Archive
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Heavy rain puts nine waterways on flood alert
WARNINGS about potential flooding from nine waterways in Oxfordshire – including the Thames – were in force last night. The Enviroment Agency issued nine Flood Alerts following heavy rainfall over the weekend. The Thames was on alert from Burcot
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Friars Wharf murder case adjourned
A woman accused of murdering her mother appeared in court today. Kauthar Silvera was due to enter a plea at Oxford Crown Court, but this has been adjourned to Monday, December 10. The 29-year-old, of Friars Wharf, Oxford, is charged with killing 52
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Teen assaulted in Oxford city centre
A 19-year-old man was left with a split lip after he was grabbed around the throat and punched twice in the face. The teenager was with two other young men in Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford, when they were approached by a group of seven men. The attack
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New molecule in cancer fight
A ‘supermolecule’ which could detect the very earliest stages of cancer and help fight the disease has been discovered by Oxford scientists. University students at the Cancer Research UK/MRC Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology made
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A420 closed after Pusey crash
The A420 was closed this morning after a smash between a van and a car in Pusey. Police directed traffic between the B4508 and Buckland Road after the crash at about 8am. No-one was injured in the accident which caused delays.
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Roller derby team stays upbeat despite defeat
A NEW Oxford ladies’ skating team were left spinning after losing their first match. Roller Derby – a full contact sport – sees women on skates scoring points by breaking through the opposite team. But new team Oxford Wheels of Gory said they
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SCALES OF JUSTICE
OXFORD James Howkins, 28, of Jourdain Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, admitted theft after taking a stack of children’s magazines and crossword magazines from the Londis store in Headington on September 19. Fined £60 and a £15 victims’ surcharge.
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Update: Thames joins eight other waterways on Flood Alert
WARNINGS about potential flooding from nine waterways in Oxfordshire – including the Thames – were in force tonight. The Enviroment Agency issued nine Flood Alerts following heavy rainfall over the weekend. The Thames was on alert from Burcot
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Church candles start blaze near altar
CANDLES near an altar started a fire in an Oxfordshire church. Firefighters were call to St Peters Church in Deddington at 5.15pm on Sunday. Two fire engines from Banbury were sent to the scene and discovered a fire involving tea light candles
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Volunteer numbers is a big campaign boost
MORE than 100 people have volunteered to take part in the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign. The Oxford Mail-backed campaign was launched in September, in a bid to improve the educational achievements of the county’s young people. The National Literacy
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Caravan fire closes Eastbound A40
FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a caravan fire which has closed the eastbound lane of the A40 at Barnard Gate. The fire service was called at 5.11pm to the fire, which has taken place in a field along the A40. The eastbound carriageway has been blocked
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Drug dealer jailed for two years
A DRUG dealer was jailed for two years on Monday after being caught smoking cannabis in his car by police. Jonathan Perry of Foresters Tower, Wood Farm Road, Oxford, was arrested on April 23 after PCSOs smelt cannabis coming from his car in Hurst
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Chairman’s plea for a team effort
A FOOTBALL club chairman who says his team’s facilities are “decrepit” and “embarrassing” is urging residents to vote in favour of a new community centre. Sean Qualter, chairman of Rose Hill Football Club, told the Oxford Mail his team would benefit
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Proclaimers @ O2 Academy Oxford
IT is 25 years since we first heard of twins Craig and Charlie Reid. Like many people, my first experience was watching them on Top of the Pops... or was it The Tube? Either way, the impression of these two identical strapping Scots, at the same
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Van replica brings back memories for Boycie
ACTOR John Challis, pictured, who played Boycie in classic comedy Only Fools and Horses, may have done a double take when he arrived at a Bicester bookshop on Saturday. Parked outside was a replica of the yellow three-wheeled car used by Del Boy
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Macmillan dictionaries go online only
Dictionaries produced by Cowley-based publisher Macmillan Education are to stop being printed. From next year, they will no longer appear as physical books and will be available online only. Macmillan bosses say the online versions of its dictionary
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Top-notch staff
TWO Oxford nursery workers are top of the class after getting awards. Tiago De Souza Neves, 28, left, with nine-month-old Lily May Noonan, and chef Andy Pring, 25, with his daughter Amelia, aged 11 months, of Kids Unlimited, in Cowley, came out on
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ESTHER BROWNING'S MOTHERING SUNDAE
THIS week I have been an absolute wizard in the kitchen, and I don’t mean feasting like Nigella, though I can lick a chocolatey spoon with the best of them. It’s all very well being able to whip up a lime gazpacho with salmon croutons from first
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UK's a 'wonderful place to be living'
MORE than 50 years after coming to the UK from Anguilla and living through some of most profound changes in its history, John Brooks has one thing to say of his adopted home: “Britain is a wonderful country.” The 77-year-old, who is to publish
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POLICE ELECTIONS: 'I have expertise to run the force'
THIS week we profile the candidates for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner post ahead of this month’s election. Today we question the Conservatives’ Anthony Stansfeld, 66 who is from Newbury Relevant Experience: I joined
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Old Fire Station arts centre celebrates its first year
AN INDEPENDENT charity is celebrating its first birthday today after a successful year of promoting the arts and helping the homeless. Over the past year, Arts at the Old Fire Station in George Street has packed in 68 shows, five festivals, more
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Rhapsody in Oxford Blue
There’s a corner of Oxford that has become so gastro, it’s becoming hard to move. Not only that, but all the restaurants and pubs which qualify for the new East Oxford tag, are of a similar ilk, making it hard to choose between them, the food being
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Oxford United fans' debate
Morning all, welcome to our 60-minute chat on all-things Oxford United. It’s been a decent few days, with a convincing 2-0 win at Barnet in the FA Cup on Saturday giving the side a platform ahead of two home games this week. You know how this
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RUGBY: Oxford University 15, Russia 29
RUSSIA proved too strong for Oxford University – but the students gave a good account of themselves at Iffley Road yesterday, writes Jack Johnson. Fielding their strongest side, with hooker Nick Gardner and No 8 John Carter returning, Oxford put
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NHS staff to lose cost of living aid
HUNDREDS of staff at an Oxfordshire health trust are to lose a cost of living allowance, in the latest blow to the county’s NHS workers. More than 860 staff working for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust are currently entitled to £50 a month to
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Scott overjoyed to claim winning score
MATCH-winner Nick Scott was delighted to come up trumps with an interception try against his former club. The 22-year-old wing joined London Welsh on a permanent basis last summer after three years at Bath. Scott said: “It felt great for me
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FOOTBALL: Didcot run is ended
Didcot Town’s excellent run under manager Gary Elkins came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Merthyr Town in Division 1 South & West of the Evo-Stik Southern League. In driving rain, and on a difficult pitch, the Railwaymen
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FOOTBALL: North Leigh saved by Caton equaliser
ANDY Caton salvaged a point for North Leigh after teammate Sam Warrell saved a penalty in a frantic finish to their 1-1 draw against Shortwood United in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West game at Eynsham Park. The deadlock wasn
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Rigg hails Constable after Barnet victory
SEAN Rigg hailed James Constable’s form after the striker scored one goal and made another in Oxford United’s 2-0 win at Barnet on Saturday. It continued the 28-year-old’s excellent run, which has seen him contribute three goals and four assists
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FOOTBALL: Self hits brace in Abingdon victory
CARL Self bagged a brace as Abingdon United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Cinderford Town in Division 1 South & West of the Evo-Stik Southern League at Northcourt Road. Self gave a hint at what was to follow by firing an early shot over
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Roberts earned Oxford United call-up - Wilder
CHRIS Wilder felt James Roberts will benefit from getting a taste of the first team after naming the 16-year-old in the squad on Saturday. The striker, who has scored 14 goals in six games for the youth team, was promoted to the bench for the first
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FOOTBALL: Brooks four-timer lifts Witney
RYAN Brooks fired a four-timer in Witney Town’s thrilling 6-5 extra-time win at Headington Amateurs in the Bluefin Sports Cup second round on Saturday. Yashwa Romeo and James Dobson also netted for Witney, who had led 4-2 only for Headington to
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FOOTBALL: Odhiambo doubles-up
Anaclet Odhiambo bagged a brace in AFC Hinksey’s 3-0 home win over Didcot Town Res in Division 1 East. Jerome McCalmon had fired Hinksey ahead from a free-kick. Henley Town have now lost their first ten games following a 2-0 defeat at Finchampstead
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FOOTBALL: City boss Ford in plea for greater realism
MANAGER Mike Ford feels that expectations are becoming too high at Oxford City after they were beaten at home by Colwyn Bay, writes Jack Johnson. “We’ve probably exceeded all expectations,” he said. “I said to my staff afterwards that it may
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Candidates for top police job to speak
CANDIDATES hoping to take the region’s new top police job will speak and debate in Oxford tonight. Elections for the £85,000-a-year Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner will take place on Thursday, November 15. The commissioner represents
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Gunpowder plots pile up
AT THIS time of year, youngsters turned their thoughts to guys, bonfires and fireworks. These pictures, from the Oxford Mail archives, show how some of them celebrated Guy Fawkes’ Night in the past. One of the biggest bonfires in Oxford in
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In the picture about D-Day
PHOTOGRAPHER Johnny Johnson had early warning that the D-Day invasion in 1944 was imminent. He later wrote: “I knew when invasion was near because our aircraft were painted on the underside of the wings with a new sign. I was ordered every night
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Scouts were founded at church meeting
SCOUTING in Oxford began at a meeting in the Church Lads’ Brigade orderly room at St Peter le Bailey Church, in New Inn Hall Street, on December 8, 1908. The rules of Scouting, set out by Robert Baden Powell, were approved and Major James was elected
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Salvation Army strikes a chord
ENTERTAINING the crowds and spreading the word. That was the message of these members of the Salvation Army struck up a hymn. The picture was taken in the Square at Abingdon in 1968. Can anyone identify the musicians and choristers?
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Impressive onions catch the eye
IT HAD obviously been a very good growing season. These impressive onions, pictured with 13-year-old Carol Conway, of Headington, Oxford, were among the prize-winners at the Morris Motors’ horticultural show in 1974. The weather had been so
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A fairer way of taxing cars
Why has the Government got these big ideas of a two-tier levy on car tax? All drivers sticking to local roads would pay less car tax than people who drive on motorways. We should do away with car tax and put a bit of extra tax on petrol, then
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Socialism could work
I WOULD like to add to Mr Siret’s comments about Venezuela and socialism in general. Under Chavez the living standards of Venezuelans have improved greatly, despite the attempt by the US Government to subvert their democracy. Poverty has been cut
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What are your politics?
I ENJOYED Steve Hiller’s short poem about Tim Siret and myself but it’s probable that we are unlikely to agree on much about political forms of government, which brings me onto his latest letter about Venezuela. Other than continually criticising
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Article brought back a memory of schooldays
I WAS interested in the City of Oxford Band article (October 19). This included a small photograph of a building being taken down, which would then be rebuilt elsewhere as a new home for the band. A larger version was also featured in Rewind, August
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MAN ABOUT TOWN: My teeth will soon become a fashion trend
Like the vinyl disc, the Polaroid and the rotary dial Trimphone, I am about to become retro. Not that I’ve awarded myself this label; rather, it’s a friend who’s nominated me – or at least part of me – for this accolade. “One day,” she said, chatting
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LIFE LESSONS: Today we talk to John Broad, who is part of several groups that strive to preserve vintage aviation
WHAT I AM CALLED: John Broad. MY AGE: Stealing a comment a friend received on this subject, I’m 20 with 48 years of experience. WHAT I DO: Retired from engineering jobs at Pressed Steel through to BMW and then from Jacobs Civil Engineering.
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RESULTS: November 3-4
FOOTBALL FA CUP 1st round: Barnet 0, Oxford Utd 2. BLUE SQUARE BET NORTH Oxford City 1, Colwyn Bay 2. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Div 1 South & West: Abingdon Utd 3, Cinderford Tn 0; Merthyr Tn 3, Didcot Tn 0; North Leigh 1
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Cyclist dies in hospital after road crash
A 67-year-old cyclist died yesterday after a collision in Didcot. The man, who lived in the town, was riding a silver racing bicycle when he was involved in a collision with a black Renault Megane on Saturday. The incident happened on the roundabout
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Families enjoy firework spectacular
ABOUT 25,000 people came out on a cold November evening to enjoy Oxfordshire’s biggest Bonfire Night display on Saturday. South Park was packed with visitors watching Oxford Round Table’s 45th annual display, which kicked off at around 7pm, with £12,000
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Patients enjoyed firework display
THERE is no reason why you can’t celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night, even if you’re in hospital. Julie Neal, 13, might have had her leg strung up, but that didn’t stop her enjoying a few sparklers. Thankfully, she kept them well away from her bed!
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The changing face of Churchill
CHILDREN launched a campaign in 1986 to encourage people to get more involved with their churches. They held a service at All Saints Church, then released balloons to spread the message. The second picture dates from 1981 when the village school
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Find a better place to live
TIM Siret’s intemperate response (ViewPoints, October 22) to my letter of October 18 deserves some comments. My point was: since Mr Siret repeatedly lambasts our Coalition Government, while finding only positive things to say about various left-wing
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Disgraceful behaviour
I AM dismayed that a ceremony organised by Councillor Mick Haines regarding the Marston armed forces and Home Service personnel, who lost their lives in the Second World War, should be used as the basis for an attack on him (ViewPoints, October 29)
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Sad to hear about Jeffs Coaches
SORRY to hear that Jeffs Coaches (part of Bowens Travel Group) have gone into administration. Over the years I had many fine holidays with the company. The entire staff were always cheerful, polite and helpful. I hope they will all be able to find
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FOOTBALL: Missed chances cost City dear
OXFORD City were made to pay for spurning several glorious chances as they were beaten 2-1 by Colwyn Bay at Court Place Farm in Blue Sqaue Bet North on Saturday, writes Jack Johnson. An unstoppable effort from Gareth Evans gave the visitors the
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Flag to honour Fallen is stolen for third time
THE son of a former serviceman has hit out at thieves who have stolen the Union Flags he flies in respect for the Armed Forces. Steve Shields, 52, wants his flag returned so he can fly it again in time for Remembrance Sunday next weekend. Mr Shields
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Oxford United focusing on reaping rewards after being handed Accrington tie
OXFORD United face a daunting travel schedule in cup competitions next month, but manager Chris Wilder has urged his players to focus on the rewards at stake. The U’s will cover 780 miles in the space of four days, after they were handed a trip
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Seven rivers on flood alert
FLOOD alerts were in place for seven waterways across Oxfordshire last night after heavy rain throughout Saturday night and yesterday. The Environment Agency warned yesterday that the River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon could flood, along with
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No new Anthrax cases
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed last night there have been no new reports of anthrax infections in Oxford. However, the agency refused to comment on the condition of the heroin user who was diagnosed on Friday, the 12th confirmed case
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West Oxfordshire could be first to benefit from high speed broadband
WEST Oxfordshire could be among the first areas to benefit from a Government grant to increase broadband speeds. The Cotswold Broadband Group has applied to a £20m government fund – the rural community broadband fund, which helps difficult to reach
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COMMENT: We all have a role to play to stop this abuse
WHEN you read the sorts of taunts that Nigel Taylor has endured, you have to wonder about your fellow man. Life has hardly been kind to Mr Taylor and yet two people in their 30s started taunting him on the bus about his disabilities, in full view
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Council staff ignore 20mph limit
EVEN city council vehicles are failing to stick to the 20mph speed limit imposed on a busy Oxford street. And now the county council’s head of transport has admitted a 20mph limit should have never been placed on St Giles. Eighty five per cent
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Ten Oxfordshire waterways on flood alert
A total of 10 Oxfordshire waterways are on flood alert this morning after heavy rain this weekend. The Enviroment Agency has issued amber alerts for the following rivers and brooks, meaning that flooding is possible: River Ock from Watchfield
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Road blocked after crash
Part of a road in Pusey has been closed this morning following a crash between a van and a car. Police are directing traffic on the A420 Pusey both ways between B4508 and Buckland Road and there is congestion on the A420 to A417.
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Father blamed handbags theft on toddler daughter
A FATHER of four, who blamed the theft of expensive designer handbags on his two-year-old daughter, has avoided prison. Window cleaner Spencer Russell stole £10,000 worth of clothes, shoes, and accessories, from a home his wife was paid to look
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Poppy Appeal: Falklands veteran proud of his role in freeing islanders
A VETERAN of the Falklands war, unexpectedly pulled into the conflict, has given his backing to this year’s Poppy Appeal. Martin Reed was chief officer of the cruise ship Canberra, which played a role in liberating the Falklands during the 1980s
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Church needs more funds to finish £5m renovation
ONE of Oxford’s biggest churches is appealing for more funds to finish off a major construction project. The Oxford Oratory is currently spending £5m on a redevelopment project which started in February but needs more cash to help it over the finish
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Helping to make karate more accessible
THE world of martial arts has been opened up to disabled people after new classes were launched in Oxford. Top karate coach Ray Sweeney taught his first classes at OXSRAD leisure centre in Marston on Thursday, and will now start holding them weekly
