Archive
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Football prescriptions help men fight the flab
OVERWEIGHT men in Oxfordshire could be referred by their doctors to take part in a new football fitness programme this summer. Footie Fitness is a 10-week course run between Oxford United and the NHS. And this year a special extended version
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Family recipes inspire cook book
THE launch of a new cookbook in aid of an East Oxford hospice is to be sprinkled with stardust. Tomorrow (Saturday April 13) fundraisers will gather in Oxford to unveil We Love Food!, a cookery book packed with recipes created by the families connected
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ICE HOCKEY: Stars ready to celebrate title
Oxford City Stars get to celebrate winning the English National League South Division 2 title on home ice tomorrow (6.15), despite having an ‘away’ game at Bristol Pitbulls. Stars clinched the championship with a 9-3 victory at Basingstoke Buffalo
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'Big softy' who lights up faces at care home
PLANTING a great big, sloppy lick on his adoring owner’s face, Tam the rottweiller shows the soft side which has won him a legion of elderly fans, writes TOM BURROWS. The nine-year-old happy hound has spent the past five years cheering up residents
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Cyclists gear up for big palace bike ride
MICHELLE Holdsworth will be using pedal power at one of two major events aiming to raise thousands for a breast cancer charity. The 34-year-old mum-of-two will take part in the Pink Ribbon ride at Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace on Saturday, May 12
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Former school chairman wants education site to stay
THE former leader of Oxfordshire’s only Muslim school has pleaded for the site to continue as a centre for education. Dr Hojjat Ramzy was chairman of the 120-pupil Iqra School when it closed in 2010 after failing to complete a deal to buy its base
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Quad talk: ‘Shocked to discover you lot, like, speak a bit like us'
I, like, love America, but I also, like, hate the fact that the inappropriate usage of the word ‘like’ seems to have, like, made its way over to England. Like, you know? Don’t worry — I won’t be writing this entire column in valley girl speak.
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Hybrid highlight
Onboard car computers can deliver a host of information — and some of it makes for pretty depressing reading. A recent morning commute in a seriously powerful Porsche delivered the sobering news that my 14-mile journey had been achieved at a miserable
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Tennis club gets planning permission
FARINGDON Tennis Club has won permission to build houses on its courts more than 10 years after submitting its original planning application. The club is now planning to sell its facility in Southampton Street – which it says is cramped and out
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Schoolgirls campaign to stop human trafficking
A PAIR of Oxford schoolgirls are hoping fellow pupils will take notice of their attempts to raise awareness of human trafficking. Cherwell School pupils Delilah Bannister and Catrina Smith, both 15, of North Oxford, are campaigning to raise awareness
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Owner of derelict house now wants taller extension
A LENGTHY row over a rundown house in Headington has taken another twist. Oxford City Council’s planning officers have recommended the redevelopment of 29 Old High Street should now go ahead and residents were hoping a successful compromise had
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album review: Don Broco - dons of them all
Don Broco Priorities Search and Destroy Bedfordshire quartet Don Broco have had an exciting couple of years and are starting to make some serious waves on today’s rock scene. Their distinctive blend of punchy guitar
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Steeleye Span @ New Theatre, Oxford
After missing out on a performance of Steeleye Span at Bangor University, I was keen to see these folk-rock legends, first formed back in 1969, and braved the cold for their performance at the New Theatre. I think it’s fair to say the concert started
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Artweeks Taster photographic exhibition to open
AS almost 1,000 artists prepare to open their doors to the public for Oxfordshire Artweeks, photographer Jane Stillwell has gone behind the scenes to discover what inspires some of the painters, sculptors, designers and potters taking part. Mrs
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We’ve won! Delight as sports ground is saved
SPORTS clubs are celebrating securing the future of their ground after plans to sell it off were abandoned. The West Witney Sports Ground in Burford Road was earmarked for development, but town councillors voted on Monday to abandon their plans
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Securing your place at university is 'murder'
AN actor played dead for a group of students considering applying to Oxford University. In the quad of Pembroke College was a member of improvisational group Oxford Imps, as part of the annual Murder in the Cloisters spring programme. It aims
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Troubled nightclub gets licence back
A BICESTER nightclub with a troubled history has won back permission to operate as a venue. In September, G’s Wine Bar, in Dean’s Court, had its licence revoked after a series of problems. Thames Valley Police had applied for the licence to
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It's 'hello sunny gym' as council mulls £70k outdoor exercise gear
DISCUSSIONS are under way to install a £70,000 outdoor gym in Oxford’s Cowley Marsh Park. The money has already been approved in Oxford City Council’s budget for the project in Marsh Road and the details are expected to be confirmed in the next
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Council auctions unwanted vehicles
IF you’ve ever seen someone cutting the grass at your local park and secretly wished you could have a go on a huge mower, now is your chance. Oxford City Council is selling off more than 95 of its unwanted vehicles. An auction is taking place
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The Killingworth Castle, Wootton: Back in business
THERE is nothing better than a warm welcome and a warm fire to lure you in on an icy evening, and that was exactly what we found when we arrived at the Killingworth Castle. This lovely old former coaching inn at Wootton by Woodstock had been serving
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Step forward for midnight walk
ENTRIES have opened for this year’s midnight walk event to raise cash for Katharine House Hospice. The 10.5-mile after-dark walk will start at Banbury Cricket Club, Bodicote, and go round Banbury and back to the club. Some 600 people last year
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Science show musical organ hits the right note
IT may not look it, but this tube and wooden contraption makes sweet music to explain the magic of science. Jeremy Sampson brought his WOOFYT (Wooden One-octave Organ for Young Technologist) to education centre Science Oxford Live on Wednesday.
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Convoy of cars to make nostalgic trip to Longbridge
ONE hundred historic cars will be revving up in Oxford tomorrow as drivers join a nostalgic convoy from Cowley to Longbridge. A parade of Minis, Maestros, Montegos and Maxis will set off from the BMW Mini plant headquarters at 8.30am for Longbridge
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RUGBY UNION: London Welsh put on free park and ride
LONDON Welsh will be putting on a free park and ride facility for Sunday's game against Northampton Saints (kick-off 3pm) at the Kassam Stadium. This will be situated at Unipart Ltd, less than two miles from the venue, and will take supporters
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Professor sworn in as new High Sheriff of county
FORMER Oxford Brookes University vice-chancellor Prof Graham Upton was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Oxfordshire yesterday at Oxford Crown Court. Prof Upton, pictured, can now claim to be the holder of the oldest secular office in the country
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Person hurt in three-car crash
One person was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with neck and back pain following a three-car smash. The crash happened just before 11pm on Wednesday in Littlehay Road at the junction with Rymers Lane, Florence Park. Three other people
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Reform debate
Controversial media reforms would not have stopped press reports linked to the death of a transsexual teacher, Leeds University lecturer Paul Wragg will tell a workshop today. Lucy Meadows, from Lancashire, is believed to have taken her own life
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No more second chances for yob
AN ALCOHOLIC who repeatedly attacked emergency services workers has been jailed. Howard Russell, of Langley Road, Abingdon, had been given an antisocial behaviour order in 2010 banning him from drinking or being drunk in public. It also barred
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FOOTBALL: Max is on stand-by
Kidlington could give a debut to Max Dunmall at home to Cheltenham Saracens in the Premier Division tomorrow after impressing for the reserves. Tom Boxer is back, but Kevin Pike (hand injury) and Christian Turner (county under 18 duty) miss out
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FOOTBALL: Boss Elkins salutes talented McKirnan
Didcot Town manager Gary Elkins says teenager Mike McKirnan could keep his place when they host Mangotsfield United in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West tomorrow. The 17-year-old, a youth team regular, made his senior debut in
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TENNIS: North Oxford off to a flier
NORTH Oxford hammered Maidenhead 2nd 12-0 in their Aegon Team Tennis tournament opener. Led by No 1 player, 14-year-old Alexis Canter, who was warming up for an ITF junior event in Nottingham, North did not drop a set. Canter beat Geoff Eaby
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Calls for free cash machine by residents on low incomes
A campaign for a free-to-use cash machine in Littlemore to help families on low incomes has been backed by Oxford East MP Andrew Smith. Residents who need money have to use one of two cash points that charge £2 in Cowley Road, Littlemore, or walk
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May bun fight
Abingdon’s bizarre bun-throwing ritual appeared last night on James May’s Man Lab on BBC2. The Top Gear presenter attempted to develop a device which could more effectively propel buns to the back of the crowd than the Town Council and the Freemen
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TENNIS: Ferguson claims title
CONNOR Ferguson, from Abingdon, won the 10 & under title at the Nottingham Grade 2 event – a national level competition that includes the top 32 players in the country. Ferguson did not drop a set until the final where he beat Toby Samuel,
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WEEKEND FIXTURES APRIL 13-14
FOOTBALL NPOWER LEAGUE TWO Dagenham & Redbridge v Oxford Utd. BLUE SQUARE BET NORTH Oxford City v Harrogate. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Hemel Hempstead v Banbury Utd. Div 1 South & West: Abingdon Utd v
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Pupil proposals
Plans to expand two schools will be debated at a county council cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will discuss plans to cater for more pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic school, Headington, and Wolvercote Primary.
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Building debate
Residents can attend a meeting over the proposed West Way plans in Botley tomorrow. Doric Properties wants to demolish shops and create a multi-screen cinema, new supermarket, community hall and student housing. West Way Community Concern is
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£8,000 cocaine for man's own use
A man has been cleared of possessing around £8,000 worth of cocaine with intent to supply. Ardan Shehu, 27, of London Road, Headington, was arrested at his home on November 3 last year where police found an 85g block of cocaine. He told Oxford
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Conference highlights sexual exploitation
SEXUAL exploitation and trafficking will be discussed in Oxford tomorrow. Voice for Justice UK has organised a conference, entitled Fighting Sexual Exploitation, taking place at St Aldate’s Church. Speakers will include MPs Jim Dobbin and Michael
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Families benefit from hospice cash windfall
HOSPICES in Oxford are hoping to spread even more home-from-home cheer thanks to a three-quarters of a million pound boost. Sobell House and Helen and Douglas House hospices have received a total of £747,122 from the Department of Health for extensive
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RUGBY UNION: Triple bill confirmed
ORGANISERS have confirmed the kick-off times for an Iffley Road cup triple bill. As reported in yesterday’s Oxford Mail, the National Under 20 Shield semi-final between Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire University has been added to county finals day
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RUGBY LEAGUE: Benson savouring home debut
OXFORD RL head coach Tony Benson is relishing making history tomorrow when they face South Wales Scorpions in their first home game at Iffley Road (2.30). The city’s new rugby league club have made an encouraging start to competitive action, winning
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Final thoughts left in book for the Iron Lady
“THE right person at the right time to make Britain great again. You will be remembered.” Those were the words left in memory of Baroness Thatcher by councillor David Wilmshurst, pictured, in a book of condolence at County Hall. The Conservative
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College launches bid to stop housing 'tax'
DEVELOPERS claim a new social housing charge could halt the building of student accommodation in Oxford and have launched a legal bid against it. Oxford’s two universities looked to have admitted defeat on a council policy which could force them
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RUGBY UNION: Big guns back to confront Hawks
HENLEY Hawks can virtually guarantee themselves a promotion play-off spot if they win at Hartpury College in National 2 South tomorrow. But they will face a tough test as third-placed Hartpury have included seven dual-registered Gloucester players
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FOOTBALL: Bell's tuned in for City, says Ford
Oxford City boss Mike Ford has hailed the influence of winger Mark Bell as his side look to extend their unbeaten run to four matches at home to Harrogate Town in Blue Square Bet North tomorrow. The forward, who returned from a spell at Bedford
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Consulting on plans
I WRITE in response to yet another letter from Elaine Bennett about Oxford City Council’s planning service. A number of ill-informed, unsubstantiated accusations are made. Old Marston Parish Council is always consulted when planning applications
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Ta Mac for road repairs
IT WAS nice to read that Oxfordshire County Council has got its ‘purse’ out to deal with those endless potholes in the county’s roads. I would like to make the point of thanking that bloke Mac, who always sticks around when all others have gone
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Dish was very tasty
I WOULD like to say to Ben, the chef at The Boat Inn, in Thrupp, well done you. The dish I tasted when visiting was superb. I do not know anywhere else that could have presented a more tasty dish. Living on my own as I do at the moment, it
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Paint for Port Meadow
ONCE the city council has had its fingers rapped for granting consent for the flats over looking Port Meadow, a means must be found for reducing their prominence in the landscape. The narrow strip of land now allocated for tree planting will not
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Former minister in no mood for mourning Maggie
I DON’T know what I expected to find when I wandered along to Somerville College the day after the death of its famous luminary, Margaret Thatcher. A knot of Old Somervillians wanting to pay their respects? Perhaps a few bunches of flowers?
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FOOTBALL: Nine-man Banbury lose in injury-time
Banbury United, who played much of the game with nine men, looked like recording a remarkable win, when they took a late lead in their Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division visit to Arlesey Town last night. But the hosts scored twice to pull
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POINT-TO-POINT: Iris on course for Mollington
Iris De Balme, a shock 66-1 winner of the Coral Scottish Grand National in 2008, could run at Mollington, near Banbury, tomorrow. Now a 13-year-old, the gelding was trained by Sean Curran at Hatford, near Stanford in the Vale, to grab the glory
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Increased market rent shows council’s apathy
THOSE at Oxford City Council need their heads examined. Increasing the rent for retailers in the Covered Market shows the council’s total apathy for the businesses that are struggling with the present financial climate. Also, many shops are having
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Seeking views on parking
HAVING voted twice against the St Clement’s car-park student blocks, I’m sad to see that building has started. However, we are where we are, and we must move forward. It’s good that city council officers are offering information and help to traders
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Our loos in a bad state
YOUR report (April 9) on our taxes flushed down the pan, stated: “The next stage of a masterplan to give Oxford world-class loos is under way as work starts to revamp public toilets in Gloucester Green.” However, as far as I know, neither Councillor
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Thanks to Samaritans
I WOULD like to thank the people who stopped to help me when I fell down on Tuesday, April 2 in New Road, Oxford. To the young lady who helped me from the start who also phoned for the ambulance, sorry we didn’t ask your name. To the two young
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It’s not just Thatcher
I HEARD on TV Mrs Thatcher being called an evil woman and that it was her who is to blame for the state of this country. Oh, come on! One woman messes the country up and never mind the men before or after her. She went at it like a bull in
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CRICKET: Ryan relishes captaincy bow
Luke Ryan was in confident mood ahead of his Oxfordshire captaincy debut in Sunday’s friendly against Buckinghamshire at Aston Rowant (11). The 24-year-old Banbury left-arm spinner will lead the side for the first time in the 50-over match after
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United 'going in the right direction', despite million pound loss
Ian Lenagan says he is confident Oxford United are on the right track despite announcing losses of more than £1million. The most recent accounts, which cover the 12-month period up to June 30, 2012, reveal the U’s were in the red for £1,017,504
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COMMENT: Hi-tech comfort
SOBELL House’s plan to use Department of Health money to buy iPads and install Wifi is no technological frippery. Enabling patients to contact relatives more easily will be one of the greatest and most comforting services it can provide in those
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Temporary new home for blaze-hit shop
A NEW Cycle King shop could open in two to three weeks. The popular bike store destroyed by a huge fire in Cowley Road might re-locate soon to a new site further up Cowley Road. Bosses are hoping to sign a contract for temporary premises within
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'Wrong diagnosis that cost me my eyesight'
A YOUNG woman who claims she was left blind after being “misdiagnosed” with swine flu has made a High Court compensation bid. Samantha Millard, 22, has lodged a writ against the National Pandemic Flu Service Helpline claiming she was wrongly prescribed
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Man found dead in pub is identified
A MAN found dead in an Oxford pub has been formally identified. Lee Cooper, 41, was discovered in a locked toilet at music venue the Jericho Tavern, in Walton Street, on March 30. The Chipping Norton resident was found at 9pm by a member of
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Three held over football 'attack'
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of assault after an alleged attack following a football match in Barton. The incident is reported to have happened at Barton Recreation Ground between 4pm and 4.30pm on Saturday, after AFC Hinksey played
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Oxford United have fallen short: Lewis
AFTER more than three decades in football, little surprises Mickey Lewis, but Oxford United’s assistant manager rates the last nine months as his most frusrating season of all. The U’s have been infuriatingly inconsistent for much of the season
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Clarke wants League Two's strongest shoulders
RYAN Clarke says he is working harder than ever before in a bid to recover from double shoulder surgery in time for the opening day of pre-season. And the 30-year-old wants to build the strongest shoulders in the division to ensure the worst injury
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Allen - great season even if Oxford United youth team miss title
THE fate of the Oxford United youth team’s league campaign will be decided this weekend, but coach Chris Allen says the squad can be proud of their season regardless of what happens. The under 18s missed out on the chance to secure the South West
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Council likely to agree its own scheme
PLANS to demolish buildings in Bury Knowle Park and build affordable homes have been recommended for approval. Oxford City Council officers have thrown their support behind the authority’s own application for planning permission for 10 flats.
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Man accused of rape was 'shocked' by charge
A MAN who stands accused of rape has told a jury he was “shocked” when he was informed of the allegation against him. Maximillian Hessel, of Peat Moors, Headington, Oxford, denies one count of rape which he is alleged to have committed in June
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New vision aims to revitalise city's West End
A VISION to overhaul the Oxpens area of Oxford was unveiled last night. Oxford City Council is planning to completely redevelop the “uninviting” area to provide housing, office space, shops, a 150-bedroom hotel and a new public square. Plans
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COMMENT: Words must mean action for West End
NEW housing and some shops off Oxpens Road? Sounds lovely. A swanky 150-room hotel? Brilliant. A terraced amphitheatre overlooking a peaceful stretch of the Thames with a new footbridge and a cafe nearby? Now that’s the ticket. What more
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Oxford United legends set for charity game
A HOST of past Oxford United players will be in action this weekend for a charity game. Les Phillips and Alan Judge, members of the 1986 Milk Cup-winning team, are on the Oxford United Legends side, along with the likes of Joey Beauchamp and Chris
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Oxford United net Community Shield cheque
OXFORD United have received their share of the proceeds from the Community Shield. The U’s netted £2,000 from the match in August, which raised £248,000 and is split equally between 124 clubs competing in last season’s FA Cup from the first round
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Proof of success to be in school results
TEN more schools have signed up to take part in the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign. The Oxford Mail-backed campaign, run by the National Literacy Trust, aims to boost literacy levels, improve results and foster a love of reading. That takes the