Archive
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MAN ABOUT TOWN: It's best to just suffer in silence than be a hero
I hear it every morning... “I’m going to tell her – I’m not just some silly fool who can be pushed around.” And it never changes... “He’s got it comin’ to ‘im cos’ ee’s the not only one with an inbox.” Day in, day out... “If he tells me
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Children's authors back 'fabulous' drive
THE county’s favourite childrens’ authors and illustrators have described the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign as a “fabulous initiative”. The winners of this year’s Oxfordshire Book Award have backed the drive to improve literacy. Patrick Ness
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Tall Stories - comedian and actor Greg Davies talks about hit roles
Greg Davies is a God in our house. As Mr Gilbert, the sadistic head of sixth form in The Inbetweeners, he’s teenage idol heaven. As the harassed dad in surprise hit sitcom Cuckoo, he evokes national parental sympathy, and as a stand-up he makes
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Flood of volunteers ready to be trained
ENOUGH volunteers have been recruited for the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign to start the first phase of the campaign. The National Literacy Trust, which is running the Oxford Mail- backed campaign, has asked for volunteer applications for the first
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Kicking the Bucket - new festival aims to get people thinking about their demise
KICKING The Bucket isn’t the name of the latest rock band or board game. It’s Oxford’s newest festival which opens on Monday. And it’s all based around dying. But however morbid it sounds, organiser Liz Rothschild is determined to put a positive
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Birthday Blues - Deacon Blue look forward to Oxford gig on 25th anniversary tour
AS frontman of one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, Ricky Ross has seen it all. But, says the Deacon Blue singer, certain moments stick in the mind and make you laugh many years on. One such episode, he says, took place right here in Oxford,
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RUGBY UNION: MacKenzie's try mission must wait in the wings
London Welsh wing Phil MacKenzie’s quest for more tries will have to wait after he wasn’t selected to face Stade Francais today. The Canadian international, who joined from Esher this summer, broke his duck for the Exiles during Sunday’s 28-23
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Pensioner who killed cyclist in road accident avoids prison
A pensioner who killed a cyclist in his cement mixer lorry has walked free from court. Stephen Bateman previously admitted causing the death of church rector’s assistant Joanna Braithwaite by careless driving. The 74-year-old’s cement mixer
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Local shares (PM)
AEA Technology 0.05 BMW 4846 Electrocomponents 207.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 60.25 Oxford Biomedica 2.5 Oxford Catalysts 94 Oxford Instruments 1316.5 Reed Elsevier 604.75 RM 83.1 RPS Group 245.5 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley
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CRICKET: Wardington break three-year duck
Wardington recorded their first win since joining the Banbury Indoor League three years ago with a 26-run victory over Deddington in Division 3. Kevin Jones (29) and Lisya Tucker (19) took Wardington to 77 all out, and Deddington were then bowled
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Traffic delays after three vehicle accident on A34
A three vehicle accident is causing delays northbound on the A34 Western Bypass Road this afternoon. One lane is closed, there is queuing traffic and long delays after one of the vehicles collided with the central reservation at 3pm between the
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Books that opened up a magical world
CHILDREN’S literature experts at Oxford’s Blackwell’s bookshop are backing the campaign to get youngsters reading – and telling us about the books that have inspired them. Events co-ordinator Emily Sargeant said: “Children’s literacy is supremely
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A view from the bridge
A CLASSIC tale of illegal immigrants working on the docks in 1950s Brooklyn is being performed by students this week. Arthur Miller’s award-winning play A View From the Bridge is being performed by Oxford University’s Broken Lyre Productions at
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‘Fund could give us room to grow’
LEARNING supposedly knows no bounds. And the children at St Peter’s tiny Pre-School and CofE Primary in Cassington are hoping the Jubilee Fund will give them some much-needed space to grow. Currently, the pre-school’s 16 children occupy a temporary
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William Penney: There as the new age dawned
Even before Isaac Newton parked his celebrated behind on the Lucasian Chair of mathematics at Cambridge University, Oxford had been doing important work in applied mathematics for centuries. The Sedleian Chair of Natural Philosophy was endowed
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MOTORSPORT: Mini pulls out of WRC
Mini announced this afternoon it would end its works involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) at the end of the 2012 season. In a statement, Dr Kay Segler, Senior Vice President Mini Business Coordination and Brand Management, said
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Track repairs affect Cotswold Line trains
DUE to track renewal work on the Cotswold Line, trains between Oxford, Hanborough, Charlbury and Kingham will operate to modified timetables tomorrow, with passengers advised to check before travelling. The line will be closed between Moreton-in-Marsh
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Compost thank-you to residents for showing bags of enthusiasm for recycling
RECYCLING officer Andrew Jenkins said a council compost giveaway was to thank residents for their “bags” of enthusiasm for doorstep recycling. Cherwell District Council is holding its annual compost giveaway and is offering 2,500 free bags.
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Nearby are great sites for birds
Birdwatching is invariably something to be enjoyed as much for its scenic and wild habitats as for the birds. From seashore to mountain top via marsh, meadow, and wood it seems to complete the picture of nature at its very best whether the bird
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Traffic lights out until Sunday
A TRAFFIC light failure will affect the junction of Abingdon Road and Weirs Lane in Oxford until Sunday. The lights were damaged in an accident on Thursday and there are delays in the area.
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Blindfold challenge will open up people's eyes
THEY are man’s best friend, but to the blind, dogs can be so much more – a lifeline and the key to independence. To mark Guide Dogs Week, which runs until Sunday, Oxfordshire people have been invited to step into the world of someone who is blind
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First farmers' market celebrates 10th birthday
STALLholders at the first farmers’ market in Oxford are about to celebrate its 10th anniversary. A special celebration of 10 years of selling local food will take place at Wolvercote Primary School in First Turn on Sunday. There will be 30
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Superhero hairdressers make superhuman effort
A CRACK team of superhero hairdressers had one mission in mind, to raise cash for charity. Staff from Anne Veck hair salon, in the Causeway, Bicester, were sponsored by friends, family and customers to dress as their favourite superhero for the
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Kerry’s stepping out to say thanks for hospital care
AFTER Kerry Hyatt’s legs were badly broken when she was hit by a car in a supermarket car park, being able to walk again seemed a long way off. But now – five months later – the mum-of-three is preparing to tackle a sponsored three-mile walk to
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Lapdance club vows to fight licence snub
OXFORD’S only lapdancing club has closed its doors after the city council refused to renew its licence. But The Lodge’s owner Al Thompson has vowed to fight a costly legal battle to change the decision, which has affected the livelihoods of dozens
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TENNIS: City get off to a flier
OXFORD City Men’s A started the Thames Valley Winter League season emphatically with two 8-0 wins against Woodstock B and Faringdon in Division 1. Blewbury beat Mapledurham 8-0 and Woodstock 5-3 in the Ladies’ Premier Division. NORTH Oxford
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ROWING: Wallingford's double delight
Two ends of the age spectrum enjoyed success for Wallingford in the Reading Small Boats Head. Freya Dale and Alice Walker won the women’s junior 17 doubles by 26 seconds. And Charles Parry took the masters category G single sculls. Another
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Man jailed over brutal attack
A MAN who battered his former girlfriend’s friend with a piece of wood was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday. Delroy Thomas, 32, pictured, of Hollow Way, Cowley, admitted the unlawful wounding of Russell Richards at the home of Victoria
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COMMENT: Piping out trouble
AT THE risk of upsetting our Caledonian cousins, the story that Det Insp Steve Duffy is a top-notch bagpipe player has got us thinking. Police were involved a few years back with trialling those mosquito devices, which emit a high-pitched squeal
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BADMINTON: Oxon are on song
OXFORDSHIRE Under 13s began their Shires League campaign with a 19-1 victory over Berkshire at Eynsham. The team of Cameron Ferguson, Ethan Rose, Jamie Cackett, Charlie Shan, Saffy Gujral, Maisie Boyd, Safia Khimji and Saania Jayawant dominated
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Bagpipe-playing policeman's rocker reunion
BAGPIPE-PLAYING policeman Steve Duffy, pictured, is to reunite with legendary rocker Rod Stewart, inset, to raise cash for services personnel. Det Insp Duffy will sound his pipes with the former Faces frontman at the Royal Albert Hall in London on
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Raise a glass for Oxford's annual beer festival
REAL ale fans have plenty to enjoy in Oxford this weekend at the city’s beer festival. The Oxford Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) event kicked off last night at the Town Hall on St Aldate’s on Friday and Saturday. Andrew Barrowman, 21, a student
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FOOTBALL: Basham return sets City poser
Striker Steve Basham’s return to fitness presents manager Mike Ford with a welcome selection dilemma ahead of Oxford City’s clash against Workington in Blue Square Bet North at Court Place Farm tomorrow (3pm). Basham has recovered from a groin
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Common sense hopes
In stark contrast to their ousted cabinet member, Ian Hudspeth, West Oxfordshire district councillors have been quick to endorse the Cogges Link Inspector’s findings and add the land the road would have occupied to their core strategy for future housing
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Puppy warning
THIS week, police in Ireland found dozens of puppies stuffed in boxes in the back of two cars. It’s believed they were bred illegally on an Irish puppy farm and were destined for cities in the UK such as Oxford. Sadly, puppies on these farms
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Where’s the dignity?
I NOTICE the last independent funeral director has been taken over by a firm called Dignity! Where’s the dignity for the poor families who have deceased relatives lying in a morgue with no hope of a funeral? It’s a disgrace! Do the right thing
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Tough on crime
AT last a Justice Minister who wants to be tough on crime. Hopefully now it means greater powers for the victims of crime. For too long in this country we have been too concerned with the human rights of thugs and criminals as opposed to those
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He’s gone too far
SO NOW we hear Justice Minister Chris Grayling saying we can batter a burglar. This allows homeowners to bash, shoot or even stab a burglar. So where does a burglar stand in all this? I’ll tell you, the burglar who takes a screwdriver or such
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CABBAGES & KINGS: I could develop an identity crisis if this goes on
THE visitor from Delhi and his family might be forgiven for thinking I was a city guide. Standing outside Boswell’s, clad in navy blue blazer, grey trousers and wearing a crested tie (my Huddersfield Town supporters’ club creation, not a college one
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LIFE LESSONS: Today we talk to Richard ‘Dick’ Tracey, South Central Ambulance Service manager
WHAT I AM CALLED: Having the name Richard Tracey, it was always inevitable that I would be called Dick Tracey. MY AGE: I will admit to breaking the half century and a little more. WHAT I DO: I work for the NHS ambulance service as a paramedic
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FIXTURES: October 13-19
SATURDAY FOOTBALL BLUE SQUARE BET NORTH Oxford City v Workington. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Banbury Utd v Weymouth. Div 1 South & West: Abingdon Utd v Bridgwater, Taunton v North Leigh, Tiverton Tn v Didcot Tn
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FOOTBALL: Headington facing big test
Manager Luke Cuff says his Headington Amateurs side are geared up to tackle runaway Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West leaders Rayners Lane at Barton Recreaton Ground tomorrow. Cuff, who names an unchanged squad, said: “Our own form has been
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Fans meet hero Stuart Broad
ENGLAND cricketer Stuart Broad visited Oxford yesterday. The international Twenty20 captain dropped into the city centre branch of WH Smith in Cornmarket Street to sign copies of his book My World in Cricket. The book discusses the techniques
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GCSEs resit too late 'for some students'
TEENAGERS across Oxfordshire are preparing for a second attempt at gaining a key GCSE pass. Concerns were raised during the summer that changes to the GCSE grade boundaries left pupils across the country with lower grades than expected. More than
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RUGBY UNION: Quins opt for Fijian centres
OXFORD Harlequins plan to have two new Fijian centres in their side to host Malvern in National 3 South West tomorrow. David Johnson will make his debut for the division’s basement boys, while they also hope to have Danny Badham registered in time
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RUGBY UNION: Chinnor seeking stability
CHINNOR add prop Andy Berry and back-row forward Evan Sawyer to their squad for the trip to Lydney in National 2 South. Having defeated likely promotion contenders 36-21 Worthing last week, Chinnor climbed to sixth in the table, just five points
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COMMENT: Good luck to teenagers who were let down
THE fact that thousands of teenagers are having to re-sit their English GCSE is nothing short of a debacle. Whatever the political row behind the scenes, the Government’s aims and the issue of changing the thresholds for grades mid-year, those
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A change of diet
WHETHER on grounds of compassion to animals, environmental protection or human health, the advantages of a plant-based diet are becoming more widely recognised. The medical establishment too is starting to accept that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables
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Why the concern?
I REFER to Roger Tucker’s latest anti-EU nonsense (ViewPoints, October 11) which concerned the reuse of glass jam jars for items sold for charity including the WI. The EU regulation referred to dates back to 2004 (REGULATION (EC) No. 1935/2004)
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Out of control
THE Justice Secretary Chris Grayling speaks out on violent crime and calls for violent criminals and rapists to be given automatic life sentences when they are found guilty of their second offences. Mr Grayling wants an end to “out of control”
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I was left so disgusted by Labour councillors
I went to my first council meeting on October 8 to make an address to council. I also remained to witness a petition to save Temple Cowley Pool and leisure centre be debated. I was truly appalled and disgusted by what I witnessed in terms of the
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Perhaps the students could be educated on using the roads
IN response to an article regarding Brookes’ vision of the future (Oxford Mail, October 5) for residents around the Wheatley campus, it will be a great relief and cannot come soon enough. In the meantime perhaps the students could be educated on
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Police check scrapyards in nationwide crackdown on metal thefts
Police checked up on county scrap dealers yesterday as part of a nationwide crackdown on metal theft. Thames Valley Police stopped drivers to make sure they were carrying scrap metal with the necessary licences. They also visited dealers to
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Rogue traders must pay up or face going back to jail
ROGUE traders who conned pensioners out of more than £800,000 were told they will go back to jail unless they pay back part of their haul. Scott Jackson and Mark Shepherd have already served their sentences for targeting an elderly academic and
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Man, 19, punched repeatedly in drive-by attack
A 19-year-old man was punched repeatedly in the face by a unknown man who got out of a car which had pulled up next to him in Cowley. The attack happened in James Wolfe Road on Tuesday at about 1pm. The car was a dark blue Peugeot and the attacker
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Cancer victims welcome £138m research centre
CANCER sufferers have welcomed the announ-cement of a £138m centre in Oxford to help fight the disease. The centre is due to be built near the Churchill Hospital and will see Oxford leading the world in treatments for early-cancer patients.
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Whing delighted to make Oxford United return
ANDY Whing made a long-awaited return for Oxford United this week and declared – the season starts now. Injuries have deprived the U’s of several key players so far in this campaign, with the 28-year-old one of the biggest losses. A groin injury
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Inquest told of rape query
A DETAINEE from Moldova hanged himself in a shower block at a Kidlington detention centre after being told police wanted to question him about a rape. Oxford Coroner’s Court was told yesterday that Ianos Dragutan, 31, from Northampton, was found
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Paedophile's prison term is reduced
A paedophile who drew cartoons depicting images of child abuse in his prison cell has had his sentence cut. Adam Paul Gregory, 38, was serving time for taking indecent photos of children at Bullingdon Prison, in Bicester, when police discovered
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Stop this arsonist
RESIDENTS in Littlemore say they are living in fear of an arsonist after a series of attacks targeting one street. Four sheds have been destroyed behind the Cowley Road houses in the past four weeks after what police believe were deliberate, and
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£5m care home could use site of former discount store
PROPOSALS have been set out to build a £5m care home on the site of a former discount store in Bicester. Montpelier Estates will host a public exhibition next Wednesday to show off its plans for the former Winners’ site off Victoria and Linden
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Grant helps shed light on archaeologist's legacy
VICTORIAN archaeologist General Pitt Rivers is world-famous for his development of modern scientific archaeology. But the earliest collections he made have never been properly studied. Now curators at Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum
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£1.3m drive to tackle M40 junction jams
COMMUNITIES in north Oxfordshire are hoping it will be third-time lucky when a notorious M40 junction is redesigned again. Plans have been announced to spend almost £1.3m in a bid to resolve queues at the Ardley services junction 10 between Bicester
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Tavern open mic night celebrates its first birthday
MUSICIANS played their own songs and cover versions to celebrate an open mic night’s first birthday at the James Street Tavern off Cowley Road, Oxford. The showcase for local musicians is run by promoter Mark Aitken, otherwise known as Sparky.
