Archive
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MOTOR SPORT: Super Bradley scorches ahead
Bradley Smith, 17, continued his brilliant pre-season by leading the way after three days of 125cc World Championship testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain. The Oxford rider lapped the 2.478 mile circuit, which is the venue for the Spanish Grand Prix
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'Sex pest' given last chance
A MAN who targets teenage girls was today spared jail, despite a judge branding him a "sex pest". Colin Moffat, 32, was given a three-year community order, plus a supervision order, following an incident in Albert Park, Abingdon, on June 25 as Judge
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Oxford may get rent-a-bike scheme
Oxford could soon have its own low-cost, 24-hour rent-a-bike scheme in an effort to cut traffic congestion, as seen in several European cities. Oxfordshire County Council has pledged £100,000 to pay for a feasibility study. The scheme could see a
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Archbishop to visit city
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be in the city on Sunday to help a church mark its 75th anniversary. The Archbishop, a former Professor of Theology at Oxford University, will join the celebrations at St Alban's Church, in Charles
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Serial flasher gets last chance
A serial flasher who targets teenage girls was today spared jail, despite a judge branding him a "sex pest". Colin Moffat, 32, was given a three-year community order, plus a supervision order, following an incident in Abingdon's Albert Park on June
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Students protest at college move
MORE than 20 students from Ruskin College demonstrated today about its proposal to move its headquarters out of Oxford city centre. They gathered at the entrance to the college's Old Headington campus, in Dunstan Road. Ruskin, which is not part
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Conman gets four years jail
A thief who posed as a waterboard worker to con his way into elderly women's homes was today jailed for three years and nine months. Martin O'Neill, 31, stole about £500 from a 74-year-old woman's home in Wootton, near Abingdon, while on bail for a
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Students picket college campus
More than 20 students from Ruskin College demonstrated today about its proposal to move its HQ out of Oxford city centre. They gathered at the entrance to the college's Old Headington campus, in Dunstan Road. Ruskin, which is not part of Oxford University
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Warning issued over feuding families
A VIOLENT feud between families in East Oxford is "eating at the heart of the community", according to a senior city councillor. And councillors have warned that a so-called family dispute in 1997 resulted in a house in Magdalen Road being firebombed
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Bullingdon Prison 'too full'
BULLINGDON Prison near Bicester has more prisoners in its cells than it officially has space for. Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice showthere are 964 prisoners - one more than the prison's official capacity of 963. A ministry spokesman
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Councillors' warning over feuding families
A violent feud between families in East Oxford is "eating at the heart of the community", according to a senior city councillor. And councillors have warned that a so-called family dispute in 1997 resulted in a house in Magdalen Road being firebombed
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Classic story gets attention
The Wind in the Willows has a very special place in the hearts of pupils at one Oxford school. Not only was author Kenneth Grahame a past pupil and head boy at St Edward's School, in Woodstock Road, it is understood the adventures of Toad of Toad Hole
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Search on for horse's owners
THE owners of a horse found on Port Meadow, Oxford, are being sought by the RSPCA. The chestnut mare was removed from the field, near Walton Well Road, on Wednesday, February 13. She is 15 hands high and thought to be between one and two years old
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Search for horse's owner
The owners of a horse found in Oxford's Port Meadow are being sought by the RSPCA. The chestnut mare was removed from the field, near Walton Well Road, on Wednesday, February 13. She is 15 hands high and thought to be between one and two years old
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£1.9m grant to research God
RESEARCHERS at Oxford University will spend a £1.9m grant to find out why humans believe in God. The research will look at the study of the mind and intelligence including evolutionary biology, neuroscience, linguistics and computer sciences. The
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Vandals attack rail station toilets
NEWLY-refurbished men's toilets at Oxford rail station were vandalised last night. PC Bob Burrowes said: "They smashed up the taps and sink, kicked in the doors and the soap dispenser." He said the toilets had only reopened recently after being
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Caprice gives insights
CELEBRITY model Caprice Bourret visited Oxford to tell all about her underwear, lovelife and business career. The Playboy covergirl spent 45 minutes speaking to Oxford University students and answering their questions at the Oxford Union, in Frewin
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Two new sites for wind turbines
TWO more sites have emerged as possible locations for Oxford's first giant wind turbines. Land close to Hinksey Heights Golf Club, near South Hinksey, and Cutteslowe Park have been revealed as places where 125m (410ft) tall energy generators could
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Two new sites for wind turbines
Two more sites have emerged as possible locations for Oxford's first giant wind turbines. Land close to Hinksey Heights Golf Club, near South Hinksey, and Cutteslowe Park have been revealed as places where 125m (410ft) tall energy generators could be
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Home visits go on after stabbing
A mental health trust will carry on making home visits to patients while an investigation continues into the stabbing of two staff. The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Healthcare trust is reviewing its home visit policy after two male medics
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Rail station toilets vandalised
Newly refurbished men's toilets at Oxford railway station were vandalised last night. Pc Bob Burrowes said: "They smashed up the taps and sink, kicked in the doors and the soap dispenser." He said the toilets had only reopened recently after being
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Prison too full, figures show
Bullingdon Prison near Bicester has more prisoners in its cells than it officially has space for. Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal there are 964 prisoners - one more than the prison's official capacity of 963. A ministry spokesman
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Caprice gives some celebrity insights
Celebrity model Caprice Bourret visited Oxford to tell all about her underwear, lovelife and business career. The Playboy covergirl spent 45 minutes speaking to Oxford University students and answering their questions at the Oxford Union, in Frewin
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Recycling hopes remain high
The chairman of a high-level Oxford City Council committee says ambitious recycling targets could still be met, despite the bar being lowered. Green city councillor Sid Phelps said he only discovered this week that the ruling Lib Dem administration
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FOOTBALL: King delight at strong stance
King delighted with results of strong stance Brian King, the general manager of the Sport Italia Hellenic League, says that adopting a zero tolerance policy to inappropriate lanaguage has proved a huge success. Clubs signed up to the scheme at the league's
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Boris says he'll quit as MP
Boris Johnson says there is "absolutely no doubt" he will be elected Mayor of London - and step down as an Oxfordshire MP. The Henley MP gave his confident prediction to parliamentary journalists, despite a recent poll showing him trailing behind sitting
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Burglary caught by DNA on kitchen tap
A distraction burglar has been jailed after he left DNA on his victim's kitchen tap. Martin O'Neill, 32, was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court today for burglary. O'Neill, of Old Gloucester Road, Bristol,
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Doorstep conman jailed
A MAN who posed as a water company worker to con his way into elderly women's homes was today jailed for three years and nine months. Martin O'Neill, 31, stole about £500 from a 74-year-old woman's home in Wootton, near Abingdon, while on bail for
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Researchers to spend £1.9m on God
Researchers at Oxford University will spend a £1.9m grant to find out why humans believe in God. The research will look at the study of the mind and intelligence including evolutionary biology, neuroscience, linguistics and computer sciences. The
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Drive to hit appointment target
Oxfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust has launched a campaign to encourage more people to use an electronic hospital appointment booking system when visiting their doctor. The Choose and Book referral system allows patients to pick one of four hospitals
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Tecs in the city
In January 2006, ITV screened a pilot episode of a new TV drama called Lewis and waited anxiously for the viewing figures to come in. They were not disappointed. The pilot, shot on location in Oxford, was seen by 11.4 million viewers, making it the
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'Plan bosses ignore views'
Planning watchdogs have accused Cherwell District Council of snubbing democracy by fast-tracking planning applications and wasting taxpayers' money. Banbury Civic Society has launched its own attack in the wake of an Audit Commission report into the
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Pullman writes for new comic
Oxford publisher David Fickling is to launch a new weekly comic for boys and girls in May. Contributors to the comic, called DFC, include Philip Pullman, writer of the award-winning His Dark Materials triology, on which the film The Golden Compass was
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Walking tall to advertise business
Stilt walkers Penelope and Edward, an angel on wheels and a town crier descended on Oxford to publicise its small businesses. The entertainers were drafted into the city centre by OX1, Oxford's city centre management company, to promote its plan to
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Residents launch flooding groups
A new Neighbourhood Watch-type scheme will help hundreds of householders beat the sort of flooding which devastated their homes last summer. Five resident-run emergency flood groups are being set up across the Wantage area to help people protect their
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Contemporary music festival comes to Oxford
Everything from Finnish accordionists to Brazilian singer songwriters are on offer as part of Oxford Contemporary Music's spring programme. The season starts with Charlie Dark performing African Beats at the Oxford Academy, in Cowley Road, on Friday
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Rock night adds £2k to charity funds
Caterer Suzan Allan's hard work paid off when the rock 'n' roll night she spent months organising brought in £2,000 for Oxfordshire charity Against Breast Cancer. The village hall in Steeple Aston, near Bicester, rocked to the sounds of Monsters of
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'Ageing precinct needs makeover'
Retailers in Oxford's "forgotten" shopping centre are to spruce up their 1960s concrete precinct to combat a fall in trade. Traders in the West Way Shopping Centre at Botley say they are feeling the pinch because shoppers dislike the appearance of the
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Council wants role in town centre talks
South Oxfordshire District Council is now in the driving seat for Wallingford's town centre redevelopment. But the town council is saying it must not be left on the sidelines while negotiations are going on. The redevelopment programme is looking
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Love messages left for mums
Children have recorded heartfelt Mother's Day messages to the camera in Blackbird Leys and Cowley. Loving messages were left by youngsters of all ages who took up the Oxford Mail's invitation to pop along to Delteys Supermarket in Blackbird Leys Road
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Praise for firm
I salute RWE npower. Its growing skills in recycling the fly ash from Didcot Power Station and its recognition that it may not after all need to dump in Thrupp Lake are to be applauded. The last three years have seen an energetic and, at times, bitter
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Clear conscience?
I too believe animals used for halal meat is slaughtered cruelly, but I wonder how many of the families featured in your article about Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford (Oxford Mail, February 20) practise what they preach? As they celebrate their success
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Ignorant voters
My friend, Jane Reeve, cogently proposes that, for ecological and other reasons, the number of cars per household should be restricted (Oxford Mail, February 19). She is, however, easily intelligent enough to appreciate that, in a quasi-democratic set-up
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Off with their heads
I know that my Muslim friends would have been ashamed if they had read the Universe newspaper on February 10. It was reported that a Catholic porter employed at Manchester Children's Hospital had been dismissed by his employers for gross misconduct.
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Labour let-down
In your article on the city council budget (Oxford Mail, February 19), you report that Barton is to get a new fitness suite at the swimming pool. It is true that the Lib Dems had proposed this. It was something people in the local community wanted
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Bullying claims are laughable
Your newspaper does not have to descend into the gutter - your correspondents do it for you! How can anyone take seriously Susan Thomas's letter accusing the leadership of Cheney School in Oxford of condoning "bullying and assault on a regular basis
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 78.5 BMW 2679 Electrocomponents 174.75 Nationwide Accident Repair 123 Oxford Biomedica 29.5 Oxford Catalyst 144 Oxford Instruments 187.5 Reed Elsevier 623.75 RM 211.25 RPS Group 279 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Firm's runners sign up for OX5 Run
Runners from an Eynsham firm are the latest corporate team to sign up for this year's OX5 Run. The five-mile race, which takes place at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, April 6, last year raised more than £50,000 for the Oxford Children's Hospital
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GREYHOUNDS: Desert set to storm home
Darkdesert Oasis stamped his authority on the 78th running of the prestigious 2008 Pattinson Construction Trafalgar Cup with a scintillating performance in this week's qualifiers and carries a confident nap in the £1,000 final at Oxford Stadium tonight
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GREYHOUNDS: Wills quartet worth a look
IAN Wills has four useful newcomers in Star of Cappagh and Jumpin Jack Judd who return to Oxford after a short spell at Monmore and two ex-Paul Sallis Hall Green top graders Droopys Antonio & Newyork Giant. The current Oxford champion is on the march
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BOXING: Duo battle it out for derby spot
Oxford University's two prospective light heavyweights will take part in a "box-off" to decide which one makes their Varsity Match team. Coach Des Brackett had hoped to decide between Neil Robertson and Reggie Briggs after they fought in Bushey on Tuesday
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BOXING: Daza and Declan in fine form
Oxford Boxing Academy duo Daza Usher and Declan Townsend secured two polished wins in St Albans. Welterweight Usher, 22, collected his first victory of the year after proving superior in all departments against Neil Samuels from the host Luton Shamrock
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New Zealand mixed case, £125
New Zealand wines are known for their wonderful purity of fruit which shines through beautifully in this selection of superbly crafted examples from both the South and North Islands. The New Zealand mixed case costs £125 and includes three bottles each
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Hydro-power idea for Thames
A SHOPKEEPER fed up with the traffic problems in Abingdon has come up with his own plan to tackle congestion - building a second bridge over the River Thames. Peter Wiblin, who owns West End Newsagents, in Bury Street, presented his ideas to the town's
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Diversity of New Zealand wines
While everyone was wrapped up in their thermals and warming the mulled wine this December past, yours truly was having an absolutely fantastic time in sunny New Zealand. You would be right in thinking that there wasn't a winter woolly in sight but quite
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Hydro-power bid could pay for bridge
A shopkeeper fed up with the traffic problems in Abingdon has come up with his own plan to tackle congestion - building a second bridge over the River Thames. Peter Wiblin, who owns West End Newsagents, in Bury Street, presented his ideas to the town's
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Crash causes A34 jam
A collision between two cars has blocked a lane on the southbound A34 near Oxford, causing long tailbacks. The accident happened just north of the Hinksey Hill interchange at about 2pm. Traffic is reported to be queuing back to the Pear Tree interchange
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Student homes plan granted
Work on a £6m scheme to build new student homes in Iffley Road, Oxford, for an Oxford University college is due to start on Monday. Planning permission for the development by Exeter College was granted by Oxford City Council's east area committee on
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What's your children's favourite?
Spotted a gorgeous booklist in the paper the other day. It was the top 50 Best Children's Books of All Time. A poll of 4,000 readers was carried out by independent charity Booktrust to highlight its Bookstart initiative, which provides children with free
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ANGLING: Neil weighs in with top pike
Didcot specimen hunter Neil Johnson braved the cold spell by catching a magnificent 30.12.0 pike from the Thames, writes ANDY WEBBER. The big predator took a liking to his legered sardine when he fished the weirpool at Sutton Courtenay. Neil's fish
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ANGLING: Dann breaks the ice for win
Local matchmen felt the big freeze on Sunday as the effect of some heavy frosts took its toll. It was a case of waiting for the odd bite and making the most of it. In fact, two matches were won by single fish. One water that did produce good sport
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SWIMMING: Oxford secure title joy
City of Oxford took no less than 25 first places as they stormed home in the second round of the Home Counties League at Stantonbury. Despite being unable to field two boys' 11 & under relay teams, City produced the goods elsewhere to clinch victory
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A34 crash causes delays
DRIVERS were delayed following an accident on the southbound carriageway of the A34 this afternoon. The collision near the Hinksey Hill interchange blocked one lane before 2pm. A spokesman for South Central Ambulance said paramedics were not called
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SWIMMING: Clavaud leads the way
Chantal Clavaud took victory in the ladies' individual medley to help Witney A to victory in their second round gala in the Home Counties League at Linslade. She followed this up with a clear win in the backstroke. Victories were earned in all age
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SNOOKER: Cool Calcutt leads rout
Lewis Calcutt made breaks of 69 and 54 to help Witney A to a 5-1 win over Oracle A in the Premier Division of the Gentworks Oxford & District League. Matty Bramall won Oracle's only frame, as he drew 1-1 with Ben Calcutt, but Lewis Calcutt and Justin
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BILLIARDS: Fletcher is on song for Thame
Thame leapfrogged Morris Motors after beating them 3-0 in Division 1 of the Oxford & District League. Tom Fletcher (+70) cracked a 37 break to see off Doug Baker (+70) 170-150. Peter Hawkes (+125) then surprised Roger Tomlin (+50) 150-11, before Nigel
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TABLE TENNIS: Promotion joy for super Oxon
Midland Veterans League Oxfordshire secured promotion from Division 3 after a crushing 9-1 win in their top-of-the-table battle with Leicestershire. o Both teams went into the match with 100 per cent records, but Oxon proved a class above - and sealed
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ICE HOCKEY: Stars out to end on a high
Oxford City Stars play their last home league game of the season tomorrow - and coach Darryl Morvan is desperate to sign off on a high. Milton Keynes Thunder come to town, with Morvan confident his side can put last week's poor performance behind them
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SQUASH: Esporta are in the hunt
A comfortable 4-1 win on Tuesday has kept the Esporta Oxford's team in with a slim chance of still making the National Premier League play-offs. With Birmingham slipping up against Redditch, Oxford's convincing 4-1 (19-4) victory has at least given
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CRICKET: Charlbury edge home
Banbury Indoor League Charlbury edged out Banbury A by five runs in Banbury Indoor League Divsion 1 despite being docked an over for starting late. Craig McCallum made 25 not out and Rob Garrett 24 as Chalbury compiled 123-2. Steve Beck smashed the
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Soldiers' families get VIP treatment
Relatives of Oxfordshire's Territorial Army infantry unit, 7 Rifles, were treated to a special day out at Windsor Castle this week. Families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan joined relatives of troops from the regiment's detachments in Reading, Milton
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Attempted rape: man arrested
Police have arrested a man today after a woman was sexually assaulted in Crowmarsh Gifford. The 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape in relation to an attack on a 21-year-old woman as she walked along an alleyway near a recreation
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Man arrested on suspicion of village rape
POLICE have arrested a man this morning following a CCTV appeal after a woman was sexually assaulted in Crowmarsh Gifford. The 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape in relation to an attack on a 21-year-old woman in an alleyway
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Dead man named
A MAN who was found dead in a public toilet in Oxford has been identified. Robert Bzdak, 37, a Polish man of no fixed abode, was found in a cubicle in the toilet in Cowley Road on Saturday.
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Toilet death man identified
A man who was found dead in a public toilet has been identified. Robert Bzdak, 37, a Polish man of no fixed abode, was found in a cubicle in the toilet in Cowley Road, Oxfod, on Saturday.
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Happy babies make a splash
Springfield School s purpose-built hydrotherap y pool in Witney is no w opening for extra session s specifically targeting parents and babies. The benefits of swimming and water sessions for babies are well documented, but often the pool temperature,
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Buggy Pick & Mix!
MOTHERCARE has introduced a bright ne concept in pushchairs - Pick & Mix. Thi bright and bold new concept allows you t change the colour and tocustomise your buggy. To ring the changes just buy your bugg frame, at £39.99, then buy two coloured wrappers
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Just for families
Finally, a holiday company ha launched single parent family holida deals that don t charge an adult pric for the first child sharing a hotel room with one parent only. Single Parent Holiday Savers has introduced a range of great value Mediterranean
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New mums are going greener
A survey has found tha 82 per cent of new mums hav become greene since having a baby, with 74 pe cent resolving t give their child a environmentally friendly upbringing until they leav home, and 19 pe cent until their child is at least five. However
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WIN gorgeous Miffy sleepwear
Thinking of buying some stylish new sleepwear fo Spring? Check out thes new PJs, featuring the world s favourite bunny, Miff ( pictured righ ). Available from Littlewoods Direct for £29, and made from 95 per cent cotton, 5 per cen elastane, these Miffy
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Children's champion
Katherine MacAlister meets a school cook whose food i a big hit with youngsters The chicken curry was bubbling gently on the stove, the fishcakes crisping nicely in the oven, and the chocolate sponge sending up clouds of cocoa from the mixer Just
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Man cautioned over drugs
A 24-year-old man arrested in a drugs raid in Dorchester yesterday has been cautioned for drugs possession. The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class C drugs after police raided a house in Meadside yesterday afternoon. Police searched
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Man cautioned after drugs raid
A 24-YEAR-OLD man arrested in a drugs raid in Dorchester yesterday has been cautioned for drugs possession. The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class-C drugs after police raided a house in Meadside yesterday afternoon. Police searched
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Stabbing: Health policies reviewed
Mental health bosses have said they are reviewing the way its staff cover home visits after two workers were stabbed by a patient in Oxford. Two men aged 29 and 45 were stabbed as they visited a patient at Celadine Place, Blackbird Leys, on Wednesday
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Stabbing leads to staff review
MENTAL health managers said today they were reviewing the way staff cover home visits after two workers were stabbed by a patient. Two men, aged 29 and 44, were stabbed as they visited a patient at Celandine Place, Blackbird Leys, on Wednesday. The
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Free access to touring car media day
FANS of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship are being offered the chance to get a sneak preview of the team line-ups for 2008. The class of 2008 will be at Rockingham on Wednesday, March 12, and the Northamptonshire circuit is offering the
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Simon battles rare disorder
FOUR-year-old Simon Tredwell spends two hours every day bursting 150 blisters across his body. The nursery pupil at Chandlings School, Boars Hill, near Oxford, has a rare genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which means his skin doesn't
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City pollution display planned
PEOPLE will be able to see how polluted Oxford's air is on a display screen. Modelled on the real time information displays found in some bus stops, up-to-the-minute readings of nitrogen dioxide levels will be put up in lights for all to see.
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Guide meets Asian needs
A NEW information guide has been published to help the Asian community in Banbury find useful services. The Banbury Asian Directory, produced by the town's Asian Forum, is a free guide to help Asian residents track down services including health, leisure
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Farewell to United's penalty king
ROB Duffy has played his last game for Oxford United. Wrexham have confirmed that the Welsh striker will be signing a new loan deal with them next week, when his current agreement runs out on Wednesday. It was originally thought, because the Conference
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Learn Latin in the park
A TEACHER is on a mission to get people in the city learning Latin - and is taking to the parks to spread the message. After setting up a number of successful projects to teach children in state schools, Dr Lorna Robinson, of Franklin Road, has decided
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Getting info
A NEW information directory aimed at the over 50s is available. The book, produced by Cherwell District Council's community development team, contains details of clubs and groups that offer activities for older people. For more information, or to
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Unclean trains
Sir - My last train trip by First Great Western was on Saturday at 12.30pm from Oxford to Paddington. The carriage was in an appalling condition having not been cleaned from the previous day's travel. I complained, as usual, to FGW who gave the
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Recorded delivery
Sir - I would like to endorse Anne Collieu's comments about the Royal Mail (Letters, February 15). Since November, they have lost three important business letters of mine, which have caused very considerable problems. I am now obliged to send every
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Illustrious tradition
Sir - After reading the article about Jamie Oliver's plans to bring "real Italian food" to Oxford, (February 8) I was rather miffed on behalf of the excellent Italian restaurants dotted around Oxford, which include Carluccio's and Gino's in Central
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Smoke signals
People will be able to see how polluted Oxford's air is on a giant display screen, being dubbed a 'smokescreen'. Modelled on the real time information displays found in some bus stops, up-to-the-minute readings of nitrogen dioxide levels will be put
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OxClean spruce-up for memorial
WHILE schools and residents' groups have been taking the lead in organising volunteers for next month's big Oxford spring clean, you can be sure some of the city's historic sites will not be ignored. Five years ago the Martyrs' Memorial in St Giles'
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Modern incinerator
Sir - I was a little disappointed with the picture you used with your front page story about the future treatment of residual waste in Oxfordshire (February 15) It gave the impression that all energy from waste incinerators have the appearance of
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Flood prevention
Sir - The Oxford Flood Alliance (OFA) represents flood victims in the Oxford area. We read with interest Chris Walker's article (February 15) about flooding and the legacy of long-standing problems that Oxford faces. Such problems are very evident
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Soulless elevation
Sir - At last the monstrous façade that has replaced the former Sunset Cottage frontage in St Clement's Street has been revealed in its total awfulness. The harsh and soulless elevation looks like the work of an obsessive Lego builder and complements
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Plan victory
A BARN at Grange Farmhouse, in New Road, East Hagbourne, can be converted to a home, a Government planning inspector has decided. He upheld an appeal against South Oxfordshire District Council's refusal to grant planning permission.
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Four-storey fortress
Sir - Oxford Brookes are applying to build yet more student accommodation on the site of the former Government buildings in Marston Road, and have invited the public to inspect their scheme. Their plans show a four-storey fortress half as high again
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Doing better
Sir - I agree with Tony Buley (Letters, February 15) about the importance of qualifications in English and mathematics. Students had to qualify in those subjects last summer to be included in the GCSE five higher grades' benchmark. He asks how Oxfordshire
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World gone mad
Sir - Like many local residents, we have been campaigning to protect our post offices for over a year now - we even presented a petition of hundreds of signatures to 10 Downing Street but no one seems to be listening. When we hear that the post office
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Elusive spirit
Sir - The proposed closure of local post offices in Iffley and other villages would be a tragedy for elderly people. The Iffley branch, open five mornings a week, is part of the village shop and enjoys a steady stream of business, particularly from
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DVD records troops return
A DVD of the parade to honour Bicester troops who returned from Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia, will be available soon. Members of Oxford Camera Club videoed the whole parade on Sunday, February 3. The Welcome Home Parade DVD features the service
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Abbey event
THE Thamyse Quartet, consisting of present and former members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, will be playing Haydn, Beethoven and Elgar at a recital in Dorchester: Abbey tomorrow. Tickets, costing £20 and £10, are available by calling 01865 341066.
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Spiritual home
Sir - When making any decision in regard to the future of Ruskin College, the governors must not only take into account the future direction of the college, but also ensure that Ruskin's historical contribution to the advancement of various social movements
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Have a ball
DIDCOT'S Civic Ball will be held on Friday, February 29, with all proceeds going towards the Didcot branch of the Royal British Legion. Music will be provided by the Steve Duck Jazz Quintet. Tickets, priced £35, including a five-course meal and drink
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Community wants £750,000 pavilion
A COMMUNITY in Oxford is aiming to raise £750,000 to build a new top-of-the-range sports pavilion. Old Marston Parish Council has joined up with local football team Marston Saints to raise funds to update the facilities at the recreation ground
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Second chance
Sir - At least someone is speaking up for Ruskin College in Walton Street (Letters, February 8). I am sure I speak for many Ruskin students who were lucky enough to be given a second chance of an education. It was a privilege, especially for older
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Ruskin's vision
Sir - Ruskin will today launch a fundraising campaign for what we believe to be the first library in the country to be named after a former Prime Minister. The Callaghan Library will commemorate the 1976 landmark speech at Ruskin that inspired the
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Aid backing
THE Abingdon-based organisation Medic Assist International is the charity which will be supported this year by Kennington Overseas Aid. Money raised will go to establishing a hospital at Goli in southern Sudan, an area where there is a one in nine
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Affordable housing
Sir - Your article (February 15) on the tragic situation into which residential property developers have been thrust by the imposition of new planning requirements to make some of the affordable homes family-sized, brings tears to the eyes. More importantly
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Experts submit Horton hospital report
A GROUP of health experts - the independent reconfiguration panel - has submitted its recommendations on the future of the Horton Hospital, Banbury, to Health Secretary Alan Johnson. However, its report will not be made public for a month - and by
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Boy, 4, battles rare disorder
Four-year-old Simon Tredwell spends two hours every day bursting 150 blisters across his body. The nursery pupil at Chandlings School, Boars Hill, near Oxford, has a rare genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which means his skin doesn't
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Heart op girl’s dancing queen
DISCO girl Lauryn Greenaway has endured two major operations on her heart, but it has not stopped the youngster winning a top prize at a dancing competition. The six-year-old who attends West Kidlington Primary School, suffers from a congenital
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Judges reject attempted murder appeal
The mother of an Oxford man left with brain damage after being stabbed in the head said he is showing signs of improvement, as his attacker failed to overturn his conviction. Leonard Morrison, 38, known as Goldteeth, this week failed to have his conviction
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Influential
The Greens are making the most of their spell of influence, as they hold the balance of power between Labour and the Liberal Democrats on the city council. One of their better ideas, adopted at the council budget meeting, was to have a realtime display
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A lonely struggle for a cure
Our scientists and medical experts have made great strides in combating many diseases and ailments that afflict the human body. But there are still mysteries in a large number of fields. One such gap in our knowledge involves a genetic disorder called
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A business proposal
FILTHY streets clogged with buses and boring chain stores. Car parking charges that are higher than London's. Endless coffee and pannini shops. Crowds of foreign language students and tourists, now regularly joined by animal rights and save this tree
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Flood of requests
The imminent arrival of flood barriers on Osney Island is very welcome. Since the summer, we have been arguing that action needs to be taken quickly because of the growing threat of flooding. Last month's close call proved the point. Only another
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Eco planning
We have no idea what to make of the strategic planning system that exists today. In fact, it is an exaggeration to say that we have a strategic planning system at all. We appear to be prone to all sorts of "left field" planning proposals. The South
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Oxford band inspires artist
AN UP-AND-COMING artist enjoying success at his first independent exhibition has said he draws much of his inspiration from his "spectacularly beautiful" Oxford hamlet. Francis O'Neill's distinctive oil paintings depict the area around Binsey
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Clean your own space
Sir - I would like to suggest that each householder should try to keep the area of pavement and gutter outside their property swept clean and free from litter. This would make our streets much more pleasant than they are now. Ruth M. Wickett, Oxford
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School reunion
Sir - We are organising a reunion for the 1984 fifth year at Icknield School, Wantage. If you were a pupil or teacher at the school, we'd love to see you at Wantage Town FC on June 14, 2008. For more details, email ick1984@hotmail.co.uk Nick Moulton
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Neglected capacity
Sir - The Office of the Rail Regulator has recently announced that Network Rail's scheme to expand capacity on the Oxford-Didcot line is "not needed to meet the requirements of the Department for Transport". This £38m plan would give an extra platform
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Going slow
SPEED cushions and a zebra crossing will be introduced in Watchfield to slow traffic. The traffic-calming measures will be installed because of a recent reduction in the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph. The zebra crossing will be installed just
