Archive
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Thousands fight to save post offices
MORE than 4,670 people have already put pen to paper in a bid to stave off a programme of post office closures across the county. The action is in response to a Government-backed cost-cutting exercise to shut 22 of Oxfordshire's sub-post offices and
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Boy, 14, remanded on rape charge
A 14-year-old boy accused of rape and robbery in Oxford has been remanded in custody. The teenager, who cannot be named, was charged following an attack in a Cowley park on a 19-year-old woman near the John Allen Centre on February 9. He appeared
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Rape accused is remanded
A 14-year-old boy accused of rape and robbery in Oxford has been remanded in custody. The teenager, who cannot be named, was charged following an attack in a Cowley park on a 19-year-old woman near the John Allen Centre on February 9. He appeared
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Police probe deadly blaze
Police have taken over the investigation into a fire that killed a pensioner and injured her husband on Saturday. Emma Midgley, spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire Service, said that the most likely cause was the wood-burning stove in the home, in Sutton
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Thousands write to save post offices
More than 4,670 people have already put pen to paper in a bid to stave off a programme of post office closures across the county. The action is in response to a Government-backed cost-cutting exercise to shut 22 of Oxfordshire's sub post offices and
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Yellow peril for United
Oxford United may have failed to mount a challenge for promotion this season, but they are top of one league - for the number of bookings. And it's something manager Darren Patterson says needs to be addressed. While the U's lie 25 points off leaders
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Motorcyclist’s death was an accident
A motorcyclist killed after colliding with an oncoming car died as a result of an accident, an Oxford coroner ruled today. Sean Doody, 34, was riding his Suzuki motorcycle in Besselsleigh Road, off the A420, when he was in a collision with a Mitsubishi
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Addicts drop needles in play area
MOTHERS have hit out at drug users who discard needles in a communal garden used by children. Neighbours of the garden, in Joiner's Court, off Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said they were disgusted at the addicts, who have been leaving used
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Jury sees pictures of charred remains
PICTURES of the charred remains of an elderly woman whose body was stuffed into a suitcase before being set alight were shown to a jury today. Thea Zaudy was beaten and strangled before her body was crammed into a case and hauled across the London
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Regal return for former bingo hall
THE men behind a major revamp of the Regal bingo hall and cinema in Cowley Road, Oxford, have said they are returning "Oxford's first lady" to its former glory. And tomorrow night, for the first time, people will be able to see for themselves how they
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Petrol thieves drill fuel tanks
THIEVES are drilling through petrol tanks and stealing fuel in a new crimewave hitting motorists in Oxford. Police believe thieves may be selling the petrol on a lucrative black market. As the price for unleaded petrol in Oxford has hit an average
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Update: Stabbed two in serious condition
TWO mental health staff stabbed in Oxford today are both in a serious condition in hospital. Police have confirmed a 45-year-old man is being held on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbings in Celandine Place, Greater Leys, at about 12.20pm
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HORSE RACING: Brave Clark scoops special award after beating cancer
Katie Clark, who works for trainer Henrietta Knight at West Lockinge, near Wantage, received the Special Merit/Hero prize at the annual Stud and Stable Staff Awards - after beating cancer. She was chosen for the award, which is made to those who have
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HORSE RACING: Dress stars for Butler
Dress To Impress gave Gerard Butler, who trains at Blewbury, near Didcot, a timely boost at Lingfield yesterday as he prepares to unleash Dansant and Silver Pivotal this weekend. The four-year-old justified odds of 1-2 favouritism with a half-length
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ICE HOCKEY: Stars let it slip at the death
A late goal prevented Oxford City Stars from ending their English National League South A Cup campaign on a high note as they drew 4-4 at home to Solihull Barons. Although Peterborough Islanders captured the trophy last weekend, City, who were already
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ICE HOCKEY: Below-par show angers Morvan
Oxford City Stars' coach Darryl Morvan said his players had let themselves down after they were held to a 4-4 draw by Solihull Barons in the English National League South A Cup. "It would be very easy to try to make excuses for our performance, such
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AUNT SALLY: Butler's 15-doll bonanza leads Reds to title glory
Dennis Butler scored a six in his 15 dolls as The Reds drew 3-3 with Jelly Tots to retain their George Lowe League title at Cowley Conservative Club. Needing one leg to be crowned champions again, The Reds were given a scare when Jelly Tots took the
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GREYHOUNDS: Thursday's Oxford runners
7.35: Rays Gizmo, Romily Flash 3, Shelbourne Chloe, REETHI JO, Duchess Saoirse, Twoforone 2. 7.50: Inny Breeze, GLIN ALGARVE, Droopys Marcello, Game Max 3, Eliminate Risks, Breathnach Pride 2. 8.05: Scatty Oscar 3, Plum Smuggler 2, Clune Budd, Sooty
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Life returns to old city cinema
The men behind a major revamp of the Regal bingo hall and cinema in Oxford's Cowley Road have said they are returning "Oxford's first lady" to its former glory. And tomorrow night, for the first time, people will be able to see for themselves how they
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BOWLS: Teams wanted
New teams are being invited to join the South Oxford BC's summer triples leagues, which get under way in May. An teams interest should contact Doug Califano on 01865 246255 before the end of this month.
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Fog hits speed check
POLICE were unable to carry out speed checks early today because thick fog interefered with their equipment. Instead, officers issued 22 fines to drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt and four to drivers using mobile phones while at the wheel. Later
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BOWLS: Results round-up
OXFORD & DISTRICT IBA Monday Morning League Nomads 14, Pirates 16; Angels 12, CWG 16; Beech Boys 13, Insmoor 18; Joes 13, Hardnuts 13; Brookside 18, Pebbles 21. Monday Evening Men's League Fearless 30, Solo Boys 12; Abingdon 18, Brookside 17; Oh Eck
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Jury sees pictures of charred remains
Gruesome pictures of the charred remains of an elderly woman whose body was stuffed into a suitcase before being set alight were shown to a jury today. Thea Zaudy was beaten and strangled before her frail body was crammed into a case and hauled across
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UPDATE: Stabbing pair in serious condition
Two mental health staff stabbed in Oxford today are both in a serious condition in hospital. Police have confirmed a 45-year-old man is being held on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbings in Celadine Place, Greater Leys at about 12.20pm
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Petrol thieves drilling tanks for fuel
Thieves are drilling through petrol tanks and stealing fuel in a new crimewave hitting motorists in Oxford. Police believe thieves may be selling the petrol on a lucrative black market. As the price for unleaded petrol in Oxford has hit an average of
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 78.5 BMW 2731 Electrocomponents 182.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 122 Oxford Biomedica 29 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 190 Reed Elsevier 594.75 RM 211.5 RPS Group 282 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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RUGBY UNION: Lambden quits Henley
Jon Lambden has quit as Henley Hawks' director of rugby with the club battling to avoid relegation from National 2. Henley have appointed former Welsh international flanker Jason Forster as player-head coach in his place and he takes charge of Saturday's
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RUGBY UNION: Willmore ruptures kidney
Bicester flanker Adam Willmore has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing a kidney. Willmore, 23, who has made a handful of first-team appearances, collapsed to the ground following a routine tackle during Bicester 2nd's BB&O Division
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RUGBY UNION: Chinnor setback
It looks like being calculators at the ready as Chinnor push for a second South West 1 title in three seasons. But leaders Bracknell may now be firmly in the driving seat despite having lost twice to the Kingsey Road club. The RFU have confirmed that
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Rail route reopens
THE Cotswold Line rail route between Oxford and Worcester has reopened, after being closed for emergency engineering work this morning. A broken rail was found at Honeybourne, in Worcestershire, at about 9am and trains from Oxford were turned back
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RUGBY UNION: Hill's French hope
While England's senior team bid for a second straight win in Paris, Steve Hill is targeting a brace of his own. Oxford University's director of rugby hopes to lead England Students to a repeat of last year's historic double against France. Hill has
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RUGBY UNION: Quins' priority
They may have won the county cup for the last two seasons, but Oxford Harlequins are already looking beyond Saturday's semi-final against Banbury. Quins are hot favourites to meet Chinnor, who play Wallingford, in the Oxfordshire Cup final on April
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RUGBY UNION: Academy impress
Chinnor Academy produced a creditable performance in losing 22-11 to Worcester Warriors Under 19s at Sixways. Worcester went into a 10-0 lead as Chinnor's lack of match practice told. The visitors then rallied with under 17 scrum half Ryan Binnie
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Suzuki makes waves
SPLASH is Suzuki's all-new mini-MPV designed specifically for the European market. At just over 3.7 m long, Suzuki says the Splash is compact enough to manoeuvre with ease through narrow streets or to slot into tight parking spots. Yet on the inside
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Film a message for your mum
Mums are urging children to take advantage of a Mother's Day video message scheme being run by the Oxford Mail tomorrow. The paper is encouraging children young and old to create a video recording which will let their mum know just how they feel about
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Addicts' needles found in play area
Mothers have hit out at drug users who discard needles in a communal garden used by children. Neighbours of the garden, in Joiner's Court, off Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said they were disgusted at the addicts, who have been leaving used
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Rail route reopens
The Cotswold Line rail route between Oxford and Worcester has reopened, after being closed for emergency engineering work this morning. A broken rail was found at Honeybourne, in Worcestershire, at about 9am and trains from Oxford were turned back at
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More women bid to become beauty queen
Entries are still pouring in for this year's Miss Oxford competition, which is being backed by the Oxford Mail. The current Miss England, Georgia Horsley, 21, has urged women to vie for the title. Georgia, 21, left, won Miss England last year, following
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£750 reward to catch vandals
VILLAGERS have put up a reward to catch vandals who are targeting their community. The move, by Kennington Parish Council, follows obscene graffiti being scrawled across the sports pavilion, at the end of Playfield Road, and the destruction of a
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Parish offers £750 reward to catch vandals
Villagers have put up a reward to catch vandals who are targeting their community. The move, by Kennington Parish Council, follows obscene graffiti being scrawled across the sports pavilion, at the end of Playfield Road, and the destruction of a public
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This land could be your land
Members of an Oxford allotment association are urging residents to go out and get digging. A decline in people taking up plots at the Mill Lane allotments, in Mill Lane, Old Marston, has worried its members - especially site manager Bill Agent. Mr
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Town marathon back on track
Abingdon Marathon is back this year, after being called off last autumn. Abingdon Amblers Athletics Club has announced the event will be held on Sunday, October 19. The marathon, one of the biggest events in the town calendar, was due to celebrate
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Booze ban aims to slash crime
A ban on boozing in public could be introduced across Abingdon to curb antisocial behaviour. Thames Valley Police has asked Vale of White Horse District Council to introduce an alcohol exclusion zone in the town. This would give police the power to
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Mental health staff stabbed
Police are guarding a room in the Blackbird Leys Health Centre following the stabbing of two people. Police said two men suffered stab wounds after being attacked in Celadine Place, Greater Leys, Oxford, at 12.20pm today. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
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Erroneous definitions
When I was working on the Supplement to the Oxford English Dictionary, I was fascinated by a section tacked on to the end of the final volume of the original OED. It was entitled List of Spurious Words' and it was a collection of "the more important spurious
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Pat Florey
A man who loved farming but was also a keen sportsman and genial host has died at the age of 82. Pat Florey was born at Rectory Farm, Northmoor, west Oxfordshire, and apart from early years as a farmer at Church Farm, Aston, spent all his life there
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John Bell
John Bell, distinguished literary editor and the man responsible for making Oxford University Press a leader in children's literature, has died aged 85. Mr Bell helped to foster the careers of several leading postwar children's authors such as William
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Idea Idol winners named
A simple way to combat hospital infections and a comprehensive European route planner were the winners in a contest for student entrepreneurs. Idea Idol, held at the Said Business School, brought together some of the brightest business brains at Oxford
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Two stabbed in Oxford
A man and a woman have been stabbed in Oxford today. Police said the pair were attacked in Celandine Place, Greater Leys at about 12.20pm. Their condition is not yet known. A man has been arrested, the police spokesman said.
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Stupid things
While feeling very sorry for the parents of student Tsz Fok in losing their talented son in a road accident, I must also sympathise with the driver of the truck involved (Oxford Mail, February 8). Tsz Fok would still be with us if he had used common
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Abide by our laws
I have worked in Saudi Arabia. While there, we had to dress by their standards and adhere strictly to their laws. Even cross and chain necklaces were not allowed, neither was a Bible. The slightest deviation and we were deported. This applies to
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PCT must fight for more cash
I refer to your article, Shocked by NHS attitude (Oxford Mail, February 14). I have had many oral dealings with Dr Ljuba Stirzaker, consultant in healthcare priorities with Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust, during my fight for the treatment that allows
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The Insider
IF you thought pantomime season was over, you should have been at Oxford Town Hall on budget night. Yes, that's right, the heroes and villains were all there in their splendour on Monday for a bit of amateur dramatics. We couldn't possibly say who
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Man bailed after 'cannabis farm' raid
A MAN arrested at a caravan site after police found a cannabis farm has been released on bail. Officers raided two caravans at The Beeches, near Chipping Norton, yesterday morning. They found 60 plants of varying maturity being grown and a large
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Man bailed after 'cannabis farm' raid
A man arrested at a caravan site after police found a cannabis farm has been released on bail. Officers raided two caravans at The Beeches, near Chipping Norton, yesterday morning. They found 60 plants of varying maturity being grown and a large
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Firms pledge cash for traffic review
Businesses are rallying together to raise the £11,200 needed to review a controversial traffic system blamed for turning Abingdon into a ghost town. Steve King, a former town retailer, has commissioned an independent review of the £3.1m Abingdon Integrated
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Campaign to save arts centre lost
A year-long fight to save a drama and arts block on the former St Mary's School site in Wantage ended on Monday when Vale of White Horse councillors gave Berkeley Homes permission for a housing development. But campaigners say they will start looking
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Broken rail disrupts trains
TRAIN services on the Cotswold Line are being disrupted today by a broken rail. The fault was spotted at Honeybourne, in Worcestershire, at about 9am. Trains from Oxford are only operating as far as Moreton-in-Marsh, where road transport is being
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Today's local share prices
AEA Technology 79 BMW 2727 Electrocomponents 185 Nationwide Accident Repair 122 Oxford Biomedica 29.75 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 190.5 Reed Elsevier 595.75 RM 213.75 RPS Group 285 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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FOOTBALL: Banbury reach last four
Banbury United booked an Oxfordshire Senior Cup last-four tie against Oxford City by seeing offHook Norton 2-0 in Tuesday's quarter-final switched to Spencer Stadium because of the weather. Hellenic League Hooky gave a good account of themselves, especially
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FOOTBALL: Didcot fogged off
High-flying Didcot Town were denied three more BGB Southern League Division 1 South & West points by the fog on Tuesday. Stuart Peace's men were leading Burnham 2-0 through two Ashley Vine goals when fog descended and the referee called a halt. Ananclet
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Broken rail disrupts trains
Train services on the Cotswold Line are being disrupted this morning by a broken rail. The fault was spotted at Honeybourne, in Worcestershire, at about 9am. Trains from Oxford are only operating as far as Moreton-in-Marsh, where road transport is being
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Boat death: four bailed
Four people arrested over the death of a man in Banbury have been released on bail. Maurice Batts, 64, died in hospital in September after he was found on his boat on the canal off Southam Road with severe injuries. Two men, aged 52 and 23, and two
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Four bailed over canal death
FOUR people arrested over the death of a man in Banbury have been released on bail. Maurice Batts, 64, died in hospital in September after he was found on his boat on the canal at Southam Road with severe injuries. Two men, aged 52 and 23 and two
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Driver escapes M40 van blaze
FIREFIGHTERS were called to the M40 today after a van caught fire. The incident happened on the southbound carriageway between junction nine at Wendlebury and junction eight at Wheatley. A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire Service said the vehicle's
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Police plan parking crackdown
POLICE warned today they planned to crack down on motorists parking illegally in Wantage. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Sue Harris said: "We will be out in force over the next few weeks issuing fixed penalty tickets to motorists who park
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Cash windfall for biotech firm
Biotech firm Oxford Biomedica has been given a multi-million pound boost after one of its key vaccines was given the green light to continue testing. The Data Safety Monitoring Board has ruled that Trovax, which is undergoing Phase III tests for kidney
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Chief Constable presents awards
TWENTY people who work for Thames Valley Police will be recognised in a ceremony at Drayton Park Golf Club today. Police officers, staff and members of the public from across the Force are to be awarded with Chief Constable's commendations, long service
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Lovely grub
ONE of the country's top sports nutritionists could be coming in to Oxford United to try to help them achieve better results on the pitch. Manager Darren Patterson was interviewing Jon Williams last night in the hope of getting him involved at the
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Frost scuppers game plan
OXFORD United's plans for having a practice friendly this week have been scuppered by the weather. As the U's do not have a game this Saturday, there were thoughts of playing a game yesterday or today, but the severe overnight frosts put paid to that
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Fire rescue
AN 81-year-old woman was rescued from a fire in her flat. The woman was trapped in a flat at Caroline Court, in Oxford Road, after a grill pan caught fire at about 12.35pm yesterday. Two firefighters entered the building in breathing apparatus and
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Blaze victim 'still critical'
THE husband of a pensioner killed in a blaze is still in a critical condition in hospital. Nigel Martin escaped from his bungalow in Sutton Wick Lane, Drayton, near Abingdon, with severe burns to his head and feet. The blaze, which began on Saturday
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A40 crash causes delays
THREE cars crashed near the Headington roundabout today causing delays for drivers. The accident happened before 7am on the westbound carriageway of the A40, near the McDonald's restaurant. The collision blocked the road for a short time before
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Baby no more
Well kid, you've just turned 18 months old and no matter how hard I try there's no way I can call you a baby anymore. I'm gutted. Cuddles are now only before bed (when you love to sit on my lap and look through your books) and what mummy wants has given
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Post workers win £55,000
A GROUP of 14 Oxford postal workers have been delivered a £55,639 Lotto win. Members of the syndicate, who work at the Oxford mail centre in Cowley and call themselves the Breakfast Club because they start work at 5am, each won almost £4,000. The
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Cars crash on A40 in Oxford
Three cars crashed near the Headington roundabout this morning causing delays for drivers. The accident happened before 7am on the westbound carriageway of the A40, near the McDonald's restaurant. The collision blocked the road for a short time before
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School rethinks halal menu plan
AN Oxford primary school has rethought a plan to serve only halal meat. Rose Hill Primary School used halal meat, which is slaughtered under Muslim religious law, in several dishes last year and in all meat dishes for a month-long trial last month.
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Community café opens in surgery
A NEW community café has set up shop in the rather unusual setting of the East Oxford Health Centre. Fully-licensed restaurant, bar and café Caffino opened last week in Manzil Way - offering food and drink between 7am and 11pm. It is being run by
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Tennis centre opponents 'ready for fight'
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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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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Pool 'shabby and neglected'
SWIMMERS at Oxford's Barton Pool have claimed there are so many problems with facilities at the centre that many regulars have stopped going. Despite the pool not yet having reached the second anniversary of its opening, swimmers said it is already
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Microdot puts thieves on the spot
ELDERLY and vulnerable people are to be helped with an advanced 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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Fancy that
It certainly pays to make a fuss. The fancy dress demo by supporters of the Donnington Doorstep Family Centre in Oxford watched by city councillors swung the day in their favour. They arrived at the Town Hall with no grant, and came away with £60,000
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Parents must be consulted
So the row over halal meat being served at Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford has been resolved. A compromise has been reached whereby children will be given a choice of ordinary' meat, halal meat or a vegetation meal. But if this solution has been
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Walkout post workers scoop lotto win
A group of 14 Oxford postal workers - who all walked out on strike last year - have been delivered a £55,639 Lotto win. Members of the syndicate, who work at the Oxford mail centre in Cowley and call themselves the Breakfast Club because they start
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Young fan given stadium VIP visit
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, and met players who were training for Saturday's 1-0
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Iffley protest over PO closure
A PUBLIC meeting is being held in the church hall in Iffley, Oxford, this evening to protest at the planned closure of the Iffley Post Office. Andrew Smith MP is expected to attend along with city councillors. The meeting is due to start at 7.30pm
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Parents win a meaty victory
Parent power has prompted an Oxford primary school to rethink a plan to serve only halal meat. Rose Hill Primary School used halal meat, which is slaughtered under Muslim religious law, in several dishes last year and in all meat dishes for a month-long
