Archive
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Family centre saved after funding U-turn
A family centre in Oxford has been thrown a lifeline after a council U-turn over funding. Supporters of the Donnington Doorstep Family Centre, in Townsend Square, turned out in force at Oxford City Council's budget meeting on Monday night to protest
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20-year-old's death 'came out of blue'
A FATHER whose 20-year-old son hanged himself said he could not understand why his son took his own life. He compared the tragedy to the deaths of young people in Bridgend, Wales, where today the body of another teenager was discovered. Abingdon
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Cleaner hanged himself from tree
THE brother of a Portuguese man whose badly-decomposed body was discovered in a copse heard at an inquest today that the most likely cause of death was that he had hanged himself from a tree. Carlos Ferreira, 37, of Langford Gardens, King's End, Bicester
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Pair jailed for robberies
TWO robbers have been jailed following a string of raids on shops, restaurants and garages across Oxford. Jovan Carthy, 26, and Andrew Wright, 27, carried out a spree of till-snatches and distraction thefts last summer to fuel their drug habits.
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Cleaner hanged himself from tree
The brother of a Portuguese man whose badly-decomposed body was discovered in a copse heard at an inquest today that the most likely cause of death was that he had hanged himself from a tree. Carlos Ferreira, 37, of Langford Gardens, King's End, Bicester
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Son's suicide 'came out of the blue'
A father whose 20-year-old son hanged himself told the Oxford Mail last night he could not understand why he took his own life. He compared the tragedy to the deaths of young people in Bridgend, Wales, where today the body of another teenager was discovered
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Pair jailed for robbery spree
Two robbers have been jailed following a string of raids on shops, restaurants and garages across Oxford. Jovan Carthy, 26, and Andrew Wright, 27, carried out a spree of till-snatches and distraction thefts last summer to fuel their drug habits. In
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Driver cleared over road death
THE family of a pedestrian who died following a road accident said they were "gobsmacked" as the driver walked free from court today. Father-of-one Anthony Oliver, 29, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after being struck by off-duty taxi
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Tell mum how special she is
Oxford Mail readers can record a once-in-a-lifetime video message for Mother's Day. The paper has teamed up with Delteys Supermarket, in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, to give you the opportunity to record a unique message to your mum to let her know how special
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Cabbie cleared over road death
The family of a pedestrian killed following a road accident said they were "gobsmacked" as the driver walked free from court today. Father-of-one Anthony Oliver, 29, died at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital after being struck by off-duty taxi driver
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'Black panther' spotted near village
A BIG cat has been reported walking across a field near Standlake. John Sansome, from Kennington, spotted what he believes was a black panther as he drove out of the village towards Abingdon. Mr Sansome said the animal was definitely not a dog and
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Plea issued over arson attacks
POLICE tonight appealed for information after a series of arson attacks in Oxford. A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "There has recently been a spate of arsons in both Barton and Risinghurst. "We urge all members of the community to be vigilant
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'Body taken on train' - court told
A CLEANER battered and strangled a frail 94-year-old, stuffed her body in a suitcase and then took it on a train to meet a friend with a car, a jury heard today. The defendant and accomplices then drove the body up the M40 to Milton Common, where they
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Court told: body taken on train
A cleaner battered and strangled a frail 94-year-old, stuffed her body in a suitcase and then took it on a train to meet a friend with a car, a jury heard today. The defendant and accomplices then drove the body up the M40 to Milton Common, where they
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FOOTBALL: Yarnton take control
Andrew Wilson and substitute John Webb both hammered four-timers as Yarnton Res thrashed Enstone Res 8-0 away from home in Division 2 of the Oxfordshire Senior League. Worcester & Bletchingdon Res battled back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Kidlington
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FOOTBALL: Middle Barton are off the mark!
Rob Davis hit the winner for Middle Barton as they finally got off the mark with a 3-2 victory against fellow-strugglers Long Crendon in Division 1. Barton, who had lost their previous 17 games, went behind through an own goal. Although Nick Pickup
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GREYHOUNDS: Wednesday's Oxford runners
2.18: Nonas Wellott 3, Yourdaywillcome, Hare Conditioned, Canal Fury 2, Raging Santa, BARNEYS SMASHER. 2.37: Ko Samui 2, Sahara Ruby, Chilli Cheetah, LAGILE MADAM, Shout Of Order, The Other Gem 3. 2.57: Chase Syndi, Holly Choice, AJAYS BUCKO, Booked
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SCHOOLS' FOOTBALL: Vale roar back from the brink
Vale of White Under 15s snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as they overcame Newbury 3-2 after extra time in the Hobbs Cup quarter-final at Kintbury FC. Trailing 2-1 with five seconds of normal time left, Richard Taylor crossed for Oliver Taylor
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SCHOOLS' FOOTBALL: Gosford Hill capture Oxon Cup
Sam Fincher was the hero for Gosford Hill (Kidlington) with an extra-time winner against Langtree (Woodcote) in the Oxfordshire Under 16 Cup final at Oxford City. Fincher struck five minutes into the first period of extra time, latching on to captain
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Black and mixed race kids taught from mum's living room
A white mother is so concerned about black and mixed race pupils 'falling through' the education net, she is running a course on black history from her own living room. Sue Funge, 53, used her experiences as a single mother to her son Rory, to create
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Meeting focuses on drink crime
POLICE and other groups from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire will meet near Witney tomorrow for a regional conference focusing on tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder. The conference, called Safer All Round, will be hosted
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Musician angered as bar runs dry
A ROCK musician has been left frothing with anger after the venue where his band Ned Kelly were playing ran out of beer. He wants the owners of Wantage Civic Centre, the Vale of White Horse District Council, to apologise for the blunder. Tony
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Comics sign for hospice show
COMEDIANS Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey are the first big stars to sign up to take part in a major fundraising event for East Oxford hospice charity Helen and Douglas House. The two comics have confirmed they will be part of the line-up for the fourth
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Two shops fail alcohol sale test
TWO shops sold alcohol to underage customers in an operation mounted in south Oxfordshire. Twelve establishments were tested on Saturday night, ten passed and two failed. Tesco Express in Cockcroft Road, Didcot, and the Wine Rack in St Mary's Street
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No enthusiasm
Is it just me, or do others share my ambivalence to East Oxford Action's annual Cowley Road Carnival? Whereas the opportunity for the local community to work towards and enjoy a day of celebrating is most welcome, East Oxford hosting a fun day for
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Living evidence
Derek Honey says there is no evidence to prove that passive smoking is as dangerous as experts make out. I would say there is living evidence. In 1989, I was diagnosed with throat cancer - often termed the smoker's cancer. A doctor would not believe
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Challenge of running pubs
As a publican since 1972, I would like to thank Derek Honey for taking up our case and highlighting the problems that the local pub faces (Oxford Mail, February 16). However, it is no good pointing to the smoking ban as the main factor for our problems
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FOOTBALL: Matt's misery ends Brize run
Matt Townsend scored at both ends as Brize Norton were beaten 2-1 by Broughton & North Newington in the quarter-final of the John Fathers Oxfordshire Junior Shield. The scores were level at 1-1 with moments left, Townsend netting Brize's opener before
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FOOTBALL: Read's treble does the job
Paul Read bagged a hat-trick to help FC Chequers Res into the knockout stages with a 6-0 win over Southrop Res in Group 3 of the Supplementary Cup. Dale Cox and Kev Davies increased the lead, before Chequers' keeper Danny Rayfield netted No 6 from the
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Microdot puts thieves on the spot
Elderly and vulnerable people are to be helped with a synthetic DNA marking system to deter distraction burglars. Police in west and north Oxfordshire are using special kits, initially for up to 100 people, in their latest move to cut down on burglaries
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FOOTBALL: Darren's dazzler seals derby win
Darren McNamara's long-range strike gave Freeland a vital 1-0 derby victory over Hanborough in the Premier Division of the Witney & District FA. His second-half goal saw Freeland move five points clear at the top. Cassington edged past Bampton Town
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Comics sign for hospice show
Comedians Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey are the first big stars to sign up to take part in a major fund-raising event for East Oxford hospice charity Helen and Douglas House. The two comics have confirmed they will be part of the line-up for the fourth
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 79.5 BMW 2764 Electrocomponents 188.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 120.5 Oxford Biomedica 29 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 190 Reed Elsevier 593.25 RM 218.75 RPS Group 281 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Musician angered as bar runs dry
A rock musician has been left frothing with rage after the venue where his band Ned Kelly were playing ran out of beer. He now wants the owners of Wantage Civic Centre, the Vale of White Horse District Council, to apologise for the blunder. Tony Stock
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In for a marathon fight over tennis plan
Opponents of a proposed new tennis centre in Oxford turned out in force at a public exhibition of plans and artists' impressions of the development. Protesters donned sports gear at the show, at Oxford University Rugby Club pavilion, in Iffley Road,
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FOOTBALL: Injured Alexis forced to play waiting game
Abingdon United midfielder Michael Alexis has vowed to bounce back from his horrific leg injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season. The former Oxford United youngster, 23, who was born and bred in the city, suffered a broken right fibula
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School cook's meals win praise
Cook Cherie Gregory fits the bill for superchef Jamie Oliver's campaign for healthy school meals. She doesn't touch anything frozen and each week takes delivery of organic food from nearby Daylesford Organics to use for her Organic Friday' school meals
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Driver cleared over fatal crash
An off-duty taxi driver who drove into a pedestrian in the middle of Oxford's London Road, causing fatal injuries, has been found not guilty of careless driving. Mokbul Hussain, 56, of Heather Place, Marston, was cleared of the charge by city magistrates
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Students get active for Sports Relief
Student broadcasters in Oxford are hoping to raise £10,000 for good causes by raffling prizes donated by sports stars - and auctioning off Oxford University's top athletes. Kelly Holmes, Sir Steve Redgrave, Alan Shearer, Michael Vaughan and Linford
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Arrested lorry driver bailed
A lorry driver arrested after a three-vehicle pile-up on the A34 has been released on bail after questioning by police. The driver, 28, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the crash near Weston-on-the-Green yesterday. His lorry, a
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Police raid cannabis 'factory'
A cannabis 'factory' was raided by police at a mobile home site near Chipping Norton today. Officers raided two caravans at the Beeches and found 60 plants and a large amount of dried cannabis prepared for sale. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion
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Drugs raid on mobile home park
POLICE today raided two caravans at The Beeches mobile home park, Chipping Norton, and found 60 cannabis plants. A large amount of dried cannabis prepared for sale was also recovered. A man in his fifties was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation
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GIRLS' FOOTBALL: Perrin rises to the occasion
Oxford Mail Girls League St Edmunds triumphed 6-0 in their top-of-the-table Under 13 B League clash with Carterton Cougars. Hayley Perrin notched the first of a four-timer inside 20 seconds, but Carterton dominated the rest of the half. It was
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LADIES' FOOTBALL: City crush Launton
Oxford City roared into the Oxfordshire Women's Cup final after thrashing Launton 11-2 at Court Place Farm. The match between Oxon's two most senior teams was switched to City's training pitch as the main surface was frozen, but the hosts still warmed
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Smokers see how looks fade
SMOKERS have been given a picture of things to come by stepping on board a bus kitted out with nicotine-busting technology. Passers-by in Broad Street, Oxford, stopped for advice on how to quit tobacco, at the start of a tour of Oxfordshire by
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FOOTBALL: Srawley sinks table-toppers
TOM Srawley hammered a double as Goodlake Arms inflicted a first league defeat on Division 2 table-toppers OUP Wanderers in the Autotype UTV League. Jack Matthews was their other marksman. Resurgent Research Machines won 3-1 at Wallingford Exiles,
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FOOTBALL: Barton ready to pounce
BARTON United are just one point off the top after defeating Oxford Yellows 3-1 to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Marston's Oxford Sunday League. They have now won eight games out of eight, but their record looked under threat when Ronnie
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FOOTBALL: Reading smashes five-timer
ALAN Reading smashed a five-timer as Bodicote Sports recorded a 7-3 win over Hethe in the Banbury Charity Cup. Despite seeing Lee Davis sent off, Bodicote proved too strong for their rivals. Davis and a sublime lob from Greg Shawyer made up Bodicote's
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FOOTBALL: Duo hit hat-tricks
Toby Webster and Dave Jennings both hit hat-tricks as AFC Hinksey romped to a 9-0 victory at AFC Woodfarm in the RT Harris Oxford City FA Premier Cup. Stevie Haines, Jerome McCalmon and Dean Simms. North Oxford Res battled back to draw 3-3 against
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Avoid the annual back pain epidemic
It will soon be the start of the gardening season and hand in hand with this is the yearly epidemic of low back pain. Gardening is no longer the province of the over fifties, it is increasingly seen as a 'trendy' pastime with local garden centres reporting
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FOOTBALL: Holders ease into last four
HOLDERS Ardington & Lockinge marched into the semi-finals of the North Berks Cup with a 3-0 victory against Harwell International. Harwell keeper Gary Clarke denied Tom Weeks and Ardington's Ben Sutton hit a post before Chris Whitworth fired the champions
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Volunteers sought to help museum
WITNEY'S loss-making Manor Farm Museum could depend more on volunteers in the future to cut costs. A public meeting next week will outline initiatives under way since the museum first came under threat of closure. There will also be a call for
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Social housing quota deters builders
A property developer has scrapped plans to build 85 new homes in East Oxford because he claims the city council's social housing quota has changed. Eric Gadsden, managing director of WE Black, says he can no longer afford to go ahead with his proposed
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Volunteers sought to help save museum
Witney's loss-making Cogges Museum could depend more on volunteers in the future to cut costs. A public meeting next week will outline initiatives under way since the museum first came under threat of closure. There will also be a call for more people
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Smokers get to see how looks fade
Smokers have been given a picture of things to come by stepping on board a bus kitted out with nicotine-busting technology. Passers-by in Broad Street, Oxford, stopped for advice on how to quit tobacco, at the start of a tour of Oxfordshire by the NHS
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Shock as snow arrives
WINTER arrived in Banbury today when about an inch of snow fell on high ground in the north of town. The 'motors' estate - including Morris Drive and Austin Drive - was affected, as were parts of Bretch Hill and Hardwick. The snow fell at about 9am
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Today's local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 79.5 BMW 2716 Electrocomponents 183.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 120.5 Oxford Biomedica 28.5 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 187.5 Reed Elsevier 587.5 RM 218 RPS Group 268 Courtesy of redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Profits soar at Morgan Ashurst
Building firm Morgan Ashurst, which has an office in Milton Park, has unveiled a record set of financial figures. Pre-tax profits rose 30 per cent to £62.1m for the year ended December 31 2007 and the group has an order book worth £4.3bn. The Milton
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A34 crash driver bailed
A 28-year-old man arrested in connection with a collision on the A34 northbound, near Weston-on-the-Green yesterday has been released on police bail. At 1pm, a lorry, a Renault Scenic and a Renault Espace were involved in a collision between Weston-on-the-Green
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World champions wish team well
TWO Grove-built Williams FW30s will take to the track carrying the handwritten best wishes of the team's seven World Champion drivers. Revealing the fifth in a series of six anniversarial racing liveries today at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona
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Tesco urges patience as store gets revamp
Customers of Tesco Metro in Cowley Road, Oxford, are being asked to be patient while major works are being carried out to the interior of the store. The shop is currently undergoing a "refresh" - meaning shoppers have to move around scaffolding throughout
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Marathon is back on
The Abingdon Marathon, cancelled last year due to lack of volunteers, will be back up and running this year. Organisers, the Abingdon Amblers' Athletics Club, has announced that the marathon will be held on Sunday, October 19, this year. It will be
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Abingdon Marathon to return
THE Abingdon Marathon, cancelled last year due to lack of volunteers, will be back up and running this year. Organisers the Abingdon Amblers' Athletics Club has announced that the marathon will be held on Sunday, October 19, this year. It will be
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Tesco asks for patience
CUSTOMERS of Tesco Metro in Cowley Road, Oxford, are being asked to be patient while major works are being carried out to the interior of the store. The shop is undergoing a "refresh" - meaning shoppers have to move around scaffolding throughout the
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Broken-down coach causes delays
A BROKEN-DOWN coach caused delays on the A44 north of Oxford today. One lane was blocked and traffic was queueing after the coach broke down between the A34 Western Bypass and the Bladon roundabout. Click here for latest news on traffic in and around
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Oxford firm uses fuel-additive for bus fleet
TRANSPORT company Stagecoach is to adopt a fuel-saving compound across its entire bus fleet after tests showed it reduced usage by more than four per cent. The group said results of a three month test of the Envirox catalyst - produced in Oxfordshire
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Car overturns
A WOMAN escaped after her car left the road this morning and overturned. She had been travelling along the A44 at Chipping Norton when the accident happened shortly before 7am. No other vehicles were involved. Thames Valley Police are on the scene
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1,000 homes lose power
MORE than 1,000 homes were without electricity in Kidlington last night after power lines came down in The Moors area of the village at about 11.30pm. Homes in Hampton Poyle are also affected. Southern Electric engineers have been working through
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Homes hit by power cut
More than 1,000 homes were without electricity in Kidlington last night after power lines came down in The Moors area of the village at about 11.30pm. Homes in Hampton Poyle are also affected. Southern Electric engineers have been working through the
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Oxford firm makes new fuel for bus fleet
Transport giant Stagecoach is to adopt a fuel-saving compound across its entire bus fleet after tests showed it reduced usage by more than 4%. The group said results of a three month test of the Envirox catalyst - produced in Oxfordshire - demonstrated
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Driver escapes serious injury
A woman had a lucky escape after her car left the road this morning and overturned. She had been travelling along the A44 at Chipping Norton when the accident happened shortly before 7am. No other vehicles were involved. Thames Valley Police are currently
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Pair put a sock in it
MOTHER and daughter Shirley and Wendy Fowler, from Bicester, raised £1,300 for Katharine House hospice in 12 months - making socks to protect mobile phones. The socks and other items they made such as knitted scarves, nativity sets and greeting cards
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Woman badly hurt in A34 pile-up
A LORRY driver was being interviewed by police last night after a three-vehicle pile-up caused chaos for motorists on the A34 yesterday. The A34 between Weston-on-the-Green and junction nine of the M40, at Wendlebury, was closed for four-and-a-half
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Klaxons play one-off gig
MERCURY Music Prize winners The Klaxons are playing a one-off concert at the city's Carling Academy on Monday as a warm up for a show at London's The O2 dome. The band were booked by promoter Alan Day, of Cowley-based TCT Music. Tickets, priced
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'Getting less... paying more'
FAMILIES and pensioners last night claimed they were getting fewer services for more money after learning of Oxford City Council's four per cent tax increase. Householders have already been hit hard in recent months by rising food and fuel prices
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Compromise on council tax
FAMILIES in Oxford will be hit in the pocket but get less for their money under a compromise city council budget set late last night. Average Band D households will end up paying a four per cent increase in the city's share of the council tax in April
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Cheeky Quinn on a mission
Oxford United skipper Barry Quinn admits he should get a lot more goals than he does. But he's working at it! The 28-year-old centre back, who has played a major role in United's superb defensive record at home under Darren Patterson, popped up with
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High school is going oriental
TEACHERS at an Oxford school where pupils learn Mandarin have welcomed plans by one of the country's biggest exam boards to introduce a new GCSE in Chinese. Pupils at the independent secondary girls' school Oxford High School, in North Oxford, begin
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Students shape choices in life
STUDENTS in Bicester adopted the hands-on approach when they took part in a careers convention to help choose GCSE subjects. Showing off masks they had made with David Odwar, of Through Art Keep Smiling, were Jennifer Casey, 16, Sophie Randall
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Police seize alcohol in major campaign
POLICE were out in force across the county to catch underage drinking - with mixed results. In Banbury at the weekend, they seized 120 cans and bottles of beer, 40 empty beer cans, one bottle of Lambrini, and one bottle of white rum during the first
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Heartening
Full marks to Oxford United players for cheering up a sick little boy. The team may not have performed consistently well on the field, but their hearts are clearly still in the right place.
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Victory is sweet for protesters
Bravo to the Radley Lakes' campaigners. It has been a long, hard and expensive road, but they have finally seen off RWE npower - for the time being at least. The owners of Didcot Power Station have decided to put on hold their controversial plan to
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Parish date
THE next meeting of Deddington Parish Council is tomorrow at 7.45pm. More details are available at www.deddington.org.uk
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Housing is topic of talk
THE history of social housing is the subject of a talk to be given at the West Oxford Community Centre today. The talk, by local resident Alison Mathias, will last for about 20 minutes and will be followed by an informal discussion over a glass of
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Teacher retires
PUPILS at St Thomas More Primary School , Kidlington, have bid farewell to Pam Venn, who taught at the school for more than 25 years. Mrs Venn taught several different year groups over the years and also managed the special educational needs in the
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Trains to be withdrawn
THE final few Adelante trains operating First Great Western services between London, Oxford and the Cotswolds are expected to be withdrawn within weeks. FGW is still waiting for a number of InterCity 125 High Speed Trains to be returned from overhaul
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Dog killer's sentencing adjourned
A MAN who stabbed a dog to death has been sent to a secure psychiatric unit to be assessed by doctors. Santigo Taboada, 25, of Loyd Road, Didcot, used a samurai sword, metal bar and baseball bat to kill a terrier called Molly after the dog's owner refused
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Action plan to cheer up city
AN action plan to improve the St Clement's and Iffley Road Conservation Area of Oxford has been drawn up after the city council carried out an appraisal of the area. It has identified a series of enhancements it can make, including planting more trees
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Jury told of fatal crash
AN off-duty taxi driver failed to see a man walking in the middle of London Road, Headington, and ran into him, causing fatal injuries, a court heard today. Mokbul Hussain, 56, of Heather Place, Marston, appeared before city magistrates charged with
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Council tax compromise
Families in Oxford will be hit in the pocket but get less for their money under a compromise city council budget set late last night. Average Band D households will end up paying a four per cent increase in the city's share of the council tax in April
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Flats plan
PLANS to change a house in Iffley Road, Oxford, into six flats are set to get the go-ahead. The application is due to be discussed by Oxford City Council's east area parliament on tomorrow and is recommended for approval. The building is a registered
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Brave Ben joins dream U's team
Oxford United fan Ben Barrett endures life with an incurable illness, but his dream came true when he met his football heroes. The eight-year-old was given an exclusive tour of the Kassam Stadium on Friday, and met players who were training for Saturday's
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Nightclub plans VIP lounge
AN OXFORD nightclub has launched a bid to convert part of a hairdressing salon into a VIP lounge. Clementines, in St Clement's, East Oxford, wants to develop the downstairs lounge area to cater for 15 to 20 people. Henry Venners, planning consultant
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Relief ash-dumping plan put on hold
Campaigners last night breathed a sigh of relief after energy giant RWE npower put its plan to dump ash in a Radley lake on hold. The firm had wanted to use Thrupp Lake as a tip for fly ash from Didcot Power Station. But in a surprise announcement
