Archive
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Man took own life after father’s diagnosis
AN ENGINEER hanged himself after learning his father had been diagnosed with cancer, an inquest heard. Benjamin Horsman, 34, was found hanging in his Cowley Road home garage by flatmates in April last year. A coroner heard Mr Horsman, known
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Supermarkets urged to take on Post Office
SUPERMARKETS in Summertown are being called on to seize the opportunity of resinstating a post office in South Parade during the next year. Residents have been campaigning for the return of a post office since their branch in the then Martin’s
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Have say on housing proposals
RESIDENTS are being asked FOR their views on the latest draft of West Oxfordshire District Council's core strategy. The document is a blueprint for where 5,500 homes, including 1,900 in Witney and 1,800 in Carterton, could be built by 2029.
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From Young Farmer to national chairman
JOINING the Young Farmers organisation in Witney as a teenager gave Milly Wastie lots of confidence. Now she has risen through the Young Farmers’ network to become national chairman. Miss Wastie, 27, grew up in Cote, near Bampton, and has just
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Delays on M40 after multi-vehicle crash
ONE lane of the M40 is blocked tonight north of the city following a crash. Traffic reports say the slow lane of the motorway northbound between junctions 8a and 9 is blocked following a collision between several vehicles. Live updates on the
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£1,000 prize for young motoring writer
A ride in an Aston Martin and £1,000 to spend on a holiday are on offer to someone aged 10 to 16 for writing a short story. And the winner’s mum or dad will have the pick of the current Audi car range, free for a week. Also on offer is a one-hour
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CHARITY MATTERS:Cheering for baby Anthony
THEY jumped around, waved pom poms and built up a sweat, and all to help a baby with an incurable skin condition. Baby Anthony Brine and his mum Daniela watched dad Richard, 32, and five-year-old brother Shane join a group to take part in a Cheerobics
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CHARITY MATTERS: Memorial concert to say thanks to Sobell
A BESTSELLING author is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for an Oxford hospice, by holding a concert in memory of her late husband. Elizabeth Edmondson, from Oxford, is inviting music lovers to join a performance at St Barnabas Church, Jericho
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Local shares (PM)
BMW 5120 Electrocomponents 213.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 59.5 Oxford Biomedica 2.45 Oxford Catalysts 94.5 Oxford Instruments 1287.5 Reed Elsevier 610.75 RM 83.3 RPS Group 218.3 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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Taking Pride in helping more good causes
OXFORD Pride is adding to the number of people it supports by including national groups among its good causes. In previous years, the not-for-profit group – which celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life – has supported just
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Gallop through the years
Five years ago Oxfordshire celebrated its 1,000th birthday, but I remember thinking at the time —and I hate to carp — that surely counties, like languages, came into existence gradually, rather than with a single event. The very word county, after
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The dashing Duke’s Oxford connections
Daring, dashing, grand, clever, humorous; yes. But academic, intellectual. . . ? The Duke of Wellington would have laughed at the very notion; and yet he became one of Oxford University’s most popular Chancellors. The Iron Duke had a curious
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Rebecca’s design will grace children’s classic
A 12-year-old girl is keeping an eye on the bookshops after winning a contest to design a new cover for children’s classic The Railway Children. Rebecca Colling, from Tackley, near Woodstock, won a competition to design a cover for E Nesbit’s classic
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PM backs search for health ‘champion’
PRIME Minister David Cameron has given his backing for a new health “consumer champion” in Oxfordshire. A total of 14 voluntary and community groups have come together to form Oxfordshire Community Benefit Society (OCBS). The organisation wants
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Winter campaign to put people in touch
THIS month Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) launches its third Surviving Winter Campaign, to help people in the city, and across the county, cope with the winter weather. The foundation launched the Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire in January
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Opera to be performed in its entirety for first time in 250 years
An opera will be performed in its entirety for the first time in over 250 years tonight after an Oxford University academic reconstructed the composer’s score. The opera Anacréon was composed by Jean-Philippe Rameau and first performed on October
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Exhibition features favourite Blenheim pet
AN exhibition featuring a painting of a much-loved family pet at W R Harvey & Co (Antiques) Ltd in Witney enjoyed great success. The Beauty and the Beasts exhibition, included English antique furniture from about 1670 to 1830 and a collection
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Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Patience Awe: I’ll represent people without being biased
This week we profile the candidates for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner post ahead of this month’s election. Today we question Independent candidate Patience Tayo Awe, from Reading Relevant experience: I finished my first degree
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Tots take to football on new coaching courses
TOTS and young children in Oxfordshire have a chance to take part in a new fun, friendly football coaching course. Mini Dribblers offers coaching for children aged two to seven in and around the county, focusing on developing social skills, while
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Monday, November 12: Free Himalayan Blue Hand Therapy
ONE hundred readers will get a free Himalayan Blue Hand Therapy simply after buy Monday's Oxford Mail. We have a voucher that entitles the first 100 people to get a free Hand Therapy product from the Crabtree & Evelyn store in Queen Street,
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Graduate came close to being the first man to conquer Everest
AN OXFORD author has revealed the story of a local man who came within 300ft of being the first to scale Everest. Were it not for a faulty oxygen canister valve, it would be former Balliol College student Tom Bourdillon and not Edmund Hillary who
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FOOTBALL: Folan's ready
Kidlington could give a debut to new signing Padraig Folan as they look to get back to winning ways away to fellow Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division strugglers Reading Town tomorrow. Jordan Parker also returns to the squad, while Danny
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This Japanese exhibition has many threads to it
THE Ashmolean Museum is getting a taste of the Orient, thanks to its new exhibition. Threads of Silk and Gold contains ornamental textiles from Japan’s Meiji era, between 1868 and 1912. It features 40 examples of Meiji textiles from the Kiyomizu-Sannenzaka
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Scales of Justice
People convicted of offences at magistrates' courts in Oxfordshire recently: David Bailey, 54, of Hill Farm Cottage, Appleford, admitted drink-driving in Didcot on September 30. Had 81 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, above the legal limit
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Church service for road accident victims
A service to remember those killed in road accidents will take place next Sunday. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital staff will give readings and prayers during the service. The service will take place at St Mary the Virgin
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MP Blackwood granted child exploitation debate in Parliament
OXFORD MP Nicola Blackwood has been granted a debate in Parliament over the problem of child sexual exploitation. It comes as nine men are due to stand trial in January accused of involvement in a suspected child sex trafficking ring in Oxford.
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Crowds line streets to salute fallen Gurkhas
AS the sun set over the memorial garden, hundreds of residents stood alongside the family, friends and colleagues of two fallen Gurkhas. Lieutenant Edward Drummond-Baxter, 29, and Lance Corporal Siddhanta Kunwar, 28, both of 1st Battalion The Royal
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FOOTBALL: Dutton-Black sidelined by injury
North Leigh will be without Josh Dutton-Black when they travel to Wimborne Town in tomorrow’s Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West clash. The winger came on as substitute before going off with a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s 1-0
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CYCLING: Riders stuck in the mud
Oxfordshire riders found conditions tough in the Oxonian Cycling Club’s Wessex League Cyclo-Cross event. With rain falling during the race, the track was ankle-deep in mud along various sections. Matt Rowley was the first home rider to finish
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Eight new quad bikes stolen near Didcot
S OXON: Eight new quad bikes were stolen from a building in Milton Hill, near Didcot. The burglary happened between 4pm on Tuesday and 7am on Wednesday. No details of what the bikes are worth have been released. Police are appealing for anyone
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Philip Pullman to sign copies of his new book
OXFORD: Philip Pullman, the author of the highly acclaimed His Dark Materials trilogy, will be at Blackwell’s tomorrow to sign copies of his new book. Mr Pullman, above, who lives in Cumnor, will sign copies of Grimm Tales, a retelling of classic
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‘Police wouldn’t give me wedding day off’
A WOMAN police officer claims she was bullied by male bosses who cancelled the leave she had booked for her wedding. Pc Rachel Garrett, 47, had arranged the time off to wed a fellow officer but found her leave had been cancelled without her knowledge
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Girls take on boys and their robots
GIRLS are aiming to beat all-comers in a traditionally male-dominated field – robotics. Fifteen girls from Headington School attended the launch of the national Student Robotics competition at Southampton University on Saturday. And in a mini-competition
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FIXTURES: November 10
SATURDAY FOOTBALL NPOWER LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Torquay Utd. FA CARLSBERG TROPHY 3rd qual round: Didcot Tn v Dorchester Tn, Sholing Spts v Oxford City. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Div 1 South & West: Abingdon Utd
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Oxford United positive over Duberry comeback
MICHAEL Duberry could make a surprise return for Oxford United in the next fortnight if scans reveal his neck injury has healed. The 37-year-old went to hospital yesterday and it is believed the results, which are the final major hurdle in the
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BADMINTON: Oxon's first win
Oxfordshire’s 3rd team gained their first points of the season in style with a 12-3 win away to Worcestershire 4th in Division 6 of the Inter-County League. Mike Brockie won matches in all three disciplines, with further victories coming from Michael
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BADMINTON: Duo bag golds
Joe Roberts (Brize Norton) and Ashley Garrison (Witney) struck gold in the doubles at the Badminton England Under 17 Tournament at Warwick. The duo beat Mathew Smith and Luke Phillips (Bucks) 21-18 to claim the crown. Roberts took silver in
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Guests get quizzical for Helen and Douglas House
A BESTselling author and an expert in palliative care are among the guests for a major fundraising event for East Oxford hospice Helen and Douglas House. Actress Sheila Hancock, author Anthony Horowitz, BBC arts editor Will Gompertz and the hospice
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Cox: I'd love new deal at Oxford United
LEE Cox is hoping his loan move at Oxford United from rivals Swindon Town can be extended until the end of the season. The 21-year-old has been a big hit since making the trip up the A420 in July. Adding some much-needed bite in midfield, he
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COMMENT: Pub is still empty
WHILE the community has won this round in the battle to save the Chester Arms as a pub, we still have an empty building sat there. If it does re-open then we hope the community supports it in the long term, otherwise it will face this battle all
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They go through so much
I HAVE just watched a documentary The Lost Platoon about the Welsh Guards in a fire-fight in Afghanistan. Nothing can bring home what the soldiers were going through because it still looks like a film. I doubt unless one has been there, the emotion
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What are we paying EU ministers for?
I WAS interested to read that Catherine Bearder, European Member of Parliament for the South East of England, is actually located in Park End Street, Oxford (ViewPoints, October 30). I have never heard of her. I understand that Daniel Hannan is
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Cabbages & Kings: Homeless, but following his dreams
HE had buried his tent – he did so each morning – before packing his worldly goods into his enormous backpack and wandering into the city centre. Later he’d return to his ‘camp site’, re-erect his tent and endure what the elements threw at him.
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FOOTBALL: Didcot eye-up trophy shock
Didcot Town boss Gary Elkins is hoping that giant-killers Dorchester Town will be distracted by their FA Cup heroics when they visit the npower Loop Meadow Stadium. While admiring the Blue Square Bet South side’s 1-0 win against Plymouth, Elkins
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Rigg: Oxford United out to rediscover high tempo
A FAST start is top of Oxford United’s priorities tomorrow as they look to avoid a repeat of the disappointing performance on Tuesday night. The U’s lost 3-2 at home to Dagenham & Redbridge, a result which ended an encouraging run of form.
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Don't miss Loyalty Card cash and offers
FANCY being £50 richer this week? Simply check your Oxford Mail Loyalty Card against the number which will be published in tomorrow’s paper and you could be quids in. It’s not the only great offer for card holders this week. Readers can get
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Councillors refuse change of use for Chester Arms
CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert an East Oxford pub into a home have been thrown out. City councillors defied officers’ recommendations to unanimously reject plans to turn the Chester Arms in Iffley Fields into a four-bedroom house. Applicant
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RUGBY UNION: I'm up for the fight, vows Vaikona
Oxford Harlequins director of rugby Tevita Vaikona said he and his coaching team will not back away from the problems facing their club. Quins host Oxford University Greyhounds in the Oxfordshire Cup preliminary round tomorrow (12), which offers
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Class warfare at the DVLA
I AM coming up to the age of 70. I was amazed to find when I applied for a renewal or extension of my driving licence, I was treated as an illegal alien by the DVLA. I have to get a ‘professional person’ to vouch for me, as if a ‘professional person
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What's the problem with 20mph limit?
I AM puzzled after reading the article on the 20mph speed limit in St Giles (November 5). Rodney Rose, county council cabinet member for transport, says it’s difficult for him to drive at 20mph and he says the road tells you to do more than 20mph
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We waste food on animals
IN reply to both Derrick Holt and Bob Johnston (Viewpoints, October 25 and October 22), my human biological views are not based on any vague personal assumptions. They are the respected views of two eminent physicians who have had their work on
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Halloween notice was worse than useless
IT WAS Hallowe’en night recently. We are elderly people. We put a polite notice on our door to say no Halloween to call. Well, about 7pm we had apples thrown on to our glass front door. It made a very loud bang. I telephoned 101 non-emergency police
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Protest due for minister's visit
STUDENTS and lecturers are expected to protest outside St Peter's College, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, today as higher education minister David Willetts arrives to take part in a symposium. It follows a no-confidence vote in the minister by lecturers
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COMMENT: Unique way of keeping memory alive
THIS Sunday, thousands of us will stop what we are doing and join in an act of silent remembrance of the sacrifice of those who have fought for this country. Phrases about never forgetting will trip off the tongue from many of us and the commentators
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Grants for artists are up for grabs
CULTURAL organisations and individuals can apply for a cash boost from Oxford City Council with the launch of a new scheme. Up to 20 grants will be awarded to those who can boost Oxford’s “cultural offering”, as part of a Culture Fund Pilot.
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More than 250 jobs saved as hi-tech firm bought
MORE than 250 jobs were yesterday saved at Harwell energy and environmental consultancy AEA Technology after it was bought out of administration. The firm underwent a “pre-pack” administration with multi-industry consultancy Ricardo paying £18m
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Five bus services for United fans to be axed
OXFORD United fans are being warned that five bus services from towns across Oxfordshire to the Kassam Stadium are being axed. At the start of the season, RH Coaches agreed to run the football specials from six towns to the stadium on matchdays
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Davis return means Oxford United face decision on O'Brien
LIAM Davis’s return to fitness will prompt Oxford United boss Chris Wilder to review Luke O’Brien’s position in the squad. Last season’s No 1 left back has been on the sidelines since the end of last season following two operations on a groin injury
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Trees destroyed as disease discovered
HUNDREDS of trees on the edge of Bicester were being destroyed last night after a deadly disease was found on a new housing estate. The Chalara dieback fungus, which can lead to leaf loss and tree death, was found on the Kingsmere development of
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Company to shed 70 jobs
ELECTRONICS and maintenance products supplier Electrocomponents is to cut up to 70 jobs across the UK, with 140 going worldwide. The company, based at the Oxford Business Park, revealed its plans for a new ‘organisation structure’ designed to save
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Smartphones unlock secrets of war graves
THE war graves of Botley Cemetery have, for many years, provided a simple and solemn act of memorial. But now the hidden stories of those buried can be unlocked with smartphone as it has become the first in the UK to boast an interactive information
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Wright wants Oxford United to lift fans
JAKE Wright believes it is up to Oxford United’s players to generate a lively atmosphere tomorrow. The mood in the Kassam Stadium was unusually flat on Tuesday, even before kick-off, and there were boos from some fans at the final whistle in response
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Oxford United offer military discounts
SERVING military personnel can claim a discount for tomorrow’s game to mark Remembrance Sunday. To be eligible for up to 20 per cent off advance sale tickets you need to do call 01865 337533 or visit the ticket office and show your personnel badge
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: Proud moment for son of wartime hero
WHEN John Arundel Theobalds was killed during the Second World War in 1944, he left behind three children. Brigadier Theobalds – known to his friends as Jack – was only 42 when he was killed by a suicide bomber while fighting the Japanese in Burma
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: Children do their bit for appeal
CHILDREN and staff of St Nicholas’ Primary School in Marston, Oxford, have been encouraging people to dig deep and give generously to this year’s Poppy Appeal. Like many Oxfordshire schoolchildren, the pupils of St Nicholas’ have witnessed the
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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: Marching to honour comrades who fell
OXFORDSHIRE is preparing to fall silent on Sunday to remember the brave men and women who died serving their country at war. Thousands of people are expected to line streets across the county and take part in parades as Armistice Day and Remembrance
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Schools made to suffer
LET there be no doubt that the current assault on school funding in Oxfordshire (Schools will suffer in funds shake-up, November 6) is just the thin edge of the wedge. Michael Gove will now quicken the pace of cuts and there is nothing Oxfordshire
