Archive
-
Date
Missing man has Oxford link
A 51-year-old man missing from his family for the past eight weeks might be in Oxford. Stephen Ditchburn, above, has been missing from his Gloucester home since September 5. He is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with mousy brown cropped
-
Date
Petrol prices push up cab fares
Taxi drivers in Oxford will be allowed to put up their fares because of the rising costs of fuel. At a meeting of the Oxford City Council licensing committee on Tuesday, the council, which regulates hackney cab fares, agreed the annual increase.
-
Date
Sydney Hook
Sydney Hook, a war veteran who dedicated his life to the Royal British Legion and was the president of the Headington branch, has died aged 86. Mr Hook was born in Oxford in March 1922, one of seven boys and two girls. After leaving school
-
Date
Pub loses late licence
A pub's late-night drink licence has been taken away after neighbours complained about noise and rowdy behaviour. At a hearing earlier this month South Oxfordshire District Council's licensing committee decided to strip the Plough, in Garsington, of
-
Date
Police check catches out 77 drivers
Police caught 77 motorists driving illegally during road checks today. Officers detected 50 speeding motorists in Eynsham Road, Botley, between 8am and 10.30am. They issued £60 fines and three penalty points to 31 drivers caught above 39mph in a 30mph
-
Date
Irene Hancock
Dedicated volunteer and Wantage historian Irene Hancock has died aged 81. Mrs Hancock volunteered at the Vale and Downland Museum, in Church Street, for about 20 years and was involved in committee work, research and fundraising. She
-
Date
Author says: eat fat rather than fruit
Author Barry Groves has upset the apple cart by claiming five fruit and veg a day could kill you. Mr Groves, 72, from Milton-under-Wychwood, publishes his sixth book, Trick or Treat: How Healthy Eating is Making Us Ill, on Thursday. And in it he turns
-
Date
Play area closed after lease dispute
A children's play area has been closed after a dispute between an Oxford University college and the city council. The play area, in the Angel and Greyhound Meadow at St Clement's, has become a victim of an impasse in negotiations between the council
-
Date
Detention centre would need almost 500 staff
A detention centre near Bicester for illegal immigrants and asylum seekers would create almost 500 jobs if approved. The centre, which is being proposed for Ministry of Defence-owned land at Arncott, could open by 2012 and hold up to 800 detainees.
-
Date
Myra Dowding
One of Oxfordshire's oldest residents, Myra Dowding, has died seven weeks after her 107th birthday. Born Myra Butler in Upton in 1901, Mrs Dowding was the youngest of four children. She attending school in the village and was a the organist at her local
-
Date
Brand: I quit
Russell Brand has resigned from his Radio 2 programme following prank calls he made with Jonathan Ross to actor Andrew Sachs. It follows a public apology from Ross over his "juvenile and thoughtless remarks". Earlier, it was announced the pair
-
Date
Stores may be closed
Supermarkets may close or be sold off if a £1.6bn offer by the Co-op to take over the Somerfield chain goes ahead. Some of the chains' branches are in close proximity, such as in Headington and Summertown, in Oxford, Abingdon and Chipping Norton, which
-
Date
Vegging out in the sun
I expected little more than a typical wet British seaside holiday on a short break to Guernsey. We have all experienced such holidays in our youth; holed up in an anonymous town just about the right side of seedy, with a plethora of old sailor
-
Date
Detention centre jobs boost
A detention centre near Bicester for illegal immigrants and asylum seekers would create almost 500 jobs if approved. The centre, which is being proposed for Ministry of Defence-owned land at Arncott, could open by 2012 and hold up to 800 detainees.
-
Date
Big demand for money advice
People with money worries may be forced to wait for help because of the credit crunch, the manager of an Oxford community advice service has claimed. Jim Saunders, of the Agnes Smith Advice Centre, in Blackbird Leys, said a surge in demand
-
Date
Help catch these thieves
These are the faces of two burglars thought to have conned their way into a pensioner's home claiming they needed to fix a burst water pipe. The two men went to the 81-year-old woman's home in Withington Road, in Bicester, at 8.30pm on Tuesday, October
-
Date
Legion man's labour of love
Mike Henderson, Oxfordshire's Royal British Legion chairman, is a man on a mission to help service personnel. As he started his annual rounds dropping off poppy appeal boxes, he told the Oxford Mail: "I'm like most members in Oxfordshire —
-
Date
Festival to help homeless
Some of the country's most alternative musicians will descend on Oxford next month to take part in a day-long festival to raise money for charity. Audioscope 2008 will be taking place at the Jericho Tavern in Walton Street on Saturday, November
-
Date
ICE HOCKEY: Stars stunned by double blow
Oxford City Stars' title aspirations in English National League Division 1 South were dealt a double blow with defeats by Bracknell Hornets and Cardiff Devils. Stars went into the weekend level on points with leaders Bracknell, but slid to a 4-1 loss
-
Date
BOWLS: May eyes area title
Oxford City & County's Darren May carries local hopes in the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire under 25 singles semi-finals at Oxford & District on Sunday. May faces Foxhill's Mark Ludlow at 10.15am, while Dan Cole (Handy Cross) takes
-
Date
Poems leave a sweet taste
Poems by a Didcot woman will be read by cake lovers all over the country. Alison Brumfitt, 34, from Portway, has written poetry since her school days, and is displaying what she calls her "silly rhymes" on cupcake and lunchbox muffin packages. Miss
-
Date
GOLF: Burford control their own destiny
Burford will clinch the Section 1 title in the Shaw Gibbs Oxfordshire Foursomes League on Sunday by beating Tadmarton Heath in their final game. But Frilford Heath are poised to land the title should Burford slip up. A 3-0 victory over
-
Date
Crash soldier not wearing seatbelt
A soldier killed in a car crash was over the drink-drive limit, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt, an inquest heard. Private David Liddon, who served with 3 Logistic Support Regiment, based at Dalton Barracks, near Abingdon, died when his Vauxhall
-
Date
GOLF: Driving force
Tadmarton Heath's Welsh international Katherine O'Connor tees off during a masterclass with European Tour pro Becky Brewerton at Royal Porthcawl. O'Connor received the session as part of her scholarship from Welsh-language broadcaster S4C.
-
Date
GOLF: Oxon triumph
Oxfordshire ladies won the five counties Seniors League for the first time in the event's nine-year history. Victories over Berkshire (4.5-2.5) and Hampshire (4.5-2.5), a half with Buckinghamshire and a 4-3 defeat to Hertfordshire were enough for Oxon
-
Date
BAR BILLIARDS: Nelson sail on with victory over Corner House
Table-toppers Nelson A ran out 3-2 winners over Corner House in the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford League Premier Section, writes PETE EWINS. Kevin Godfrey (10,180, break 9,770) gave Nelson the lead only for Alan Lacey (9,570, break 8,570) to level
-
Date
Five held on hare coursing charges
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of illegal hare coursing in Oxfordshire. They were arrested at about 10.30pm on Tuesday near to Park Corner in Nettlebed. Police launched Operation Migrate targeting those responsible for hare coursing across
-
Date
ATHLETICS: Kimber eyes fourth crown
Steve Kimber goes for his fourth successive Oxford Mail Cross Country League title as the new season gets under way at Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday. The Headington Roadrunner has dominated the senior men's competition for the last three years, and
-
Date
New rules are the business
Shopkeepers say new parking rules outside their Oxford stores are helping to revitalise businesses. In February, traders in Cherwell Drive, Marston, asked Oxfordshire County Council to impose a two-hour waiting limit on spaces outside their shops.
-
Date
GOLF: Results round-up
SHAW GIBBS OXON FOURSOMES LEAGUE Section 1 Frilford Heath 3 (4pts), Tadmarton Heath 0 (0) (Frilford Heath first): N Davies & S Elliott bt O King & L Robinson 2 & 1, A Walton & B Paterson bt S Hallam & A Mason 1 hole, P Richardson & D Newbold bt I Manning
-
Date
GREYHOUNDS: Thursday's Oxford runners
7.45: Young Diva, IVERGRACE, Sahara Shrike, Ardmayle Trooper, Rosy Les 2, Nodrog Millie 3. 8.00: Toremore Dasher, Friendly Fire 3, Lagile Madam, GREENCROFT WALLY, Big White Al 2, Hamilton Hero. 8.15: Turbo Billy, Steeple Rd Tara 2, Jago, MONTGOMERY
-
Date
ATHLETICS: Results round-up
CANDLEFORD CANTER Alchester: S Rendell 41.31, E Colclough 47.56, H Howard 53.10, E Gould 53.17, K Griffiths 54.26, E Shipperley 54.52, M Harris 54.58, E Sparrow 54.59, A Walsh 55.14, N Doherty 55.15, R Hammett 55.16, A Rivers 55.52, J Romera 59.39,
-
Date
Update: M40 closure latest
Police have reopened the southbound carriageway of the M40 following a fatal crash between two lorries early today. The motorway between junctions 4 and 5 has reopened, but the northbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 5 will remain closed
-
Date
Thespian's new role
ACTRESS Joanne Pearce is putting her screen and stage career on hold to take on her most testing role yet — studying for a history degree at Oxford University.After two years as a part-time student at the university's Department for Continuing Education
-
Date
Home to roost
I refer to Chris Robins' letter 'Utter Bankruptcy' (Oxford Mail, October 17) in which he accuses the Thatcher Government for today's credit crisis. What he fails to mention of course is the fact that this Government has had its opportunity to put right
-
Date
Security swipe
Regarding the continuing saga about the ‘losses’ of UK citizens’ computerised personal details including, ironically, the records of 84,000 prisoners. If we are to believe all of these events are genuine losses, why aren’t the security protocols of
-
Date
History lesson
Why don't politicians read the history books before embarking on wars which they cannot win and which cause untold misery, death and destruction, together with a burning hate which will never go away. Apart from the criminal/terror element in any society
-
Date
Workers not to blame for MRSA
There has been a lot of concern about the proliferation of superbugs such as MRSA in hospitals. I feel it is unfair to blame the hospital staff, as these infections are also now rampant in gyms and other public places where it is possible to contract
-
Date
Shares suspended in Oxford Catalysts
Mystery surrounds the suspension of shares in green fuels specialist Oxford Catalysts, announced to the London Stock Exchange today. The company, based at Milton Park, near Abingdon, issued a statement confirming a report in the Financial Times that
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Tour de force!
Banbury Under 11s celebrate a successful tour in Cornwall. The Oxfordshire champions won all four matches and got to play at the Cornish Pirates' stadium in Camborne. Banbury defeated Truro 28-0, Camborne 28-7, Newquay Hornets 28-0 and Penzance &
-
Date
Flushed
Leaving aside his typically embarrassing puns, I share Chris Boswell's concern regarding the increasing lack of public toilet facilities in this city, not least as I enjoy a quiet drink in the open, preferably without it being unreasonably seized. Richmond
-
Date
Think again
Oxford city councillor John Tanner stated: "It's always interesting to receive advice about Oxford's rubbish from Witney and Didcot" (Oxford Mail, October 17). The councillor then goes on to explain the many wondrous ways the city has for rubbish collection
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Oxford left in the lurch by Gloucs
Oxford University were left frustrated after Gloucester cancelled their fixture at Kingsholm at short notice. The Dark Blues were due to face the Premiership club on Monday night, but instead had to make do with a practice match against the Greyhounds
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Brodley's back in the groove
John Brodley said it had been business as usual after his first game in charge of Oxford Harlequins. Less than two years ago, Brodley was sacked as coach of Quins' big rivals Chinnor after taking them into National 3 South. Few would have expected
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Cavaliers power past students
Oxford Cavaliers retained the Jacqueline Scott Trophy after a 50-20 victory over Oxford University in their Town v Gown clash at Stratfield Brake. This was the second annual match held in memory of Jacqueline Scott, who was a physio and supporter of
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Berry woe for Oxon
Oxfordshire Under 18s suffered a disappointing 24-5 defeat to Buckinghamshire in a match they were tipped to win. And to add to their woe, Oxon lost captain Andy Berry to a serious leg injury in the first half. Centre Ben Mitchell seized on a loose
-
Date
Pest control
Help! How can we feed the birds and not the squirrels? We have a bird table which is now a haven for squirrels. As your recent letter printed, we too are inundated with these pests. They dig out my plants and bulbs, have 'fun' on my tubs and charge
-
Date
It is hardly a glass act
I am wondering why there is so much disparity between Oxford City Council services. It appears some are well run and efficient, with others letting the team down. I am fed up with the fortnightly collections for recycled glass. The lorry has a habit
-
Date
RUGBY UNION: Pack is praised
Henley Hawks director of rugby Jason Forster was quick to praise his pack after 21-14 victory over Canter- bury. The result gave fourth-placed Hawks their fifth win in seven matches. "Our forwards in particular played their best rugby of the season
-
Date
Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 33.75 BMW 1444 Electrocomponents 140 Nationwide Accident Repair 112 Oxford Biomedica 5.8 Oxford Catalyst suspended Oxford Instruments 185 REED 527.75 RM 157 RPS Group 141 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley
-
Date
M40 UPDATE: Lanes to reopen
Police said they expected the southbound carriageway of the M40 to reopen at about 4pm today. However, the northbound carriageway is likely to remain closed until at least 6pm. Both lanes were closed following a collision between two
-
Date
Police search for missing man
Police are concerned for the safety of a 51 year-old man who has gone missing. Stephen Ditchburn, who has links with Oxford, was reported missing by his family on Friday, September 5. He has not been seen at his home address in Kennett
-
Date
Update: M40 remains closed
Police said the M40 would remain closed in both directions between junctions six and four until at least 4.30pm today. Following a collision between two lorries shortly after 3am, the motorway had to be shut while a clean-up operation took
-
Date
M40 UPDATE: Road stays closed
Police have advised motorists the M40 will remain closed in both directions between junctions six and four until at least 4.30pm today. Following a collision between two lorries shortly after 3am, the motorway had to be shut while a clean-up operation
-
Date
BBC suspends Ross and Brand
Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand have been suspended in the wake of the controversy over their lewd calls to veteran Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs, the BBC has announced. The corporation has already apologised to Mr Sachs after the pair left
-
Date
Update: M40 clear-up continues
Police said a clear-up operation was still taking place on the M40 following a collision between two lorries earlier today in which a man died. One of the lorries was carrying lard, which spilled over both the north and southbound carriageways. The
-
Date
M40 UPDATE: Clear-up continues
Police said the clear-up operation is still taking place on the M40 following a collision between two lorries earlier this morning. One of the lorries was carrying lard, which spilled over both the north and southbound carriageways. The motorway
-
Date
Distraction burglars steal £650
These are the faces of two burglars thought to have conned their way into a pensioner's home claiming they needed to fix a burst water pipe. The two men went to a 81-year-old woman's home in Withington Road, in Bicester, at 8.30pm on Tuesday
-
Date
MOTOR SPORT: A mixed bag, but future is bright for Bradley
I’m back home in Oxfordshire following the final race of the season suffering with a stinking cold. I think eight months of constant travel, plus the last two months of criss-crossing the world has finally caught up with me. Hours – even days – of
-
Date
AUNT SALLY: Ace Weller is on song
Banbury's John Weller hit a six in his total of 12 to top the scoring in the Banbury Indoor League. Teammate John Webber, Chipping Norton's Nigel Tustain and Dolphin's Darren Kettle were also six-hitters. RESULTS Banbury League: George 0, Banbury
-
Date
AUNT SALLY: Lyons roars to first singles title
Greene King Oxford & District League finals night at a packed Rover Sports & Social Club produced seven first-time winners out of the ten competitions. Three Pigeons' Neil Lyons, who featured in four finals, defeated Kevin Baker (Cricketers) 2-1 in
-
Date
Centre to train dinner ladies opens
Dinner ladies from Oxfordshire schools will be able to learn how to cook healthy lunches in a new state-of-the-art training kitchen. The kitchen at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, in Oxpens Road, Oxford, was opened by restaurateur and food writer
-
Date
Raw sewage flow found
A pensioner who kicked up a stink after living with an almost constant stream of raw sewage at the bottom of his Oxford garden now knows the cause of the problem. In 2006, Noel Hodson started keeping a record of events when he noticed sewage in Boundary
-
Date
Hairdressers add bounce to appeal
Hairdressers took to the streets of Bicester on bright orange space hoppers in aid of a charity. Five women started their unusual journey from Paula Steven's salon, in Langford Village, Bicester, on Sunday. Salon manager Lindsay Rapley 25, and colleagues
-
Date
Council tackles emissions
Oxford City Council is launching a campaign to cut its carbon emissions by a quarter. In the year 2005-6, which is being used as a benchmark for the scheme, the authority emitted about 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide — enough to fill 350 million party
-
Date
Marathon landlord needs good cause
A pub landlord who is swapping yards of ale for the 46,112 yards of a marathon has appealed to charities across Oxfordshire saying: "I'm yours if you want me". Paul Silcock who runs the Gardener's Arms, in Plantation Road, Jericho, wants to raise funds
-
Date
Link road campaigners seek support
Campaigners for and against Witney's contentious Cogges Link Road plan are stepping up efforts to gain the public's support. Another wave of leaflets is going into every home in the town, this time produced by Witney Town Council and hand delivered
-
Date
Hi-tech firm rewards outstanding pupils
ABINGDON: Medical technology company Toumaz Technology awarded special prizes to two physics A-Level pupils from St. Birinus School in Didcot following a visit to the company organised by The Industrial Trust. Students John Salmons and Bryony Teal
-
Date
Pensioners: We dread Halloween 'pranks'
An elderly couple who have been targeted by yobs say they are dreading Halloween. Police have suspended officers' leave and sending out extra patrols during Halloween on Friday to combat an expected surge in trouble. Calls to police increase by
-
Date
Charities share Fox FM cash
More than 20 young people's charities across Oxfordshire have received a share of almost £50,000 from Fox FM. The radio station's Help an Oxfordshire Child appeal raised £48,890 through a variety of events during the past year and 22 charities have
-
Date
Conmen stole £650
These are the faces of two burglars thought to have conned their way into a pensioner's home claiming they needed to fix a burst water pipe. The two men went to a 81-year-old woman's home in Withington Road, Bicester, at 8.30pm on Tuesday, October 14
-
Date
Women finally allowed to join Freemen
Barmaid Linda Cox is one of a lucky dozen women in Oxford to be allowed to join one of the city's oldest societies. Tomorrow, 12 women will be joining the Oxford Freemen, after they voted unanimously that women could be fully admitted for the first
-
Date
Well, I guess it takes allsorts...
The new stars of a touring theatre production got into character by nibbling some sugary sweets. David Levine and Emma-Jean Jeffries will soon be treading the boards around Oxfordshire in a new take on the fairytale Hansel and Gretel. They were invited
-
Date
Music hall is back on song
A new commercial centre, which has revived the fortunes of a former cinema and bingo hall in Oxford, has officially opened its doors for business. The Old Music Hall, in Cowley Road, is now home to 30 charities, campaign groups and social enterprises
-
Date
District votes against burner plans
Councillors in the Vale of White Horse have voted against proposals to build a waste burner on a landfill site in Sutton Courtenay. Members of the district's planning committee raised concerns over proposals for an incinerator, which residents fear
-
Date
Labourer died of cocaine seizure
A 25-year-old builder was killed by a cocaine addiction he kept hidden from his parents for more than six years, an inquest heard. Steven Tizzard,of Gibson Close, Abingdon, died suddenly at his parent's home after a mysterious seizure in March. The
-
Date
'First October snow in 70 years'
The county council's transport chief today insisted everything was done to make the roads safe during last night's cold snap. Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport, said gritting lorries were out on the roads between
-
Date
Update: Council insists roads were gritted
The county council's transport chief has insisted everything was done to make the roads safe during lasts night's cold snap. Ian Hudspeth, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport, said gritting lorries were out on the roads between
-
Date
Update: M40 closed after fatal accident, plus rail delays
Hundreds of coach passengers travelling from Oxford to London are stuck in nine-mile tailbacks on the M40 caused by a fatal accident. Oxford Bus Company's coach services to London, Gatwick and Heathrow are all affected. Spokesman Phil Ashworth said:
-
Date
Update: Commuters hit by M40 crash delays
Hundreds of coach passengers travelling from Oxford to London are stuck in nine-mile tailbacks on the M40 caused by a fatal accident. Oxford Bus Company's coach services to London, Gatwick and Heathrow are all affected. Spokesman Phil Ashworth said
-
Date
Update: M40 accident delays
Commuters are experiencing severe delays on the M40 following an earlier collision between two lorries in which a man died. The crash led to one of the lorries spreading its load of lard across all six lanes. Traffic has ground to a halt on
-
Date
Rail passengers hit by delays
Rail passengers were stranded for 40 minutes during rush hour this morning after a points failure at Oxford. Network Rail has apologised and warned of severe delays on the Cotswold Line between Oxford and Worcester this morning. The
-
Date
Update: M40 closed after fatal accident
Commuters are experiencing severe delays on the M40 this morning following an earlier collision between two lorries. Traffic has ground to a halt on the southbound carriageway and is currently backed-up to from junction six at Lewknor, where it was
-
Date
Crash causes ring road delays
Motorists are experiencing delays on the Oxford ring road between the Watlington turn-off and the Littlemore Roundabout. The delays are due to a collision between two cars and a scooter, which happened at about 7.30am. It is affecting motorists travelling
-
Date
Ring road accident causes further delays
Motorists are currently experiencing delays on the Oxford ring road between the Watlington turn off and the Littlemore Roundabout. The delays are due to a collision between two cars and a scooter, which happened at around 7.30am. It is affecting motorists
-
Date
Death crash closes M40
Drivers are being warned to steer clear of the M40 after a fatal accident closed the motorway today. The collision, which involved two lorries between junctions six and five on the southbound carriageway, happened at about 3.20am. The driver
-
Date
Motty out to take his chance
Centre half Chris Willmott is determined to keep his place in the Oxford United team – although he knows it could be out of his hands. The former Wimbledon, Luton and Northampton defender returned to the side for the FA Cup tie against Hayes & Yeading
-
Date
Lowlifes
The news that elderly shoppers have been conned out of almost £10,000 in a spate of car park distraction scams across Oxfordshire is certainly worrying. It started in June and has continued this month. In all, there have been six individuals targeted
-
Date
M40 closed after fatal accident
Emergency services are currently at the scene of a fatal accident between junctions six and five of the southbound carriageway of the M40. The collision, which involves two lorries, occurred at around 3.20am this morning. The driver of one of the vehicles
-
Date
Home in on the positive
The news that house prices in Oxfordshire are tumbling at an annual rate of 3.8 per cent might sound like doom and gloom. But let's take the positives from an uncertain situation. According to Land Registry figures, the average price of a house sold
-
Date
"Proud of her"
The parents of a Wantage soldier killed in the Middle East last night urged everyone to buy a poppy and attend next month's Remembrance Day services. Speaking publicly for the first time since losing their only daughter, Fred and Dawn Holmes, of Naldertown
-
Date
House prices tumble lower
House prices in Oxfordshire are tumbling at an annual rate of 3.8 per cent, according to figures released by the Land Registry. The average price of a house sold in the county in September was £241,444, compared to £250,363 for the same month in 2007