Archive
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Police honour tragic officer
Friends and family of a police officer who died while pregnant with twins gathered today to bid farewell to a “very special person”. More than 100 officers and PCSOs lined the pathway to Barton Crematorium as a mark of respect for Pc Sarah Underhill
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Court row pair flee owing £40,000
A family who harassed their neighbours for five years have fled the country without handing over £40,000 they owe in damages. The Ho family, of Tweed Crescent, Bicester, were found guilty of harassing Paula and Robert Burden at Oxford County Court 18
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Jury clears man of rape allegation
A married father-of-two spoke of his relief after being cleared of raping a woman he met in an Oxford takeaway. Duran Palmer broke down in tears after the jury at Oxford Crown Court returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict today after three hours of
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Champions join Olympic parade
Two of the county's Olympic medallists spoke of their pride at being hailed for their sporting success by thousands of supporters in London. Windsurfer Bryony Shaw, who honed her skills on Farmoor Reservoir, and Wheatley rower Frances Houghton
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Original fountain plans uncovered
The original architects' drawings for the Victorian fountain at The Plain roundabout in East Oxford have been discovered. The plans, thought to have been lost decades ago, were discovered at Oxford Town Hall among other archives. Work is being
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Fined £800 over Big Mac meal
A jobless man ended up with a bill of more than £800 for a £3.59 McDonald's meal he left on a bench. Anthony Chilton was fined £350 by magistrates and ordered to pay £537 in costs after he littered a bench with the remains of a Big Mac meal. The fine
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TV fashion stars give out tips
TV fashion gurus Trinny and Susannah ran their eyes over Oxford shoppers yesterday and were impressed by what they saw. The famously honest duo of Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, stars of ITV’s Undress the Nation, were in the city
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FOOTBALL: Bicester hit by Elkington injury blow
Strugglers Bicester Town have suffered a blow to their survival hopes after Ben Elkington was ruled out for the season following a knee operation. It was hoped he would play some part in their FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division campaign, but
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FOOTBALL: Merritt is aiming to sink old pals
Justin Merritt will be pitting his wits against his former side when Oxford City host Aylesbury in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday. The City boss spent a number of seasons at Aylesbury who are flying high in Southern League Division
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Tax demand at father's funeral
A grieving daughter was approached at her father's funeral by a council officer chasing her for his outstanding council tax. Jenny Downey was quizzed by a Cherwell District Council officer after the service at Banbury's St John's Church as she was preparing
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Oh no! Logo no-go
A much-touted new £15,000 logo for Didcot has been scrapped and replaced by another, costing thousands more. South Oxfordshire District Council unveiled Didcot's new logo produced by international branding and design firm Lloyd Northover in
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FOOTBALL: Railwaymen face Paulton test
Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace has praised his team's battling qualities and called for more of the same in Saturday's British Gas Business Southern League Division 1 South & West trip to Paulton Rovers. It follows Monday night's game at high-flying
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Archi-detect
The original architects' drawings for the Victorian fountain at The Plain roundabout in East Oxford have been discovered. The plans, thought to have been lost decades ago, were discovered at Oxford Town Hall among other archives. Work is currently
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Tributes paid to WPC
A police officer who died while pregnant with twins was described as "caring and generous" at her funeral today. PC Sarah Underhill, 37, of Wallingford, died from complications during pregnancy on Sunday, October 5. Doctors were able
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U's are in a tough run
Oxford United are in a run of games where every team they come up against seems to be in top form – and it's the same with Burton Albion on Saturday. The Brewers have won four and drawn one of their last five Blue Square Premier games, and that includes
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United cry out for striker who bangs in the goals
There's not much doubt where one of Oxford United's main problems lies this season. They don't have anybody banging in the goals on a regular basis. James Constable said at the start he was confident of getting close to 20 this campaign. But injuries
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Hayes boss relishing Cup clash
Hayes & Yeading manager Garry Haylock says he's not worried about his team being motivated, or about fitness levels, against United in the FA Cup next week – but he is concerned about the Oxford players' extra speed of thought. The Blue
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RUGBY UNION: Maudsley quits
Matt Maudsley has quit as Oxford Harlequins' director of rugby after their dismal start to the season. Former Chinnor coach John Brodley will take over for the rest of a campaign, which has seen them lose all five South West 1 matches so far
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Quid for the kids
There's a bucket collection with a difference at Oxford United's match against Burton Albion at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, October 18. OxVox have organised it to boost the club's youth development coffers. They are asking fans attending
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Luck of the draw
Oxford United seem to have turned the corner in one respect – they now seem to be getting favourable draws in the FA Cup. Hayes & Yeading's visit next week to the Kassam Stadium means they have been drawn away from home six times running. But those
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Brookes recognises Olympian rowers
Seven Olympians from the Beijing games were welcomed back to Oxford Brookes University this week. Brookes might not be as world famous as the 'place down the road' when it comes to rowing. But few educational institutions in Britain can have produced
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Massive projects on edge of city
Two major developments off Oxford's ring road could feature a new centre for the emergency services, a business park and hundreds of new homes. One of the schemes would see a bridge built over the A40 as part of a scheme that would see 800 to 1,200
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Tributes paid to tragic WPc
A police officer who tragically died while pregnant with twins was described as "caring and generous" at her funeral today. Pc Sarah Underhill, 37, of Wallingford, died from complications during pregnancy on Sunday, October 5. Doctors
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 37.75 BMW 2197 Electrocomponents 162 Nationwide Accident Repair 124.5 Oxford Biomedica 7.9 Oxford Catalyst 171 Oxford Instruments 233 Reed Elsevier 552 RM 168.5 RPS Group 241 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 38.25 BMW 1575 Electrocomponents 139.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 115 Oxford Biomedica 5.5 Oxford Catalyst 170 Oxford Instruments 208.5 Reed Elsevier 465.5 RM 168 RPS Group 204.75
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RUGBY UNION: Chinnor ring the changes
Chinnor coach Jason Bowers has taken a chance to rotate his large squad for their EDF Energy National Trophy tie at home to fellow National 3 South club Lydney. The Chinnor squad shows a host of changes from the side that lost narrowly to Richmond
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Sewer flood work delayed
A widow living under the constant threat of flooding is a "nervous wreck" after hearing work to fix a broken drain near her home has been delayed. Iris Lancaster's house and garden were badly flooded earlier this year because of a nearby cracked culvert
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Alonso leads call for reform
Fernando Alonso today led the call for a former driver to join the highly-criticised race stewards’ panel. The three-man body that sits in judgment at each race has been slated on numerous occasions this season following a number of controversial decisions
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FIXTURES October 17
SATURDAY. FOOTBALL. BLUE SQUARE PREMIER. Oxford Utd v Burton Albion. FA TROPHY. 1st qual round: AFC Totton v Abingdon Utd, Banbury Utd v Burnham, Oxford City v Aylesbury Utd, Tiverton Tn v N Leigh. BRITISH GAS BUSINESS SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Div 1 South
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Find me a bargain
DEAR JESSICA: The rising cost of student fees, and my summer earnings locked up in the Icelandic banking system has left me completely skint. I still want to enjoy good wine. Is there any wine that costs less than £3 a bottle and tastes good? Sarah G,
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Wolvercote farmer's market
Diddy chairs and the smell of disinfectant — weren't our school days meant to be the best time of our lives? If you fancy going back to school without the hassle of teachers, homework and bullying, pop along to Wolvercote Primary between 10am and 1pm
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The Fox, Hyde Road, Denchworth, near Grove 01235 868258
YOU'LL have to travel 76 miles before you get a sniff of sea air — to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, no less — but you can now get fine seafood from Britain and abroad in a quaint, thatched pub in the Vale of White Horse. The Fox at Denchworth recently
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ROWING: Olympic heroes feted in Henley
Most of the Oxford area’s Olympic medal winners were at Henley on Saturday, feted at a Leander Club-based day of celebration. This included a reception at the River and Rowing Museum, followed by a row down the river and then an open-bus parade around
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32 1/2 weeks!!!!
I am at 32 ½ weeks. Have been really busy of late sorting everything out. It is amazing how much one little person actually needs. Recent purchases have included nail scissors, travel changing mat, moses basket and non-biological washing powder!!
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Writer finds some Tolkien points
Bob Blackham can't quite believe his luck. The 60-year-old Brummie, a former power station engineer, started his writing career quite late in life but has stolen a march on Oxford's scholarly dons by compiling a guide to the Oxford connections of JRR
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RACING: Amour Propre is another flying machine for Candy
Wantage trainer Henry Candy seems to have found yet another smart sprinter after Amour Propre stormed to victory in the Willmott Dixon Cornwallis Stakes at Ascot. The Kingstone Warren handler, who has been responsible for the likes of flying
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Ex-United player hanged himself
A former Oxford United goalkeeper who was found dead in bushes in Manchester committed suicide, an inquest has heard. Tim Carter, who played 17 times for United during the 1995/96 season, had been going through a "difficult time" following the birth
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Sewer flood work delayed
A widow living under the constant threat of flooding is a "nervous wreck" after hearing work to fix a broken drain near her home has been delayed. Iris Lancaster's house and garden were badly flooded earlier this year because of a nearby cracked
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Shooting from the hip
'I was in the stage production of Trainspotting in 2006,” says Laura Harvey. "We toured the UK and I got to know the producers who are also responsible for Vagina. "Consequently, last year I ended up as the understudy for the celebrities". This explains
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Get your cushions ready ...
It's enough to make you scream... A horror-themed late-night Halloween film festival which is: FREE for students!* Includes FREE beer or glass of wine! FREE Introductory Student Membership to the Phoenix Picturehouse cinema! A bar that stay opens
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Store rapped over underage drink
Sainsbury's staff have twice been caught selling alcohol to children in a police operation. And Grove newsagents McColls is facing a review of its alcohol licence after it was also caught in the joint police and Vale of White Horse initiative
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Cyclist tribute cash floods in
A fund to raise money for an air ambulance has been inundated with donations since the death of Banbury company boss Graham Lees. Mr Lees, 48, was taking part in a charity cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End when he died in a collision involving
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BURN AFTER READING (15)
After the agonising tension and brutality of their Oscar-winning opus No Country For Old Men, writer-directors Joel and Ethan Coen return to comedic territory with this pithy tale of espionage and infidelity. Burn After Reading is not classic Coen brothers
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Ex-addict shares her story
A former drug addict with a history of mental health problems has written a "raw and honest" memoir about her life in Oxford. Fabia Cerra fell into the depths of depression, and attempted suicide three times before finding the love of her life in Blackbird
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The Carr's the star
Waiting outside a major bookstore for a book signing event with comedy king of camp Alan Carr, I think I’ve found the man himself chatting to his fans in the queue. The trademark black-rimmed glasses and buck teeth are unmistakable, until I
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EAGLE EYE (12A)
Big sister is watching you. Mobile phone signals can be tracked to within a few feet and your emails easily intercepted, while CCTV cameras monitor every inch of our biggest cities. Privacy is an illusion. You can run but you definitely can’t hide
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Oxfam launches 'Feed World' appeal
Oxfam has launched a £15m fundraising appeal to combat the effects of rising world food prices. The Cowley-based charity said the increased cost had pushed an extra 119 million people into hunger, taking the global total to almost a billion. The initiative
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As cool as a cat
Glenn Tilbrook is a successful solo artist, writing his own songs, and packing out venues. But to a generation of pop lovers he will always be one thing — the bloke out of Squeeze. He may protest, and talk of the following his new band
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IGOR (PG)
Every memorable villain needs a pitiful, snivelling minion to torture and berate when his, or her, diabolical master plan falls apart. Look at Captain Hook and salty seadog Smee, Voldemort and Wormtail, or Cruella De Vil and bumbling henchmen Jasper
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Comeback award
The John Darwin Award for Remarkable Comebacks this month goes to Spiritualized's Jason 'Spaceman' Pierce, who has not only bounced back after a near-death experience due to pneumonia, but is on possibly the best form of his career. His show at the
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Farewell to ska legend
Sad news this week on the demise of one of the true greats of music, Alton Ellis. The word legend is bandied around far too lavishly, and in most cases is utterly unwarranted. But Alton lived up to the accolade in every way, as his many fans in Oxford
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Rural retreat
My freinds and I clambered ungracefully from my knackered old Peugeot out into the car park next to Witney Market Square last Friday. From here we began to walk in the general direction of the bright and bustling hive of activity that appeared to be
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Reel thing
Cara Dillon has done for Irish folk what Seth Lakeman did in England — she has made it cool and sexy. Forget notions of 'twiddle-de-dee' reels and stiff Riverdance-style prancing around; this is gorgeous stuff. Cara's voice is hauntingly
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Fordy saves cash and a trip to Barrow
Oxford City have saved themselves a hefty expenses bill – thanks to quick-thinking from assistant manager Mike Ford (pictured above). As soon as the FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw was made late on Monday morning, City anxiously looked at where
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Streamlined system
It is always interesting to receive advice about Oxford’s rubbish from Witney and Didcot (Oxford Mail, October 11). But Labour believes Oxford residents know best what will help them to recycle more. In the bad old days, we used to have one collection
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Back on the road
Although not wishing to appear a complainer, I’ve seen a few letters lately about inconsiderate cycling, causing collisions with pedestrians on towpaths, footpaths and pavements etc. I admit seeing many stupid cycling antics supporting the view — cyclists
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A bowl of soup for Christmas
Yet again it would appear that the poor old taxpayer is going to suffer most because of this global economic crisis. Our councils have invested millions in those Icelandic banks and it would seem that the money — our money — may be lost forever. Oh
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Help us hit our target
I was deeply saddened to read your article about the death of 11-year-old schoolboy Andrew Tapper to meningitis (Oxford Mail, October 13. I lost my son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia and can well imagine the pain that all those
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Police can't win
I feel Simon Stone's heartfelt complaint may have been more to do with embarrassment when, in his own words, he was reprimanded in front of a "young and attractive female PCSO" for having a dirty and illegible rear number plate (Oxford Mail, October 9
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Cabbages and Kings
The 10-year-old boy was being teased unmercifully by adults and children alike. It was an impossible eight-to-one contest. Tears were close. Not even his mother came to his rescue. She was firmly among the tormentors, as was his older sister, who seemed
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Iceland bank crisis: university could lose £30m
The collapse of the Icelandic banking system has left Oxford University facing losses of up to £30m, it emerged today. The university has confirmed that five per cent of its cash deposits are invested in three of the country's banks. It is now calling
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University faces £30m loss
The collapse of the Icelandic banking system has left Oxford University facing losses of up to £30m, it emerged today. The university has confirmed that five per cent of its cash deposits are invested in three of the country's banks. It is now calling
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34 caught in seatbelt checks
One motorist was caught almost every four minutes not wearing their seatbelt during checks by police in Oxford this morning. Police spotted 34 motorists without their belts in vehicles turning off Wolvercote roundabout into Woodstock Road,
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Drivers fined over lack of seatbelts
One motorist was caught almost every four minutes not wearing their seatbelt during checks by police in Oxford this morning. Police spotted 34 motorists without their seatbelts in vehicles turning off Wolvercote roundabout into Woodstock Road, North
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Theatrical tales from Spinetti's private diary
Richard Burton once described him as the most underrated actor in the country, but Victor Spinetti is still familiar to most people for his roles in the Beatles films, writes NICK UTECHIN "I thought he was dead!" someone said when I told him
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Sleeping Beauty: New Theatre, Oxford
This is a splendid and authentic version of the famous ballet. Mounted by Kenneth MacMillan, it was based on the detailed notation of the original Petipa work of 1890, brought out of Russia by Nicolas Sergeyev when he fled the Revolution. Sergeyev presented
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The Masked Canterbury Tales: OFS Studio
I am always happy to indulge in a bit of Chaucer, whether it be masked or otherwise. One of the English language’s earliest literary superstars, his selection of tales following the adventures of a disparate group of pilgrims on the road to St Thomas
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Fabric of Life: Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
Textiles are traditionally associated with unremarked domesticity and everyday clothing. This exhibition moves textiles into a new realm where pieces are primarily decorative and ornamental, where they clearly speak for themselves. Some are quite beautiful
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Agamemnon: The Oxford Playhouse
The Oxford University Classical Drama Society’s production of Agamemnon continues their aim of presenting each of their shows as true as possible to the original spirit of the text. It proves to be hardly a crash course in Greek tragedy. But the well-known
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Can you make the perfect fit in supporting care?
The Nettlebed Hospice is urging local people to step forward and find their Perfect Fit — a volunteering opportunity to suit them. Since its launch 18 months ago, the Perfect Fit campaign has been reminding people of the many different roles they
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Two waifs and strays wandering the county
An accident at home forces CHRIS KOENIG to tour some of Oxfordshire's more intriguing sights Here is a piece of information which might interest the odd reader: "Fire in Milton-under-Wychwood, no one much hurt." Well, perhaps not. The occurrence
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Big Draw festival
The earth is the theme of this year's national Big Draw festival being celebrated in Oxford and Witney this weekend. The ninth Big Draw, which attracts people of all ages, takes place at the Museum of the History of Science, Broad Street, Oxford
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Caterpillar's year
VAL BOURNE on stopping brassicas falling prey to Cabbage Whites The year 2008 was designated the Year of Reading and the Year of the Potato. But I have renamed it the Year of the Cabbage White Caterpillar. It seems others feel the same because
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Less than 3 weeks til due date
Hello all. Well im now 37 and a bit weeks gone so less than 3 weeks to go til due date. Ive had a bit of a bad week really, but i think im finally on top of it. After all my probs I have finally been diagnosed with SPD which is a very painful problem
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Help make birds feel at home
Feed the Birds Day — the annual event to support British garden birds — takes place next week Once again the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is organising its national Feed the Birds Day and the society is urging people to think about
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Writer's homage to era is steamy novel
PETER BARRINGTON talks to novelist and historian Stephen Done who extends his passion for railways with a crime novel set in the days of steam When he was a lad of about eight, Stephen Done thought it was about time he fulfilled an ambition and
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Actors have just two days before curtain rises
Two county actors are taking part in a challenge — staging the musical Me and My Girl in just 48 hours, writes A. S. H. SMYTH Shaw — “Am reserving two seats for my show. Come bring a friend — if you have one.” Churchill — “Impossible
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Birthday encore
This month, the Oxford Playhouse celebrates 70 years in its Beaumont Street home, writes GILES WOODFORDE Memories. When you reach 70, you have usually accumulated a fair few — be they funny, serious, or sad. Perhaps the same can be said about
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£887 cost of leaving litter
A man has been fined £350, with costs totalling £537, after leaving a fast food bag on a bench. Anthony Chilton, of Grimsbury, Banbury, was hit with the bill after abandoning a large bag of McDonald's food outside the Marks &Spencer store
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Fashion gurus in town
Fashion gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine will be in Oxford today signing copies of their new book Who Do You Want to be Today? The pair will be in Borders bookshop in Magdalen Street from 12.30pm.
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Motorcyclist sufffers minor injuries
A motorcyclist had a lucky escape this morning in a collision with a lorry on the A34. The accident happened at 8.07am on the northbound carriageway, near the Abingdon north junction. Thames Valley Police spokesman Vicky Brandon said the motorcyclist
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Rider hurt in A34 crash
A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a lorry on the A34 near Abingdon today. The accident happened at 8.07am on the northbound carriageway, near the Abingdon north junction. Thames Valley Police spokesman Vicky Brandon said the motorcyclist
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Couple escape cottage blaze
A couple escaped their burning home after smelling smoke in the early hours of today. Firefighters said the couple had a lucky escape after smelling burning and seeing flames at their cottage on the Manor Farm Estate in East Ginge shortly before 3.40am
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Couple flee blazing home
A couple escaped their burning home after smelling smoke in the early hours of today. Firefighters said the couple had a lucky escape after smelling burning and seeing flames at their cottage on the Manor Farm Estate in East Ginge shortly before 3.40am
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County's healthcare 'improving'
Staff at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals have been given an "excellent" rating for the first time for their quality of patient care. The Healthcare Commission runs an annual health check for hospitals and assessed the ORH's performance against key
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Staff praised for 'excellent' care
Staff at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust have been given an "excellent" rating for the first time for their quality of patient care. The Healthcare Commission runs an annual health check for hospitals and assessed the ORH's performance against
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A birthday bash with Rumpole of the Bailey
One of my favourite second-hand book shops is Oxfam in St Giles, which next month celebrates its 21st birthday. In 1987, staff member Vera Jefferson came up with the idea for the shop because she was tired of lugging books around to book fairs
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U's cut prices for FA Cup tie
Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas says the club owed it to the fans to reduce ticket prices for their FA Cup clash with Hayes and Yeading – despite their financial crisis. The U's have cut prices across the board for the match on Saturday
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Show restraint
We hope there will not be a repeat of the protests and anger that ensued the last time Muslim Prof Amina Wadud led Islamic prayers. Tomorrow, she is due to lead prayers at the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford. It is thought to be the first time in
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Constable boost for U's
OXFORD United have received a major boost ahead of tomorrow's game against Burton with James Constable declaring himself fit. The four-goal leading scorer missed Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Altrincham, and boss Darren Patterson is convinced United would
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Police seize antique arms
Police have seized more than 400 guns — mainly antique — from an Oxford home. Police searched Martin Young's house, off Headington Hill, in Headington, after his firearms certificates were revoked. Inside the house, where he lives with his 97-year-old
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Get tough with yob boozers
Drink-fuelled violence has been a blot on Britain's landscape for far too long. No matter how hard we try to pretend otherwise, many towns and cities in England are no-go areas on Friday and Saturday nights when they become ravaged by those whose idea
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Tory's tour of hospital
The Conservatives' shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley is visiting The Horton Hospital, Banbury, today. Organised by Banbury MP Tony Baldry, Mr Lansley will have a tour of the hospital, speak to nursing staff and consultants, and have a private
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Controversy as woman to lead prayers
Islamic prayers will be led by a woman at Oxford's Muslim Education Centre (Meco) tomorrow. It is thought to be the first time a woman has acted as Imam to a mixed congregation anywhere in the UK. Meco chairman Dr Taj Hargey invited Prof Amina Wadud