Archive
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CRICKET: Clarke's lively knock lights up The Parks
Warwickshire's Rikki Clarke hit a breezy 74 against Oxford MCC Universities to lighten up the gloom as cricket made one of its earliest starts to the season in The Parks on Monday. Clarke’s fluent knock off 67 balls included 13 fours, and took the visitors
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Fans warned: Don't travel
Oxford United fans have been warned not to travel to Stevenage Borough on Tuesday night if they don’t have a ticket. United quickly sold their allocation of 1,700 tickets. A Stevenage spokesperson said: “There’s little point in any Oxford fans that
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Constable is full of beans
Striker Matt Green says there’s one very good reason Oxford United know they can win at Stevenage on Tuesday night – because they’ve got James Constable, and he’s back looking the business. United’s top scorer hit his 19th goal of the season, and then
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Oxford United target Borough's unbeaten home run
Midfielder Chris Hargreaves says Stevenage Borough’s unbeaten home record gives Oxford United a great incentive on Tuesday night – to become the first team to win at Broadhall Way since Wrexham triumphed 2-1 in November 2008. Since then, Borough have
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FOOTBALL: Witney's cup bid is cut to shreds
Witney United crashed out of the Hellenic League’s AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup 5-2 on aggregate to Shortwood United following a 3-2 defeat in their semi-final, second leg at the Polythene UK Stadium on Monday night. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg,
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FOOTBALL: Boss Peace wants repeat show
Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace is looking for more of the same when they host high-fliers Leamington in the Zamaretto Southern League Premier Division on Tuesday night. On Saturday, the Railwaymen moved nine points clear of the drop zone with
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Prince salutes helicopter crews
RAF Benson personnel who braved rocket propelled grenades in Afghanistan were today presented with medals by Prince Michael of Kent. The Queen’s cousin, who is Honorary Air Commodore of the Oxfordshire base, gave out Operational Service Medals
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Poppy tin thieves fail drugs check
A COUPLE who stole Poppy Appeal collecting tins in Oxford today admitted they had yet to kick their drug addiction, despite being subject to court rehabilitation orders. Sabrina Burton and Michael Bailey appeared at Oxford Crown Court for
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Prince salutes Benson helicoper crews in medals ceremony
RAF Benson personnel who braved rocket propelled grenades in Afghanistan were today presented with medals by Prince Michael of Kent. The Queen’s cousin, who is Honorary Air Commodore of the Oxfordshire base, gave out Operational Service Medals
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Botley thief stole phone after man tripped
A 28-year-old man who stole a mobile phone from a man who tripped up in the city centre has been given an 18-month supervision order. Jason I’Anson, of Osney Court, Botley Road, Oxford, earlier admitted one count of theft and breaching a conditional
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Seven in court over £43k fruit machine raids
Seven men appeared at Oxford Crown Court todaycharged with conspiracy to steal in connection with raids on fruit machines at service stations. The charges relate to £43,000 stolen from about 50 gambling machines across the country, including Oxfordshire
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Man threatened to drown girlfriend
A 48-year-old man who attacked his girlfriend and then threatened to kill her by driving her into a river was tonight beginning a two-and-a-half-year jail term. Robert Stewart, who ran his own plastering company before becoming addicted to
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Seven accused over £43,000 fruit machine raids
Seven men appeared at Oxford Crown Court today charged with conspiracy to steal in connection with raids on fruit machines at service stations. The charges relate to £43,000 stolen from about 50 gambling machines across the country, including
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Thief stole phone after man tripped
A 28-year-old man who stole a mobile phone from a man who tripped up in the city centre has been given an 18-month supervision order. Jason I’Anson, of Osney Court, Botley Road, Oxford, earlier admitted one count of theft and breaching a conditional
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Man held on crack cocaine charge
Police have charged a man who was stopped in North Oxford with possession with intent to supply and the supply of class-A drugs. Dipak Ram, 45, from London, was detained as he was driving along Woodstock Road, Oxford, on Saturday evening at
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Child rapist given six-year sentence
A 31-year-old man who raped a nine-year-old boy in a field a decade ago was finally brought to justice today. Jason Dickenson was jailed for six years at Oxford Crown Court after being convicted of rape by a jury earlier this year. He denied
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£44m A34 viaduct nears completion
Workmen who slid a 5,000-tonne bridge into place in 16 hours have hailed the success of one of the county’s biggest transport engineering feats. The enormous engineering project saw 100 workmen slide a 820ft-long section of road 15ft through
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Six years for raping a child
A 31-YEAR-OLD man who raped a nine-year-old boy in a field a decade ago was finally brought to justice today. Jason Dickenson was jailed for six years at Oxford Crown Court after being convicted of rape by a jury earlier this year. He denied
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Arm bands tribute to Godwin
Oxford United players will wear black arm bands and join fans for a minute’s silence next week in memory of an aspiring footballer stabbed to death in London. Seventeen-year-old Godwin Nii Lawson died after he was stabbed in the chest during
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Youth centre gets £12,000 boost
YOUNG people can enjoy new and improved facilities at their youth centre, thanks to a £12,000 grant. Eynsham Youth Centre, which meets twice a week, has created a chill-out room, along with health drop-in session Bodyzone on Tuesday lunchtimes
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Oxfringe magician does the trick
Magician and illusionist David Alexander starred in the Oxfringe festival to entertain families strolling through Oxford Castle. The Chester-based entertainer, pictured, performed sketches as part of the performing arts festival, which is based
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Addict who threatened to drown girlfriend jailed
A 48-YEAR-OLD man who attacked his girlfriend and then threatened to kill her by driving her into a river was tonight beginning a two-and-a-half-year jail term. Robert Stewart, who ran his own plastering company before becoming addicted to
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Concern over Oxpens Meadow move
Campaigners working to protect the meadow next to Oxford’s ice rink from development claim there is a “big question mark” over plans to hand it to a community trust. In January, city councillors suggested the executive board should apply to
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Computer scheme in Rose Hill gets £17k boost
A project which helps young mothers become computer-literate has been secured until at least the summer after receiving a cash windfall. The Oxford IT Hub, based at Rose Hill Children’s Centre, has been awarded £17,600 in grants to help more
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£44m viaduct project nears completion
WORKMEN who slid a 5,000-tonne bridge into place in 16 hours have hailed the success of one of the county’s biggest transport engineering feats. The enormous engineering project saw 100 workmen slide a 820ft-long section of road 15ft through
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Players to don black arm bands as tribute to Godwin
OXFORD United players will wear black arm bands and join fans for a minute’s silence next week in memory of an aspiring footballer stabbed to death in London. Seventeen-year-old Godwin Nii Lawson died after he was stabbed in the chest during an attack
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Scouting for Girls to appear at record shop
BAND Scouting for Girls will visit Witney today for an exclusive concert in Oxfordshire’s last independent record store. Rapture, in the Woolgate Centre, will play host to the band at 12.30pm,. The group – formed in 2005 by Roy Stride, Greg Churchouse
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RUGBY UNION: Thomas try clinches tie
Witney 7, Wallingford 0 Jake Thomas proved the match-winner as Witney reached their third Oxfordshire Cup final in five seasons. The young centre scored the only try on his maiden first-team start as his side dominated the territory.
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RUGBY UNION: Harper hails troops
Witney head coach Phil Harper hailed his team’s tenacity as they defeated Wallingford to reach the Oxfordshire Cup final. Harper said: “I thought they were tremendous all through the game. We didn’t give an inch. “The tackling around the rucks was very
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Campaigners doubt plans for trust to protect city meadow
CAMPAIGNERS working to protect the meadow next to Oxford’s ice rink from development claim there is a “big question mark” over plans to hand it to a community trust. In January, city councillors suggested the executive board should apply to
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RUGBY UNION: Wallingford go fourth
Wallingford climbed to fourth in South West 1 East with a tense 19-14 home victory over Olney. Olney stunned the large home crowd on five minutes when full back James Padfield ran in easily for a try converted by James Hawken. Wallingford responded
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RUGBY UNION: Park too strong for Hawks
Henley Hawks 22, Rosslyn Park 47 Henley Hawks were overrun by their promotion-chasing opponents in an entertaining National 2 South clash at Dry Leas. It was not all doom and gloom for the hosts, but they did concede seven tries, four of which were
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RUGBY UNION: Jackman at the double
Lock Harry Jackman scored a brace of tries as Chinnor bounced back with a 46-8 victory over Coney Hill in National 3 South West. The seven-try demolition boosted morale after the previous week’s 22-7 defeat to Exmouth and saw Chinnor regain
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RUGBY UNION: Sevier shines in derby
Full back Nick Sevier scored a hat-trick of tries as Grove thrashed Bicester 43-5 at Oxford Road to regain third place in Southern Counties North. Wing Tom Harrington created Nick Sevier’s first on five minutes, fly half Roger Sevier converting. Bicester
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RUGBY UNION: Alchester thump Gosford
Alchester crushed Gosford All Blacks 40-0 at Stratfield Brake to go fifth in the BB&O Premier Division. Ali Smith put Alchester ahead with two penalties and Joe McAneaney’s pushover try increased their lead. Adam Thompson and Andy Blacklock crossed
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Eco-town land acquired
LAND has been secured for the first phase of the controversial £1.5bn Bicester eco-town. P3Eco, the consortium working on the project with Cherwell District Council, says it has acquired enough land to build 1,000 homes. A 5,000-home community will
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Friendly approach needed on the Leys
VOLUNTEERS are wanted to lend a friendly hand to their neighbours in Oxford. Residents in Blackbird Leys are trying to get a Good Neighbour scheme off the ground to offer support to people living in their community. Tasks could include shopping if someone
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RUGBY UNION: Bulls so close to title
Banbury Bulls need just one more point to win Midlands 2 East South after defeating Old Newtonians 29-5, thanks to skipper Sean Bannister's hat-trick of tries. Their victory, coupled with Market Harborough’s defeat to Lutterworth, means Bulls
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Magician does the trick at Oxfringe
MAGICIAN and illusionist David Alexander starred in the Oxfringe festival to entertain families strolling through Oxford Castle. The Chester-based entertainer, pictured, performed sketches as part of the performing arts festival, which is based on the
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Youngsters vying for places at United football scheme
YOUNG footballers hoping to be the stars of the future are competing for places on a two-year course run by Oxford United. More than 30 teenagers attended a presentation at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday to find out more about the club’s Football and
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Military parachute training takes hi-tech leap
TROOPS will take part in more realistic training when eight parachute simulators arrive at RAF Brize Norton. The hi-tech equipment will help armed forces personnel practice parachute jumping — without having to leave the ground. The eight virtual reality
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Pursuing Philip Pullman
Fantasy writer Philip Pullman must have thought I was stalking him at the weekend but he was far too polite to mention it. On Saturday I was there to watch the moment when he opened a new children's playground near Oxford. His bon mots were so apt
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Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens celebrates its 40th anniversary
On Good Friday, March 27, 1970, the Cotswold Wildlife Park opened to the public for the first time, with fine weather and admission prices of five shillings for adults (25p) and two shillings for children (10p!). This was the culmination
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HOCKEY: Hawks face an anxious wait
Oxford Hawks were held to a 3-3 draw in what they felt was a must-win Premier Division 2 game at home to Winchester. A victory would have ensured they stay in the league, but they are now left possibly still needing something from their final match,
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HOCKEY: Rover's season of toil over at last
Relegated Rover Oxford lost 4-2 to Havant in their final match of what has been a very difficult season in Division 1 of the South Clubs’ League. Havant struck first, and when Rover won their first short corner, Becca Demczak’s strike was deflected into
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Two held after Wheatley robbery
Masked robbers stole cash during a raid on an estate agents in Wheatley. At about 12.30pm on Friday, two men entered the Wheatley Estate Agents - which is also a building society - in High Street. One of the offenders stole cash from
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Please behave
ONCE again May Day is nearly here. May I, through your paper, respectfully ask the colleges to ask their students to behave on May Morning. Last year a group of people ‘entertained’ us with drums at 6am when we would have preferred to have listened
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Show of courage
THE news from the United States on March 22 was a milestone in political terms and felt like a breath of fresh spring air blowing through the political corridors of all the western democracies. After all we have seen in the media about the behaviour
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Local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 20.1 BMW 3068 Electrocomponents 220 Gladstone 33 Nationwide Accident Repair 85.5 Oxford Biomedica 9.8 Oxford Catalyst 57.5 Oxford Instruments 270 Reed Elsevier 524.25 RM 170.5 RPS Group 193.75 Courtesy of Redmayne
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Under 11's Top Of The Table Clash see Horspath Come Out Winners
In this top of the table A-League clash Horspath took the lead half way through the first half when a free kick taken thirty yards out by Horspath's Josh Tooke flew straight into the top corner of the net. In a hard fought battle Horspath continued
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Costly indulgence
I sincerely hope that at least some of the people who have been buying the millions of cut-price Easter eggs over the last few weeks watched Panorama on BBC1 last Wednesday. I was hopeful that we’d see more Fairtrade chocolate eggs available this year
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Open to bribery
IT’S no good you councillors, who keep shoving leaflets through my letterbox, trying to persuade me to vote for you at the local elections. I don’t care what you promise you are going to do (and never, ever do), nor do I think much of you all slagging
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Shameful record
I WAS stunned by a letter I read in Thursday’s Oxford Mail. The reality of Labour’s record on homelessness is shameful. The Labour Government has built fewer houses than any other government since the Second World War. Under Labour there are hundreds
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New jobs needed to go with new homes
Yet again Witney is proposed as the site of 1,400 new homes on land north of the town, but I ask, what will it mean for Witney? For the past 10 years or so, there has been an enormous increase in housebuilding but the consequences are far-reaching, and
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ON YER BIKE: Travel habits must change
This week I was having a rare bored moment in which I ended up watching an online conference featuring Sir David King – he used to be the Government’s chief scientific adviser, and now he’s in Oxford heading the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
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Two arrested after Wheatley raid
Masked robbers stole cash during a raid on an estate agents in Wheatley. At about 12.30pm on Friday, two men entered the Wheatley Estate Agents - which is also a building society - in High Street. One of the offenders stole cash from the till and searched
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Man charged with indecent exposure in Oxford
A 21-year old man has been charged with indecent exposure in Oxford. Aleksandrs Utimisous, of Yarnells Hill, was arrested at his home address on Friday. He has been charged with four offences of indecent exposure relating to incidents which occurred
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Berinsfield bikers deliver Easter cheer at Oxford hospital
BEAMING bikers put smiles on the faces of sick children at Oxford Children’s Hospital by delivering Easter eggs to their wards. Youngsters watched out of the windows as about 50 bikers roared up to the hospital in Headington carrying piles
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GMTV weather presenter supports OX5
FUNDRAISERS at the Oxford Children’s Hospital are hoping GMTV presenter Kirsty McCabe brings plenty of sunshine with her on the day of the OX5 Run. Mrs McCabe, 33, joined the ITV breakfasy show in January last year as one of its weather presenters.
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Marston Saints 2 Faringdon 0 U10's Blue
Marston Saints came out on top in this weekends clash. Both teams started well in the first half passing the ball round looking for the first goal. A great passing move down the pitch saw Joshua Josephs shot pushed out by Faringdon’s goalie for Rowan
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DARTS: Oxon are pipped at the post
Oxfordshire look set for a mid-table finish in Division 1 of the Riley's Inter-County Chsanmpionship after going down 19-17 away to Somerset in their seventh match of the season. Oxon trailed 10-8 after the B team encounters on the first day at the
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DARTS: Blackbird win battle of the champs
With the final league positions already decided in the ODDA Ladies’ Winter League, Premier Section champions Florence Park Community Centre A went down 5-4 in a thriller against Section 1 winners Blackbird. Home side Florence Park took an
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South Moreton's rail bridge ordeal comes to an end
VILLAGERS are marking the end of a four-month ordeal after a new bridge reuniting their community was opened. Network Rail demolished the old bridge between South and North Moreton at Christmas as part of a project for freight trains to carry
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Fundraisers show drop of courage
An 80-year-old grandmother, a fundraising father and a politician were among daredevils who abseiled down the side of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. More than 140 people helped raise more than £34,000 for charity by descending the 100ft
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Author opens £100,000 playground
Youngsters celebrated the opening of a new £100,000 playground near Oxford by having a go on the new swings and climbing frames. Last year the revamp of Pinnocks Way playground in Dean Court, got the go-ahead after it was given £46,000 from
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North Oxford play area reopens
Parents and toddlers celebrated the opening of a play park in North Oxford following a £55,000 refurbishment. Deputy Lord Mayor John Goddard cut the tape to open the revamped city council play area in Alexandra Park on Saturday, accompanied
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Author opens new-look playground
YOUNGSTERS celebrated the opening of a new £100,000 playground near Oxford by having a go on the new swings and climbing frames. Last year the revamp of Pinnocks Way playground in Dean Court, Cumnor, got the go-ahead after it was given £46,000 from the
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North Oxford play area opens after £55k revamp
MUMS and toddlers celebrated the opening of a play park in North Oxford following a £55,000 refurbishment. Deputy Lord Mayor John Goddard cut the tape to open the revamped city council play area in Alexandra Park on Saturday, accompanied by BBC Radio
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Author shares stage with scary creation
CHILDREN from Oxfordshire primary schools were given an unexpected treat when author Julia Donaldson was joined on stage by her best-known creation, The Gruffalo. The event was one of several school days held as part of the Oxford Literary
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JR fundraisers show a drop of courage
AN 80-YEAR-OLD grandmother, a fundraising father and a politician were among daredevils who abseiled down the side of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. More than 140 people helped raise more than £34,000 for charity by descending the 100ft Women’s Centre
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Engineering work on A34 a success
A 5,000 tonne bridge deck was slid into the place on the new A34 Wolvercote Viaduct this weekend. The work was part of a £44m project to replace the bridge, which was built in the 1960s, with a new structure designed to last 120 years. The bridge
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John Blandy School Quiz goes to the top of the class.......
Following last weeks whinge about the ODN Quiz, imagine how good it was last Friday night to experience the delights of the John Blandy Boffin’s Quiz in Southmoor Village Hall. This annual event is held in support of the John Blandy school and is well
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Appeal after man attacked and robbed
A man was hit on the back of the head and robbed of £90 in a street near Didcot Parkway Station. The 44-year-old man was walking along Station Road at about 6.45pm on Saturday, March 20, when he was struck on the back of the head several times
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Local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 19 BMW 3124 Electrocomponents 222.1 Gladstone 33.75 Nationwide Accident Repair 87.5 Oxford Biomedica 9.75 Oxford Catalysts 57.5 Oxford Instruments 269 Reed Elsevier 527
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Man attacked and robbed in Didcot
Police are appealing for information after a man was attacked and robbed near Didcot Parkway Station. The 44-year-old man was walking along Station Road when he was struck on the back of the head several times, before he fell unconscious to
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Challenor Gardiner – here to help
Research shows that over half of unmarried couples living together separate before two years. Although the thought can be unpalatable, increasing numbers of couples are considering how to deal with their assets and liabilities on separation before
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Manage your wealth, manage your future
While it may seem strange to be talking about wealth management during a recession, a downturn in the economy can be an excellent time to review your finances and make the most of tax-saving opportunities for you and your family. Many of us
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Oxford youth club leader inspired boys
LES Laishley was one of Oxfordshire’s best-known and inspirational leaders of young people. He spent 27 years guiding hundreds of youngsters at the Oxford and Worcester Boys Club in St Clement’s. Our interest in Mr L, as he was always known, was sparked
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Former student recalls day on railway
WE’VE tracked down one of the students who took over the Abingdon branch railway line for a day. We pictured two members of the Oxford University Railway Society fitting their crest to the front of the Abingdon Flier, ex-GWR tank engine No 1447, in May
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Girls received Royal awards
THESE girls had good reason to feel pleased with themselves. They had just received their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The ceremony took place in 1968 in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Oxford Town Hall. They are pictured with the Lady
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The changing face of Thame
A DISPLAY of irises by Glenda Dancer brought a touch of sunshine to the town’s garden club spring show in 1986. But it was a flame-coloured South African lily from club vice-chairman Dick Lindars that won best in show. Pupils from schools in Thame, Long
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Bands got soaked at outdoor contest in Oxford
THE first Oxford and District Brass Band Association contest was an unforgettable occasion. It was held outdoors, the heavens opened and all the musicians were soaked. Bob Reason, a member of the Headington Prize Silver Band, still has vivid memories
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Donkey played starring role in Jericho
SHEENA the donkey put in an impeccable performance when she helped recreate the story of Palm Sunday. It was only a short journey from St Barnabas First School in Jericho, Oxford, to the nearby St Barnabas Church in 1981. Sheena, lent for the occasion
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Players and classmates mourn rising teen football star
A TEENAGER stabbed to death in London was a member of Oxford United’s Football and Education Academy, it emerged last night. Seventeen-year-old Godwin Nii Lawson died after he was stabbed in the chest during an attack in Amhurst Park, Hackney
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Teen football star mourned
A teenager stabbed to death in London was a member of Oxford United’s Football and Education Academy. Seventeen-year-old Godwin Nii Lawson died after he was stabbed in the chest during an attack in Amhurst Park, Hackney, north London just before
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Cowley statues' mystery solved
The mystery surrounding two statues left ‘abandoned’ outside Cowley Library for decades has been solved. Dr Malcolm Graham and Pauline Connacher have revealed the figure depicts former Oxford MP Sir Thomas Rowney Junior and the animal comes
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United snatch dramatic win
Oxford United’s title hopes are still alive after Saturday’s dramatic late win over Gateshead. The 2-1 victory at the Kassam Stadium, although barely deserved, was United’s first win in six matches. And it sends them into their biggest
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Cortege expected
Two other soldiers may be repatriated tomorrow along with Serjeant Steven Campbell, of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles. The MoD was unsure if the pair, killed in Afghanistan, would be in the cortege carrying Sjt Campbell to the John Radcliffe Hospital. The
