Archive

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Tycoon donates £75m to Oxford University

A NEW school of government is set to be built at Oxford University thanks to a £75m donation from a Soviet Union-born philanthropist, it was confirmed tonight. Leonard Blavatnik has handed over the money for the new school, which would be

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‘Seats saved us from sight of World Cup goal gaffe'

THERE were a lot of frustrated England fans on Saturday evening. Many missed Steven Gerrard’s opening goal of the World Cup against USA thanks to an ITV HD glitch. But that was not a problem for England devotee Mark Heelis, 28, from Abingdon, who secured

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Not For the Big Screen

MACGRUBER (15). Comedy/Action. Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Val Kilmer, Powers Boothe, Maya Rudolph. Director: Jorma Taccone. For almost 35 years, the late night American television show Saturday Night Live has been mercilessly

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Killing Time

KILLERS (12A). Action/Comedy/Romance. Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Catherine O’Hara, Tom Selleck, Casey Wilson, Kevin Sussman. Director: Robert Luketic. Honesty is the cornerstone of any healthy and lasting relationship but perhaps

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Slice of Magic

Peace reigns as KATHERINE MACALISTER takes her brood to try out the new branch of popular pizza restaurant Mamma Mia. Have you met the rent-o-kids yet, the perfect 3D family you can hire and take to restaurants? The cardboard cut-outs

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Inn Print

ANDREW FFRENCH discovers running pubs and writing novels have become a suprisingly fruitful combination for author Jo Eames. WIFE, mum, lawyer, pub landlady and now a novelist.Jo Eames, co-owner of The Fishes pub in North Hinksey, has added

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Best of The Fests

Raging hay fever, dehydration, sunburn, and trenchfoot… It can only mean one thing – the festival season is underway. Previously the preserve of the bedraggled hippy or beer-throwing mosher, festivals have moved on, and this year offer something for everyone

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Tokyo Nights

Friday night at Roppongi is full of eastern promise for RICHARD BELL. A little while ago Mood closed its doors to undertake a metamorphosis into an altogether different beast, and given the enduring popularity of the venue I was more than a

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The call goes out for talented tenants

THE search is on for Oxfordshire’s next big thing thanks to a competition that gives talented tenants the chance to shine. Starcatchers is open to residents of Oxford City Homes or any housing association including A2Dominion, Cataylst Housing

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Twin Passions

KATHERINE MACALISTER tries to pin down just what award-winning singer-songwriter Elvis Costello is all about these days... Elvis Costello has his finger in so many pies, it begs the question whether music is still the be-all-and-end-all.

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Mr & Mrs

KATHERINE MACALISTER chats to Clare Plested about her new comedy The Perfect Wife – and hopes her husband doesn’t get any ideas. So just what is it that constitutes the perfect wife, I ask the boys in the office. Being permanently cheerful

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Simply Simon

Simon Callow feels at home amid Oxford’s dreaming spires and is happy to discuss Shakespeare, Four Weddings and his peculiar upbringing with Katherine MacAlister before playing his hero – the Bard. "Sorry about the hounds,” Simon Callow apologises

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Local shares (PM)

AEA Technology 19 BMW 3294 Electrocomponents 218 Nationwide Accident Repair 83.5 Oxford Biomedica 10.25 Oxford Catalysts 82.75 Oxford Instruments 284.25 Reed Elsevier 498.6 RM 172.25 RPS Group 193.6 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

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Students take to the catwalk for Aids victims

OXFORD University students will be swapping the library for the catwalk tomorrow night to help Aids victims. They are hosting the Red Dress Couture Ball at the Town Hall in St Aldate’s to raise cash for two charities. World renowned

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Champion on move

Mastermind champion Nancy Dickmann has a new specialist subject — househunting. Ms Dickmann, who lives in Marston with husband Duncan Gilbert and their two daughters, achieved the highest total score of the television series during last year’s final.

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Rare farm on market for £4.5m

A 17th-century farmhouse with almost 200 acres of land could be a dream property for anyone who has always wanted their own smallholding. Stonehouse Farmhouse in Bletchingdon comes with 187 acres and is being sold either separately, or as part of Stonehouse

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Thieves steal couple's cycles in Oxford

Police are appealing for witnesses after a couple had their bicycles stolen from under the Bridge of Sighs in New College Lane, Oxford. A 25-year-old man had his £600 blue, Via Nirone 7 bicycle stolen, and a 22-year-old woman had her white,

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Des ‘Digger’ Atherton: Leading light in motor trade

THE well-known Oxfordshire motor trader Des Atherton has died, aged 88. Digger, as he was affectionately known, passed away peacefully last Thursday, after being admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital. He was married at St Frideswide’s Church, in Botley

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John Wilson: Figurehead for cycling in the city

With his friendly but challenging manner, striking red hair and flamboyant dress sense, John Wilson was a familiar figure in Oxford for 35 years. The former owner of Walton Street Cycles, in Jericho, died on June 3, aged 53. He was born

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£4.4m sixth form 'will go ahead'

The county’s schools chief has stepped in to promise that a £4.4m project to provide a new sixth form in Bicester is safe, despite looming budget cuts. Michael Waine, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for schools improvement, said

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Council throws out plan to turn General Elliot pub into house

A COMMUNITY is celebrating after planning chiefs turned down an application to turn South Hinksey’s last remaining pub into a house. The Vale Brewery submitted plans to convert the award-winning General Elliot after its original bid to expand

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Celebs raise £100,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

MORE children with life-threatening illnesses will be able to experience their greatest dreams thanks to a star-studded fundraising ball. Make-A-Wish Foundation UK hosted its 12th annual summer ball at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on Saturday. The

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Cyclist, six, injured in Abingdon

Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a BMX bike and a silver Vauxhall Corsa in Abingdon. The collision happened at the junction of Lee Avenue and Wellesbourne Close at about 4.30pm yesterday. The cyclist, a six-year-old

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Man held over missing test-ride Harley-Davidson

A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motorcycle following an incident in Steventon. A man visited the Harley-Davidson garage, in Hanney Road, with another man and asked to take a red Harley-Davidson Fat Bob for a test

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Bicester school's £4.4m expansion 'will go ahead'

THE county’s schools chief has stepped in to promise that a £4.4m project to provide a new sixth form in Bicester is safe, despite looming budget cuts. Michael Waine, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for schools improvement, said the project

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School stages show of cool cars

FERRARIS, Porsches and Aston Martins roared into Stanton Harcourt for a special event at the village school. Pupils in Years Three and Four decided to hold a ‘cool car’ show as part of a project entitled Top Speed. More than 20 owners

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How good was Shakespeare?

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Temple Cowley Pools: Each side has its say

D-DAY for one of Oxford’s longest running issues – the future of Temple Cowley Pools – has been set. A decision will be made by Oxford City Council on July 12. The two options being examined are to demolish the existing facility and then build a new

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Collie shows his award-winning charm

WHEN Christine Lewis was looking for a new dog, she answered a newspaper advert and bought what she thought was a Jack Russell pup for £150. But following a visit to the vets, it emerged that her new pet was in fact a border collie.

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Stray dog savages pet greyhound

A WOMAN has desc-ribed her horror after her retired racing greyhound was mauled by a stray dog. Jan Pearson, of Folly View Road, Faringdon, said she now no longer felt safe while walking Harry. The 62-year-old house keeper said: “I think

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BOWLS: County trio set to fly the flag

THREE Oxfordshire women will be representing England in the British Isles Championships at Worthing next week. Banbury Central’s Carole Galletly wins her first cap in the competition at Beach House Park. She is joined by clubmate Caroline Campion, who

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BOWLS: Headington win keeps up the pressure

Mark Charlett’s Headington A posted a crushing victory over South Oxford A in Division 1 of the Oxford & District League, sponsored by Yarnton Nurseries. Howard Watts secured the league’s biggest win of the day, ending up 24 shots to the good against

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Crackdown on drivers who flout Leys limit

PARISH councillors are planning to tackle motorists who are flouting the new 20mph speed limits on their estate. Blackbird Leys Parish Council said motorists travelling over the 20mph limit – brought in across Oxford last September against

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Business park road to be shut

ONE of the main entrances to Milton Park trading estate near Didcot will be closed for three months as engineers replace the Potash Lane Rail bridge. The work will cause long delays for nearby villagers and commuters at the park, who will be

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Volunteers muck in to lessen flood risk

A NEW volunteer group has been formed to help reduce the risk of flooding in Abingdon. The Ock Valley Flood Group was officially launched at the weekend, when volunteers started work on clearing some of the blocked drainage ditches on the meadow to the

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Ram-raiders attack Stadhampton service station

Ram-raiders stole £1,000 worth of goods after breaking into the Summit service station in Stadhampton. Thieves used a white van to reverse into the shop in Thame Road at 1.16am yesterday. Finding the door reinforced, three white men

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How good was Elvis?

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How good was Shakespeare?

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MacGruber

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Letters to Juliet

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Greenberg

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Love Hurts

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Mamma Mia

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Killers

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HOCKEY: New mum Lisa eyes up London 2012

INTERNATIONAL hockey star Lisa Wooding has set herself a strict timetable to get back into the Great Britain team for the 2012 Olympics, writes Jon Murray. The 30-year-old right half, who plays for Premier League Reading and lives in Shillingford, near

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CRICKET: Morrick blitz floors Banbury

Skipper Wes Morrick hit an unbeaten 54 to set Aston Rowant on the way to a 41-run victory at home to Banbury in the Cockspur Cup Twenty20 second round on Wednesday night. Morrick’s half-century took Rowant to 139-6 after Rory Lyon and Lee Lewis hit 29

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Colleagues speak of Moira Finn's legacy

SHE helped hundreds of people in Blackbird Leys with their financial problems, despite privately battling her own demons for more than 30 years. Moira Finn worked at the Agnes Smith Advice Centre for 12 years and came to the aid of people facing

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RUGBY UNION: Stanley's clash reverts to 3pm

The annual Major Stanley’s rugby union match will revert to an afternoon kick-off this autumn. Oxford University will take on the select side in the 89th match at 3pm on Wednesday, November 17. In recent years the match has taken place

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GOLF: Ace Taylor bags Audi

Oxford's Nick Taylor scored his first hole-in-one – and won a brand new car worth almost £30,000. Taylor, a 24-handicapper, aced the par three 12th hole at Radyr in Cardiff during the SET Office Supplies Golf Day and won the Audi A5. “I knew about the

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Campaigner’s DNA on bomb, court told

AN animal rights campaigner planted home-made petrol bombs at two Oxford University sites, a court heard. Mel Broughton, 49, is alleged to have been protesting against the building of a university-backed animal testing laboratory in the city

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Cavaliers in late collapse

Oxford Cavaliers suffered another late collapse as they lost 40-24 at home to second-placed South London Storm in the Co-Operative Rugby League Conference. Cavaliers have led four of their seven South East Regional matches going into the last 15 minutes

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GOLF: Results round-up

SHAW GIBBS OXFORDSHIRE FOURSOMES LEAGUE Knockout Trophy Preliminary Round Carswell w/o Hazlemere First Round Frilford Heath 3, Kirtlington 0 (Frilford Heath first): A Walton & S Bolton bt L Kennedy & L Davies

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GOLF: Duo crowned champs

Pauline Sydenham’s good form continued when she eased to a seventh North Oxford’s Ladies Championship. Lady president Sydenham, who last month broke North Oxford’s course record, shot rounds of 81 and 87 to finish nine strokes clear of Cynthia Peddy.

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Local share prices (AM)

AEA Technology 19.4 BMW 3293 Electrocomponents 219.4 Nationwide Accident Repair 83.5 Oxford Biomedica 10.4 Oxford Catalysts 82.75 Oxford Instruments 285 Reed Elsevier 501.75 RM 176.5 RPS Group 193v Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley

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Finnley loses fight for life

A YOUNG couple have paid a touching tribute to their tiny baby son who has lost his fight for life aged 18 weeks. Finnley Froude was born 12 weeks premature at the neo natal intensive care unit at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital in February He weighed

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Roll up for party in the park

People are being urged to roll up for the fifth annual party in the park at the Lucy Plackett Playing Field, Adderbury, and sign up for the Anthony Nolan Trust. At this year’s event the charity will be recruiting bone marrow donors in the hope a match

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Travelodge resigns from industry body

Hotel group Travelodge has resigned from industry body the British Hospitality Association (BHA). In a strongly worded statement, Guy Parsons, managing director of the Thame-based company, said: “We see an opportunity to transform the hotel industry

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ATHLETICS: Lock holds the key

Oxfordshire athletes shone during the inugural F1 Chicken Run 10k race at Brackley, providing both the men’s and ladies’ winners. Witney Roadrunner Tony Lock took the men’s title on an undulating multi-terrain course, crossing the line first in 35mins

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Man charged with St Giles sex assault

A 26-year-old man has been arrested after a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in St Giles, Oxford. Ryan James, from Bletchley, was charged yesterday with sexual assault in relation to the offence that happened at 3am on May 13.

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Oxford United share spoils with USA rivals

Just as England and the USA shared the spoils in their World Cup clash, it was honours even between Oxford United and Seacoast United in their Anglo-American battle. The clubs have a strong link, forged by U’s chairman Kelvin Thomas and his connection

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Oxford 2 fall short of promotion

For the final weekend of the Four Nations Chess League’s third division this season only three wins out of three would have been enough to secure Oxford 2 promotion — and not unexpectedly they fell short. There were, however, some good individual performances

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Not forgotten

I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank all those ex-servicemen, standard bearers and the general public who attend the repatriation ceremonies for fallen servicemen who come to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Hedley Way, Headington. Today it

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CUTS: Cycle hire pilot scheme ditched

CYCLISTS will have to look on enviously when a new bike hire scheme starts in London next month after it emerged that the county council has abandoned plans for a similar scheme in Oxford. Londoners and visitors to the capital will be able

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CUTS: Arts project fate in the balance

THE final curtain has fallen at Oxford’s Old Fire Station theatre ahead of its £3.4m redevelopment, but Government spending cuts may yet deliver an unwelcome plot twist. The OFS, in George Street, has now closed and work is due to start next

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CUTS: City's economic future at risk, says council leader

MAJOR cuts to housing, transport, regeneration and charities in Oxford will threaten the city’s economy, according to city council leader Bob Price. Senior councillors believe severe measures to slash the country’s deficit have struck a double

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GOLF: Paterson lands Frilford medal

Ben Paterson held his nerve to win the Frilford Heath Gold Medal at his home club. Needing a par on the last of his 36 holes to pip clubmate Sandy Bolton to the sought-after amateur title, Paterson opted to play safe. Paterson gave himself a short approach

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Baffled no more by lilies

Lilies have always slightly baffled me but at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show the penny dropped when I looked at a very informative display put together by a lily nursery called H. W. Hyde and Son, of Twyford, in Berkshire. Their circular exhibit displayed

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Sitting ducks

WHAT A sad pantomime security must be in Oxford when student Chris Graham, armed with bolt-cutters, steals his own bike in full view of the public (Oxford Mail, June 10). No police patrols or security cameras seemed to be in operation. Let’s pray we

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CUTS: Fears for voluntary sector

A PROJECT that helps thousands of migrant workers in Oxfordshire integrate into the community has had its funding frozen. The initiative, led by Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, provides English language courses for foreign workers

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The Insider: A weekly update from the corridors of power

Oxford City Council launched the next phase of its successful Cleaner, Greener campaign this week in East Oxford. But the Insider hears the authority had last-minute nerves about holding the photocall in Manzil Way Gardens, before pushing ahead as

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Get out and go wild

A rare monkey: Truth be told, I am a bit of a closet orchid fan. I love the fact that there are so many different varieties; that they sometimes take the mimicry of other animals to the extreme, and I am excited when I spot something really rare. That

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New blood

WHAT utter rubbish from Peter Collett of Headington (Oxford Mail ViewPoints, May 25). This country is deeply in debt after 13 years of Labour Government. I, for one, have lost savings. Let’s give Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg the chance they need, hopefully

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Rules of the road

What a bizarre law reported in your Memory Lane pages (Monday’s Oxford Mail) in the case of men prosecuted 50 years ago for gambling on the verge of the highway. Surely all drivers are gambling with their lives every day on our roads? Are they guilty

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Jackson points

Much as I was delighted that the Oxford Mail ran a story about my book (May 28) , as a lifelong Michael Jackson fan I feel it is imperative that I clarify a few points: 1. His name is and always will be Michael Jackson, not Jacko or even Wacko Jacko.

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Cress threat put to bed

Every cloud of volcanic ash has a silver lining for the volunteers looking after Oxfordshire’s ancient watercress beds. Members of the Chiltern Society were meeting in their Watercress Centre at Ewelme when a RAF officer called in. He was from the neighbouring

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Wembley rules over standing quite clear

I have noted Andrew Cherrie’s comments (Oxford Mail ViewPoints, May 31) in response to my observations about having to stand reluctantly when Oxford United played at Wembley. Prior to my letter, I spoke with the Blue Square League and Oxford United,

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Twelfth Night: Oxford Castle

‘Ahandbag?” Uttered with explosive incredulity down the decades, there can be few more momentous words in any play than those spoken by Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest when she learns that, as a baby, Jack Worthing was discovered in

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Residents call for action after music event at Oxford Greyhound Stadium ends in street brawl

NEIGHBOURS living near Oxford Greyhound Stadium have called for action after hundreds of partygoers sparked an early morning brawl in the street. The city council and police last night said they were discussing an action plan after the incident

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Anger as mums battle for children's heart unit

TEARFUL and angry parents went head-to-head with health chiefs in the opening round of the fight to save Oxford’s children’s heart unit. Passionate pleas were made to “leave Oxford alone” by mums and dads at a meeting about the centre’s future. The

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Californian rich reds, £97

California’s unique climate, with its coastal vineyards and overnight mists that rest the vines, is an ideal place to make wine. This is home to both the massive Gallo wineries and also to many tiny micro-wineries operated by quality-obsessed individuals

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Anger as parents battle for heart unit

Tearful and angry parents went head-to-head with health chiefs in the opening round of the fight to save Oxford’s children’s heart unit. Passionate pleas were made to “leave Oxford alone” by parents at a meeting about the centre’s future.

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Citywide clean-up expands

A SUCCESSFUL clean-up project has set its sights on East Oxford. The Oxford Cleaner, Greener campaign, run by Oxford City Council, aims to curb litter and fly tipping along with rubbish left in front gardens. Next month, council officers, street wardens

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Homage to the wine and food of Catalonia

If I were to note down all that I’d done in the last few days in activities alone you would be forgiven for confusing me with a grazing cow. I seem to have been eating, non-stop, for days. Much, I hasten to add, as part of some important work that involved

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VOTE: What do you think of United's opening fixtures?

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FIXTURES: United start at Burton

OXFORD United may be back in the Football League but it will be a familiar Conference face they see in their first game. The U's' fixtures for their return to League 2 have been released this morning and Chris Wilder's men will be away at Burton

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FIXTURES: Oxford United 2010-2011

Fixtures 2010-2011. Home games are in capitals Sat Aug 7 Burton Albion Tue Aug 10 BRISTOL ROVERS Carling Cup 1 Sat Aug 14 BURY Sat Aug 21 Wycombe Wanderers Wed Aug 25 Carling Cup 2 Sat Aug 28 ACCRINGTON

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Haberdashery venture

Knitting and darning have become trendy for a new generation learning how to 'make do and mend' says a young businesswoman. Jo Watkins is mad about needlework — she even has a degree in knitwear. When she moved to Oxford she was frustrated at the lack

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Equitable Billing Company

How green is your recession? Well, very, according to the managing director of a Witney electricity and gas supplier who set up in business 11 years ago with the specific aim of fighting fuel poverty. Phil Levermore of Ebico, a not-for profit firm which

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Local author

Guy Deutscher was born in Israel and now lives in Oxford. As you might expect from a mathematical linguist, he speaks many languages including Sumerian. In Through the Language Glass (Heinemann, £20) he looks at how we talk about colour, not just from

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Moral Combat by Michael Burleigh

It is not often that a single map can illuminate the subject of a book, but the hideous array of concentration and extermination camps depicted in Michael Burleigh’s history of the Second World War reveals at once the genocidal aspect of Hitler’s regime

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A Better Quality of Murder, by Ann Granger

A Better Quality of Murder, by Ann Granger Inspector Ben Ross and his new wife Lizzie Martin are back in Victorian London after their last adventure solving a murder in the New Forest. Between their excursion to Hampshire and their latest problem of

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Fighting to win peace in Iraq

Sitting in the garden of her home just outside Witney, our woman in Basra cheerfully declares she is someone who enjoys the heat. The spring sunshine beating down on West Oxfordshire hardly compares to what Alice Walpole will soon have to endure when

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Police plea over A415 death crash

A motorcyclist died after he was involved in a smash with two cars near Abingdon yesterday. A black Toyota Yaris, a blue Jaguar and a motorcycle were involved in the collision at the Burycroft junction of the A415, towards Culham, at about

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Kelvin's joy at cup draw

Kelvin Thomas admitted that Wednesday’s Carling Cup draw really brought home what Oxford United’s promotion means. Chris Wilder’s side were handed a tasty home tie against League One outfit Bristol Rovers. And with the League Two fixtures

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Parky at the Pictures (In Cinemas 17/6/2010)

This year marks the centenary of Akira Kurosawa. He remains the best-known Japanese film-maker with Western audiences, even though the critical pendulum has recently swung in the direction of Kenji Mizoguchi and Yasujiro Ozu. However, their genius would

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Oxford United fixtures out this morning

OXFORD United will today learn who their first opponent is for their return to the Football League. The fixtures are due out and will be posted on oxfordmail.co.uk at 9am.

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Parky at the Pictures (DVD 17/6/2010)

Peter Greenaway is one of this country's few genuinely inspired cinematic innovators and Nightwatching represents a palpable return to form for a master imagist-cum-provocateur, whose recent work hasn't always reached his loyal audience. Some have

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Action plan to transform lives of elderly

A ten-point plan to transform Oxfordshire into “an age- friendly county” will be unveiled tomorrow. A package of measures, including proposals to create councils of elders across the county, are set out in a report from Oxfordshire Age UK.

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Biker dies after road clash

A MOTORCYCLIST died after he was involved in a smash with two cars near Abingdon yesterday. A black Toyota Yaris, a blue Jaguar and a motorcycle were involved in the collision at the Burycroft junction of the A415, towards Culham, at about 9am. The

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Familiar face

Sir – Further to Martin Murphy’s letter (June 3) In demand, why do we have to have even one photograph of a regular contributor in The Oxford Times every week? By now we know very well what he looks like D.W. B. Twamley, Oxford

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Monumental damage

Sir – The so-called Real Fathers for Justice claim that they know nothing about the morons who carried out the attack on the White Horse monument at Uffington (Report, June 10). Can I ask that your readers who feel enraged about this contact them at

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Going to a better place

Sir – I would like to apologise to my neighbours in St Leonard’s Road and St Andrew’s School. Ten years of lobbying to improve street safety have come to nought and I’m admitting defeat. I’ve decided to go to a better place. I thought the duty of our

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Costly inspections

Sir – I am writing about the proposed HMO licensing regulation changes on April 1. It is proposed to license around 4000 HMOs annually from November this year. This will require about 16 inspections each day, so will need a few inspectors to carry

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Local decisions

Sir – I welcome the coalition Government’s proposed return of planning to local planning authorities, recently confirmed in a letter to councils from Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The efforts of many local campaigners

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Police not immune

Sir – I refer to the letter from P. Berry (June 10) in response to mine of June 3. The writer appears to have completely missed the point I am trying to make, then brands me a homophobic bigot for trying to protect the public purse. I could not

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Cool treat

Sir – On Monday, June 7, the Witney Woodland Volunteers were doing their customary weeding and litter clearing in the town, and on that day, beside the footpath bordering the Witan Way mill stream, opposite Waitrose. We were feeling pretty

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Fire service to rescue

Sir – On Saturday morning last, just before the Jericho Street Fair, my friend and neighbour called me with the plea, “There’s water pouring from my ceiling. Any chance you can help?” Well, I went round and, indeed, there was water, not a gusher,

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Help us break record

Sir – Eve Women’s Wellbeing Project based at Heyford Park Community Centre is planning to break the Guinness Book of Records for the Biggest Ever Tombola at Bicester Carnival on July 11, 2010. The record stands at 4,400 prizes. We have gathered 1,500

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Cost is too great

Sir – Last week, I registered to speak at the city executive committee about the plans for disposal of much of Manzil Way park for 18 months. Doctors from the adjacent clinic had asked me to represent them. They were concerned at the risk the plans

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Support for MG

Sir – Through your newspaper, I hope that you will allow me to express my gratitude to those MG owners who, despite the poor weather, joined us, the Abingdon Works Centre of the MG Car Club, at the Abingdon Air & Country Show on Dalton Barracks last

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No fines for waste

Sir – I would like to clarify two points about the new rubbish and recycling service which the Vale of White Horse District Council is introducing on October 4. First, we do not intend to fine or penalise residents in any way if they put items in the

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Phone delights

Sir – Like it or not the New Bod building is Listed Grade II, so is with us for a long time to come (Letters, June 3 and 10). The revamp will provide valuable new space inside, but the outside will remain relatively unchanged and cheerless. Might

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A tragic ending

THE suicide of Moira Finn, a woman who worked at the Agnes Smith Advice Centre, is indeed a tragedy. Ms Finn has helped hundreds of people with their own struggles over the years. Yet she has had a long history of her own problems and it is devastating

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Leys church marks 50 years of fellowship

A CONGREGATION is celebrating 50 years since the first clergyman arrived in Blackbird Leys – remembering a time when baptisms were carried out using washing up bowls and pudding basins. The Rev Peter Malton moved to the newly built Blackbird

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Sane or zany choice

Sir – Peter Howell (Letters, June 3) is a devotee of the 1930s New Bodleian while Hugh Jaeger detests it; others would plant trees in Broad Street; while I quite fancy a Warsaw-style dressing of the façade with a replica of the lost historic buildings

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Personal choice

Sir – Hugh Jaeger’s comments re the proposed New Bodleian Library (Letters, June 3) need some considered response. True that Pevsner did not give his approval for Giles Gilbert Scott’s design, but Pevsner did not like either of his other Oxford efforts

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No uniform bus system

Sir – I use a concessionary bus permit, and, when going to other towns and cities within England, take full advantage of it. But I ask the question why should the systems used be so different from place to place and not a uniform pattern? For example

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Reservoir will not help county

Sir, On Tuesday, in Oxford, Thames Water’s proposal to build a huge £1bn reservoir on approximately 3,500 acres of farmland near Abingdon, came under scrutiny at the start of a public inquiry. CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Oxfordshire has

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Residents’ safety is paramount

Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police and GRA Ltd will have to produce results to ensure there is no repeat of the large scale brawling that took place after a ‘bashment party’ at Oxford Greyhound Stadium. According to some witnesses

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Festival wins royal support

The Duke of Gloucester has become the royal patron of the Woodstock Literary Festival, organisers have announced. Festival vice-chairman Jill Dunsmore said: “We are greatly honoured that his Royal Highness has kindly agreed to become the royal patron

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Row flares up over woodland

A parish council’s plans to make improvements to a wood on the edge of Oxford have been branded as “ignorant and crass” by a leading conservationist body, which fears work will impact on nesting birds. North Hinksey Parish Council’s plans to make a wooded

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Growing older

We are familiar with the concept of an ageing population and all that entails. Nevertheless, it is astonishing to learn from the new report Growing Older in Oxfordshire that the number of people over 80 living in this county is expected to double over

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Hard times

It is unusual for local authorities to be asked to make cuts in their budgets once those budgets have already been set. That is what national government is now asking of all councils. That said, in these straitened times and with the likelihood of a

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Major changes planned to adult social care

From April next year the system for how adult social care is delivered in Oxfordshire is going to be revolutionised. At the moment, voluntary and community groups are given funding grants from councils to provide their services for people to access