Archive
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Nuisance neighbour unit set to go across county
A team established to clamp down on nuisance neighbours is set to extend its work to the whole of Oxfordshire. On Monday, Oxford City Council's executive board will discuss recommendations that its Crime and Nuisance Action Team (CANAcT) could offer its
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School is sorry for fireworks
One of Abingdon's leading independent schools has apologised to its neighbours after staging a noisy fireworks display as part of its centenary celebrations. St Helen and St Katharine School, in Faringdon Road, held a gala concert and rounded off the
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Charity marks 450 years
Celebrations begin on Sunday to mark the 450th anniversary of Christ's Hospital of Abingdon, the oldest charity in Oxfordshire and 39th oldest in the country. Christ's Hospital was incorporated 450 years ago, in 1553, and a service is being held on the
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Children's artwork earns prizes
A colouring competition on the Easter theme attracted many entries from children using Berinsfield Library. Ken Hall with, left to right, Alice D'arcy, three, Nichola Sutton, nine, Dellisia Harrop, five, Matthew Goldsbury, six, Shane Stevens, eight, and
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Landlords fear new chain pub
Publicans in Abingdon fear more pub closures if the national cut-price chain JD Wetherspoon moves in to the town early next year. Landlords and bar managers are considering objecting to the conversion of the old Congregational Church in The Square. In
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Alan Ryan
St Mary's Church in Wallingford was packed on Friday, May 9, for the funeral of Alan Ryan. Mr Ryan, 40, was brought up at St George's Green in the town and worked in the kitchens of The George pub, the Shillingford Bridge Hotel and The Swan in Streatley
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Mary Ponton
Dedicated Guide leader Mary Ponton has died aged 77, after a battle with cancer. Born in 1925, Mrs Ponton spent her childhood in Rugby, and as a teenager moved with her family to London, where she attended Wembley Girls Grammar School and secretarial
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Cricket fixtures
Matches scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2003 BRITISH UNIVERSITIES CUP Bristol UCCE v Oxford UCCE. REPRESENTATIVE Oxfordshire v Gloucestershire 2nd (Banbury, 11). CLUB MATCHES Oxford & Horspath v United Oxford Hospitals, East & West Hendred v Summertown
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Connor leads Braves
England women's captain, Clare Connor, leads The Braves in defence of their Super Fours title in Oxford on Saturday. Connor, the Channel 4 cricket presenter, is one of 48 elite women players, selected for four teams - The Braves, The Knight Riders, The
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May 9: Dangerous behaviour
Once again anti-war demonstrators have prevented the Oxford East MP Andrew Smith from taking part in a public meeting. They have previously disrupted his weekly surgery meetings and forced a Labour club to cancel a scheduled event with the MP. The so-called
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May 10: Piracy or publicity
There is no evidence that the Royal Navy press gangs, so popular in the Bristol area during the reign of George III, ever ventured to Oxford to top up their crews. So our colleague Nigel Hanson might well be the first to be kidnapped aboard a ship from
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Cholsey back down to earth
Cholsey were brought crashing down to earth after Thame won their OLTA Inter-Club League Men's 3-Pair Division 1 clash 8-1. After getting their campaign off to a flying start with a 7-2 victory over Oxford City B, Cholsey were looking to record back-to-back
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School's fate set to be decided
County councillors were expected to sound the death knell for Headington Quarry First School in Oxford today (May 15). The school organisation committee was expected to rubber-stamp the executive board's decision on Tuesday that the school should close
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Two hurt in head-on road crash
Two people were taken to hospital following a head-on crash outside Bicester sports ground in Akeman Street, Chesterton, on Thursday, May 8. A woman was taken to The Horton Hospital in Banbury with shock. The other casualty was taken to the John Radcliffe
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Wagstaff eyes up Morris
Oxford Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff is considering signing Reading's Phil Morris to boost his Elite League squad. Morris is sidelined with an injured shoulder, but if he joined Oxford, he would continue riding for Reading in the Premier League
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Oxford trio open title bid
Oxford Silver Machine trio Nicki Pedersen, Todd Wiltshire and Sebastian Ulamek set out on their bid to become world champion when speedway's Grand Prix series gets under way this weekend. None of the trio - due to battle it out in the Grand Prix of Europe
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BATS move into studio
BATS have moved into Warriner School's drama studio. Bloxham Amateur Theatrical Society will be performing the play Holiday Snap at the studio from Thursday, May 29, to Saturday, May 31. Tickets, which cost £6, are on sale at Bloxham post office.
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Twirl team in whirl over good results
Banbury Cross Twirlers have achieved their best-ever results at the national baton-twirling championships. Pictured, front from left, are Charlie Pain, nine, Natalie Coles, nine, Corey Newton, seven, and Rebecca Coles, eight, and back from left, Suzy
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Pedestrian knocked down on way to church, inquest told
A pedestrian on his way to a church meeting died after being struck by a car at traffic lights in Banbury, an inquest heard. Barry Evershed, 63, of Wesley Drive, Banbury, was hit by a blue Honda in Upper Windsor Street on August 2. He suffered severe
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Reynolds and Russell smash sprint records
Radley sprint stars Kay Reynolds and Molly Russell shone at the Oxfordshire Track & Field Championships at Tilsley Park, Abingdon. Reynolds smashed the veteran women's record by an incredible 1.7secs as she triumphed in 12.3 - a faster time than Oxford
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Results
Greene King Oxford & District Aunt Sally League results Premier/ Section 1: Garsington Spts 1, Cricketers B 2; George B 3, Fox 0; White House A 1, Highfield SC A 2; Royal Sun 2, Cowley Workers B 1; Plough A 2, Flying Machine 1. Section 2: Woodman
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Oklahoma!
Giles Woodforde enjoys the fun at the Oxford Playhouse: Truly, they don't write them like this any more. It's a thought that immediately springs to mind as Oxford Operatic Society's orchestra plays the rip-roaring overture to the Rodgers and Hammerstein
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Rail watchdog meets
The official watchdog for rail passengers using Thames Trains services will meet in Didcot on Tuesday, May 20. The Rail Passengers Thames Trains committee will discuss the benefits for passengers that might be achieved from the two-year extension of the
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Boy has bike snatched
A 16-year-old boy had his bike snatched by two men in a car as he rode near Didcot town centre. The teenager, who has not been named, was not physically hurt although police say he was left shaken by the incident. The robbery happened at about 3.15pm
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£1m plan to fund Ridgeway repairs
Funding of about £1m is being sought to repair damaged stretches of the Ridgeway national trail. The move is one of a package of measures drawn up by the Ridgeway Management Group to tackle surface problems on the 85-mile ancient route, which runs from
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School to close due to decline
An oxford school is to close after a sharp decline in pupil numbers meant the school was no longer viable. Headington Quarry First School will close this summer after it was estimated that only 25 pupils were ready to go there from September. School budgets
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'Don't leave car keys in view'
Car owners in southern Oxfordshire have been warned to be on their guard following a spate of vehicle thefts. Police said that thieves broke into occupied houses -- often at night -- and stole keys for vehicles left outside. In the past 12 months, almost
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Call for calm on flights to Kenya
An Oxfordshire travel agent which organises trips to Kenya is advising people not to over-react to the ban on flights to the country following a terror alert. Travellers on Burford-based African Explorations's last organised trip to Kenya returned a fortnight
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A way with the fairies
Artwork inspired by Oxford Botanic Gardens goes on show on Saturday, May 17 Tessa Farmer with one of the 'inhabitants' of the Weeping Ash Students from Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art have created a series of sculptures and 3D art installations
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Rider in peak condition
Dave Crabb is getting ready for a mountainous charity expedition from Lands End to John O'Groats. Dave Crabb Mr Crabb, 48, is set to embark on the 1,200-mile ride on Saturday, May 17. During the ride he will dismount to climb Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and
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Bus for disabled finds new home
A volunteer-run bus service for disabled and elderly people has been given a new home, after being forced to leave its base at a former hospital. The Wallingford Coach for the Disabled used to be kept at the Fairmile Hospital in Cholsey, near Wallingford
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BMW confirms plans for cabriolet Mini
A soft top version of the Mini will be built at the Cowley factory next year. An early concept drawing of the Mini Cabrio Dr Helmut Panke, chairman of Mini parent company BMW, finally confirmed that the first cabriolet versions of the highly-successful
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Silver surfers make mark
Pensioners across Oxfordshire went on line today as part of a national event to recognise a new generation of Internet users. Student Diana Law, left, and Richard Wales, of Age Concern Oxfordshire, at The Clockhouse resource centre in Blackbird Leys Silver
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Galloway to talk at town hall after all
Controversial MP George Galloway will address a public meeting at Oxford Town Hall tonight, May 16. The town hall was finally secured as the venue after Oxford Students Stop the War Coalition (OSSWC) contacted the city council for the first time yesterday
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Row sparked by plan to rebuild office complex
Plans for an office complex which could house most of Oxfam's staff are likely to be given approval -- although the charity warned the development might not be enough to keep its base in Summertown. An artist's impression of the proposed design for the
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How will we all cope?
I was astounded at the recent Oxfordshire County Council report about plans for next year's council tax (Oxford Mail, May 8). I have just had to endure a rise of 13.4 per cent. Now a council finance officer's report was accepted by the executive which
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Working together
I have just returned from a meeting of the Cowley area committee. Month after month, we have highlighted various problems regarding traffic and roads. We are informed month after month that the highways committee and officers of the county council will
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Worried schools to divert cash
Money earmarked for buildings and repairs will be diverted to alleviate the school funding crisis. Headteachers in Oxfordshire welcomed a move by the Government to funnel the money into salaries to prevent staff from being laid off. Education Secretary
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ART REVIEW: Views of rural Ireland
This is Irish painter Bernadette Kiely's first solo show in England, writes Jeannine Alton. After studying and work at the Slade and in New York, she returned to rural Kilkenny, close to her birthplace, where time, seasons and elements provide her, as
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School seeks specialist status
Residents and traders in Wallingford are being urged to back the town's secondary school in its bid to attract £1m of Government funding. Wallingford School is applying for specialist status as a Sports College and needs to raise £50,000 by the end of
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Consultation continues on special education
Consultation is to continue on the sensitive issue of including pupils with special education needs in mainstream schools. Last year, the county council's policy on including special needs children was criticised by the Oxfordshire Secondary Heads Association
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Super Solberg finishes fifth
Banbury's 555 Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg finished fifth in the Rally Argentina, to secure five manufacturers' points for Subaru and four in the drivers' championship. Carlos Sainz charged through the final stage of the rally in his
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Complaints at NOC halve
Patient complaints at an Oxford hospital have halved. The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, in Headington, believes the reduction is directly linked to the appointment of a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) manager, as well as efforts by staff to reduce
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Craig storms to first victory
Junior racer Craig Passey, 12, from Benson, followed up second and third places in the heats at Standlake Arena with his first final victory at the track. There was no stopping Bampton racer Ricky Hancock, as he made it three consecutive 1450 Prod Rod
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Jamie powers to race double
Banbury race ace Jamie Derbyshire stormed to back-to-back victories in rounds three and four of the British GT Championship at Knockhill in Scotland. The Spirit Volkswagen racer had set out with the sole aim of taking two more race wins over the course
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End of the track for Oxford to Bristol link
The Oxford to Bristol train service run by First Great Western was due to be shunted into history on Saturday, May 17, as part of a national rail shake-up. There used to be 12 trains in each direction on Monday to Saturday and five each way on Sundays
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Keep on shifting the deck chairs
I note that a Parliamentary committee has just stated that this country is in danger of being overrun by the numbers of so-called asylum seekers being allowed unrestricted entry and that, if it continues unabated, it is likely to cause serious social
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George Panting
A man who was described as "the collective memory" of the village he lived in all his life has died at the age of 84. George Panting was born in Ramsden, near Witney, and was involved in all aspects of village life. He was also a war veteran of the D-Day
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Reginald Hall
A man known to hundreds of former engineering students in the Witney area has died at the age of 80. Reginald Hall was a lecturer for 30 years at the town's West Oxfordshire Technical College, which is now part of Abingdon and Witney College. He was a
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Caunce blow hits Downs
OT Cherwell League: Oxford Downs batsman Ian Caunce faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken finger in net practice. He misses the trip to Banbury Twenty in Division 1 tomorrow, but all-rounder Wesley Bartlett and batsman Jon Roycroft are
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Bicester sign up Inam to face rivals Thame
Home Counties Premier League: Bicester & North Oxford have signed Pakistani all-rounder Inam ul Haq - and he is set to make his debut in the Division 2 West Oxfordshire derby at Thame tomorrow. Skipper Darryl Woods is hoping ul Haq can inspire Bicester
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Cricket fixtures
Matches scheduled for Saturday, May 17 HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Banbury v Radlett, Hemel Hempstead v Oxford & H, Henley v Reading. Div 2 West: Thame Tn v Bicester & N Oxford. THE OXFORD TIMES CHERWELL LEAGUE Div 1: Aston Rowant v Shipton
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Faulty door may have caused death
An elderly woman may have died because a faulty garage door fell on her head, an inquest heard. Elizabeth Wix, 82, was found by her husband in a confused state at their home, in Ewelme, near Wallingford, in April last year. She had suffered two serious
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Wallis is captain
Grant Wallis was elected as club captain at Chipping Norton RFC's annual meeting. Jon Hickman was appointed first-team captain, with Adam Smith as vice-captain. Ben Stowe is the new 2nd XV captain with Rob Bishop as vice-captain. Training starts at the
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Boys and girls tag on to rugby
Around 250 boys and girls will be participating in the Chairman's Cup Oxfordshire Under 11's Tag Rugby Tournament at Oxford Brookes University's Harcourt Hill Campus, North Hinksey, next Wednesday (1pm). The Chairman's Cup, is named after the former chairman
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VISA sponsor World Cup
VISA International are the official sponsors of the Under 21 World Cup, which will be held around Oxfordshire next month. The opening ceremony will take place on June 11 at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium which will be the venue for the semi-finals and
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Coach confident Oxon can reach Twickers
Oxfordshire coach John Brodley has warned his side they will have to step up a gear if they are to make a dream appearance at Twickenham in the final of the Tetley's County Shield. After convinicing wins over Bucks and Dorset & Wilts to top Pool 3
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Inspector to take charge
A newpolice inspector will take charge of the Witney and Carterton police area in the next few weeks. Insp Arthur Saville has left Thames Valley Police to work for the Police Federation. His replacement is Insp Darren Carver, who joined Thames Valley
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Abingdon in easy victory
Abingdon hit top form in their Ladies' 2-Pair Division 1 match against Thame, romping to a 4-0 victory. Joy Browning and Dominique Newman, playing at second pair, were comfortable winners in their two rubbers, but first pair Jackie Hummel and Val Casemore
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Advice given to businesses
Small firms in the Vale of White Horse are set to benefit from easier access to business advice. Business Link, which offers free help and support to new businesses or existing companies in south Oxfordshire, is to start bi-monthly clinics at the Grove
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'Breast is best'
Midwives from Wantage's Maternity Unit have been highlighting the importance of breast-feeding. As part of a national week of raising awareness about the issue, they are visiting shops and businesses in the town asking if they will agree to display 'breast-feeding
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Tennis fixtures
Matches scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2003 WILSON OXON LTA LEAGUE 3-PAIR LEAGUE Mixed Div 1: Oxford City B v Bicester. Div 2: Witney B v Bicester B. Div 3: Kings Sutton v North Oxford D, Bicester C v Oxford City C. 2-PAIR LEAGUE Mixed Div 1: Cholsey B
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Tennis fixtures
Mtaches for Saturday, May 16, 2003 WILSON OXON LTA LEAGUE 3-PAIR LEAGUE Ladies Div 2: Banbury West End v Cholsey B. Men Div 5: Mapledurham v North Oxford G. Mixed Div 1: North Oxford v Oxford City, Goring v Woodstock, Abingdon v North Oxford B. Div 2:
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Wagstaff eyes up Morris
Oxford Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff is considering signing Reading's Phil Morris to boost his Elite League squad. Morris is sidelined with an injured shoulder, but if he joined Oxford, he would continue riding for Reading in the Premier League
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Memorial for Natasha
People are being invited to take part in a fun day to raise money in memory of a Bicester schoolgirl. Staff at Burger King, Oxford Road, had planned the day to raise money to pay for a headstone for 10-year-old Natasha Holmes. Funeral directors S&
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Working together is the key
Bells were ringing out today to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Clifford and Phyllis East. The couple, of Five Bells Farm, Ludgershall, near Bicester, are both bell ringers, and to mark their special day, on May 16, players performed at the
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Extension at risk as main user quits hall
Plans for a £40,000 extension to a community centre have been put in jeopardy after a pre-school announced it would no longer be using the building. The community association at Langford Village, one of Bicester's housing estates, wants to carry out the
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Colin Bowler
A former Royal Marine who worked his way up to become Oxfordshire Police's Chief Inspector in charge of prosecutions has died after a 22-year battle with cancer. "A walking miracle" is how Colin Bowler's wife Ann said doctors described her husband as
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Kolenko axed
Oxford Silver Machine have axed their out-of-sorts speedway rider Jernej Kolenko. With only a handful of points from his recent meetings, the young Slovenian can have few complaints. And if Oxford are to make the play-offs, they needed to strengthen at
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Tribute to composer
The 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Sir Lennox Berkeley will be marked with a concert in Sunningwell. The event at St Leonard's Church will include work by Sir Lennox, born in Boars Hill, near Oxford, and others. Call 01865 735910 for tickets
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Harris in form to make frame
Headington Roadrunner Gary Harris finished third overall out of 1,000 starters at the Silverstone 10k in a time of 32mins 8secs. RESULTS Headington RR: G Harris 32.08, S Hands 34.32, I Meadowcroft 36.48, L Hurman 37.36, K Murphy 40.17, B Cox 42.30, H
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Oxon Championship results
Results in full . . . SENIOR MEN 100m: 1 R Young (Oxford C) 11.2, 2 C Afilaka (Radley) 11.6, 3 S Wren (Radley) 11.8. 200m: 1 C Sleeman (Ox Uni) 22.1, 2 A Leweni (Army) 23.4, 3 S Williams (WSEH) 23.4. 400m: 1 S Williams (WSEH) 52.0, 2 2 R Lawton (Ox Uni
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Card reminder
Captains of teams in the Greene King Oxford & District Aunt Sally League are reminded that late or incorrectly filled-in match cards will result in teams losing points.
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Parsler downs Flying Machine
David Parsler rattled off two sixes in his 15-doll haul as The Plough, Garsington gunned down The Flying Machine 2-1 in their Greene King Oxford & District Aunt Sally League Premier Section clash. There were five sixes hit in the game between Section
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Results
Abingdon League results in full . . . Premier/A Section: Wootton RBL 4, Fox Steventon 2; Steventon Spts 2, Plough Appleton 4; Crispin A 6, Cumnor CC A 0; Tandem 5, Abingdon Utd A 1; Berinsfield SC B 0, Saxton Arms 6. B Section: Brewery Tap A 4, Volunteer
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Football fixtures
Matches scheduled for Sunday, May 18 MORRELLS OF OXFORD SUNDAY LEAGUE Premier Div: Star Wands v Wolvercote, Morris Motors v Mansfield Road. Div 1: North Oxford Con Club v Six Bells. Div 3: Chase Finance Res v South Leigh. Div 4: North Con Club Res v Berkshire
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Cox takes first steps at City
Oxford City are optimistic of signing up a main club sponsor for the start of the new Ryman League Division 1 North season, having been without one for the last campaign. Vice-chairman Brian Cox, 62, who is in temporary charge after chairman Mick Woodley
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Music festival draws crowds
The cream of the city's rock bands rocked six venues yesterday (May 14) in the sixth annual Oxford Punt. Nineteen bands were due to perform at the one-night festival, organised by Oxford's music freesheet Nightshift and sponsored by Borders bookshop.
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It's president Parky
Michael Parkinson, a founder member of the Anti-Golf Society, was yesterday installed at the new president of The Oxfordshire Golf Club, near Thame. Michael ParkinsonThe famous television chat show host, a 16-handicap member of Temple and Wentworth, filled
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May 12: Thorough study
One issue that has never been satisfactorily resolved is whether people living near telecommunication masts face higher health risks. Telecom companies argue there is no evidence to suggest a link between masts and cancer and that they operate under Government
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Child case adjourned
A man accused of indecently assaulting two children has been released on conditional bail. Mustafa Ozkasap, 28, of Dirac Place, Didcot, is charged with indecently assaulting a girl between December 1 and 15 last year, and a boy between July 1 and December
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Sandwich satisfies
Workers at an Oxford company are sinking their teeth into an award-winning sandwich this week. Catering manager Lesley Hunt Catering manager Lesley Hunt who works for Eurest at the staff restaurant at marketing information company AC Nielsen in Headington
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Ann Summers to unveil Oxford store
The Ann Summers chain, which describes itself as "a one-stop-shop for passion and fashion", is to open its first Oxford store next month. Its boutiques are aimed at women, who can shop for sexy lingerie and sex aids without the embarrassment associated
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TV's Handy Andy shares small tips
When Ken Small was eight, he built himself a stool, sat on it -- and it promptly collapsed. Ken Small, right, with 'Handy Andy' Kane Since then the 52-year-old's life has been plagued with DIY disasters. So when Mr Small's wife Elaine, 46, spotted the
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Honour for hero teacher
A teacher who dived into a cold lake to save a construction worker when a digger fell into the water has been given a surprise award. Michael Righton, sculling coach and head of science at The Dragon School in Oxford, returned on Wednesday for a regatta
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Diner forced to buy £1 bottled water
Management at a garden centre restaurant have stopped providing tap water for customers, claiming it might not be safe to drink, but they deny it is a move to force people to buy bottled water. Roberta Law, of Harwell, has lunch in the restaurant at Notcutts
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Drought hits badgers
Woodland near Oxford is home to the densest population of badgers in the world -- but a census has revealed the animals are under threat from dry weather. Chris Newman and colleague Christina Buesching inspect a badger sett in Wytham Woods Last week,
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Bulls crushed
A tired and sorry Oxford Bulls came away from London in miserable mood after a 16-1 ice hockey mauling at Streatham Chiefs. Although The Chiefs are one of the favorites for the Summer Cup, the easy way they brushed aside the Bulls was worrying for Oxford's
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Good will could come to rescue
In one corner we have supporters of preservation of the Trap Grounds, who might be thought to be in a strong position since this area has now been ruled to be a town green. In the other corner are those determined to build a road and 47 houses on this
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Real agenda behind war
George Orwell said: "In a time of universal deceit, telling truth is a revolutionary act." Reviewing the recent events in the Gulf, what was the real agenda behind the invasion of Iraq? Politics has a history of manipulation, hypocrisy and half truths
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Rival bids for vaccine company
PowderJect could become the latest Oxfordshire biotech company to be taken over by a rival. The company, based at Oxford Science Park, said negotiations over an offer were at an advanced stage. The offer is believed to be for £500m from US rival Chiron
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Work within inflation
Every organisation dealing with finance, that I am aware of, has to work within the limits of inflation, otherwise sooner rather than later they would cease to exist. Councils are apparently able to buck this rule because they are a not restricted to
