Archive
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'We will fight Westgate plans'
More than 70 people opposing plans to redevelop Oxford's Westgate shopping centre, gathered in the city's Town Hall tonight to discuss ways to fight the developers. The campaign group Oxford against Westgate Redevelopment is looking to target John Lewis
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Fans impressed by United statue
THIS is the long-awaited statue of an ox that fans are hoping will see Oxford United charging up the table. The much-delayed statue was unveiled outside the Kassam Stadium this afternoon by four-year-old season ticket holder, Matthew Deeley, from Bicester
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United's ox rocks
This is the long-awaited statue of an Ox that fans are hoping will see United charging up the table. The much-delayed statue was unveiled outside the Kassam Stadium this afternoon by four-year-old season ticket holder, Matthew Deeley, from Bicester,
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Images issued in hunt for criminals
POLICE tonight released an e-fit picture and images in an attempt to trace criminals, including a knife-point robber and a shoplifter. The e-fit image is of a man who tried to rob a woman at knife-point shortly after midnight on January 29 in Marston
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Prince Edward visit delights schools
PRINCE Edward laughed and joked with school pupils from all over Oxfordshire when he visited Larkmead School in Abingdon. He found out how the schools were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and saw ten Larkmead pupils get their bronze awards
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FOOTBALL: North Leigh look for swift response
North Leigh will hope to bounce back from their midweek defeat when they travel to Shrivenham for a crucial Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division clash on Saturday. Mark Gee's men slipped up 4-3 at home to Highworth on Tuesday night, although
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Super heads to go in to under-performing schools
A squad of 'super heads' is to be sent into Oxfordshire's under-performing schools in a new bid to improve GCSE results. Oxfordshire County Council has decided to spend more than £1m to bring in successful heads from outside the area, who are expected
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Doors close on OAP club
A club for the over 60s in East Oxford met for the last time this week after dwindling numbers for- ced it to close. East Oxford Senior Citizens' Club was launched more than 20 years ago, and at its height had up to 50 members meeting weekly to enjoy
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FOOTBALL: Merritt gives Telemaque warning
Oxford City player-manager Justin Merritt has said striker Errol Telemaque will have to learn quickly following his sending off against Paulton Rovers, starting with Saturday's British Gas Business Southern League Division 1 South & West trip to Winchester
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Woman falsely claimed £55k
A woman who admitted illegally claiming more than £55,000 in benefits escaped an immediate jail sentence today. Melanie Horwood, 55, of Bampton Close, Littlemore, Oxford, admitted at Oxford Crown Court eight counts of falsely claiming Jobseekers' Allowance
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New wave of tax appeals expected
OXFORDSHIRE councils are facing a new wave of appeals from householders who may be paying too much council tax as a result of their homes being put in the wrong band. Hundreds of people in the county have already successfully appealed about being overcharged
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Police hunt city's 'most wanted'
These are the faces of some of the most wanted criminals in Oxford, including a knife-point robber and a shoplifter. Police tonight released these images and an e-fit picture to appeal for information from readers of the Oxford Mail. The e-fit image
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Hundreds join carnival fun
Hundreds of people descended on an East Oxford street to celebrate the flamboyant spirit of carnival. It was the second time the Plain Traders' Association had organised the Mardi Gras party in Dawson Street, off Cowley Road. But this year, instead
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Charities benefit from motorsport
ALMOST £100,000 was handed over today to the three charities chosen to benefit from the major motorSport events held at Goodwood in 2007. Lord March was present at Goodwood House to hand over a cheque for £51,766 to Teenage Cancer Trust, the nominated
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Donations plea for family event
Two mothers have appealed for donations to help them provide a monthly family event in Oxford. Lyndsy Johnson and Sharon Haynes have run the Rose Hill Family Social at the estate's community centre, in The Oval, on the last Friday of every month since
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Free number
How kind of Pipa Doubtfire, the head of revenue management at TV Licensing, to clarify that the BBC and not the Government transferred a contract for TV licence fee collection to PayPoint from the Post Office (Oxford Mail, February 21). It hardly matters
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Trailer danger
With all the recent negative correspondence relating to cyclists in Oxford, one would think that cycle lights, helmets and adherence to the Highway Code would be on the increase, but sadly, many still openly flout the law. One growing trend seems to
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Different planet
Wow - Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's latest mind-boggling statement says anyone caught carrying a knife will go to prison. What gormless, stupid thing to say when the prisons are bursting at the doors. Whatever planet she is from, it's definitely not
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City council is cutting posts
"Cut the pay of council bosses" makes for an arresting and crowd-pleasing headline (Oxford Mail, February 22). However, the letter that supports the headline is based on a misunderstanding of the changes that have been taking place at Oxford City Council
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Art exhibition is out of the box
An exhibition aims to show a more contemporary side of work from students at Oxford University's Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art. The show, called Box Ladder, is currently being held at the Modern Art Oxford gallery, in Pembroke Street, Oxford
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Women's festival to launch
Women from all backgrounds and walks of life in Oxford are being brought together for the city's 19th International Women's Festival. Throughout the festival, which starts Saturday, March 1 and runs until March 15, the city plays host to a number of
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 77.5 BMW 2819 Electrocomponents 180.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 130 Oxford Biomedica 28.25 Oxford Catalyst 145 Oxford Instruments 193.25 REED 640.75 RM 217.75 RPS Group 296.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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U-turn over CCTV cuts
Traders and householders have welcomed a decision to install extra security cameras in Abingdon - just months after a number of them were switched off. Increased use of the cameras has been made possible following the launch of a £25,000 scheme by the
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School hosts disco
There are just a few tickets remaining for a fundraising disco for a special school tomorrow night. Parents and friends of Bardwell School in Bicester, a special community school catering for pupils aged between two and 16 with severe learning difficulties
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Printer retires after half a century
PRINTER John Adams watched the presses roll for the last time today before retiring after 50 years of loyal service at Newspaper House. Father-of-three John, 64, from Wolvercote, ollowed in his father's footsteps by starting work in New Inn Hall
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Patto playing his lucky Hand
Darren Patterson admits he feels very lucky to have signed midfielder Jamie Hand. He captured the former Watford player, who had a 12-game loan spell with the U's back in 2004, on an emergency loan from Lincoln until the end of the season. And Hand
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Consistency's the key to my U's selection
No-one said picking a Best United XI from the 39 players they have used this season was going to be easy! There are countless different permutations, and the individual players listed here don't necessarily make up the best team (if that makes sense
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Fisher blow hits youths
Alex Fisher needed 25 stitches in a cut lip, sustained in the 1-0 defeat by Colchester in the quarter-finals of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup at Milton on Saturday. Oxford, who had four under 16s on the pitch at the end, were unlucky to lose
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RUGBY UNION: Five back for Chinnor
Chinnor welcome back five players for their trip to relegation-threatened Coney Hill in South West 1. Prop Tom Whelan, scrum half Owen Gustafson, fly half James Cathcart, plus centres Richard Williams and Trevor Powell are all back in the squad. This
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THE REGAL: Hanging out with the Elite
While the clubbers of Oxford await the grand opening of The Great Room at The Regal with bated breath, the venue opened its doors to The Elite Room and Foyer bar last week, and it was certainly a beguiling taste of things to come. Overindulgence was
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Printer retires after half a century
Printer John Adams will watch the Oxford Mail go to press for the last time tomorrow before retiring after 50 years of loyal service. Father-of-three John, 64, from Wolvercote, north Oxford, followed in his father's footsteps by starting work in New
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Oxford Fish Shop, Iffley Road, Oxford
This dinky place next to Taylors cycle shop is definitely no-frills but it does the job - and you're sure to be greeted with a smile by owner Kazem Hakimi, who is surely the most cheerful chippy boss in Oxford. In the shop is a poster proclaiming 'Women
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Blues in twos
Blues lovers have it very good indeed this week, with a couple of gigs, which prove to be real pair of aces. Purveyor of fine blues-rock Son of Dave - aka former Crash Test Dummy Benjamin Darvill - plays Autumn's Coo Coo Club at the Jericho Tavern,
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Cafe Zeko, Bath Street, Abingdon 01235 520 972
As an Abingdon resident, I am naturally concerned about the high number of shops closing in the town centre. Many traders believe the new traffic system in Stratton Way is responsible for deterring shoppers from coming to the town, or persuading them
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BADMINTON: Oxon's double not yet enough
Oxfordshire completed the double over Sussex in their penultimate Division 1C Inter-County match at Radley College. However, despite picking up a bonus point, Oxon are still not safe from relegation. Amanda King won her singles and two doubles, Julie
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Two house burglaries are linked
Two houses were burgled in the same road in Faringdon last week. Jewellery was stolen from a house in Beech Close, between 8pm on Monday, February 18 and 11.35am on Saturday, February 23. Burglars also broke into another house in Beech Close and stole
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POINT-T0-POINT: Irilut back in action
Irilut, a winner at the last Dunthrop meeting, near Chipping Norton, is set to return to the course for the Bicester with Whaddon Chase Hunt fixture on Sunday. The 12-year-old gelding from Robert Waley-Cohen's Edge Hill yard, near Banbury, landed the
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Delays worth cheering
Aaron Gilbert is not a superstitious man - but, he admits, recent events have left him perplexed. Since hitting the road on Valentine's Day for an epic UK tour, they have been involved in three major crashes. "We've been absolutely jinxed!" he says
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CYCLING: Duo on song
Oxonian's Neil Hobbs and Chris Edginton won the Frome & District Wheelers two-up ten-mile time trial. The pair, who have recently rejoined the club, recorded a time of 24mins 23secs on an undulating course. Clubmates John Baldwin, returning after
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Fat's what I call entertainment
Talk about going out with a bang. When Brendan Murray leaves the OTTC (Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company) this year, it won't be by directing a thought-provoking tragedy or a happy family stage show - no, this will be the all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza
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£1,000 reward in hunt for suspect
A REWARD of £1,000 is being offered for information on the whereabouts of a man suspected of committing house burglaries across the South of England and Midlands including Oxfordshire. Peter Sonny Martin O'Halloran, 33, has also been named on the
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ROWING: Early signs favourable for Dark Blues
Early pointers towards the 154th Boat Race on March 29 were undertaken last weekend when Oxford, and their reserve boat Isis, took the Reading Head by storm, writes Mike Rosewell. The potential Blue Boat won the whole event by a comfortable half-a-minute
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The '80s are back!
Ladies: Pull on your legwarmers, ra-ra skirt, scrunchie and fingerless gloves, and lads, get smart-casual in a big-shouldered shiny suit. Then grab your Filofax and brick-sized mobile phone, and get down to some of the most tasteless music ever created
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The Accidental Husband (12A)
Perfect, split-second comic timing is a rare gift. Few actors possess it - regrettably, Uma Thurman isn't one of them. The Oscar-nominated actress is well equipped to wield a Samurai sword in a tracksuit as Tarantino's vengeful heroine The Bride,
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BADMINTON: Oxon not safe despite double
Oxfordshire completed the double over Sussex in their penultimate Division 1C Inter-County match at Radley College. However, despite picking up a bonus point, Oxon are still not safe from relegation. Amanda King won her singles and two doubles, Julie
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A life on centre stage
Patricia Hodge is still the thinking man's crumpet, although I daren't mention this observation to her. Because although friendly, you don't want to overstep the mark with Patricia Hodge. Her steely gaze has rendered even the most ardent baddie speechless
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Windows smashed in marbles attacks
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after reports that windows of cars and houses were damaged in Horspath, Garsington and Wheatley last night by marbles. A black, or dark green, Land Rover Freelander with alloy wheels and a spare wheel attached to
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United statue unveiled
The statue was unveiled by a four-year-old season ticket holder with the help of a crane shortly after 2pm today. Only a handful of fans turned out for the revealing of the statue. Club director and former manager Jim Smith and chairman Nick Merry
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U’s unveil ox statue
Oxford United have unveiled a new statue outside the ground - of a 6ft bronze ox. The statue was unveiled by a four-year-old season ticket holder with the help of a crane shortly after 2pm today. Only a handful of fans turned out for the revealing
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Police link jewellery raids
POLICE this afternoon appealed for information after two houses were burgled in Faringdon. Between 8pm on February 18 and 11.35am on February 23, a house in Beech Close was broken into and jewellery was stolen. Burglars also got into a house in
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Race fans get close to action
MOTORSPORT fans looking to get closer to the action have a unique opportunity on March 15, when the annual marshals training day takes place at the Castle Combe circuit, near Chippenham. This year, for the first time, potential race day marshals
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Leukaemia boy inspires race team
A TEAM of runners which has been inspired by a youngster fighting leukaemia is taking part in the London Marathon. Team Evolve, made up of Lyn Owen, Leanne Millar, Debbie Curtis and John Stocker, aims to raise at least £4,000 for charity Children
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Leukaemia boy inspires race team
A team of runners which has been inspired by a youngster fighting leukaemia is taking part in the London Marathon. Team Evolve, made up of Lyn Owen, Leanne Millar, Debbie Curtis and John Stocker, aims to raise at least £4,000 for charity Children With
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FIXTURES Februry 29
SATURDAY. FOOTBALL. BLUE SQUARE PREMIER. Forest Green v Oxford Utd. BRITISH GAS BUSINESS SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Premier Div: Halesowen v Banbury Utd. Div 1 South & West: Abingdon Utd v Uxbridge, Gosport Borough v Didcot Tn, Winchester v Oxford C.
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Cabbages and Kings
Half-term found me heading for the West Country - Devon and Cornwall in general, Totnes in particular. I was never a hippie, whatever that was, even though a now long-departed ex-Guardsman landowner described me as such when he saw me tie-less and wearing
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Woodland search called off
A SEARCH has been called off for a missing man whose car was found near woodland in Oxfordshire. John Farrow, 54, was last seen in Carterton on Monday and his car was later found in Tanner's Lane, Burford. Police have completed a search of woodland
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Woodland search for man called off
A search has been called off for a missing man whose car was found near woodland in Oxfordshire. John Farrow, 54, was last seen in Carterton on Monday and his car was later spotted abandoned in Tanner's Lane, Burford. Police have now completed a search
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Boris at centre of cigar case row
London mayor Ken Livingstone denied involvement in reporting Tory rival Boris Johnson to police last night over the alleged "illegal removal" of a cigar case from Iraq. Mr Johnson, who is the MP for Henley, has blamed the Scotland Yard inquiry on a
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Hundreds expected at Westgate meeting
Hundreds of people are tonight expected to pack a meeting organised to discuss the redevelopment of Oxford's Westgate Centre. Residents, councillors and environmental campaigners will be given the chance to offer their views on the multi-million-pound
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Hundreds due at Westgate meeting
HUNDREDS of people are tonight expected to pack a meeting organised to discuss the redevelopment of Oxford's Westgate Centre. Residents, councillors and environmental campaigners will be given the chance to offer their views on the multi-million pound
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Discover new friends as volunteer with League
Leagues of Friends have a long and proud history that predates the establishment of the NHS. It was acknowledged by Aneurin Bevan that there would always be a role for volunteers in providing health and social care services. As our health system comes
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Changing face — and heads — of the city
Repairs are constantly being carried out on Oxford's great classical buildings, writes CHRIS KOENIG "Beware of Falling Angels" read a famous notice in a decaying Venetian church some years ago. But what is less well known is that many of the
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Challenge and support
There will be some schools that will treat the arrival of superheads to help and advise them with suspicion. We hope and trust that they will greet these new arrivals with an open mind. It can only be good for heads and governing bodies to be challenged
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Salute to the potato
VAL BOURNE celebrates the vegetable's world importance 2008 is the International Year of the Potato. The serious message behind the campaign is that the potato can play a huge part in alleviating world hunger and poverty. The potato started life
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Jobs go at publisher
JOBS are being cut at the former Blackwell Publishing in Cowley, which was sold to US buyer Wiley 18 months ago. Wiley-Blackwell said the redundancy programme was being handled "with compassion" following the merger of Blackwell Publishing with US company
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Boy, 12, questioned over knife-point robbery
A 12-year-old boy has been quizzed over an attempted knife-point robbery. The youth, who cannot be named, has been rebailed until March 17 after being questioned by police over accusations he threatened a 10-year-old boy with a knife. Nothing was
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Flocking to the trust's flock
Lambing is upon us and one of the best attractions to see this in the county is at the Northmoor Trust at Little Wittenham, writes trust member CHARLOTTE COOKSON Here at the Northmoor Trust we are glad that spring is on its way. It's when the
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Paperback choice
Jumper: Griffin's Story Steven Gould (HarperVoyager, £6.99) This is a "back story" to Jumper, the book on which the film starring Jamie Bell is based. Gould wrote Jumper in 1992, and then, when the film rights were sold, wrote this tale, based in the
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Boy, 12, questioned over knife hold-up
A BOY aged 12 has been questioned over an attempted knifepoint robbery. The youth, who cannot be named, has been rebailed by police until March 17 after being questioned by police over accusations he threatened a ten-year-old boy with a knife. Nothing
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Book events
SATURDAY Talk: Novelist Barbara Trapido, author of Frankie and Stankie, reads from her forthcoming novel and talks about her writing life. Abingdon Arts Festival, 2pm, Roysse Room, Guildhall, Abingdon. Tickets £6 - places limited. MONDAY Talk: Eliza
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All that jazz steps
Birmingham Royal Ballet is a highlight of Dancin' Oxford. Director David Bintley talked to DAVID BELLAN about their thrilling triple bill In the opening progamme of its week in Oxford, the Birmingham Royal Ballet is presenting three works by David
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When I'm 64
Bestselling author Joanna Trollope may be 64, but she's not too old to go nightclubbing. In fact, she graced some of Britain's hottest nightspots as part of the research for her latest novel, Friday Nights, which features a budding female DJ. House was
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No misbehavin' now, it's time to listen to Fats
Fats Waller is celebrated in a musical being staged by the Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company, writes ANGIE JOHNSON The motto of the Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Company - Big Theatre in Small Spaces - has never rung more true than now while
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Multiplication
Ever had the feeling that you're acting out of character? Maybe you have lost your temper or become a very loud drunk, done something that you think is not really you'. Reading Rita Carter's Multiplicity should shake up that belief, especially if you
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Poet's sister
THE BALLAD OF DOROTHY WORDSWORTH Frances Wilson (Faber, £18.99)Dorothy Wordsworth, beloved sister of William, has been described as "probably the most remarkable and the most distinguished of English prose writers who never wrote a line for the general
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Digital tricks
Every year, digital cameras become more sophisticated, writes Helen Peacocke. They become cheaper, too, which is one of many reasons why virtually all photographers use them. They have certainly revolutionised modern photography. However, it is pointless
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A play that's all good, clean fun — or maybe not
HELEN PEACOCKE talks to Patricia Hodge about her starring role in The Clean House being staged at the Oxford Playhouse Critics describe Sarah Ruhl's play The Clean House as a comedy with the laughs coming thick and fast, but actress Patricia Hodge
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Beat poet
SAID AND DONE Roger McGough (Arrow Books, £8.99)Roger McGough, one of Britain's best-loved poets, begins his autobiography with a letter addressed to an audience waiting for him to perform, which states he has employed an out-of-work actor to impersonate
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From woollen mills to dreaming spires
Among the red brick turrets and stained glass of north Oxford they stand out like ziggurats; four blocks of early 1970s flats now approaching middle age, their reinforced concrete walls a little pock-marked and rain-streaked, the annealed glass of their
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M&S to impose carrier bag tax
MARKS & Spencer is to charge food customers 5p for every plastic carrier bag they use, the store chain said today. The charge is aimed at reducing demand for the bags, which campaigners say damage the environment. The chain said money raised from
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Dead driver not identified
A lorry driver killed on the M40 yesterday has yet to be formally identified. The man in his 40s was driving a German-registered lorry when it collided with a Polish articulated lorry, which was thought to be stationary, on the northbound carriageway
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Enjoy week of custard, eggs and polymers
ANNABEL COOK heralds Oxfordshire Science Week which aims to broaden the subject's appeal Holograms, prosthetic limbs, honey bees and onion DNA have one thing in common - they are all part of Oxfordshire Science Week, which runs from March
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A beautiful mind
She has been labelled a cold fish, a troublemaker and a bit of a lightweight - glancing through what has been written about Baroness Susan Greenfield, it quickly becomes evident that she has attracted more than her fair share of criticism. Why this should
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Pubs welcome drink ban
Drive more of us into pubs as a way to curb our anti-social drinking habits. That seems to be the reasoning behind a ban on drinking in public now being proposed for the whole of Abingdon. The call for the street drinking ban comes during the week that
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The house that Susan built
When estate agent Susan Morgan bought a plot of land in a desirable South Oxfordshire village, she realised that the site created a rare opportunity for a self-build project. Nineteen years later, her home - Badgers Brook at Great Haseley, near Thame
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Publishing profits up
STRONG growth in academic journals boosted the profits of publisher Informa, which employs more than 300 people in Oxfordshire. Peter Rigby, chairman of Informa, which has its journals publishing division at Milton Park, near Abingdon, said strong growth
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Smokers to test new drug
BIOTECH company Evotec, which employs 200 people at its Oxfordshire laboratories, is to test a new drug to help people give up smoking. The clinical trial involves 90 volunteer smokers, who will randomly receive either the drug, nicotine or a placebo
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Morning of misery on Radio 2
I don't know about you, but I switch on the radio in the morning in the hope of being cheered up. Well, at least I mean that I switch on Radio 2. If I want to start cross or morose, I will go to the Today programme on Radio 4 for Sarah Montague's horsey
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Shocking report on newspapers today
Columnist and Radio 4 presenter Libby Purves was the bearer of bad news this week for people who like to keep cushy job options 'in the family'. Writing in The Times she announced - which was news to me - that the practice is now a no-no at the Beeb.
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So how was it for you?
Did the earth move? It did round my way. I was shaken from my bed by what I thought was a tremendous gust of wind. First thing in the morning, I looked out of the window to check that my dangerously decayed rear chimney had not toppled. Next I switched
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Lectured by an annoying woman
Watch out, there's an eco-warrior about! The Woman Who Stops Traffic (Channel 4) introduced us to Kris Murrin, a lady who wants to get cars off the road. I try not to take an instant dislike to people but I made an exception in her case. Perhaps my dislike
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Giraffe, George Street, Oxford
The publicity that the Giraffe restaurant chain puts out about itself is so tiresomely twee that I am tempted to give the new Oxford branch a pasting on that basis alone. Go to their website (www.giraffe.net) and you will see the sort of yucky guff I
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Recipe for Mothering Sunday cake
Like Easter, Mothering Sunday, which takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is early this year. Today's children usually buy their mother a gift to mark the occasion. In Victorian times, however, it was traditional for girls working in service and
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College proves a seat of learning for chefs
Walking across Christ Church's Tom Quad, with the winter sun lighting up the buildings and adding a sparkle to the manicured lawns, is a delight. Such moments constantly remind me how lucky I am to work in such a beautiful city. I was there to meet up
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The Bank Job and Untraceable
Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais, the writing partnership behind The Likely Lads, Porridge and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, penned The Bank Job, a dramatisation of true-life crime on the streets of 1971 London. The film pilfers all of the essential ingredients
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Folksy hokum with art house kudos
A couple of front-rank auteurs have new titles on release this week. Hong Kong's Wong Kar Wai and the Dane Lars von Trier have always sought to challenge conventional narrative cinema, with Wong achieving an audiovisual sensuality that complements his
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Bernard D'Ascoli: Jacqueline du Pré Building
Last Friday's recital at the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building was a welcome opportunity to hear the French pianist Bernard d'Ascoli. The programme included works by four 19th-century contemporaries who between them revolutionised music for the piano and
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Preview of Art on the Hill, Brill
If you are interested in buying art and want to see a great selection of affordable art by professional and good amateur artists, then you have a hill to climb. That hill is real and not metaphorical. The village of Brill, 12 miles from Oxford, is perched
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Teechers: Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon, and touring
The theme of teachers is something everyone can relate to. As the promotional Government advert says, we can all remember that one teacher who either inspired us or (actually the advert doesn't say this) was collectively despised or derided by the whole
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Abingdon Arts Festival preview
Kicking off this year's Abingdon Arts Festival (March 1-15), will be another in ABCD Film Society's series of films linked to music performances. Marking the 60th anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams, St Nicolas Church will be the venue
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The Marian Consort, New College
Sometimes, as you enter a concert venue, you instantly sense that you are in for a particularly special evening. Such was the case with the Marian Consort's candlelit recital in the New College Ante-Chapel last Friday evening. The ambience created by
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Preview: Hendrik Bouman Harpsichord Recital: Holywell Music Room
A recital at Holywell Music Room tonight, to commemorate the birthday of Philip Bate (he of the eponymous instrument collection), will feature Dutch composer and early keyboard player Hendrik Bouman performing, on a self-built harpsichord, works by J.S.Bach
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The Deep Blue Sea: Everyman Theatre , Cheltenham
Mrs Elton has seen a good many things during her time as a nosey landlady. But never before has one of her tenants tried to commit suicide by gassing herself. Only the fact that she didn't put enough shillings in the meter prevented Hester Collyer from
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Elena Vorotko: Iffley Church Hall
Iffley Church Hall was packed to its rough-hewn rafters on Saturday night. At the piano sat a young woman from a little town on the Volga river. Strikingly austere in a plain black dress, her hair pulled tightly away from her face, Elena Vorotko struck
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Area to be protected
AN APPRAISAL of the St Clement's and Iffley Road Conservation Area has been given the thumbs-up by councillors. The appraisal identified the historically and culturally important features of the area which needed to be preserved, and highlighted possible
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Two cars crash outside school
EMERGENCY services were called last following a collision involving two cars outside Cokethorpe School, Ducklington. The accident took place on the the A415, close to the school grounds, at about 5.20pm yesterday. Oxfordshire Ambulance Control said
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Spies, the Oxford Playhouse
Michael Frayn's 2002 novel Spies is at once a compelling mystery story and an evocative celebration of childhood, its author's especially. Stylishly translated to the stage, in a co-production by Theatre Alibi and the Oxford Playhouse, it provides two
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Madama Butterfly: New Theatre, Oxford
Ellen Kent's admirable production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly with Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa has become something of an old friend, so frequent have been its visits to Oxford's New Theatre. Returning there last weekend, however, it had a quite
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Measure for Measure: OFS Studio, Oxford
Is it a comedy? Is it a tragedy? Is it neither? Is it both? Whatever it is, Measure for Measure is a problem play, and therefore always going to be difficult to interpret on stage. This student production is a lively, fresh view of the Bard's brood on
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Results reveal good progress
OXFORDSHIRE pupils are continuing to perform better than the national average at the age of 14. The results of last year's Key Stage Three tests, taken by all 14-year-olds in English, maths and science, were published today. Top of the county was
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Still waiting
A PLANNING application to build a three-storey building to house six flats in Cave Street has been put off for a second time. The application was withdrawn at the end of last year, then resubmitted. Members of Oxford City Council's east area committee
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Antisocial
It was perhaps inevitable that yob culture which once blighted Rose Hill in Oxford would return after the dispersal order was lifted. Police should not hesitate to reimpose it if there is clear evidence that groups of young people are up to their antisocial
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A council without a rudder
The fact that Oxford City Council struggles to provide value for money to its residents is, perhaps, one of the most predictable revelations of a report into Town Hall performance. Oxford levies one of the highest council tax rates and charges among
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Flats plan
DEVELOPERS Empire Homes have applied for planning permission from West Oxfordshire District Council to demolish the house at 31 Black Bourton Road, Carterton, and build six flats.
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Photographer wins awards
PHOTOGRAPHER Stuart Bebb - no stranger to winning awards - has just won a further two, including UK Photographer of the Year. Mr Bebb was named Contemporary Wedding Photographer of the Year 2007, at the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers'
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Crime time
RESIDENTS in Marston and Northway named speeding, antisocial behaviour and parking as their three main concerns during consultation, at a meeting of the Neighbourhood Action Group. They will form the main priorities for neighbourhood police to tackle
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Fears voiced on student hall plans
PEOPLE in a quiet Oxford close are waiting to see if a developer will be given permission to build student accommodation on nearby land. People living in Mattock Close, Headington, were relieved when plans to build two blocks of student flats were
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Seats available at Round Table
AN OXFORD fundraising organisation is launching a recruitment drive today for the first time in its 70-year history. Oxford Round Table is down to ten full members and two guests - the lowest it has ever had since it was formed in 1937. Despite
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Festival comes of age with stage
BANBURY'S 21st annual Blues Festival on Saturday, March 8, will feature, for the first time, an acoustic stage alongside the usual electric offerings. The festival will be held at Banbury Mill Arts Centre, starting at 7.30pm. The new stage will
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Disabled boy's £5m payout
A disabled boy who needs 24-hour care for life after being starved of oxygen when he was born at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital has won a £5m payout. Daniel Godfrey, 12, who suffers cerebral palsy and lives with his parents, Tina and Stephen, in Middleton
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Father's 300-mile ride to say thanks
WITH less than four weeks to go until their mammoth adventure, a team of Oxfordshire cyclists are getting fighting fit for the challenge. John Sammons' 300-mile ride, with three team-mates, is to say thank you to a charity which continues to help his
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Burial site plots running out
A SHORTAGE of burial space in Kidlington could mean residents are buried on land almost a mile from the parish church. The cemetery next to St Mary's Church is expected to run out of plots within five years, and parish councillors are desperate to
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Plots afoot
HOUSEBUILDERS could be forced to include allotments in new developments if a plan spearheaded by Banbury MP Tony Baldry gets the approval of Parliament. Mr Baldry wants to make allotment provision part of planning consent for new housing estates.
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Key Stage 3: Heads praise staff and pupils
Across the county The Warriner School, in Bloxham, was in second place overall, Langtree School, Woodcote was third highest achieving, The Marlborough School, Woodstock, was fourth, and Bartholomew School, Eynsham, was fifth. Larkmead School, Abingdon
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Key stage three results revealed
Oxfordshire pupils are continuing to perform better than the national average at the age of 14. The results of last year's Key Stage Three tests, taken by all 14-year-olds in English, maths and science, were published yesterday. Top of the county
