Archive
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Filling station raid caught on camera
A TEENAGE robber brandishing what was thought to be a handgun leaped over an Oxford petrol station counter to escape after forcing staff to hand over cash from the till. Police today released CCTV images of the robbery at the Esso petrol station, in
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Burger chain to hire street cleaner
BURGER chain McDonald’s is going to hire a street cleaner in a drive to spruce up Oxford’s litter-strewn streets. The new post, organised by McDonald’s franchise owner Carl Room, will involve three-hour street patrols every day to target rubbish dropped
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Housing a priority
SO, the last months of this Labour government are not going to see any answer to Oxford's housing crisis. All their talk of mass house-building beyond Grenoble Road has proven as empty as every other New Labour pledge. Some parties like preparing for
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Fines for bikes?
I UESE the roads of Oxford every day, and when riding my powerful motorbike along Rawlinson Road, which runs between the Woodstock Road and Banbury Road, I stick to the new 20mph limit. But just yesterday I was overtaken by a multi-coloured, lycra clad
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Fight meningitis
I WAS deeply saddened to read your article on November 2 about Antonia Bruch, a first year student at Oxford University, who has died from meningitis. I lost my son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia some time ago and can magine the
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A poor memory
OXFORD'S MP’s have recently been taking an interest in global warming (Oxford Mail, October 20 & 26), but, sadly, they do not seem to be equally committed. The week before last, Gordon Brown’s man in Oxford, Andrew Smith MP, voted against the 10:10 motion
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Sense of injustice
We CONSTANTLY hear stories in the press about our Armed Forces in places like Iraq and Afghanistan being ill equipped and coming home to sub-standard dwellings, a totally unacceptable situation for giving the ultimate sacrifice for the country. If we
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Please wear your poppy
I AM writing to ask the people of Oxford to support this year’s Poppy Appeal. People have given generously in the past and it is as important today that they continue to donate. At this time of year and especially on Remembrance Sunday, we remember the
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Rescue plan for college campus
STUDENTS were last night hopeful their college would still get a much-needed revamp despite the Government pulling the plug on redevelopment plans. Abingdon and Witney College suffered a devastating blow to a planned £30m overhaul of its Witney
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Range Rover theft jailed
A serial burglar has been given a jail sentence after stealing the keys to a Range Rover. Ashley Keyte, 24, admitted breaking into a house in Oxford Hill, Witney, on May 11 and stealing the keys to the £42,000 vehicle, which was later found
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Mini boost for BMW
COWLEY: The Mini has continued to boost the fortunes of parent firm BMW, latest figures reveal. Between July and September the group saw its pre-tax profit slide from £255m to £113m – a drop of almost 55 per cent – with sales of BMW-branded cars down
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A roundabout way to make a point
PROTESTERS set up camp at one of Oxford’s busiest junctions today to raise awareness of climate change. Local people, as well as students from both Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities, put up two large tents on The Plain roundabout in East Oxford
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Two jailed for street attack
TWO men who robbed a stranger in a drunken and unprovoked late-night attack have been jailed. David Leah, 19, and Jess Webb, 22, both of Oakfield Road, Carterton, admitted robbing 20-year-old George Alford as he walked home along Upavon Way in the town
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Hero’s welcome for family’s Guy
CAPTAIN Guy Bomford was among more than 100 men who enjoyed emotional reunions with their families after six months in Afghanistan. Some 128 servicemen from 4th Battalion The Rifles returned to barracks in Bulford, Wiltshire, last night after
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Covered Market gets £100k facelift
PAINTERS and decorators have started to give Oxford’s Covered Market a much-needed facelift. Traders have long complained Oxford City Council, which owns and runs the historic market, has not spent enough money renovating it. But yesterday
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Bugle brothers keep it in the family
TWO half-brothers from Charlbury have served the same church as Remembrance Day buglers for a combined 60 years. Bob Porrill and Frank Sullivan have played the Last Post and the Reveille for three decades each at the town’s St Mary’s Church
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Cancer victim's family to set up charity
THE family of kidney cancer victim Andy Crabb are planning to help other sufferers by setting up a charity in his memory. Mr Crabb, 50, a builder from Abingdon, died on October 3 following a long struggle with the disease. Before his death Mr Crabb
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Young dancers take a stance
PARENTS and children spun, twirled and threw shapes for an event aimed at giving families the opportunity to dance together. More than 100 people took part in the Pegasus Theatre-organised event at Oxford Town Hall on Sunday. The dance event was part
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Film festival in the frame for a re-run
WITNEY’S first film festival proved such a success it could become an annual event. The Corn Exchange in Market Square was packed for the screening of 15 short films by local movie makers. The event was organised by Witney graduate Daniel Newton and
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Pensioners warned to beware purse snatchers
ELDERLY women have been targeted by thieves while shopping in Abingdon. Extra police patrols took to the town’s streets yesterday after three pensioners, all in their 70s, were preyed on by a gang of thieves yesterday. Officers are also warning all
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LA author’s night is not confidential
HE IS known as the “demon dog of American crime fiction” – and describes himself as one of the world’s greatest authors. LA Confidential author James Ellroy does not shirk controversy, and more than 150 of his fans turned out yesterday to hear him speak
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Half a century of caring for others
FOR five decades Mary Braybrooke helped tackle society’s problems head on. The 74-year-old worked with drug addicts and prostitutes in the early part of her 50-year career. And on her retirement Mrs Braybrooke bemoaned the bureaucracy which is holding
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Sessions encourage more healthy lifestyles
YOUNG people in Oxford have been discussing the benefits of shunning drugs, sex and violence in favour of a better lifestyle. A two-day workshop held at the weekend, saw young members of the Word Fountain Christian Ministries, in Hollow Way, Cowley,
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FOOTBALL: Spartan end Ducklington's run
Premier Division leaders Ducklington lost their unbeaten run after going down 3-2 at home to Spartan Rangers in the Witney & District FA. Ray Read and Craig Mays netted for Ducklington, but goals from James Clarke, Frank Clarke and Matt Town-send saw
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FOOTBALL: Three see red in title clash
Harwell International won the North Berks League Division 2 top-of-the-table clash against nine-man Long Wittenham, despite having a man sent off. Mike Yardley’s brace put Harwell 2-0 in front, before Wittenham pulled a goal back through captain Tim
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Community TV scheme launched in Oxfordshire
A community TV scheme is being launched this week in north Oxfordshire. The system — the first of its kind in Oxfordshire — will consist of 11 plasma screens placed in locations around the district. These screens will display a range
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FOOTBALL: Soane is the hero as Faringdon lift cup
Peter Soane played through the pain barrier to score the winning goal as Faringdon Town came from behind to beat Saxton Rovers 2-1 in the North Berks League Centenary Cup final. Soane suffered the recurrence of an old shoulder injury following a collision
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Thieves steal Abingdon Poppy Appeal cash
THIEVES who stole a Poppy Appeal collection box have been described as “disgusting” by police. The box was stolen from Lady Eleanor Court Care Home, in Drayton Road, Abingdon, between 12.30pm on Friday and 9am on Monday. Pc Gareth Clarke
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RACING: Brennan's up and running
Barry Brennan is still on cloud nine after Nawow gave him his first winner from his new stables at King-ston Lisle, near Wantage, with victory at Stratford – before doubling his tally a day later with Daraz Rose at Uttoxeter. Brennan, 41
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FOOTBALL: Hitman Harris lifts Eynsham
Dave Harris’s 30-yard screamer saw Eynsham shatter Kennington’s unbeaten record in the Oxfortdshire Senior League Premier Division with a 2-1 away win. Eynsham had taken the lead when Kennington keeper Nick Hill’s clearance from Michael Woodward’s short
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FOOTBALL: ABK topple Wroxton
ABK Sports inflicted Wroxton Sports’s first defeat of the season with a 2-1 victory in their Banbury District & Lord Jersey FA Premier Division battle. An own goal and a Justin Barnes strike gave ABK the early advantage, before Clark Miles pulled one
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FOOTBALL: Jubilant James
New signing Marlon James hit a hat-trick in Corner House’s 7-3 win over Quarry '09 in the RT Harris Oxford City FA Premier Division. Arron Barrett bagged a brace, with a Jamie Brackett penalty, Daniel Powell and a Mark Boaler own goal completing their
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Local shares (PM)
AEA Technology 30 BMW 2829 Electrocomponents 149.3 Gladstone 25.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 80.5 Oxford Biomedica 13.5 Oxford Catalysts 56 Oxford Instruments 234.5 Reed Elsevier 471.5 RM 150.5 RPS Group 205.9 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley,
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Thieves steal Saab after house raid in Faringdon
A car was stolen following a burglary of a house in Faringdon. The thieves struck between 11pm yesterday and 7.15am today when burglars forced open the rear patio doors and stole a wallet and car keys. They then stole a silver-coloured Saab 9-3, which
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Homes raided in Sonning Common
Police say a white van may hold a clue to two raids on homes in Sonning Common. Between 11.15am on Thursday and midnight on Friday, a house in Kennylands Road was burgled. The thieves forced open a rear kitchen window and stole a laptop and an iPod
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Thief steals Poppy Appeal box in Abingdon
Police are appealing for information after a Poppy Appeal collection box was stolen in Abingdon. Between 12.30pm on Friday and 9am on Monday, the collection box was stolen from Lady Eleanor Court Care Home in Drayton Road. PC Gareth
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15 jobs go at Travelodge
Budget hotel chain Travelodge has axed 15 staff from its head office in Thame, at the same time as announcing the opening of seven new hotels. Shakila Ahmed, a spokesman for the company, which is owned by investment group Dubai International Capital,
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The Harrow Inn
The Harrow Inn invite you to have your Christmas Party with them Christmas menu available from Monday 30 November to Wednesday 23 December Christmas Party Menu £18.95 per person Christmas Day Menu £34.95 per person Bookings
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Heythrop Park Resort
Christmas @ Heythrop Park Resort Christmas Party Celebrations Glass of sparkling wine on arrival followed by a 3 course meal & dancing to the resident DJ until midnight £29.95 per person Sunday - Wednesday £32.95 per person Thursday
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RBS Williams F1 Conference Centre
Join with like minded party people for an evening of great activities and fine food at the home of the AT&T Williams team We have two party nights available on Thursday, 10 and 17 December 2009 The package includes: • Arrival
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Bicester Country Club
Start the festive season with a fabulous Christmas Party at Bicester Country Club Private and shared parties available throughout December Bookings now being taken For more information please call Vicky on 01869 241204 or email
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Oxy Oriental
Ideal Christmas Party location as seats 200 people Oriental, Sushi, Tepanyaki, Brazilian Roast For Christmas opening times and prices please call 01865 749888 Website: www.oxyoriental.com Oxy Oriental, Unit 6, Ozone Leisure
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Eynsham Hall
Christmas & New Year at Eynsham Hall Seasonal Lunches Enjoy an aperitif in front of a roaring log fire followed by a traditional Christmas lunch in one of our dining rooms. Eynsham Hall is the perfect place to spend the festive
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Oxford Greyhound Stadium
This Christmas choose the ultimate fun night out! Private Executive Boxes from £32.00 per person Restaurant Dining from £20.00 per person The Trackside Party 6 Pack from £12.00 per person For more information visit www.lovethedogs.co.uk
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FOOTBALL: Tree climb to fourth
Autotype UTV League The Bay Tree climbed to fourth in Division 1 after a 6-0 demolition of struggling Standlake Garage. Tom Rowe scored twice, also missing two penalties, while David Scott, Chris Hogan, Ben Sutton and Paul Freeman completed the tally
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FOOTBALL: A right royal hammering
OFA Sam Waters Cup Goal-crazy Kings Arms Wheatley whac-ked rivals Kidlington Royals 9-2 in the second round, with Neil Lockhart, Luke Cuff and Adam Simmonds all grabbing a brace, writes TIM SIRET. Benji Cuff, James Luckett and Shaun Pearce completed
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Chipping Norton post office is saved
THE future of Chipping Norton’s post office has been secured. Customers feared for the future of the service when the sub-postmistress announced she was retiring – and no-one could be found to take over. But the Midcounties Co-op — which has a supermarket
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Lairns Barn
It’s time to celebrate! There is no time better than Christmas to enjoying yourself with work colleagues and this year let Lains Barn make it extra special. Lains Barn will become a magical setting this Christmas with our courtyard real
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Poorly kitten needs life-saving surgery
WHEN kitten Stella was found wandering the back streets of Oxford, animal charity workers could tell there was something wrong with her. Tests revealed the cat, now about 15 weeks old, was suffering from a rare condition known as a portosystemic shunt
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FOOTBALL: Smith salvo boosts Donnington
Autotype UTV League Division 3A leaders Donnington maintained their super start to the season winning 3-1 at home to rivals Iffley Harriers. Ian Smith cracked a double and Craig Gilboy added another, while Jack Barrett hit Harriers’ consolation.
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Four Pillars Hotels
Christmas Parties & Dining at Four Pillars Hotels - Abingdon, Oxford Spires, Oxford Thames & Witney Abingdon Four Pillars Hotel Festive Lunches and Dinners from £14.50 to £18.50 Sunday Carvery Lunches - £10.50 (£5.50 for children
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Crunch time for Northmoor gravel protest
A PUBLIC inquiry will decide whether 1.55m tonnes of sand and gravel can be extracted from an Oxfordshire farm. Oxfordshire county councillors went against the advice of their own officers in November last year to refuse planning permission for the 146
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The Ben Jonson
Book now for Christmas & New Year Complimentary meal for 2* when booking your Companies Christmas Party * 2 course meal (excluding Sunday) For more information or to book call: 01869 321153 The Ben Jonson, Weston on the
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The Sadler Building at The Oxford Science Park
Celebrate Christmas in style... The Sadler Building at the Oxford Science Park provides a unique and contemporary venue for every occasion, making it an ideal choice for your Christmas party For further information please contact Shannon
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Linton Lodge Hotel
Christmas Party Night 3 Course Dinner with wine & disco £36.00 per person For more information call: 01865 553461 or email: events@lintonlodge.com Website: www.lintonlodge.com Best Western Linton Lodge Hotel, Linton
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The Lord Kitchener
Join The Lord Kitchener this Christmas... 3 Course Christmas Party Menu Only £17.95 per head Children under 12 half price Available until Wednesday 23 December For more information call: 01993 702169 The Lord
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The Old Post Office
Christmas Party Menus from £22 per person Bring in 2010 with a New Year's Eve Party - tickets just £10 Christmas Party bookings from 1st December For more information or to book call: 01491 836068 or visit the website: www.opowallingford.co.uk
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The George Hotel
Christmas Party Nights Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday throughout December "Viva Las Vegas" Black & White Gala Dinner Dance New Year's Eve For more information call: 01491 836665 or email: info@george-hotel-wallingford.com
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Couple swap city work for life on the farm
AFTER 10 years of city life Rowley Pusey knew he just had to get out. Just over a month ago, the 35-year-old decided to ditch his suit and briefcase for a pair of wellies and life as a farmer. Mr Pusey said he and wife Camilla, 34, had not looked back
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Blenheim Palace
The Festive Season with Blenheim Palace For more information call: 01993 813874 or visit the website: www.blenheimpalace.com> Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP
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Bignell Park Hotel
Christmas Party Lunches £19.00 per person Christmas Party Dinners £32.50 per person Available: Wednesday 1 December - Friday 31 December 2010 New Year's Eve Masked Ball £55.00 per person For more information or
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The Flowing Well
Christmas Party Nights at The Flowing Well Friday 4, 11 & 18 December 2 Course Buffet Meal (hot & cold) Live Band £18.00 per head Great Music & Food - great times! For more information and to book call: 01865
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The Old Crown Coaching Inn
Christmas Parties at The Old Crown Coaching Inn For your works Christmas Dinner or Office Christmas Party or if you are hosting a Family Christmas Celebration Dinner from £15.99 a head for a four course Christmas meal Available
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The Nut Tree
Celebrate Christmas at the Nut Tree Whether you are arranging a pre-Christmas get together or fancy someone else cooking Christmas Lunch this year, the Nut Tree have a selection of menus to get you into the festive spirit For more information
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Barceló Oxford Hotel
Christmas Celebrations From £15.95 per person Featuring: Let It Snow Masquerade Disco, Festive Lunches, NYE Dinner Dance & NYE Family Party For more details or to book call: 01865 489933 or email: oxford.mande@barcelo-hotels.co.uk
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Robber steals £3,000 from Didcot betting shop
A ROBBER stole thousands of pounds in a raid at a Didcot bookmakers. A man walked into Stan James Bookmakers, in Wantage Road, at about 7pm yesterday, threatened a member of staff and demanded that she handed over her takings. Dc Dominique Roffey
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Police release CCTV footage of Oxford robbery
Police today released CCTV footage of an armed robbery in Oxford. At about 9.30pm on Monday, October 12, three men entered the petrol station in Oxpens Road. One of them jumped over the counter, threatening a member of staff with what has been
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Game on in green car battle
Playing an interactive video game while driving is probably not the smartest idea in the world – but in the Honda Insight it is all but impossible to resist. Honda has deliberately priced its new petrol-electric car lower than any other hybrid on the
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Alto on a high
Suzuki knew exactly what to do when it wanted to ensure its latest version of the Alto city car would appeal to European drivers. A bunch of designers were put on planes to Paris and Milan and told to stay there until they had come up with a car design
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Man held in Chipping Norton drug raid
A MAN is in police custody after a drugs raid on a house in Chipping Norton today. Police entered a house in Hailey Avenue at around 7.30am today and found eight cannabis plants. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis
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Two held over Didcot robbery
Two men are being questioned today after a robbery at a Didcot bookmakers. At about 7pm yesterday, a man walked into Stan James Bookmakers, in Wantage Road, and threatened a member of staff, demanding that they hand over cash. Det Con Dominique
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Purse snatchers target elderly women in Abingdon
Police are appealing for witnesses after three elderly women had their purses stolen in Abingdon town centre. Between 11am and midday yesterday, a 75-year-old woman noticed her purse had been stolen from her bag when she went to pay for something at
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Man held after Chipping Norton cannabis raid
A man was arrested after police carried out a drugs raid on a home in Chipping Norton today. At about 7.30am, officers entered the address in Hailey Avenue and discovered eight cannabis plants. The 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivation
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Mill View Plant Centre
Christmas at Mill View... Christmas trees, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, pot plants & flower arrangements Also a wide range of gifts for your pets, including pet treats, christmas stockings & soft toys Telephone: 01865 873488
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Beauty and the Beast
Until January 16 2010 Oxford’s Creation Theatre Company brings the magical Mirror Tent to the city for another fairytale Christmas! The velvet canopies, mirrored roof and ornate pillars and booths make the perfect setting for this unique
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Jack and the Beanstalk
Until January 17 2010 Written and Directed by Peter Duncan Jack and the Beanstalk is a heroic tale of two worlds linked by a magical bean For more information visit: www.oxfordplayhouse.com
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Oxford environment expert wins fight for tribunal
AN OXFORD environmentalist today won his fight to take his former employer to an employment tribunal on the grounds that he was dismissed for his green opinions. Tim Nicholson, 42, has claimed his opinions were ignored by senior managers at
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Local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 30 BMW 2825 Electrocomponents 148.75 Gladstone 25.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 80.5 Oxford Biomedica 14 Oxford Catalyst 57.5 Oxford Instruments 234.5 Reed Elsevier 469.9 RM 153 RPS Group 204.25 Courtesy
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Mini boosts BMW fortunes
The Cowley-built has boosted the fortunes of parent firm BMW, latest figures have revealed. Between July and September the group saw its pre-tax profit slide from £255m to £113m, a drop of almost 55 per cent with sales of BMW-branded cars down by 9.2
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Clive Stone: Something doesn't add up
THE Health Service Journal reports that in a survey used to oppose recent calls for a pay freeze, a quarter of NHS senior managers say they think they are underpaid. If this is correct, and they oppose a proposed pay freeze, then frankly this news couldn
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Council rubberstamps toilet closure plan
Campaigners have vowed to continue to fight to save Oxford’s public toilets — despite a radical closure programme being finally ratified last night. At a crunch meeting of all Oxford city councillors at the Town Hall the opposition Liberal Democrat group
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A true tragedy
EVERY life lost in Afghanistan is a tragedy, yet there is an added cruelty in the death of Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid on the final day of his tour. He was just hours away from returning to Didcot and seeing his wife and stepson. Having dealt with 64 bombs
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Batt spares Green's blushes
Oxford United’s latest goalscorer, Damian Batt, admits one of the first to congratulate him for hitting the winner against Altrincham was striker Matt Green – for saving his blushes! Green had missed from the penalty spot early in the match, which the
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Kicking up a stink to stop dog mess blight
SHOCK tactics with graphic pictures by the police are nothing new, but the posters appealing to dog owners to clean up after their animals will provoke a strong reaction. The stark image of dog faeces being put up in Barton and Risinghurst will be seen
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Graphic posters aim to halt dog poo menace in Barton
GRAPHIC posters of dog mess are being put up on city estates in a bid to stop dog owners letting their pets foul in children’s play areas. The posters are being pasted up by police community support officers in Barton and Risinghurst following complaints
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Singing rough sleeper appeals for help to find a proper home
A HOMELESS man who claims to have been living rough on an Oxford estate for more than two years, says he just wants to find a proper place to live. Ferrol Steele, who lives in an overgrown alleyway off Sandy Lane in Blackbird Leys, told the Oxford Mail
