Archive
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Wantage Concords U13 v AFC Newbury U13
Goalscorers – Jack Wickens (2), Ryan Davis (5), Jack Barrett (10, 17), Chris Bell (23, 50), Jordan Goddard (39 pen, 60) Newbury’s first outing in the Oxford Mail Boys League proved more successful than expected with their opponents, Wantage Concords
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Village turns out for RAF homecoming
IT seemed like everyone in Benson had turned out to welcome home their brave RAF heroes. Even the most hardened airmen of RAF Benson admitted to having a lump in their throats as they marched through throngs of cheering well-wishers to mark
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Bodies arrive for post mortems
VETERANS and well-wishers once again lined Headley Way, the route to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, as two more bodies of fallen soldiers from Afghanistan were taken there for post mortems. Private Gavin Elliott, 19, of The 2nd Battalion The Mercian
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Village steps in to save its red telephone box
THEY have been a red beacon on the British scenery for decades but increasing numbers of villages are buying up their phone box to preserve their chocolate box appearances. Charney Bassett was in danger of losing its historic telephone box after BT said
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Shotguns stolen in raid on Chinnor home
Police tonight appealed for witnesses after a burglary at a house in Chinnor, where three shotguns were stolen. Between 8.15am and 4.30pm on Tuesday, thieves broke into the house in Hill Top Lane and removed a gun safe containing the three guns, and
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Mum backs blood campaign
A MOTHER is appealing for people to give blood so they don’t live to regret it. Jane Smith, 57, of Jespers Hill, Faringdon, is backing the Oxford Mail’s Gift of Life campaign to sign up 1,000 new donors in a month, after she received a vital
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OAPs train as lifesavers
RETIRED residents in a tiny Oxfordshire village have become lifesavers to help their ageing community in an emergency. Nine villagers from Upton — all over 60 — have become community first responders. South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has trained
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More trains to stop at Radley station
A RAILWAY station is to get extra hourly train services to London and Oxford, after passenger numbers rocketed by 30 per cent. Radley, near Abingdon, will see extra trains stopping at the station after a rise from 57,468 passengers in 2006/07 to 74,654
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New baby for lucky-to-be-alive paramedic
SHORTLY before paramedic Matt Hillis collapsed, he was able to tell his wife Anna he thought he had suffered a potentially deadly blood clot. The diagnosis was correct, and the information proved vital in saving Mr Hillis’s life because fellow paramedics
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Beetles blight North Oxford war memorial
AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £12,000 to restore a war memorial under attack from death watch beetles. Members of the St Margaret’s Institute are urging North Oxford residents to contribute towards a repair fund for the memorial outside St Margaret
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North Oxford Gateway plans are 'unsound'
CAMPAIGNERS last night branded plans for a controversial new business park in North Oxford as “unsound”. Developers clashed with opponents of the proposed Northern Gateway business park, which is earmarked for 100 acres of land near Pear Tree roundabout
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Fair to celebrate young people
THE Leys Fair is back for another year — and promises to be a celebration of young people on the Oxford estate. The popular community festival is expected to attract more than 4,000 people to the centre of Blackbird Leys tomorrow. A Celebration of Leys
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RUGBY UNION: Chinnor must 'back up' win
Chinnor head coach Jason Bowers is urging his players to capitalise on a strong start when they host Reading in National 3 South West on Saturday (3). A battling opening day victory at Bournemouth further boosted confidence in the Chinnor ranks
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Headington School is top of the GCSE table
THE headteacher of the best independent school in the UK at GCSE level has defended league tables as a means of making them accountable. For the first time, girls’ school Headington School, in Oxford, came top of the table, which is ranked on the average
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Veteran musician Len hangs up his sax
VETERAN musician Len Gannon has hung up his guitar after more than 50 years in the business. The 80-year-old, who can also play the saxophone, mandolin, banjo and drums, formed five bands during his career, and often played with wife Christine and his
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Co-op worker Rachel drops four dress sizes by cycling to work
SHOP assistant Rachel Rose has dropped four dress sizes in just two months – by cycling to work. Miss Rose, of Annersley Road, Rose Hill, Oxford, said she felt like a new woman after pedal power helped her lose 35lbs and shed her size 22 clothes
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RUGBY UNION: Cherubs in recruitment drive
Witney Cherubs are looking for new players for their under 15 and 18 teams. The club have already begun training and want girls aged 12-17 to boost their ranks as well as sponsorship. Coach Anthony Webb said: “No matter what your skill, or fitness levels
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Stadium rocks just like the old days
Tuesday night was the eighth 10,000-plus gate United have played in front of at the Kassam Stadium. The 10,613 attendance was the biggest for a Conference match (in regular season) since Boxing Day 2006 when 11,065 watched Oxford’s 0-0 draw
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Bus company has proud record of investment
We’re glad Colin Webb likes the new Brookes Bus fleet (Oxford Mail, September 3). They are state-of-the art buses and, in common with all the vehicles we buy, meet the highest environmental standards. There was a sting in the tail of his letter, with
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Keep cyclists off our pavements
Does there have to be a serious, or possibly fatal, accident before the current practice of cycling on the pavements has a stop put to it? Recently there was a heavy police crackdown on cycling through Cornmarket Street, which netted several offenders
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Desperate measures needed on population growth
David Cameron’s plans to reduce immigration have obviously stirred up a hornets’ nest of differing opinion, for and against. Nevertheless, with the population expanding at an alarming rate, desperate measures need to be taken to ensure Britain doesn’
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Well done Sam, we'll suppport your next trek
I was so sorry to read your article about the young man, Sam who had to abandon his charity trek across Canada in aid of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a disease his grandmother has (Oxford Mail, September 8). I have followed all the articles in the
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Many of us are grateful to Mick
I AM A bit confused by Roy Darke’s letter (Pathway Politics, Oxford Mail, September 4). He makes sure that he and his fellow councillors gain credit for pushing ahead with lights in Marston rec, and beyond. Surely, it is up to the elected councillors
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Mick deserves more respect
I WAS annoyed by Roy Darke’s attack on Mick Haines (Oxford Mail, September 4). Mick is a great supporter of issues which make local people’s lives better. He deserves more respect. J WILSON, Marston,Oxford
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Cabbages and Kings
PARENTHOOD brings changes – not all of them to do with trying to balance the now tighter family budget after endless, sleepless nights. The whole mindset is likely to face an overhaul. Take Philip, a chap who came up to Oxford to study at Exeter College
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Iffley Fields residents fight parking zone plan
CAMPAIGNERS are demanding plans for parking permits in their neighbourhood are scrapped. Residents from Iffley Fields handed in a petition to County Hall, which is responsible for controlling on-road parking, which they claimed showed 97 per
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Teenage cyclist recovering after accident with car
A TEENAGER was today recovering after being hit by a car while cycling along an Abingdon road. The 14-year-old boy, who is a pupil at Fitzharrys School, in Abingdon, suffered serious injuries to his leg after a collision with a car, in Dunmore
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A look across
The collapse of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College’s plan to redevelop its sites in Oxford, Blackbird Leys and Banbury is a blow for the city and for Oxfordshire. The major part of the £120m project was to be central to the redevelopment of
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FOOTBALL: Ford keen to drive City on
FA Cup 1st qualifying round Oxford City manager Mike Ford has warned against any complacency when they host FTL Futbol Hellenic League neighbours Kidlington in the first qualifying round at Court Place Farm on Saturday. Ford believes that an FA Cup
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FOOTBALL: Pressure is off, says boss West
FA Cup 1st qualifying round Thame United boss Mark West says there is no pressure on his side as they host Southern League outfit Burnham at Wallingford’s Hithercroft ground. Thame have made a superb start in Division 1 East of the FTL Futbol Hellenic
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Things ain't what they used to be
It didn’t take long to really dislike this car. Underpowered, a dog to drive and a pig to park, it had more squeaks and rattles than a toddlers’ tea party, writes David Duffy. Luckily for Hyundai, the source of this motoring misery did not
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FOOTBALL: Gee is seeking Sunday best
North Leigh boss Mark Gee hopes his side can produce a super Sunday performance when they travel to Cirencester Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. The match has been put back a day as Cirencester’s tenants, Gloucester City, have a Blue
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FOOTBALL: Brandon back for visit of leaders
FTL Futbol Hellenic League Abingdon Town welcome back Luke Brandon for their home game with leaders Reading Town in the Premier Division. Jon Steedman also returns, while Liam Barson is drafted in from the reserves. Jason Thomas (ankle), Stuart Douglas
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Local shares (PM)
AEA Technology 31.25 BMW 3019 Electrocomponents 164.9 Gladstone 21.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 100.5 Oxford Biomedica 11.4 Oxford Catalysts 64 Oxford Instruments 182.75 Reed Elsevier 469.6 RM 161.75 RPS Group 209.4 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley
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GM sells Vauxhall to car parts firm
Motor giant General Motors has decided to sell its European arm, including Vauxhall, to Canadian car parts firm Magna, the German Chancellor has announced. Angela Merkel told a news conference in Berlin the move was the outcome the German government
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Oxford bidding for city culture title
Oxford has been placed in the running to be named the UK's first City of Culture in 2013. The Government's culture secretary Ben Bradshaw announced 29 cities and local areas from across the UK had already put themselves forward.
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ROWING: Dutchman to lead Dark Blues
Dutchman Sjoerd Hamburger has been appointed president of Oxford University Boat Club for the 2009/2010 season. The tall Dutchman, from Utrecht is the first non-native English-speaker to be elected to the role. This year, he became only
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Retired villagers become first responders
RETIRED residents in a tiny Oxfordshire village have become lifesavers to help their ageing community in an emergency. Nine villagers from Upton — all over 60 — have become community first responders. South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has trained
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Mum backs campaign after vital operation
A MOTHER is appealing for people to give blood so they don’t live to regret it. Jane Smith, 57, of Jespers Hill, Faringdon, is backing the Oxford Mail’s Gift of Life campaign to sign up 1,000 new donors in a month, after she received a vital transfusion
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Two homes burgled in Littlemore
Police this afternoon appealed for witnesses after a burglary and an attempted burglary in Littlemore. At about 1.30pm yesterday, two men were spotted trying to get into a property in Oxford Road by a neighbour. The men ran off after the neighbour
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BMW bikes stolen in Bampton burglary
Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of two mountain bikes from the garage of a property in Bampton. Thieves gained entry to the garage in Waites Close some time between September 2 and September 4. PC Adrian Brooksbank
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Builders give nursery free makeover
CHILDREN have returned to their revamped play group thanks to the efforts of a local builder. At the end of the summer term, Rainbow Playgroup, in Hendon Place, Bicester, feared the group could have to close because of a backlog of repairs. But, following
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FIXTURES Sept 11
SATURDAY. FOOTBALL. BLUE SQUARE PREMIER. Wrexham v Oxford Utd. PUMA YOUTH ALLIANCE. Under 18 South West Conference Cup: Oxford Utd v AFC Bournemouth. FA CUP. 1st qual round: Banbury Utd v Chippenham, Didcot Tn v Shrivenham, Highworth Tn v Abingdon
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Church closes doors for refurbishment
A 900-year-old Bicester church has closed its doors for three months while the first phase of a £1m refurbishment takes place. St Edburg’s Church, Church Street, closed its doors on September 1 to make way for builders to move in. Phase One will cost
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High seas record bid for novice oarsman
A FUNDRAISING adventurer new to rowing hopes to break an Atlantic record later this year. James Nettleton, of Newington, near Wallingford, then plans a top-of-the-world climb of Mount Everest to follow up. And 27-year-old Mr Nettleton
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Local share prices
AEA Technology 31.5 BMW 3051 Electrocomponents 166.3 Gladstone 21.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 100.5 Oxford Biomedica 11.25 Oxford Catalyst 63.5 Oxford Instruments 181.25 Reed Elsevier 471 RM 162 RPS Group 210.7
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Radley Youth FC Vs Bloxham FC U13s
Radley Youth v Bloxham FC Score 5-1 Radley Youth Goal Scorers - Ryan Brooks, Joe Hoskins 2, William Wright 2. Bloxham FC Goal Scorers - Thomas Bosher Match Report: Well contested game between two very good teams, Bloxham being new to
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Oxford gunning for culture title
Oxford has been placed in the running to be named the UK's first City of Culture in 2013. The Government's culture secretary Ben Bradshaw announced 29 cities and local areas from across the UK had already put themselves forward.
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Focus on terrorism
The war on terror spells a thriving business for one Banbury firm now providing Governments all over the world with the wherewithal to fight it. Chief executive of Westminster Group, Peter Fowler, told The Oxford Times: “I focused on the terrorism
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Go car free
Go car free: Most of us know that there are a large number of lovely BBOWT nature reserves right here in Oxfordshire. Piling into the car and heading to the countryside for the day is one of my favourite activities. Next time, however, I think I’ll try
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Fascinating fungi forays
This is the time of year when fungus forays organised by local natural history groups are providing an ideal introduction for people like me, who want to learn how to appreciate one of the most intriguing aspects of the world of wildlife around
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Botanic harvest
Tucked away in the lee of Magdalen Bridge is a quiet oasis – The University of Oxford Botanic Garden. This venerable institution is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. It began 380 years ago when Sir Henry Danvers donated £5,000, roughly the equivalent
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France vs New World case, £70
Who makes the best wine – France or the New World wine producers? Some years ago the answer would have been a firm nod towards France, but now winemakers in the New World are making really well-crafted, fruit-driven styles that really shine. And, interestingly
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Lack of practice can affect start
The dates for the Four Nations Chess League (4NCL) 2009/10 season have been posted and for Oxford 1 – playing in the top division for the first time – there will just be two games to play before the end of the year. For some, myself included, summer is
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Premium vintages need to be enjoyed
If I could change one thing about myself it would be the ability to know when it’s time to shut up. I have a terrible tendency to get far too involved in silly debates; pushing forth my case as though my life depended on it. I wish I wasn’t like that.
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Music at Oxford
Still riding on a wave of euphoria after a phenomenally successful 25th anniversary season, Music at Oxford now has something else to celebrate — a new home. After many years at Littlegate Street, Music at Oxford now operates from a lovely canal-side
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Bit hard on drivers
Sir – The report of your investigation into the degree of compliance with the new 20mph speed limit (Almost 90% break limit, September 3) is a bit hard on drivers. There are many things that a driver in an urban setting must be watching out
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Music in the Abbey : Dorchester Abbey
Look up the name John Lubbock on the Internet, and no fewer than three Sir John Lubbocks from past generations will appear. Then comes the present-day John Lubbock, founder and conductor of the Orchestra of St John’s, and long-time Oxfordshire resident
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Accident blocks A338
Paramedics are at the scene of an accident near Wantage this morning which has blocked the A338. The accident happened shortly after 7am near the junction with Grove Park Drive, close to the Volunteer pub. The road is blocked while emergency services
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Third man charged following Barton shooting
A third man has been charged in connection with a shooting in Barton. Daniel Annis, 23, of Chillingworth Crescent, has been charged with conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He will appear at
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A34 smash causes delays
A crash involving two cars and a van blocked the northbound A34 near East Ilsley today. The crash led to delays stretching back to the junction with the M4 at Chieveley. Jams also built up on the southbound carriageway as drivers slowed to look at the
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Harford: We'll finish above Oxford United
Mick Harford is convinced that Luton Town will finish above Oxford United this season – despite their 2-0 reverse. The Hatters’ boss bemoaned a “stupid” opening 16 minutes, but says that from what he saw, he is still sure his side will claim the Blue
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Oxford United's new signing in dreamland
Jamie Cook admits he is on cloud nine after a scintillating Kassam Stadium debut for Oxford United. The transfer deadline-day capture from Crawley, paid for by the U’s fans through their 12th Man initiative, has already proved a massive hit with supporters
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Road closure cripples business
A couple who set up a successful village shop claim their business is under threat thanks to a road closure. Gemma and Nigel Harris started Roots Food Markets at Hardwick near Bicester last December and quickly built up a healthy trade among
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United frustrated by 'few idiots'
Come for the football or not at all — that is the message from Oxford United’s chairman as he praised the majority of fans who roared their team to a 2-0 victory over Luton Town. Tuesday night’s game, which drew a bumper attendance of 10,613
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U's frustrated by 'a few idiots'
COME for the football or not at all — that is the message from Oxford United’s chairman as he praised the majority of fans who roared their team to a 2-0 victory over Luton Town. Tuesday night’s game, which drew a bumper attendance of 10,613
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Rail firm looks for right line
For decades the question has been asked — will Oxford ever get the rail station it needs? Despite being one of the world’s major seats of learning, a key tourist destination and regional leisure and shopping centre, the city has always been stuck in second
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£70m Oxford college plan scrapped
A £70m scheme to create a new further education college at Oxpens as the centrepiece of Oxford’s West End development is having to be scrapped. Oxford and Cherwell Valley College is also having to abandon a £16m overhaul of its Blackbird Leys
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Same reason?
Sir – Councillor Mrs Fooks (Letters, September 3) asks why the county council Conservative administration did not factor in the full impact of the appalling state of the national finances in its budget for 2009/10. Perhaps for the same reason that
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Stretching out
Sir – The new longer Oxford Tube Buses with their two staircases are indeed impressive-looking vehicles. However, I would recommend that anyone 6ft tall or more travels by Oxford Espress. My friends and I have discovered that new Tube buses have a
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Specialist decision-makers
Sir – Readers would be excused for the confusion created by the stories about the decisions to be taken by the city council in respect of the redevelopment of Brookes University and by the county in respect of an incinerator and the disposal of its
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Widening the gap
Sir – Government knows all about bonuses. Did it learn from experience and is that why it wants to limit the banks’ bonus payouts? The largest single departmental employer in the world, the NHS, will run into economic difficulty of enormous proportions
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Images of Oxford
Sir – I am trying to obtain a copy of Images of Oxford commissioned by Don Chapman and Peter Farr, of the Oxford Mail, and published by Breedon Books Publishing Company Limited of Derby, number: ISBN 1 873626 90 8. It is a hard-backed collection of
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Highest praise
Sir – The NHS receives such bad press that I thought it important there should be a letter recording my experience in the John Radcliffe Hospital. My heart sank when it was clear I needed to be admitted. How wrong this apprehension turned out to be
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Happier in the park
Sir – It seems rather belated now, but as the Cowley Road traders are keeping the story alive, I wish to record the fact that the children and staff from the 12 schools that took part in the carnival procession this year loved it in South Park: we had
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Educating minority
Sir – I agree with Mr Sephton rather than Mr Styring about cycle parks (Letters, August 13, 20 and 27). The latter is wrong to use the phrase spiteful criticisms. Whatever the evidence from elsewhere Cyclox may produce, the reality here and now in
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10mph limit for cyclists
Sir – With the recent introduction of 20mph speed limits for motorists in Oxford I have become increasingly concerned for the safety of cyclists, as it will become very difficult for cars to safely overtake cyclists in areas of Oxford that are not overly
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Cycling feels unsafe
Sir – As a woman cyclist I want to know why roads in Oxfordshire can’t be made safer for us. Cycling in the city of Oxford is reasonably easy, but cycling in villages and market towns in the rest of Oxfordshire is a real hit-and-miss affair and
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Wind farms welcome
Sir – Michael Tyce and Suzanne McIvor (Letters, August 27) need to get their priorities straight. Scientists tell us that if we are going to limit the global mean temperature rise to 2C and prevent dangerous climate change, world carbon emissions
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Pleasant turbine sound
Sir – So the CPRE objects to wind turbines on aesthetic grounds (Report, September 3). Personally, I think they are beautiful — tall, slender, magical; and the wumm-wumm you can sometimes hear is a pleasant sound — much nicer than the roar
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Environmental sanctimony
Sir – The proposal to erect a wind turbine on the outskirts of Oxford could provide much-needed electricity to the homes and businesses of the locality. Wind turbines typically produce 30 per cent of their maximum capacity, though different sites
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Wishful thinking
Sir – Colin Cohen is right to be outraged (Letters, September 3) by Oxford University’s plans for the redevelopment of the major Radcliffe Infirmary site. The proposals for the listed out-patients’ building being considered at the same time as those
