Archive
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Customers escape chip shop blaze
A fire broke out in an Oxford fish and chip shop tonight on the first day of national chip week. The fryers at the branch of Posh Fish, in London Road, caught fire at around 8pm this evening. Fire crews from the Slade and Rewley Road fire stations managed
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FOOTBALL: Thame's new ground hope
Thame United's search for a permanent home could soon be over, if plans for a new ground get the green light. Since landlords Coleman Properties repossessed Windmill Stadium in 2005, the Hellenic League Division 1 East club have been forced to ground-share
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FOOTBALL: Stick forced Stewart out
Alex Stewart, Oxford City's 12-goal striker, switched to Southern League Division 1 South & West rivals Burnham because of the abuse he was receiving on the club's messageboard. City secretary John Shepperd said: "He was getting sick of the stick he
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Two hurt in Cowley crash
A MAN was cut out of his car following after a collision involving two cars in Cowley. Two people have been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after the crash at the junction of Littlehay Road and Oxford Road at about 6pm. Fire crews
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Man in hospital after crash
A man had to be cut out of his car following after a collision involving two cars in Cowley. One person was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital after the accident at the junction of Littlehay Road and Oxford Road at about 6pm. Fire crews from The Slade
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People have their say on spending
PEOPLE in Oxford have had their say on what the city council's budget priorities should be over the coming year as it aims to make more than £3m of savings. Residents who took part in the 'citizens panel' consultation said increasing spending on recycling
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'30,000 people conned each year'
TRADING standards officers tonight claimed fraudsters sending fake letters and emails steal at least £2m from Oxfordshire residents every year. Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards officers have launched a campaign to tackle con-artists who
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Fraud nets county conmen £2m
Fraudsters sending fake letters and emails steal at least £2m from Oxfordshire residents every year, it emerged tonight. Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards officers have launched a campaign to tackle con-artists who trick people into parting
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Hospitals hit their targets
MORE patients treated at Oxfordshire's largest hospital trust are being seen in 18 weeks or less, according to the latest Department of Health figures. But while the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust is reducing waiting times at its three hospitals
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Rail firm fails on punctuality
PUNCTUALITY on First Great Western's Thames Valley services improved in the past month, but still fell well short of the rail firm's targets. After recording just 64 per cent of weekday rush-hour services as on time over the four weeks to January 6
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Rape quiz youth bailed
A YOUTH questioned over the alleged rape of a woman who said she was dragged into a park and attacked has been released on bail. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, which is said to have occured as the 19-year-old walked
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RUGBY UNION: Witney hammered
Clinical finishing earned Wallingford a 41-10 win over Witney at Hailey Road that kept them on the promotion trail in Southern Counties North. Five second-half tries sunk a spirited Witney and left the visitors seemingly nailed on for a play-off spot
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RUGBY UNION: Wally raised their game
Wallingford coach Chris Norrington was delighted with his side's second-half effort against Witney. He said: "I said to the boys at half-time that we were better than them and needed to raise our game. "We were being a bit lazy. If we can't get quick
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RUGBY UNION: Chinnor get lucky
Chinnor had a massive slice of luck despite drawing 32-32 at Reading, who featured nine British Army players. The Kingsey Road side stayed top of South West 1 on points difference after title rivals Bracknell received a walkover from scheduled visitors
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RUGBY UNION: Hawks in trouble
Henley Hawks remain in real relegation trouble after losing 9-5 at home to Westcombe Park in National 2. They registered their first point since November, but this was of little consolation in their seventh successive league defeat. Hawks started
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RUGBY UNION: Ward's boot get Bicester going
Bicester bagged a comfortable 27-5 home victory over Stow-on-the-Wold to move three points clear in second place in the BB&O Premier Division. Stow enjoyed plenty of possession in a forward-dominated affair, but Bicester had the edge in the backs.
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RUGBY UNION: Stags stun Grove
Grove were suprisingly beaten 39-15 at struggling Newbury Stags in Southern Counties North. The visitors felt that only Chinnor, in the Oxfordshire Cup, had proved tougher opponents this season. Stags had the game effectively won within the first
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Rape quiz youth is bailed
A youth questioned over the alleged rape of a woman who said she was dragged into a park and attacked has been released on bail. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, which is said to have occured as the 19-year-old walked along
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Landmark 'went up like a Bunsen burner'
A famous Oxfordshire landmark, which had stood for hundreds of years, was severely damaged by an intense fire 50 years ago tomorrow. A third of the roof and 11 rooms were destroyed at Cuddesdon Palace at Cuddesdon, near Oxford. The three-storey building
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Becketts at full steam
The Beckett family had a magnificent record of service with the Oxford Steam Plough Company. Seven members worked for many years for the firm, which provided vital equipment for the farming industry. Traditionally, farmers relied on oxen and horses
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MP on his marks at trike rally
Normally, these people would have been sitting in their invalid tricycles on the sidelines watching others perform. But this was a special afternoon in which they were given the opportunity to test their sporting skills. Disabled people turned out
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School stages citizenship ceremony
A group of pupils from Wallingford School helped immigrant families become fully-fledged UK citizens. For the second time, teenagers from the school organised a citizenship ceremony as part of a GCSE course. One of them, Amber Stickland, said: "We organised
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Getting say on spending
Oxford residents have had their say on what the city council's budget priorities should be over the coming year as it aims to make more than £3m of savings. Residents who took part in the 'citizens panel' consultation said increasing spending on recycling
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Youths stamp on man’s head
A man was attacked by a gang of teenagers on a bus between Carterton and Witney on Saturday. When he got off the bus, some more teenagers then stamped on his head. Police said he spent Friday evening in Witney before catching the No. 100 bus at about
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Misery for Hawks men
Oxford Hawks suffered an afternoon of misery at Purley on Saturday, losing 5-2 to a home side who had lost their previous five league games. For most of the Premier Division 1 game Hawks were dire and showed only in brief passages their true form.
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Rover Ladies concede 12 goals in weekend
Rover Oxford slipped to two heavy England Slazenger League National North Division defeats at the weekend, losing 5-0 at home to leaders Cannock and then 7-2 in Sunday's rearranged game at Nottingham Highfields. Rover kept Cannock at bay until the 28th
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 79.75 BMW 2545 Electrocomponents 186.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 118.5 Oxford Biomedica 22.25 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 181 Reed Elsevier 582.25 RM 209.75 RPS Group 260.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Youths stamp on man's head
A MAN was attacked by a gang of teenagers on a bus between Witney and Carterton. When he got off the bus, some more teenagers then stamped on his head. Police said he spent Friday evening in Witney before catching the No. 100 bus at about 1.30am
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Residents love west life
Organisers of one of the city's newest festivals are looking to show there is life in West Oxford as they plan to make their annual celebrations the biggest and best yet. The planners for the North Hinksey Festival 2008 are looking for volunteers to
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Help along the bridal way
Scores of soon-to-be brides planned the most important day of their life at the Oxford Mail Wedding Fayre. More than 400 people went to the event at the Oxford Hotel, off the Wolvercote roundabout, yesterday. Dozens of future brides - as well as their
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Dance fever proves catching in city
Oxford's second annual dance festival kicked off with performances by hip-hop and salsa artists. Shoppers gathered to watch the festival's launch on Saturday, which featured dancers strutting their stuff in the Westgate Shopping Centre. People also
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Prizes flood in for vital shop
A village shop which was a lifeline during last summer's floods has picked up two accolades for its service to the community. The shop, at Ascott-under-Wychwood, is run by more than 40 volunteers and on Saturday it was presented with the county's Village
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Ambulance has African call-out
A St John ambulance left Oxfordshire at the weekend to travel 6,000 miles to help some of the poorest people in South Africa. The Volkswagen van has been donated by the Oxfordshire branch after members were approached by Lions Inter- national. It
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Pupils stage Egyptian play in museum
Pupils from an Oxford school are preparing to put on a play at the city's Ashmolean Museum inspired by its Egyptian artefacts. Young people aged between 11 and 17 from d'Overbroeck's College, in North Oxford, have written a play called Death and the
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Secondary wins green school award
Oxford Community School has been named the county's greenest and most eco-friendly secondary school. The school in Glanville Road, has become the first in the county to achieve a Green Flag Eco-Schools award. Pupils have got involved in everything
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Floods: 'Warning ignored for decades'
WARNINGS about the serious flood risk to Oxford and damage to property were made more than 30 years ago, forgotten documents reveal. They have been passed to us and show that the city council's chief architect called for a detailed study on flood risk
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Hospitals hit their targets
More patients treated at Oxfordshire's largest hospital trust are being seen in 18 weeks or less, according to the latest Department of Health figures. But while the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust is reducing waiting times at its three hospitals
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Trains fail on punctuality
Punctuality on First Great Western's Thames Valley services improved in the past month, but still fell well short of the rail firm's targets. After recording just 64 per cent of weekday rush-hour services as on time over the four weeks to January 6,
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Holding the line in Afghanistan
The town of Musa Qala is a dangerous place. Surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of 3,400ft above sea level, in the north of Afghanistan's Helmand province, it was, until recently, controlled by the Taliban. British and American troops, backed by
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Pupils look to future
More than 450 teenagers will be taking part in a hands-on career day on Friday, aimed at helping them choose their GCSE subjects. Year Nine pupils at the Cooper School and Bicester Community College will be able to find out about higher education and
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Flood warning ignored for decades
Warnings about the serious flood risk to Oxford and damage to property were made more than 30 years ago, forgotten documents reveal. They have been passed to the Oxford Mail and show that the city council's chief architect called for a detailed study
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Appeal launched for lakes cash
CAMPAIGNERS launched an appeal at the weekend to raise funds to support further legal action to protect Radley Lakes from being turned into an ash dump. More than £4,000 was raised at the event at the Guildhall, in Abbey Close, Abingdon, to help fund
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Williams unveil latest test livery
THE two Grove-built WilliamsF1 cars that will run at Jerez in testing this week will be adorned with numbers that have been notable for the team over the past three decades. They are the fourth of a series of winter liveries released to celebrate Williams
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Cheap price
You report that a flytipper was ordered to pay £800 by magistrates (Oxford Mail, January 30) and that it cost £15 to have the waste cleared. Could West Oxfordshire District Council print the name, address and phone number of the contractor who moved
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How easy it is to start unrest
THERE can be only one answer to the call to prayer issue. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! I spent three months living in Sarajevo during 1995/96. At that time, the city's population was mainly Muslim. There were Christian and other religious
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Opening times out of date
I wonder how many of your readers have been caught out like me. I arrived home to find a card saying Royal Mail had tried delivering a parcel and I could pick it up at the Sandy Lane office, open Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12.30pm
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Champion of liberty
It is startling to realise, on the 400th anniversary of John Milton's birth, currently celebrated by an exhibition at the Bodleian Library, that many of his ideas are still the subject of hot political debate. Some - abolition of the monarchy and disestablishment
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What’s in a name?
Aleister Crowley was a mystic and author who was nicknamed The Wickedest Man in the World'. He was also notorious for the number of pseudonyms he used for the many books and articles he wrote. One estimate is that he used at least 150 pen-names, including
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Village needs its post office
The proposal to close Crowmarsh Gifford post office shows a complete lack of knowledge of its importance. It serves not only Crowmarsh Gifford but surrounding villages - Benson, RAF Benson, Ewelme, North Stoke - and many Wallingford residents who are
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Best beers
Dark winter months call for quality premium beer with guts, which is exactly what the London brewers Fullers produce. You will find these beers at both Waitrose and Sainsbury. Fullers Golden Pride ABV 8.5 Price £2.10 Arguably the grand cru of Fullers
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Secrets of the cellars
You must know by now that I am not really the sort of person that's ever going to make, let alone keep, New Year resolutions. That said, I do like to take the opportunity to think about some of the things that I'd like to do differently - better even
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More post offices to close
It is devastating enough for local communities to lose 2,500 post offices, including 22 in Oxfordshire, but now we hear there is no promise by the Government to maintain existing subsidies past 2011, thus threatening even more closures. Just what do
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Warm welcome in Wallingford
The young boy in front of us in the queue solemnly took a mobile phone out of his pocket and made a call. "It's OK mummy," he said, in a very North Oxford accent. "I've managed to get us a table at Browns." Sure enough, a few minutes later his well-coiffed
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Mars versus Venus
Like many parts of life relationships have difficulties from time to time and many couples and individuals choose to see a relationship counsellor for professional support to help them through a challenging time. There are obviously many reasons
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‘M’ stands for more
The new M3 Coupe joined BMW's existing M' line-up of M5, M6 and MZ4 models in the UK at the end of last year. The range will be further extended during the first half of this year, with M3 saloon and convertible versions being added. Priced at £50,625
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Follies and pheasants
The A46 towards Stroud corkscrews its way up the steep Cooper's Hill above Brockworth, affording brief glimpses of the valleys below. And here, in one picturesque vale, lies Prinknash Abbey Bird and Deer Park. "It all started in 1974," explained park
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Gardening heritage blooms at Waterperry
Waterperry House, near Wheatley, is a mecca for gardeners and, although it is only seven miles from Oxford city centre, you feel you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The eight-acre garden, which attracts 30,000 visitors a year
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Jewel in the crown
The Ashmolean in Oxford was the world's first public museum - and, in this country, is second only to the British Museum in the range and depth of its collections. Often we do not appreciate what we have on our own doorstep and jet around the world in
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Seventh heaven
This is the time of year when glossy brochures drop through the letterbox, with sunny photographs of holidaymakers flopping into swimming pools, floating on lilos and lying on warm white sand. But nowadays, some people find it difficult to look at them
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Green man gazeteer
I had hoped at the outset to compile a comprehensive list of the effigies seen in Oxfordshire. In fact so many examples turned up in parish churches, college precincts, street architecture, gardens and galleries too, that a complete index completely defeated
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Trains, bikes and planes
I first met Dick Tolley in 1974, when he was working for Trevor Goodall Motorcycles in Didcot. His son, Martin, worked there on occasion and always referred to me as 'TRD 78M', the registration number of the 500 Suzuki I purchased from the company during
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On Yer Bike
In April last year, cyclist Tsk Fok was killed by a rubbish truck turning left from Broad Street into Parks Road. The courts have just ruled that this was an accident caused by careless driving - the driver, Trevor Ashworth, didn't see Fok because the
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Stabbed teenager undergoes surgery
A TEENAGER was today undergoing surgery in hospital following a stabbing at a house in Bicester. The 18-year-old man was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after being stabbed in the stomach last night. Police and paramedics were called
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Three trees cut down
THREE city centre trees, which had been the centre of demonstrations from green campaigners, were chopped down today. The London Plane trees in Norfolk Street were cut down just after midday as part of the preparation for the demolition of the
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Car set on fire
ARSONISTS set fire to a car in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, during the early hours today. Fire crews were called at 3am to the park near the leisure centre to tackle the blaze. Police are investigating.
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Three trees cut down
Three city centre trees, which had been the centre of demonstrations from green campaigners, were chopped down today. The London Plane trees in Norfolk Street were cut down just after midday as part of the preparation for the demolition of the Westgate
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Car set on fire
Arsonists set fire to a car in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, during the early hours of this morning. Fire crews were called at 3am to the park near the leisure centre to tackle the blaze. Police are investigating.
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Rape latest: Youth still held
A youth accused of dragging a woman into an Oxford park and raping her remains in custody today. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the attack on a 19-year-old woman as she walked along Between Towns Road yards from Cowley police station
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Stabbed teenager undergoes surgery
A teenager was today undergoing surgery in hospital following a stabbing at a house in Bicester. The 18-year-old man was taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital after being stabbed in the stomach last night. Police and paramedics were called to
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Today's local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 82 BMW 2540 Electrocomponents 186 Nationwide Accident Repair 118.5 Oxford Biomedica 22.75 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 181 Reed Elsevier 586 RM 206.5 RPS Group 261 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Thomas: A happy chappie
This is Thomas he is a Domestic Short Hair who is around 11 years old, Thomas came into the centre as his owner was moving and was unable to take him with them. Thomas is looking for a quiet home with no young children or other pets as we feel that this
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Man denies murder bid
A 32-year-old man has denied a charge of attempted murder. Ian Holland, of Edinburgh Way, Banbury, pleaded not guilty at Oxford Crown Court. He was charged over an incident in Adderbury last December. He was granted bail until his trial, expected
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Man threatened to jump from bridge
A 48-year-old man threatened to jump off Donnington Bridge, Oxford, in front of his family. Police spokesman Claire Gourlay said officers attended the scene at 3.10pm yesterday after being called by the ambulance service. She added the man was physically
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Sporting volunteers give athletes a social life
KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a charity run by student volunteers from Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities. It was set up in 1988 by a small group of students who offered tennis coaching to children with special needs. KEEN has come a long way
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Brothers win medic award
TWO brothers will tonight be commended for their quick-thinking and bravery following a car accident on Boxing Day last year. Jack and Henry Allport from Bicester, will receive commendation certificates from South Central Ambulance Service for their
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March backs animal tests
ABOUT 200 people marched through Oxford on Saturday to show their support for scientific animal testing. The march was organised by Pro-Test, which supports the building of the University of Oxford's new animal testing laboratory in South Parks Road
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Teenager stabbed in Bicester
A TEENAGER needed hospital treatment after being stabbed in the stomach in Bicester last night. Police and paramedics were called to Pembroke Way at 8.50pm. The teenager was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for treatment. A
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Traders pin hope on test cases
A DECISION on how much shop rents should increase at Oxford's Covered Market is imminent, say traders. They are hoping the arbitration process involving four stores will lead to a settlement with the city council and avoid 50 other stores being individually
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Couple prove United in love
IT WAS smiles and cheers all round when a Bicester soldier proposed to his girlfriend on the pitch at Oxford United Football Club. Corporal Stuart Eason decided he couldn't wait until Valentine's Day and at half-time during Saturday's game against
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70 good causes share £1.6m
PLAYGROUNDS, soup kitchens and help centres are among the city projects in line to receive more than £1.6m of council funds. The money is being divided by Oxford City Council between 70 organisations that have proved themselves to be vital to the
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Teenager stabbed in Bicester
A teenager needed hospital treatment after being stabbed in the stomach in Bicester last night. Police and paramedics were called to Pembroke Way at 8.50pm. The male teenager was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for treatment. A spokesman
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The fight for freedom
IN UNIMAGINABLY tough conditions, some of Oxfordshire's finest are risking their lives to bring peace and stability to one of the world's most inhospitable countries - Afghanistan. Members of the Army, RAF and the Royal Marines, many barely out of their
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ATHLETICS: Douglas second on reappearance
Nathan Douglas came a creditable second on his season reappearance in the World Indoor trials in Sheffield yesterday. The Oxford triple jumper recorded 16.72m, but was unable to get close to Phillips Idowu. The European Indoor champion won with his
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Saxon art
MARTIN Way will be talking to the Witney Historical Society about Anglo-Saxon and Viking art, at the Corn Exchange, Witney, on Tuesday, February 19, from 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. For further details call Marjorie Smith on 01993
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Value day
PEOPLE in Didcot can take their treasures for valuation by experts on Wednesday, March 19, in the Civic Hall, in Britwell Road, from 10am to 1pm. Auctioneers Bonhams will value goods in aid of Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire, which helps local families
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Hospital violence drops by third
INCREASED security measures at Oxford's largest hospital have led to a reduction in violence and thefts. Improved CCTV and better use of security staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital has also meant a drop in the number of people wandering on to the
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Fight for freedom
In unimaginably tough conditions, some of Oxfordshire's finest are risking their lives to bring peace and stability to one of the world's most inhospitable countries - Afghanistan. Members of the Army, RAF and the Royal Marines, many barely out of their
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Bravery on the frontline
The conflict in Afghanistan is one of the biggest British military campaigns since the Second World War. But despite the progress being made, the war rarely hits the headlines, with the achievements of our troops upstaged in the national media by the
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Support officers discuss role
PCSO Becky Long and PCSO Sarah Talbot from Benson and Berinsfield will be talking to members of the Young Farmer's Club about their job role. They will be giving advice to members who may be thinking of joining the police force as a PCSO and will be
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UPDATE: Woman raped in park bushes
A young woman was raped in bushes near a children's play area as she walked through Oxford, police said last night. The attack happened just yards from Cowley Police Station as the 19-year-old walked along Between Towns Road on Saturday evening. After
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Sport goes with a bang
A QUIET Oxfordshire village is set be the scene of motoring mayhem on Sunday, when the new banger racing season gets under way at Standlake Arena. All sorts of clapped-out cars, from hearses to Citroën 2CVs, have graced the 300-yard concrete track
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For my daddy
Little Liva Barlow-Olsen was only 18 months old when she lost her daddy Caspar to an aggressive brain tumour. This June the two-year-old will cheer on her mum Lois, her aunt Claire and about 9,500 other Oxfordshire women trying to defeat cancer for
