Archive
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Umm, maybe not!
Well, i couldn't have been more further from the mark could I. The game of the season - hardly! I watched the first half of Man Utd v Barcelona and then decided to do some much-needed tiling in the second. Seems I missed very little. But van der Saar
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Fresh delay over CCTV
The installation of CCTV cameras in Oxford's Cowley Road was delayed again tonight after councillors sent plans back to the drawing board. Members of the city's East Area Parliament discussed a scheme to install four wireless cameras to helpfight crime
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Patriotic spirit on show
PEOPLE across Oxfordshire celebrated St George's Day with a variety of patriotic events. In Greater Leys, Oxford, England's patron saint was honoured by staff and guests at a day centre for the over-60s with mental health problems. The Clockhouse
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Mischief making at The Living Room
Certain mischief makers, who shall remain nameless, were quick to point out the apparent laziness of Conservative councillors in holding a photoshoot last week at The Living Room (a trendy bar which is just a stone's throw from County Hall). Far from
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ET's an Extra Treat
Drama students are busy swotting up on everything from extraterrestrials to great white sharks for this year's Oxford Mail film festival. The pupils at Cheney School in Headington, Oxford, are exploring the themes of such blockbuster movies as Close
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Foster goes from zero to hero
Oxford United's star player Luke Foster described the turn-around in his season as "amazing" after achieving the rare accolade of being chosen as everyone's player of the year. The 6ft 2in centre back picked up both the Buildbase Players' Player of
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Positive signs for hospital
The future of The Horton Hospital at Banbury is back in the news. But this time, it appears that the Primary Care Trust is adopting a much more positive approach to the problems the hospital faces. Earlier, the trust had taken the easy way out by
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Appeal over 'lenient' sentence
A date has been set for a Court of Appeal hearing into an "unduly lenient" sentence handed to a paedophile by controversial Oxford judge Julian Hall. Callum Witheridge 18, formerly of Glyme Drive, Berinsfield, walked free from court in January after
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Showing some patriotic spirit
People across Oxfordshire celebrated St George's Day with a variety of patriotic events. In Greater Leys, Oxford, England's patron saint was honoured by staff and guests at a day centre for the over-60s with mental health problems. The Clockhouse,
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CRICKET: Taylors bowl over Freeland
Father and son Kevin and Jack Taylor bowled Great & Little Tew to a comprehensive 132-run victory at Freeland in the npower Village Cup first round. Tew lost the toss and were unsurprisingly inserted on a bitterly cold and overcast day. But despite
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CRICKET: Bradshaw joins Bicester from Kidlington
All-rounder Duncan Bradshaw has joined Bicester & North Oxford after being released by Kidlington. A change in the Home Counties Premier League's registration rules mean that Kidlington are unable to field European Union passport holder Bradshaw - as
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CRICKET: Horspath find calypso stars too hot
Horspath got a taste of real calypso cricket as they warmed up for the new season with a tour of Barbados. The 60-strong party, which included 20 playing members, discovered that despite the dip in fortunes of the West Indies team in the last two decades
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CRICKET: Fixture wanted
Risinghurst CC require a fixture - home or away - this Sunday. Contact Graham Drummond on 01865 767555.
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BAR BILLIARDS: Corner House edge it
Corner House A reached the Team Knockout Group A final in the Johnson's Buildbase Oxford & District League with a 3-2 win over Dolphin A at the Horse & Harrow. With the two sides locked together at 2-2, Alan Lacey beat Jimmy Robson 5,890-1,090. Mike
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GREYHOUNDS: Thursday's Oxford runners
7.35: Glencloy Burglar 3, Inchydoney Grove, MISSING JEWELS, Shelbourne Chloe, Pickyourmoment 2, Scala Panter. 7.50: Ballyhannon Lady, Hoppman Martin 3, BULLFINCH, Camblin Major 2, Perrys Sunset, Shellgrove Kelly. 8.05: Glowing Prospect, FARLOE POTTER
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Oil spill and crash cause queues
AN OIL spill and a crash led to long queues of traffic in north Oxfordshire earlier this evening. A spilt load of hydraulic oil over a one-mile stretch of the carriageway of the A43, north of Junction 10 of the M40, led to the closure of the road for
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Murder accused 'an easy target'
JURORS were told today that a man accused of murdering two squatters in a house fire was an "easy target" because he was a homeless drunk. James Cox, 63, of no fixed abode, denies killing Sian Sanchez 36, and Howard Blake, 51, in a fire at Redbridge
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Brook turns bright green
ENVIRONMENT Agency officers were called in after water in a Grove brook turned bright green. Investigators were called to Pill Ditch after residents noticed the water had changed colour yesterday. Scientists said the substance was not toxic or dangerous
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GOLF: O'Connor holds on to title
Katherine O'Connor cruised to victory in the BB&O Girls Championship at her home course Tadmarton Heath. O'Connor, 18, finished five shots ahead of Beaconsfield's Charlotte Nutt to make up for losing her Oxfordshire ladies title the previous week.
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GOLF: Tadmarton pip Frilford
Tadmarton Heath are now the only unbeaten team in Section 1 of the Shaw Gibbs Oxfordshire Foursomes League after defeating Frilford Heath 2-1. It was close in all three matches, but Owen King and Mark Hughes and Spencer Hallam and Andrew Mason secured
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GOLF: Harris succeeded by former pupil
Bob Harris has become North Oxford's general manager after spending 20 years as the club's head professional. Harris, 49, is succeeded by former North Oxford member Lee Jackson, whom he used to teach as a nine-year-old. Jackson, 34, was head teaching
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GOLF: Holder comes fifth
Tilly Holder finished an impressive joint fifth in the Roehampton Gold Cup after rounds of 77 and 76. The Oxford Ladies member was the second amateur, just a shot behind Emilee Taylor from Gainsborough, and beat a number of professionals. The Wychwood's
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GOLF: Results round-up
CHIPPING NORTON Seniors' Leech Cup - Div 1: 1 D Beck 86-17=69, 2 R Gillett 82-12=70, 3 D Pickett 83-12=71. Div 2: 1 J Quinn 99-27=72, 2 S Bunce 96-23=73, 3 R Watkins 98-24=74. Ladies' Match: Chipping Norton halved with Buckingham Ladies' Coronation
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RUGBY UNION: Team of season revealed
Oxfordshire's top side Chinnor are the best represented in my team of the season. South West 1 champions Chinnor have five in the starting XV, and are now at the same level as Henley. The score next to each player is their average from the oxfordmail.co.uk
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Murder accused 'an easy target'
Jurors were told today that a man accused of murdering two squatters in a house fire was an "easy target" because he was a homeless drunk. James Cox, 63, of no fixed abode, denies killing Sian Sanchez 36, and Howard Blake, 51, in a fire at Redbridge
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RUGBY UNION: Oxford heartbreak
Oxford Ladies host Midlands 1 leaders Lichfield 2nd in their final match on Sunday (3) needing a victory to guarantee second place. But they fear such a successful season may be their last with a number of players set to leave in the summer. Oxford
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RUGBY UNION: Walters wants county support
Jerry Walters is calling for Oxfordshire's rugby public to turn out in force as Wallingford play the biggest game in their history. Wallingford's chairman is determined they have as big a crowd as possible for Saturday's play-off clash Wootton Bassett
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RUGBY UNION: Banbury at the double
Banbury Under 10s bagged an excellent double in the Oxfordshire Mini Festival they hosted at Bodicote Park. Their A team defeated holders Wallingford, who were previous unbeaten, 10-0 in the final with captain Caleb Shepherd scoring both tries. Coach
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RUGBY UNION: Eight up for tens
Eight teams will compete for the title in Littlemore's third annual ten-a-side tournament on Saturday. Winners in 2006, Henley Street Invitational and holders The President's Select are both back for the event, which starts at 12.30pm. The tournament
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Horton child services 'safe'
Children's and maternity services at Banbury's Horton Hospital have been safeguarded for the next two years, according to a report from health bosses. Last month, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) rejected proposals put forward by Oxford Radcliffe
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RUGBY UNION: Evans in suspense
Chinnor's former director of rugby Lynn Evans was left on tenterhooks as they secured the South West 1 title. Evans, who is now developing coaches in North America, said: "I got news of the Chinnor result while watching the USA Collegiate Championships
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Brook water turns bright green
Environment Agency officers were called in after water in a Grove brook turned bright green. Investigators were called to Pill Ditch after residents noticed the water had changed colour yesterday. Scientists said the substance was not toxic or dangerous
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Help pin down problems
Families on an Oxford estate will have a chance to highlight hotspots of noise, antisocial behaviour, litter and overcrowding tomorrow. Three housing associations with homes in Greater Leys have created a map of the estate in preparation for a question-and-answer
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Mum and daughter missing
Police are concerned for the safety of a mother and child who went missing in Oxford yesterday. Maria Baltierra, 57, and her 15-year-old daughter Dominique Baltierra, are still believed to be in the area but police are worried for their well-being.
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Sleaze claim levelled at Boris
Henley MP Boris Johnson could face a Parliamentary inquiry for failing to declare shares in a TV company - just days before the London mayoral election. The Tory candidate, who has made much of his plans for greater financial transparency in City Hall
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60 year hitch
When war veteran Albert Courtney stopped to pick up a hitchhiker in Germany in 1946, he could not have imagined he was about to meet his future wife. But that is exactly what happened - and next week the couple celebrate 60 years of wedding bliss.
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Schools gets cash boost
A £489,000 building programme is under way to improve facilities at a primary school near Abingdon. The building work at Radley C of E Primary School is creating an extension to the side of the existing building. It will include: A purpose-built foundation
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Taking the Mickey at Disneyland Paris
DAMN, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn Disney... A shallow sentiment of course since I wholly enjoyed my 72-hour stay at the Parisian resort - and this despite the typical European weather that accompanied my visit. But hey, you can't have everything, although
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New parents group starts up
A new parents' group has started meeting in the Sunflower Room at Littlemore Community Centre. The group is aimed at parents with babies under 12 months old, although siblings are welcome. For more information call Helen Johnson on 01865 716739.
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Burger fans relish reopening
Burger fans across the city and beyond have been relishing the reopening of one of Oxford's legendary eateries. Peppers Burgers, in Walton Street, Jericho, has thrown open its doors once again after mysteriously shutting up shop last summer. Scores
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Nightmare neighbour faces jail
Nightmare neighbour Shannon Ryan is facing jail after admitting two breaches of an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo). Didcot magistrates told the mother-of-four from Abingdon her behaviour had been unacceptable and the breaches could lead to a prison
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Sir Charles Kimber
Sir Charles Kimber, former pub landlord and published author on the history of Oxfordshire County Council, has died aged 96. Sir Charles was a founder member of the Federal Union in 1938, an organisation that campaigned for federalism for the UK, Europe
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So you wanna be in Bugsy?
Hundreds of budding stage stars packed out an Oxford theatre as auditions got under way for a production of Bugsy Malone. Despite families having to fork out £120 for each child's "stage experience" - should they be selected - the OFS, in George Street
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ATHLETICS: Maxwell leads Harriers home
Marcus Maxwell brought home his Woodstock Harriers teammates into first place as they retained the Oxfordshire Road Relay title over an undulating 3.2-mile course at Hook Norton. Harriers comfortably beat west Oxfordshire rivals Witney Roadrunners into
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ATHLETICS: Radley make swift return to top-flight
Radley's women secured promotion back to the Alpha competition as they won the Alpha-Beta Trophy meeting at Lee Valley in London on Saturday. After last season's relegation to the Beta competition, Radley showed their class in this meeting, with the
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ATHLETICS: Bouncing Bibby is national champion
Joe Bibby, from Radley, was in fine form as he took the gold medal to become the national speed bounce champion for under 15 boys at the Sportshall National final at the NEC in Birmingham. Bibby recorded 96 bounces in 30 seconds, missing out on a national
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ATHLETICS: Ready to be Mota-vated?
The first round of the 2008 Mota-vation Series takes place at Charlton-on-Otmoor next Thursday, starting at 7.30pm. Postal entries have now closed, but runners can register on the night. Visit kidlingtonrunning. org.uk for more details
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 69 BMW 2668 Electrocomponents 192 Nationwide Accident Repair 126.5 Oxford Biomedica 23.75 Oxford Catalyst 168.5 Oxford Instruments 214.25 REED 640.75 RM 197.75 RPS Group 311 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Man missing since Monday
POLICE have appealed for information on the whereabouts of a missing man from west Oxfordshire. Steven Wiltshire, 22, was last seen at his family home in Back Lane, Aston, near Bampton, on Monday. PC Denise Trafford said: "Steven has gone missing
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Man missing since Monday
Police have appealed for information on the whereabouts of a missing man from west Oxfordshire. Steven Wiltshire, 22, was last seen at his family home in Back Lane, Aston, near Bampton on Monday. Pc Denise Trafford said: "Steven has gone missing
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Wrong address
Having read many letters regarding poor standards of service from Royal Mail, I felt I had to add tales of my experiences. Over the past few months, I have been receiving mail for the Stanton Ballard Charitable Trust, addressed at PO Box 81 OX4 4ZA.
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Use your vote
I hope everyone will use their vote in the Oxford City Council elections on Thursday, May 1. I know some postal voters already have. Every single person's opinion counts. City council elections help to decide your council tax, car park charges, how
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Simple way to escort troops
I noted with interest David Youd's comments about Thames Valley Police being unable to supply motorcycle outriders for war dead being transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital from RAF Lyneham (Oxford Mail, April 15). Chief Constable Sara Thornton,
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My wedding in Africa
Three years ago, South African couturier Adel Kotze opened her studio, Adel Kotze Bride, in Woodstock, and last year launched her first collection of bridal gowns at a glitzy catwalk show at Blenheim Palace. Adel, 31, who has been a couturier for eight
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All at sea
Forty-foot waves, extreme heat, exhaustion and even pirates couldn't stop two Oxfordshire women rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Part of a team of four blondes dubbed The Atlantic Angels, Sarah Duff, 24, and Clair Desborough, 32, had no engine
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Running
Exercise is very good for you and we always promote it but if you suddenly take up a new sport or increase training from a low to a high level, you put yourself at increased risk of injury," Dr Newton explained. She frequently sees what are termed
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Noelle's knowledge
Whether you're looking for a designer bra, Paul Smith shirt, 42-inch digital TV, your favourite glossy mag or a new car, sit back in comfort while you buy. www.saveoo.com is rather like ebay but in reverse. Mostly featuring large purchases such as
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Far from the madding crowd
Sometimes a place can be so perfect it takes your breath away - and that is exactly the effect Bamford Hay Barn had on me. If you want to find a peaceful world where you can be pampered, or regain serenity through meditation, then this sanctuary, seemingly
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A class act
Lucia van der Post has spent 25 years dishing out advice on matters such as where to buy the best smoked salmon and packing for a weekend away. She edited the Financial Times' How To Spend It section and later magazine for nigh on a quarter of a century
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Mother and daughter go missing
POLICE today appealed for help to trace a 57-year-old woman and her 15-year-old daughter who have gone missing in Oxford. Maria Baltierra and her 15-year-old daughter Dominque were reported from an address in Oxford yesterday. Maria Baltierra is
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Missing man returns home
A MAN who went missing from his home in Headington has returned home safe and well. Steven Williams, 40, of Leiden Road, Headington, was reported missing to police on Wednesday, April 16. He returned home over the weekend.
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Living Doll
Sanni is what is known as a reborning doll. Put simply, these are plastic dolls that are carefully prepared and painted to make them look uncannily like newborns. Reborning has become so popular that there are websites, magazines, internet forums and
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Jewellery Designers
When most of us go shopping for jewellery our first instinct is to head for the high street. Many of us don't realise that right on our doorstep we have some of the most creative jewellery designers and artisans in the country. Many of these are opening
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Teenage robbers steal keys
Two muggers stole a man's keys after threatening him in an Oxford street. He was walking along Long Close, in Wood Farm, between 10pm and 11pm on Monday when he was approached by two teenagers who grabbed him and demanded his keys. The man shouted for
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Dedicated followers of fashion
Designer looks and catwalk shows don't always dictate what's in vogue. It's impossible to buy haute couture fashion without a superstar's salary, so our budgets always have a bearing on the look of the moment. Throughout the decades, even if there
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Railway warning detonators stolen
Thieves have stolen 40 detonators from a railway depot in Oxfordshire. The detonators can explode, causing injury, if they receive a hard blow or come into contact with fire, say police. British Transport Police said they could be dangerous to children
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Man robbed of house keys
A MAN was attacked and robbed of his house keys in Oxford. The robbery happened in Long Close, Wood Farm, on Monday between 10pm and 11pm. A man was walking along Long Close when he was approached by two youths who threatened and grabbed him. They
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I hate to say I told you so....
well, I nearly did! I predicted the Liverpool v Chelsea match would hardly set the world alight, and it didn't seem to. As I was watching Oxford, I had to make do with highlights, and was not overly impressed. At least Riise livened up the match, because
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Detonators stolen from rail depot
BRITISH Transport Police today appealed for information after 40 railway detonators were stolen from a depot in Bicester. The theft is thought to have taken place overnight on Monday, April 21. Acting Sergeant Damon Lewis, of British Transport
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Firefighters tackle house blaze
FIRE crews were called to a house in East Oxford today after the frame of a bay window of a terraced house caught alight. The blaze began at the house in Regent Street, shortly before 10am, and ten firefighters took an hour to tackle the blaze.
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Driver cut free after crash
A DRIVER was freed from his vehicle by firefighters after his car crashed in West Oxfordshire early today. Paramedics took the driver to hospital after the car crashed into a hedge on the A40, between Ducklington and Burford, at 6.40am. The extent
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Update: Strike to hit 52 schools
THE number of schools in Oxfordshire affected by tomorrow's teachers' strike has risen to 52. Of the 232 primary schools, 33 secondary schools and one academy in the county, 31 have confirmed they will close and another 21 only have lessons for some
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UPDATE: School closure list hits 52
The number of schools in Oxfordshire hit by tomorrow's teachers' strike has hit 52. Of the 232 primary schools, 33 secondary schools and one academy in the county, 31 have confirmed they will close and another 21 only have lessons for some pupils.
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Firefighters tackle house blaze
Fire crews were called to a house in East Oxford this morning after the frame of a bay window of a terraced house caught alight. The blaze began at the house in Regent Street, off Hurst Street, shortly before 10am, and 10 firefighters took an hour to
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Driver cut free after crash
A driver was freed from his vehicle by firefighters after crashing his car in West Oxfordshire early today. Paramedics took the driver to hospital after the car crashed into a hedge on the A40, between Ducklington and the Burford junction, at 6.40am
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UPDATE: Strike to affect 43 schools
OVER 40 schools are now expected to be shut or have some classes closed in tomorrow's strike by teachers over pay. This morning the list of schools Oxfordshire County Council or the National Union of Teachers is forecasting as affected stood at 43.
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'Angry' music video portrays estate
Hooded youngsters patrol a derelict estate, strolling down a maze of alleyways before greeting each other with street-style handshakes. Suddenly, one of the gang flares up and the scene erupts in violence. Fists, feet and weapons are used as the teenager
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Limited Edition a four-time winner
Oxfordshire Limited Edition was named regional colour supplement of the year at the Newspaper Awards for the fourth time in a row last night. Judges said the category attracted a bigger than ever entry this year and Limited Edition, published on the
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Greaser
Went to pick up Littl'un from nursery and was greeted by a toddler with a greased-back hair-do. "That's different! - Has she been painting or something?" I asked her teacher. "No, she came in this morning like that." she told me. Turned out Himself had
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Hefty fine
Pub landlords and anyone else thinking of defying the smoking ban should beware. Enforcement of the law may be low on the list of priorities for police and council staff. But the bill of £5,765 in fines and costs imposed on South Leigh publican Gerry
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Lock-keepers to lose homes
EIGHT Oxfordshire lock-keepers and their families will be forced to find new homes after the Environment Agency announced it plans to sell off or rent out their properties. A lock-keeper's house in Laburnum Road, Botley, will be sold and properties
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Lyndsay is new Miss Oxford Mail
Teenager Lyndsay Fayle stole a march on her rivals to win the Miss Oxford Mail title. Lyndsay, 16, from Denchworth, near Wantage, whose brother is in the Royal Marines, said she was "ecstatic and elated" after getting the most votes from judges at yesterday's
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Lock-keepers to lose homes
Eight Oxfordshire lock-keepers and their families will be forced to find new homes after the Environment Agency announced it plans to sell off or rent out their properties. A lock-keeper's house in Laburnum Road, Botley, will be sold and properties
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Changing bad news into good
We are bamboozled every day with statistics of all sorts. As a nation, we must employ an army of people working them all out. We, the public, are then left to try to make sense of them. The latest figures to be revealed show that offences involving
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Pupils clean up for charity
CHILDREN armed themselves with soap and sponges for a charity car-washing session. The ten- and 11-year-olds from Uffington primary school joined parents to clean 20 cars to raise more than £300, which will go to a St John Ambulance project in Ghana
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Landlord issues call to patriots
PUBLICAN Damian Cawood has urged Oxfordshire's men and women to get patriotic today by toasting the spot where St George vanquished the dragon. The landlord of the Fox and Hounds in High Street, Uffington, said legend had it that England's patron saint
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Lakes battle goes to High Court
CAMPAIGNERS have submitted an application to the High Court in the ongoing battle to save Radley Lakes. Radley Parish Council is seeking a judicial review of the decision by Oxfordshire County Council not to give the land around Thrupp and Bullfield
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Paper boy in stolen cycle plea
A PAPER boy who had his new cycle stolen still managed to finish his round on foot. Sam Smith, of Church Street, Didcot, was delivering papers in the town's Kynaston Road, on Saturday morning, when a gang of four teenagers pulled up in a blue car
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Shop books place in awards
A BOOKSHOP owner is hoping for success in a prestigious awards ceremony. Mostly Books bookshop, in Stert Street, Abingdon, has been open for just under two years and has been shortlisted for the British Book Industry Awards' New Bookshop of the Year
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Strike could affect 40 schools
Up to 40 oxfordshire schools are expected to close or cancel lessons tomorrow as teachers go on strike over pay. The one-day strike by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) is the first for 21 years and will involve about 600 of the county's teachers
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Belly dancers shake up conference
MORE than 100 belly dancers came together to wiggle their hips at an annual conference in Oxford. The Oxford Belly Dance Bonanza attracted dancers from across the country. There were 102 performers at the event at Oxford Community School, Glanville
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Village celebrates its 'survival'
A SMALL south Oxfordshire village is preparing to celebrate its survival 60 years after plans to kill it off were put forward. Letcombe Bassett, near Wantage, was almost absorbed into its neighbouring village Letcombe Regis, under Government policies
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Fountain's future dries up
A CAMPAIGN to get water flowing through a Victorian fountain in East Oxford looks set to be shelved today. For 18 years campaigners, led by Erica Steinhauer, of the Plain Traders' Association, have been trying to bring the fountain at The Plain, which
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Landlord fined for flouting smoking ban
A licensee who admits he flouted the anti-smoking law in his pub and restaurant for nearly two years says he will now toe the line after a big court bill. Gerry Stonhill was handed fines and costs of £5,765 at Witney Magistrates' Court but revealed
