Archive
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Date set for senior Thames Valley Police officer's court hearing
The trial of a senior police officer accused of setting fire to a car will take place in January. Chief Superintendent Jim Trotman, 44, is charged with arson, two counts of fraud by false representation and one count of perverting the course of justice
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COMMENT: Stick to the limit
OXFORD’S 20mph zones are causing drivers problems, but there is no excuse for bus drivers to be seen breaking them. Our own survey yesterday found taxi drivers speeding and today we have Blackbird Leys Parish Council raising the same complaint with
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Leys buses urged to cut speed
HOUSEHOLDERS on Oxford’s largest estate say speeding bus drivers are putting people’s lives in danger. Parish councillors in Blackbird Leys have written to Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company after complaints drivers were breaking the
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Picture postcard village celebrates its 'eyesore' past
IN THE 18th century an entire Oxfordshire village was moved – because its owner considered it spoilt the view. Exactly 250 years on, Nuneham Courtenay, is one of the county’s most picturesque spots – and villagers are celebrating its charms by wishing
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Crash causes chaos around A34
Traffic on the A34 northbound carriageway is queueing back to Abingdon after an multiple vehicle accident in Oxford this afternoon. The accident happened near the Peartree Interchange at about 4.25pm and is already causing major tailbacks. The number
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Pile-up causes A34 delays
A crash this evening caused long delays on the A34 Western Bypass. The collision, on the northbound carriageway near the Peartree Interchange, is reported to involve four vehicles. Congestion is reported back to the Abingdon north junction. Emergency
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Local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 17.5 BMW 3699 Electrocomps 224.4 Nationwide Accident Repair 84.5 Oxford Biomedica 9.7 Oxford Catalysts 73 Oxford Instruments 360 Reed Elsevier 547.25 RM 135.75 RPS Group 176.1 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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BREAKING NEWS: Bid to stop Cogges Link Road fails
THE latest bid to protect land in Witney and block the Cogges Link Road has failed. Witney green campaigners took their fight to stop the Cogges Link Road from being built on Witney Meadows, in Farm Mill Lane, to a public inquiry. However
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My Wheels: Childhood dream
What vehicle do you drive? A 1978 Land Rover Series III 88 hardtop. Built on July 31, 1978, painted marine blue with a 2.25- litre petrol engine and optional extra hazard warning lights and heater/demister. The third out of 10 vehicles built
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GREYHOUNDS: Friday BAGS results
11.03: 1 BALLYSALLY PATSY 5-1, 2 Eagles Hi 7-4 fav. (5x6x4). Trainer: Colton. Time: 27.81. 11.19: 1 BALLSALLY TOM 3-1, 2 Angel Risky 3-1. (5x4x6). Trainer: Colton. Time: 27.77. Slaneyside Bonzo (6) 5-2 fav. 11.34: 1 WHOS TOPPER 6-4 fav, 2 Sparkys
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THE CAR'S THE STAR: I, Robot's Audi RSQ
Think back to 2004. What comes to mind? The Athens Olympics? Well, whatever you select I’d bet my bottom dollar that humanoid robots and bionic arms don’t spring to mind. But both these things did happen in the 2004 film I, Robot in which Will Smith plays
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Lady Driver: Busybodies with death wish
I LIVE in a small village where you can’t reverse out of your drive without someone announcing it in the parish newsletter. Now, I may complain sometimes about nosey neighbours, but I’m all for a bit of community spirit. Everyone pulling together for
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WHEELING IN: Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI BlueEfficiency SE
SOME luxury cars have brilliant in-built defence mechanisms against drivers tempted to transport items unsuited to their elegant interiors. So the idea of transporting a garden shredder to my father in the Mercedes-Benz E 250 lasted no more than seconds
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Robert Plant: HMV Forum, London
Robert Plant has for years been under pressure from fans and friends alike to get his old band back on the road — but most of them probably did not have the Band of Joy in mind. Those with a taste for rock history will know that this was his band
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'City Poet' will have to pay own way
THE first wordsmith to become “City Poet of Oxford” will have to pay for everything, including bus fares, according to the man who championed the honorary role. The poet, to be appointed by Oxford City Council, will be expected to “produce poetry that
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New baby makes Downing Street debut
David Cameron welcomed a new arrival to Downing Street, posing for pictures with his 10-day-old daughter.The Prime Minister stood with his wife Samantha, who cradled their new baby Florence Rose Endellion on the steps of No 10.The child appeared unfazed
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Greater Leys playgroup chalks up top marks
A PLAYSCHEME on an Oxford estate is the only one in the county to be judged ‘oustanding’ by the education watchdog Ofsted. Inspectors toured the Dovecote in Nightingale Avenue, Greater Leys – and marked it as ‘outstanding’ in all 17 categories. It means
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Festival to honour drowned artist
A POPULAR festival of music, art and dance will be held this year in memory of one of its favourite artists. Dan Lewis, of Templars Court in Wheatley, died in a swimming accident at Tumbling Bay, off Botley Road, Oxford, in June. He had been relaxing
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Prize-money boost for competitors thanks to sponsorship deals
Organisers of the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have announced that, as a result of generous sponsorship, they will be increasing the prize money across the board this year. The winning riders of the CCI*** and CIC*** eight and
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Timetable of events
Thursday, September 9 8.00am: Gates open 9.10am: CCI3* Guinea Pig Dressage Tests 9.30am-5.00pm: CCI3* Dressage (Marlborough Arena), CIC3* 8 & 9 yr Old Dressage (Churchill Arena) 9.30am–4.00pm: Attractions and displays (Blenheim Arena) 9.30am-5.00pm
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Bumper entry for dressage
The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials has responded to bumper entries for their CIC*** class for eight and nine year-old horses, by putting on a second day of dressage to accommodate them. More than 70 competitors could now start in
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Take a backstage tour on Heritage Open Day
TWO more buildings in Oxford will be opening to the public to mark nationwide Heritage Open Day. The New Theatre, in George Street, Oxford, will be opening its doors for auditorium and backstage tours with theatre staff on Saturday, September 11, between
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Adam Henson at Blenheim
Adam Henson, the popular BBC Countryfile presenter, will be hosting a lunch and exhibiting at the Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. Adam said: “We are delighted to be coming to Blenheim. Eventing followers tend to be interested
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Lucinda Green’s guide to eventing
Former World and European champion Lucinda Green, one of the world’s most successful event riders, explains the challenge of the Fidelity Blenhiem Palace International Horse Trials. Eventing, also called horse trials, is the ultimate test of
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City centre to get a 'proper' bike shop
CYCLE businessman Stuart Meanwell is poised to realise a 20-year dream of opening a large bike shop in the historic heart of Oxford. Mr Meanwell, owner of Bike Zone in Market Street, also runs Summertown Cycles. Now he is converting the former Maltby
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Robert Hardy backs ROSY — Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials’ adopted charity
Actor Robert Hardy will be lending a helping hand to the charity Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters (ROSY) when he addresses a select gathering at this year’s Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials on September 9. ROSY
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Twenty years of Blenheim Horse Trials — and it just gets bigger and better
Blenheim Palace is the home of one of the best three-star horse trials in Europe. Each year more than 60,000 visitors flock to enjoy top-class riding from some of the world’s best event riders and their horses. This international event has
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RUGBY UNION: Saturday squads
Henley Hawks (v Taunton, home): Haynes, Baggett, Wells, James, Shaylor, Allen, Gaunt, Fuller, Dalgleish (capt), Brennan, Murray, Clements, Stradwick, Holloway, M Payne. Reps: Hadfield, Penny, Giles, Dupee, Comben. Oxford Harlequins (v Bridgwater, home
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Archaeologists solve riddle of bones in Eynsham garden
ONCE surrounded by his aged peers, he is the one they left behind. Archaeologists yesterday confirmed that the human skeleton discovered in the garden of a house in Wytham View, Eynsham, was that of a man buried 1,500 years ago. The
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Tell Me on a Sunday: Royal&Derngate, Northampton, and touring
The unnamed young woman from Muswell Hill in the original 1979 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s Tell It on a Sunday is transformed into a Liverpool lass called Laura in the sparky 2010 revival which opened last week at the Royal and Derngate
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Local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 17.5 BMW 3625 Electrocomps 217.6 Nationwide Accident Repair 84.5 Oxford Biomedica 9.75 Oxford Catalyst 73 Oxford Instruments 358.25 Reed Elsevier 542.25 RM 135.75 RPS Group 176.1 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Police stick to their guns in twigs row
POLICE will not change their policy after officers scrambled a helicopter to follow a family for ‘stealing’ twigs from an Oxfordshire woodland. Gareth Pope, his wife and twin daughters were followed by the Thames Valley Police helicopter after an argument
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RUGBY UNION: Heading west
Midlands 1 West preview Banbury Bulls face a host of new opponents after securing promotion. Having won Midlands 2 East South, they have been transferred to Midlands 1 West where they will face the likes of Walsall, Bournville and Lichfield. Bulls
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FOOTBALL: Witney duo to sit it out
Witney United will be without John Rixon (ankle injury) and Dave Craig (unavailable) for their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division trip to Reading Town on Saturday. Darren Teggart’s side are hunting their first away win. Clanfield will be without
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RUGBY UNION: Six back at Witney
South West 1 East preview Witney have six players returning to their ranks as they step up to for the new season. Last year’s Southern Counties North champions open their campaign at home to Marlow on Saturday hopeful of making their mark at a higher
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RUGBY UNION: All change at Henley
National 2 South preview It is all change at Henley Hawks as they enter a third season in National 2 South with a new coach and 12 new players. Former player Steve Barnes coaches the side, with former boss Nigel Dudding as manager. Henley’s new signings
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Futuristic Oxford house divides opinion
A FUTURISTIC concrete house which has ‘sprung up in a week’ has divided neighbours in an Edwardian Oxford street. Hill Top Road is a mix of new build and Edwardian detached, semi-detached and terraced houses. But just over a week ago
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Futuristic house divides opinion in Headington
A FUTURISTIC concrete house which has ‘sprung up in a week’ has divided neighbours in an Edwardian Oxford street. Hill Top Road in Headington is a mix of new build and Edwardian detached, semi-detached and terraced houses. But just over
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Escape from detention centre
A man escaped from Campsfield House immigration detention centre last night. Police were called to the centre in Langford Lane, Kidlington, at 10.30pm following reports a man had escaped. The police helicopter was sent out to search for the man, but
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FOOTBALL: Fitchett set for City debut
Oxford City have boosted their strikeforce by signing Dan Fitchett on loan from League Two Wycombe. Fitchett, 20, who is on a month’s loan at Court Place Farm, goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Premier Division trip to Swindon Supermarine.
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Calling sailors
DID any readers ever serve on board any of the light fleet carriers HMS Bulwark, HMS Albion or HMS Centaur? Our association, the HMS Bulwark Albion Centaur Association, is open to anyone who served at any time on these ships. We send a magazine three
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Save our swims
I WAS distressed to learn that it is likely that the concession for free swimming for the over-60s is to be axed. I wrote to my MP immediately following the election to express my concern, although I appreciate that every organisation is having to make
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Dreaming on
Now here’s a surprise: Liberal County Councillor Jean Fooks (Oxford Mail, August 18) is trying to suggest that she opposes the switching off of speed cameras in Oxfordshire when this is the direct result of the Liberal-Conservative national coalition
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Praise our unsung paramedic heroes
The NHS is often criticised for various malpractices – occasionally medical, but mostly administrational. But I have to congratulate the truly professional and frequently outstanding skills of Oxfordshire’s paramedics. Gone are the days of simple ambulance
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Hospitals should know who's got crutches
I WRITE regarding the appeal by Oxfordshire community hospitals for patients to return unused crutches (Oxford Mail, August 9). I live in Holland and recently had a knee replacement. I received crutches on loan, not from the hospital, but from our local
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CABBAGES & KINGS: A true Oxford encounter
“GOOD morning!” roared the large man with the frantic grey hair, florid face, staring blue eyes – and loud striped jacket, red shirt and yellow trousers, as we came face to face on Magdalen Bridge. Had he carried a camera he could have been a seaside
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RUGBY UNION: Quins will find progress hard
National 3 South West preview Oxford Harlequins will look to prove last season was no fluke when they kick off again tomorrow. Quins finished third after several campaigns at the wrong end of the table – and had they not started slowly, they could
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Accident closes road
Motorists were delayed this morning after a Renault Clio and a Ford Transit van collided near the Peartree Roundabout in Oxford. A woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital following the accident at about 6.50am. Both
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FOOTBALL: North Leigh are hopping mad
North Leigh have been left high and dry this weekend after their Division 1 South & West trip to Andover on Saturday was postponed – because of rabbits! This week the Hampshire side’s Portway pitch was declared unfit by Southern League officials
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COMMENT: Wake-up call over alcohol consumption
THAT Britain has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is no surprise to anyone. But the figures we report today should act as a wake-up call to everyone about the impact excessive drinking is having on our county. Men who drink heavily in Oxford
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Play solutions
On August 17, Oxford city council’s north east area committee voted to defer a planning decision for the new Barton Play area, asking for more information. I recognise that play is very important for children of all ages to help with their development
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CRICKET: Arnold in semi-final squad
ECB 50+ County Championship Oxfordshire have named a 14-man squad for their semi-final clash against Kent at Cumnor on Sunday (1). Seamer Keith Arnold, who took five wickets on his debut in the quarter-final, is included alongside returning
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CRICKET: Harrison seeks final flourish
Oxford can ruin Welwyn Garden City’s Division 1 title hopes when the sides meet at Roman Way tomorrow. Patchy recent form ended Oxford’s own title aspirations and they now lie fourth, but a home victory could well deny leaders Welwyn the crown. The
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Jevons in Macclesfield's danger man
Morecambe's best-known player, and probably their main danger man, is strikr Phil Jevons. The 5ft 10 in forward (pictured) was a product of the Everton Academy and scored 55 goals in 91 youth team games, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1998. He played eight
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United are missing Chapman says Wilder
OXFORD United are probably missing creative midfielder Adam Chapman, manager Chris Wilder said this week. There has not been too much wrong with the team’s play in most of the games, apart from putting away chances. This week’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
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Hereford terrace now sold out
Oxford United's League Two match at Hereford United’s Edgar Street a week tomorrow has been made all-ticket for both sets of supporters. Oxford were allocated 233 terrace tickets and 430 covered seats, and all terrace tickets have now sold out. In addition
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Quads all set four secondary school
QUADS William, Jack, Rosie and Jamie Smy will present a ‘united front’ today as they start at Gosford Hill Secondary School. The excited quads, from Kidlington, had a two-hour visit to the school in their home village yesterday and start in earnest today
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ALCOHOL REPORT: 'For me drink was a destructive force'
HIS children inspired Paul Brackett to kick his drinking habit. The father of two from Blackbird Leys had been drinking for 17 years when he decided to change his life for good while serving a prison sentence. The 51-year-old said he spent much of
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ALCOHOL REPORT: Findings surprise coroner
County coroner Nicholas Gardiner said he was surprised by the number of people who are reported to have died directly as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Mr Gardiner investigates causes of deaths if they are reported to him as sudden or unknown
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ALCOHOL REPORT: Dying for a drink
MEN in Oxford are dying 10 months early because they are drinking too much alcohol, it has been revealed. And a new report also found that more than 40 people in the city died last year as a result of abusing alcohol, while one in five men are considered
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Striker Craddock hoping to end Oxford United goal drought
OXFORD United’s new striker Tom Craddock says he can’t wait to crack on – and the atmosphere the U’s fans create is a major reason why he joined the club. The 23-year-old former Middlesbrough forward will make his United debut in tomorrow’s npower League
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Woman charged over A4260 crash deaths
A woman has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, in connection with a collision near Tackley on December 20, 2009. Sally Rundle, 72, from Bodicote, has been released on bail to attend Banbury Magistrates’ Court on September
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Man charged with Co-op robbery
A 30-year-old man has been charged with robbery at the Co-op store in Bloxham. Aaron Flemon, of Rippington Drive, Oxford, has been charged after the incident in Bloxham on August 8. Flemon was remanded to appear at Banbury Magistrates
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Fun fills the street as St Giles Fair takes over Oxford
OXFORD’S historic centre will be transformed into a brightly-lit fairground when St Giles’ Fair rolls back into town next week. The street will be lined with rides, stalls and attractions for the city’s annual extravaganza, which is expected
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Pakistan floods stun county aid workers
AN Oxfordshire emergency team has just arrived home after a dramatic week helping victims of the Pakistan floods. The Emergency Response Team sent out 10 experts – funded by donations from Oxfordshire supporters. Gary Foo, 44, from Henley, where the
