water, denies attempting to murder Martin Harding during the attack on January
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Pupils lay foundations for future
Pupils laid the first bricks in a £1.3m development at their Abingdon school. Building work has started at Caldecott Primary on a new single storey building which will contain six classrooms. The school is divided into two buildings, but the extension
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Jennings hat-trick stuns champions
RT Harris Oxford City FA report: Dave Jennings hit a hat-trick to give North Oxford a 3-1 win over reigning Premier Division champions Oxford Community Church. Matias Romero scored a consolation for Church. Gladiators' Wayne Booker was on target against
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Ace Adams gives Shelley a boost
Dave Adams rattled up a superb 15 dolls - including a six - as bottom side Shelley upset high-flying Clare Car Hire 4-2 in the Gladiator Beer Seller Friday Aunt Sally League. His tally was matched by the league's leading doll scorer Dave Sawyer (5, 5,
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Twickers kicker's dream comes true
Tony Montague's dream came true when he landed a £1,000 place-kick during the half-time break in last week's Varsity match. Caption goes hereThe 32-year-old mathematics student from Linacre College won a competiton to represent Oxford in the 'Kick for
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Upgrade gives fire crews the edge
Firefighters in Oxfordshire have been given new cutting and lifting equipment to rescue drivers trapped in car crashes. Six fire engines based at Banbury, Bicester, Didcot, Faringdon, Watlington and Witney have been given the improved equipment. The £18,000
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Lack of parking 'driving shoppers away'
Traders in Banbury are demanding urgent action to attract shoppers back to the town. They claim people who went elsewhere during recent town centre roadworks discovered neighbouring shopping centres such as Milton Keynes, Leamington Spa and Northampton
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Welland the star
Oxford City veteran Mick Welland secured an excellent 19th place overall from nearly 600 runners at the Great Barford Half Marathon. Welland ran well within himself to cover the undulating course in 1hr 22mins 39secs to take first place in the Vet 55
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Brilliant Boggis strikes silver
Radley Ladies' junior Lucy Boggis made a memorable England Schools' debut by grabbing a brilliant silver medal at the Gordon Woodlands Schools Pentathlon in Glasgow. Lucy BoggisBoggis, from Lew, near Bampton, was competing for England in the competition
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Jewell sparkles
Witney & District FA round-up: Brize Norton survived the loss of Stevie Monk with a broken nose to beat hosts Carterton Town A 1-0 in a heated Fred Ford Memorial Cup quarter-final. Minster Lovell's Martin Latimer in redMonk suffered the injury mid-way
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Industry revs up on rider safety
The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) has underlined its commitment to rider safety by setting up a team dedicated to developing motorcycle rider safety initiatives. The new department will be launched next year and will be run by MCI staff based
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New dental suite opens
A new £440,000 dental suite for Didcot Hospital, designed by Abingdon architects West Waddy ADP, has opened. It provides three dental suites, staff accommodation, X-ray facility and administration and waiting areas. The new centre caters for patients
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December 18: Another fine mess
We never cease to be amazed at what happens inside Oxford Town Hall. We know the council is short of money, but to axe monthly safety checks for bacteria in swimming pools as an economy measure is simply scandalous. Yet again, a mix-up between officers
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Pledge over town centre revamp
The redevelopment of Didcot town centre will go ahead, according to South Oxfordshire District Council. But it has refused to say when work on the scheme, including a Sainsbury's superstore, cinema and arts centre, will start on an 18-acre site between
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Shed theft 'pointless'
Thieves went to great lengths to steal an empty wooden shed from an Oxford car sales site. John White, 67, owner of White's Cars in Hollow Way, Cowley, said to steal it, the thieves had cut a 10ft hole in a chain link fence. Mr White said they then must
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Sharing music and memories
Members of an Oxford day centre were encouraged to share their musical memories during two workshops staged by singer Frances Lynch. Frances Lynch with resident Norah Rivers The sessions at Shotover Day Centre were organised by Edward McKeon, the director
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Man, 81, escapes as home burns
An elderly man woken by smoke in his bedroom had a lucky escape, say firefighters. George Quarm, 81, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, suffering from smoke inhalation. He managed to get out of his two-storey detached home, which did not
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Howard back with City
Former Oxford City striker Howard Forinton is back at his old club after being released by Nationwide Conference leaders Yeovil Town. Howard ForintonForinton, who scored 17 goals in 27 appearances for City in 1997, which secured a £20,000 move to Yeovil
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Digital Ford
Ford is the first car manufacturer in the UK to offer in-car digital radio. The Blaupunkt Woodstock DAB 52 will be available as a dealer-fitted accessory from January 1, 2003. Every Ford main dealer will stock the unit by the end of the year, and will
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Pilot rental scheme for Oxford drivers
Volvo Car UK is running a pilot car rental scheme with Motorworld Volvo, in Oxford, and six other dealers across the country to offer a professional, quality service to the local community. If successful, it is hoped that the scheme will develop throughout
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Ten blacksports to avoid
Four of the ten worst motorway congestion "pinch points" are on Britain's busiest road - the M25, according to a truckers' poll. Worst spot for congestion was the Dartford River Crossing across the Thames on the east side of the M25. Second in the pinch
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Accessory heaven
Vauxhall has launched a new range of stylish accessories from Irmscher and Vauxhall means that there are more gift ideas to suit fans of the griffin brand and other makes than ever before. Subtly sporting the griffin logo, many of these accessories are
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Inadequate service
I believe that the county council is cheating us all of an adequate service, bearing in mind the amount of council tax we pay. I have written 20 letters to the Major Projects Team at Environmental Services complaining about road junctions in my area and
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Government has failed
In response to Cllr John Tanner's letter, Blair is delivering (Oxford Mail, December 12), oh, how we laughed. Jobs - people will work if they want to, if they have self-respect and want to provide for their families, but it doesn't help them when they
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Firefighters' long hours
It seems that you haven't checked your facts about the firefighters' working practices, unless you consider working a 48-hour shift short hours (Oxford Mail, November 30). Most of the population work only a 35 or 37-hour week. Let me inform you that a
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Yet to see words become action
Keith Mitchell is less than accurate in apportioning responsibility for likely increases in council tax (Oxford Mail, December 5). Despite his repeated assertions that a Government grant would be lost, it has in fact been increased by six per cent. If
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They are a bit cheeky
When councillors decide on something which might benefit them personally, they have to 'declare a retreat'. Perhaps you should have done this when commenting on Oxfordshire Community Churches' request to our area committee to be allowed to use their building
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December 13: That guilty silence
It is now two years since Ross Doyle was mown down and left to die in Pegasus Road on Oxford's Blackbird Leys estate. Those responsible have not been brought to justice. Ross's family has been unable to complete the grieving process, to lay their memories
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December 17: Major Mini triumph
The 200,000th Mini, which rolled off the production line at Cowley yesterday, could not be going to a better cause. BMW's decision to offer the chilli red Mini Cooper as the prize in a raffle for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign is an act of great
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Driver injured in collision
A driver was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, with minor injuries after two-vehicle collision south of Witney. The accident involving a car and van happened at 4.40pm yesterday (December 17) on the A415. Oil which leaked onto the road was
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Ex-MP opens centre
Former Cabinet minister and Witney MP Lord Hurd opened a state-of-the art new language centre. He was at Henry Box School, Church Green, Witney, with Oxfordshire County Council vice-chariman David Turner on Monday to open the facility. The centre has
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Anti-fraud campaign pays off
West Oxfordshire District Council saved nearly £142,430 last year by detecting benefit fraud and taking offenders to court. The council's cabinet member for finance, Mary Neale, said: "This council is determined to seek out all fraudulent claims and will
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CCTV system hailed a success at end of first year's operation
The first year of a CCTV scheme has been hailed a success, with 832 incidents captured on film. Evidence from the 24 cameras, monitored round the clock every day of the year, has so far allowed police in Witney to make 171 arrests. The network has also
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Farmers say thank you
The Thames Valley Farmers' Market Association thanked loyal customers in Wantage after a successful year. Stallholders raffled off a Christmas hamper of home-grown produce in Market Place. The winner was drawn by the Conservative prospective parliamentary
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Bear faces challenge
A teddy Bear called Brewster II is flying off around Europe with the German air force for charity. The bear will have to do well -- his predecessor Brewster I raised about £3,000 through flights with the RAF to British Army bases around the world. The
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Warning on food hygiene
A timely reminder from Cherwell District Council could prevent food poisoning over Christmas. The council's health promotion team is warning people to make sure food is cooked and stored properly during the festive season. To back up the message, two
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Van driver escapes in M40 crash
A driver escaped injury after his van suffered two blow-outs on the M40 yesterday lunchtime. The accident, near junction 11 at Banbury, caused severe traffic tailbacks. The driver of the Mercedes box van, managed to pull the vehicle onto the hard shoulder
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Focus is on Christmas fly-tippers
Fly-tippers have been warned they could be caught on camera this Christmas. Oxfordshire County Council and the Environment Agency will be on the look-out for people who dump rubbish outside recycling centres on Christmas Day. Last year Alkerton Tip, north-west
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Wootton go marching on
Berks & Bucks Junior Cup report: Wootton & Dry Sandford secured another notable away win with a 3-1 victory at Frilsham & Yattendon in the fourth round. Warren Ireson, Nick Ridge and Mike Yardley did the damage for Wootton. Northcroft crashed
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Paul at double for Horspath
Oxfordshire Senior League report: Paul Flack scored twice as Horspath won 4-0 at BCS Bardwell in Division 1. Simon Burton and Gavin Cartwright were their other marksmen. Although Horspath went 1-0 in front on eight minutes, they withstood a lot of pressure
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Deadly Dave stars for KEA
John Fathers Oxfordshire Junior Shield report: Dave Clapham hit a brace as KEA saw off Morris Motors 4-3 to reach the fourth round. In an exciting game, replayed because of bad light at last weekend's game, KEA's other scorers were former Oxford City
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Jennings hat-trick stuns champions
RT Harris Oxford City FA report: Dave Jennings hit a hat-trick to give North Oxford a 3-1 win over reigning Premier Division champions Oxford Community Church. Matias Romero scored a consolation for Church. Gladiators' Wayne Booker was on target against
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Sutton's on fire to sink Harwell
North Berks League report: Garry Sutton had a field day with all four goals as Faringdon won 4-2 at Harwell International in the North Berks Cup first round. Sutton's four-timer included a cracking volley over the stranded keeper from 25 yards, while
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Katie's DNA
When training is over for Katie Chapman - England's top female footballing talent and International Player of the Year (2001-2002) - she travels home on her Gilera DNA. Katie ChapmanThe England international and treble winner chose the royal blue DNA
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Girl power gets some recognition
Ladies with a love of two wheels are fighting hard to gain some well-deserved recognition within the motorcycle industry, as estimated figures show that, of the 5.5 million motorcycle holders in the UK, around 550,000 (that's ten per cent) are now women
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Building on success
Dutch construction group Heijmans, which is bidding to take over Oxfordshire builders Leadbitter, announced profits had soared 24 per cent. Chairman HAJ Bemelmans said profits for 2002 would amount to about £60m, with a dividend of at least £1 to shareholders
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Train operator announces new jobs and investment
Train operator First Great Western, which runs Didcot railway station, is creating 55 new jobs across the UK. It is also investing almost £7m in a revamp of its commercial services organisation. Some 37 new staff will work on board the busiest trains
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Advice on offer to local firms
Advice agency Business Link is hoping to boost the economic prosperity of the Faringdon area by offering help to small companies and budding entrepreneurs. A free business open evening will be held on January 30 from 5-8pm at the Corn Exchange. Graeme
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Cruising to new heights
Toyota says the launch of the new Toyota Land Cruiser is a landmark in the history of one of its most enduring models. Caption goes hereFor more than 50 years the Land Cruiser has established a heritage of strength, reliability and rugged performance.
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Accused denies rape of girl, 14
A man raped a drunk teenager and then protrayed himself as a caring adult who had gone to help her, a court heard. Stefan Spek, 47, denied raping the 14-year-old girl, on August 13, when he appeared before Oxford Crown Court yesterday (December 17). The
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Pupils lay foundations for future
Pupils laid the first bricks in a £1.3m development at their Abingdon school. Building work has started at Caldecott Primary on a new single storey building which will contain six classrooms. The school is divided into two buildings, but the extension
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600 join Lord Mayor's carol concert
The Lord Mayor's carol concert helped more than 600 people get into the Christmas spirit at Oxford Town Hall on Sunday. Revellers at the carol concert Oxford schoolchildren sang and played at the annual event, which raised more than £2,000. This will
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Mother wants more tissue donors
Parents of children with cancer should consider donating tumour tissue in a bid to fight the disease, according to a mother whose own baby's brain was taken without permission. Linda Gleeson was one of hundreds of people who discovered their loved one's
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Police car on fire after crash
A police car answering an emergency call burst into flames after a collision with another car. The Ford police car had its lights on but was not using a siren when the two cars collided in Walton Street, Oxford. Police at first denied there had been a
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Worshippers flock to 'live manger'
Children and adults alike flocked to church last weekend to a 'live manger' event, created to re-tell the Christmas story. Emily Rippington, six, makes friends with Pollyann the donkey More than 250 people gathered at Magdalen Road Evangelical Free Church
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Gallery welcomes 20,000th visitor
A fine art student was the 20,000th visitor to pass through the doors of Modern Art Oxford since it re-opened five weeks ago. Modern Art Oxford director Andrew Nairne with Holly Whitehouse Holly Whitehouse, who is in her first year studying for a fine
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OUP no longer lost for words
Keen-eyed students in Kidlington have helped ensure that one of the longest words in the English language is returned to the dictionary after they discovered it was missing. Psychology students from Oxfordshire County Council's Kidlington Community Education
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Trio set for new deals
Oxford United are in discussions - or are about to begin talks - with three key players whose contracts run out at the end of the season but before the Football League play-offs have begun. Steve BashamStrikers Steve Basham and David Oldfield, and midfielder
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A glass act
BANBURY-based Summit Automotive, the car accessory and mirror specialist, markets a wide range of replacement mirror glass, priced from £5.99. Bob Cattle, sales and marketing director of Summit Automotive, said: "Our replacement door mirror line is a
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We're friends with United
We refer to your story, Oxford United accused of stealing young players (Oxford Mail, November 19). The comments attributed to our vice-chairman, Kenny Moore, were, on the whole, his personal views, not those of the club committee. We have always enjoyed
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Flooding worries over new homes
Two issues need to be addressed over plans to develop Oseney Court old people's home site in Botley Road, Oxford - flooding and sewage. We were told at the area committee meeting on November 27 that ground levels would have to be raised, and that the
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Bill must be amended
Before the Government was elected, I wrote to Andrew Smith as the only local MP who was anti-hunt. I had despaired of Michael Heseltine, my own MP, as he is rabidly pro-hunt. Mr Smith replied in friendly terms, assuring me of his total commitment to a
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Sales of Karma Chameleon telephone rocket
Last year it was Billy Bass, this Christmas the daft present of the year is the Karma Chameleon singing telephone. Darren Brown, left, and Jonathan Aylmer with Grant Howard, right The singing telephone -- as featured on BT's television adverts -- has
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Anger and disbelief
Again, I totally agree with Ian Judge's comments regarding hunting with hounds. However, Ralph Leavis, not for the first time, left me feeling a mixture of anger and disbelief (Oxford Mail, November 19). Yes, it is in a fox's nature to kill, but unless
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Library seasonal opening times
Branch libraries across Oxfordshire will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve, re-opening on January 2. The Central Library in Oxford will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Friday, December 27, and New Year's Day. It will be open on December 28, December
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Safety plea over festive candles
Candles used to add a festive atmosphere to homes can be dangerous. That is the Christmas message from Oxfordshire's fire chief, John Parry. "Every year people are killed and injured because of carelessness with candles -- which are after all a naked
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Lions present seasonal gift
Wallingford Lions Club presented Fir Tree School in the town with a very appropriate gift. It presented the school with two trees -- both firs. Children from the junior school helped club members plant them in the school grounds. The ceremony followed
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Blues must bolster back row
An experienced, top-class flanker - that is Oxford University's top priority if they are to return to winning ways at Twickenham. For all the brilliant work done by the Oxford front five in last week's 121st Varsity Match, a lot of it was nullified by
