Archive
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Oxfam sale marks war anniversary
BOOKS related to the First World War have gone on sale at an Oxfam shop. Dick Jennens, manager of the Oxfam bookshop in Thame, is hoping the collection of about 200 books will raise more than £1,000 for the Cowley-based charity. The collection
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Homes policy review over problem tenants
A SCHEME designed to help provide more housing for younger people has been delayed in Grandpont to prevent an “escalation” of antisocial behaviour. Blocks of bungalows and flats in Salter Close and Whitehouse Road were due to be made available
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Sit back and enjoy the ride with gadget-filled Mazda3
VERY few people know that just across the loading bay from our £25m Oxford press hall sits a 9,900,000-litre sprinkler tank – but the satellite navigation system on the new Mazda3 does. The appearance of the perfectly-rendered 3D image is a small
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Delays on A34 after second accident
ONE lane is closed on the A34 Southbound following an accident involving a motorbike. Drivers are facing delays at the A4130 Milton Interchange. There is congestion up to the A4183 Oxford Road as well. Earlier today a four vehicle-crash
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Self-help therapist to share a stage with Paul McKenna
NINE years after celebrity self-help guru Paul McKenna inspired her to become a full-time hypnotherapist, Hari Vaudrey will join him on stage. The Witney mum-of-three is one of six international therapists, including Mr McKenna, who will be teaching
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Elderly man in critical condition after crash
AN 83 year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital following a collision with a Ford Galaxy in Abingdon. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries in the collision at the junction of Reynolds Way and Gainsborough Green on April 28. Police
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Helping parents bond with their newborns
THE relationship between parent and child is an area of study that led a group of psychotherapists to set up the Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP) 15 years ago. It now helps more than 400 parents a year – mostly mums – who are struggling to
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RUGBY UNION: Davies given full-back role by Welsh
Justin Burnell makes six changes to the London Welsh side to take on Leeds Carnegie at Headingley on Sunday (1pm). The Exiles head coach shuffles the side which defeated Nottingham in the final round of the league season. Alex Davies starts
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Man arrested on suspicion of robbing a store dressed as Santa
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of robbing a clothing store dressed as Father Christmas. The 23-year-old from Cowley was arrested this week after the knife-point robbery at Next in Oxford Retail Park on December 23. The robber made off
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Breaking the pain barrier for twin charity challenge
POSTMEN usually walk for miles every day, but Justin Lovstrom took it to a new level when he ran 100 miles in just over 26 hours. The Abingdon postie took part in the Thames Path 100, an ultra marathon from London to Oxford, completing the course
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Chiltern Line stations to get longer platforms
PLATFORMS at Bicester North and Haddenham & Thame Parkway stations are to be lengthened to allow longer trains to stop. The stations are among five between London Marylebone and Banbury where work will be done to allow Chiltern Railways to
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Oxford United offer Tom Newey a new deal
Tom Newey has been offered a new deal by Oxford United. The left back was not able to attend meetings held with the club's out-of-contract players yesterday, but U's head coach Gary Waddock informed the former Bury, Rotherham and Scunthorpe defender
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UPDATE: Huge delays on roads after four-vehicle crash
There are huge delays on roads around Oxford after a four-vehicle crash on the A34. One lane was closed following the accident at about 2.10pm on A34 Western By Pass Road northbound just before the Peartree exit. Thames Valley Police roads
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Get Melodic with a Latin twist
Folksters The Melodic are causing a stir brilliantly fusing the South American rhythms with, er, British Indie pop, writes Tim Hughes South London is perhaps not the first place you’d expect to come across a band playing the folk melodies of the
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Funding for emergency rent help is cut by £10k
MONEY to support people hit by the “bedroom tax” has been cut by more than £10,000, it has been revealed. Oxford City Council’s discretionary housing payments (DHP) grant is used to help people facing homelessness should they not be able to cover
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Residents’ home from home at village tea party
MORE than 70 people attended afternoon tea in Bampton Village Hall. The event was organised so care home residents could mix with the community. A total of 22 residents from Bampton’s Rosebank Care Home enjoyed hot drinks and homemade cake
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UPDATE: Camper van collides with pedestrian after mounting pavement
A camper van collided with a woman walking along the pavement in Banbury’s High Street this morning before crashing into a shopfront. Thames Valley Police spokesman Hannah Williams said the accident happened outside Henry’s Menswear shop shortly
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Cyclist fighting for life after a collision with a lorry
A CYCLIST has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening head injuries after a collision with a lorry in Didcot this morning. The accident happened on Basil Hill Road at about 10.15am and an air ambulance flew to the scene. The man in his
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Developer to apply for cash to fund road
WORK to build a major new road replacing Bicester’s Howes Lane could start next year if funding is approved. The construction of a new eco-town near Bicester has raised concerns current roads may not cope with an influx of traffic. Developer
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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visiting Oxford
2:55pm Camilla has left Douglas House having spoken to parents and staff and taking a group photo. She gave a gift of two bird feeders - one each for Helen and Douglas houses 2:53pm
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Galliard Homes drops its appeal to be allowed to build homes on Oxford Stadium
HOUSING developer Galliard Homes has dropped its planning fight to build hundreds of homes on the Oxford Stadium site. Galliard Homes was refused permission by Oxford City Council to replace the stadium with 220 homes, and had lodged an appeal
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Rose Hill is not full of betting shops
I AM writing concerning betting shops in Rose Hill. I would like to reply to city councillor Michele Paule. She stold you that there are 24 betting shops in Oxford, and most of these are near Rose Hill. I would like to know where they are in Rose
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Trying to trace Holifield relatives
I AM currently searching for any members of the Holifield families that are abundant in West and North Oxfordshire. After researching my great uncles and aunts, who had the surname Pratley (in particular Lucy Pratley who was born in 1861 and married
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Why was criminal in an open prison at all?
THE absconding from an open prison of the so-called ‘skull-cracker’ Michael Wheatley, who was serving 13 life sentences for many armed robberies, raises many questions about law and order in the UK. Why was this criminal allowed to be in an open prison
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Love Oxford cancellation is a ‘double-whammy’
WHATEVER the background to each decision, it is saddening that within just weeks of the Cowley Road Passion Play being disallowed by a culturally-illiterate council official, Love Oxford is now not happening either, due to opposition by the University
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Council should try running a market stall
I AM writing concerning Oxford's Covered Market. The city council feel that the rents proposed by independent arbitration are too low. I would challenge the council to take over and run a unit profitably at the higher rent they wish to charge
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The best of this week's Friday Life
Dawn Massam's passion is chillies and she's holding the first ever Oxfordshire Chilli Festival to celebrate all things spicy It's time for camp commentary as the UK vies for the song contest supremacy... or at least avoid the stigma of
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Art captures a busy station's daily drama
I once missed the last train home and had to spend the night on Kings Cross Station. As the shadows lengthened, indistinct figures appeared around the pillars. Some seemed lost, like prey. Others at ease, like predators, moving slowly, snarlingly
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Testing time in the beauty game
Ladies, you will be ecstatic to learn that we finally have a way to tell whether we are beautiful once and for all. Just when you were beginning to worry that you may never ever know whether your face is a showstopper. We’ve been wrong all along
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Mud, glorious mud at Ischia
Looking for a quick getaway? Lauren Taylor discovers some hidden coves, beautiful beaches and therapeutic thermal waters on Italian island Ischia Dining outside on a balmy summer evening, I watch luxury yachts bob up and down in the marina as a
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May blossoms with promise
Last week May Morning was celebrated in Oxford as it has been for over 500 years. This year the usual Morris dancing, high spirits and general mayhem reigned – despite the rain. The high point of the event is the traditional hymn sung by the
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Why hanging on for ET might be worth the wait
When ET was first released back in 1982, I built myself a cardboard spaceship and told my mum I would be back soon, but that I had to go find him. I think I mainly wanted to be Drew Barrymore but I was also utterly convinced that ET was real and that
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Making games the scapegoat
The stabbing of the well-loved teacher Ann Maguire came as a devastating shock to everyone who heard. I couldn’t quite fathom what had taken place, or indeed imagine if that horrific situation had been at my own school. After listening to a snippet
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Will Eurovision be smitten by Molly?
It's time for camp commentary as the UK vies for the song contest supremacy... or at least avoid the stigma of 'nul points'. Jaine Blackman reports In recent years, a succession of well-established UK acts have failed to set the Eurovision scoreboard
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I'm getting more affectionate as I get older, darlings
I never fail to feel a warm glow when a complete and utter stranger refers to me with a term of endearment that many of us save only for our near and dear ones. Just a simple ‘Thank you my love’ from a shop assistant can make all the difference
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Hot new festival to spice up your life
Dawn Massam's passion is chillies and she's holding a festival to celebrate all things spicy, as Jaine Blackman discovers Some like it hot... no one more so than mum-of-three Dawn Massam. A life-long lover of chillies and hot sauce, she now
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Study by Environment Agency only looked at small sample of River Thames locks
ENVIRONMENT Agency bosses have announced recently that manned locks (manned by non-residential lock-keepers) had a better “feel” than locks with residential lock-keepers, even though health and safety was better where residential lock-keepers were
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Our votes can really make a difference
THE current applications for large-scale housing developments will, if approved, change Carterton and the surrounding villages forever, to say nothing of the impact on our already over-congested roads. Concern among residents is clearly illustrated
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Charity is not being given recycling store
I AM writing with respect to your article (April 29) about the Barns Road development. In the article you wrote: ‘Homeless charity Emmaus will be given a furniture recycling store’. This isn’t accurate – the charity isn’t being given the store
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Traffic fumes create ‘toxic health’ scare
HEAVY traffic is producing potentially lethal toxic fumes in New Hinksey, residents claim. The group says traffic in Abingdon Road and Weirs Lane has become worse since Oxford’s High Street was closed to cars in 1999. Figures by Oxford City
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History is full of life
The Oxford Playhouse’s recent sell-out production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys was less of a play, more a participatory event. Despite all the poetry: ‘Pass it On, Boys, Pass it On,’ its dramatic spirit on the night was more Rocky Horror Show
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New direction of the girls magazine is amazing
Rebecca Moore rejoices at girls' magazines bid to promote ability over looks Girls are amazing. No, seriously: girls really are amazing. And thanks to Girl Talk Magazine, that message is about to go viral among young girls across the land.
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Healthy feet are happy feet
Despite 'hating' feet, Mary-Ann Price tells Jaine Blackman why helping customers find the ultimate in comfortable shoes is truly satisfying Shoe store manager and company managing director Mary-Ann Price has a bit of a confession to make: “I HATE
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No need to be a loser when it comes to cash
I lose things. Keys, umbrellas, purses, other people’s pets and once, even one of my shoes on the London underground. I was wearing them at the time, which is a bit worrying, looking back. But seriously, even a professional loser like me was
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Success arrived for Helen Giltrow when the time was write
Helen Giltrow always wanted to be a novelist but life kept getting in the way. With her first book published this week, she tells Jaine Blackman how she finally went The Distance Numerous times I’ve stopped writing, looked up, and been surprised
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The pressures of a 'free day'
Monday morning in my house is usually pretty standard. The house has been trashed over the weekend by a standard trail of visitors, waifs and strays. School homework still needs to be finished, uniforms have to be located; usually from within
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I'm just a normal bloke... get me outta here, Bear
Welcome to the world’s lamest lads’ holiday. You packed your bag, bright-eyed and brimming with adventure, telling your boss at your dead-end desk-meat call centre: “Stick your job, I’m off to the Pacific with Bear Grylls! Woohoo!” Fast forward
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Woman sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Oxford
A 20-YEAR-OLD woman was pulled into an East Oxford alleyway and sexually assaulted by a man wearing a single leather glove. The attack happened opposite Marsh Road in Cowley Road at about 9pm on Monday but Thames Valley Police only released the
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We did our best to be courteous to those who were standing
HANGING around a hospital waiting for a friend you agreed to drive there can be a drag. But like most things in life there is a humorous side – if you look. This week my friend Gwen had an appointment at the Oxford Eye Hospital in the JR’s West
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Burford bites back on Top Gear presenter James May + gallery of 12 pictures
TOP Gear presenter James May once said he would carpet bomb Burford immediately if he ever got into power. But the Cotswolds town got its revenge yesterday when his car broke down at the A40 roundabout. The BBC presenter was filming for the
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Oxford United striker Constable is offered a new deal
Gary Waddock praised the contributions made by James Constable and Jake Wright to Oxford United after giving them a chance to stay next season. Constable, United’s top scorer for the past six seasons, was offered a new deal, while the club activated
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You sew had to bee there
THE star of a television sewing contest visited pupils at Burford School yesterday. Julie Gromett took part in BBC Two’s Great British Sewing Bee earlier this year. She visited Burford School, in Cheltenham Road, to speak to Year 13 BTEC Textiles
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Oxford Stadium may rise from ashes to host dog racing again
GREYHOUND racing could soon return to Oxford Stadium under plans to lease the facility. Galliard Homes and Risk Capital – which co-owns the Sandy Lane stadium – advertised the lease for £250,000 a year, despite plans to knock it down for housing
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COMMENT: We should all give a hero our support
It’s often said that God hates a coward. So 24-year-old Edward McDonagh has nothing to worry about. Aged nine, Mr McDonagh was involved in a car crash, resulting in him having only the use of his right arm and leg. Yet next weekend, Mr McDonagh
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COMMENT: Fight to save the greyhound stadium takes a step forward
THE possibility of greyhound racing returning to Oxford is one that should be met with excitement. It has been 18 months since the Oxford Stadium was alive to the sound of crowds urging on their favourites. Plans were made to clear the site
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Firms face trial over injury to cyclist passing work site
TWO firms have pleaded not guilty to breaching health and safety rules over an incident where an Oxford woman was struck by a falling object. Erith Contractors Limited and Inter-Steels Limited both yesterday denied two counts of breaching regulations
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Tesco gets go-ahead to join store wars in Headington
HEADINGTON shoppers will soon be spoiled for choice after Tesco last night got consent for alterations to a shop in London Road. Once it opens its doors, five of the major supermarket chains will be vying for customers in the street. Oxford
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Health and safety trial after woman is struck
Two firms have pleaded not guilty to breaching health and safety rules over an incident where an Oxford woman was struck by a falling object. Erith Contractors Limited and Inter-Steels Limited both yesterday denied two counts of breaching regulations
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Parish councillor dies
Old Marston parish councillor Roy Jones who was due to stand at next month’s elections has died, aged 80. Mr Jones, a bellringer at St Nicholas’ Church for 70 years, died on Monday. Vice-chairman Duncan Hatfield said: “I’m saddened and very
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Edward sets new course for Blenheim
RUNNING the hilly course of the Blenheim 7km fun run would put most people out of breath. Now Edward McDonagh will be the first to take part in a wheelchair – using just his right arm and leg. The 24-year-old from Bicester suffered a life-changing
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October deadline for Temple Cowley Pool campaigners
CAMPAIGNERS have until October to put forward a bid to buy Temple Cowley Pools. Oxford City Council – the landowner – confirmed the site, in Temple Road, Oxford, as an Asset of Community Value in March. And it has now been announced that campaign
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Burglar raids home
A burglar raided a Cowley Road house after getting inside through a conservatory window on Wednesday between 8.35am and 3.20pm. Police confirmed a number of items were stolen but did not specify what. Call police on 101.
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Kenco non-committal over jobs after merger
Bosses at the Kenco coffee factory say it is “business as usual” after it was announced the firm would be merged with a rival. Plant owner Mondelez International has announced it wants to combine its coffee arm with Douwe Egberts Master Blenders
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Queues on the Eastern Bypass at Littlemore due to broken-down lorry
ONE lane of the Eastern Bypass at the Littlemore Roundabout is closed due to a broken-down lorry. There is queueing traffic up to the Cowley junction. Automatic updates will be posted on our Live Traffic Service
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ROWING: Headington lead the way for locals at Dorney
COACH Ryan Demaine saw his Headington School girls star at the Wallingford Regatta at Dorney Lake – the biggest one-day regatta in the country. Headington won the women’s elite eights and added three second places and one third. Host club Wallingford
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TENNIS: Oxfordshire youngsters find it hard work in County Cup
OXFORDSHIRE found the going tough in the Under 14 County Cup. The boys secured victory in their final game to avoid the wooden spoon in their group, but the girls struggled and ended bottom of their section. It started well for the boys in
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CRICKET: Great Tew looking to keep up progress
Captain Andy Harris says Great & Little Tew will look to the talents of former Penrith all-rounder Matthew Clark as they seek to improve on the sixth-place finish they posted on their Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 debut
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CRICKET: Crosby eyes up stability for Oxford in top flight
Oxford captain Ian Crosby has set his sights on a season of consolidation as they return to Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 1 after a one-year absence. The top flight has a different look to it since Oxford, who visit reigning
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CRICKET: Shipton aim to sparkle
Skipper Simon Hole is hoping that a blend of youth and experience can help Shipton-under-Wychwood to a top-four finish on their return to Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2. It follows last season’s promotion from the Cherwell
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CRICKET: Horspath set for challenge
Horspath, runaway Cherwell League champions last year, have been busy strengthening their squad as they return to Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2. With Will Eason taking over as skipper from Adam Krol, Horspath open up at
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Off-licence man denies stealing £4k on last day
A FORMER supervisor at a Bicester off-licence denied stealing £4,330 on his last day at work. Marc Lyall is accused of committing one count of theft on March 13 last year while working at a McColl’s in Market Square. Naomi Perry, prosecuting
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CRICKET: Rowant have top-five spot as a target
Aston Rowant, who were promoted to Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 1 following the restructure after the Hertfordshire League clubs departure, are targeting a top-five place. Wes Morrick’s side, who finished third in Division
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Family, friends and pupils’ farewell to ‘gifted’ teacher
A PACKED church bade farewell to former teacher Herman David Munday yesterday. Former pupils, friends and colleagues joined family at the funeral service held in the United Reform Church in Colinwood Road, led by the Rev Dick Wolff. Some 150
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CRICKET: Phillips focuses on title charge
Skipper Jimmy Phillips is hoping that a winter recruitment drive can help fire Banbury to their first Division 1 title since the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League's founding year in 2000. Banbury, who start at promoted Gerrards Cross
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CRICKET: Battle lines drawn for 40th anniversary crown
IT’S the league’s 40th anniversary season, and a series of events are being planned to celebrate the landmark. Ten representative matches have been organised, and a six-a-side tournament is to be held on Horspath and Oxford’s four pitches on Sunday
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Friday, May 9
5:54pm A man is still critical in hospital after a crash in Abingdon on April 29. Police are appealing for witnesses. 5:25pm A MAN has been arrested on
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A34 slip road blocked by broken-down lorry at Peartree
THERE are reports that one lane is closed on the A34 slip road because of a broken down lorry at the Peartree Interchange. Automatic updates will be posted on our Live Traffic Service
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Mother finds those late nights pay off
AWFUL sleep patterns and late-night feedings don’t normally help mums and dads with their work. New parents Caroline and Alex Mentzer from Headington, Oxford, were at their wits’ end trying to get their baby daughter Melissa to sleep. But the
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CRICKET: Shirazi back to boost Oxfordshire bid
DAMIAN Shirazi ret-urns to open the batting as Oxfordshire bid to make it three straight wins in Group 4 when they face Bucks at Challow & Childrey on Sunday (11am). The Aston Rowant left-hander has missed the opening two wins over Berkshire
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POINT-TO-POINT: Hill could bid to extend advantage
ASTON Rowant trainer Alan Hill could bid to strengthen his claims for top honours in the Kimblewick Hunt meeting at Kingston Blount tomorrow. The handler has all but secured the area title, but is now gunning for the national Connolly’s Red Mills
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TENNIS: Super Simmons storms to clean sweep of titles
BETH Simmons completed a clean sweep in the National Deaf Tennis Championships. The Oxford player won the singles, women’s doubles with twin sister Alex, and mixed doubles titles at the Gosling Tennis Centre, Welwyn Garden City. It was Beth
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Fake £20s in use
FAKE £20 notes have been used by fraudsters in pubs and shops in West Oxfordshire. Thames Valley Police said the counterfeit cash was used by three men in Radcot, Eynsham and Curbridge on Tuesday evening. Anyone with information should call
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Guilty of sex assault
A man with learning difficulties has been convicted of sexually assaulting a boy under 13. Paul Biggs, of Over Norton, near Chipping Norton, was yesterday found guilty of carrying out the offence on September 1, 2007, against a boy who cannot be
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Family of Great War soldier want chance to pay respects
A MOTHER-of-three is battling to be able to lay poppies on her war veteran grandfather’s grave. Susan Nicholls, 57, from Littlemore said when she discovered that Lance Corporal Michael Hall was buried in an unmarked pauper’s grave in Rose Hill
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FIXTURES May 10-11
SATURDAY CRICKET SERIOUS CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Gerrards Cross v Banbury, Henley v Oxford, High Wycombe v Aston Rowant. Div 2: Falkland v Shipton-u-Wychwood, Finch-ampstead v Horspath, Great & Little Tew v Chesham
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RUGBY UNION: Burrows upbeat Oxon can hit the ground running
Oxfordshire begin their Pool 3 campaign with head coach Craig Burrows optimistic this year’s squad are better placed than 12 months ago. They take on Berkshire at Newbury RFC tomorrow (3), before hosting Dorset & Wilts at Witney RFC next weekend
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Court appearance over Jayden death
The man responsible for the death of Jayden Parkinson is due to appear in Oxford Crown Court today. Ben Blakeley has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murdering the 17-year-old, whose body was found buried in a grave in a Didcot cemetery
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Deputy disappointed at flood visit ‘snub’
OXFORDSHIRE County Council’s deputy leader Rodney Rose said he was disappointed not to be invited to a Government minister’s visit. Cllr Rose spoke out after yesterday’s visit to Oxford by Dan Rogerson, a Lib Dem minister in the Department for
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CYCLING: Rose back on song at Chesterton
MALCOLM Rose (Oxonian) returned to form, coming out on top in the Beeline Time Trial Series race at Chesterton. In gusty conditions, Rose posted a winning time of 23mins 5secs to take first place. Clubmate Steve Mead was six seconds back, with
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Dog owner is found guilty of telling pit bull to attack man
THE owner of a pit bull terrier has been found guilty of setting his pet on a man three times during an argument. Thomas Derosa, of Kynaston Road, Didcot, was convicted of three counts of causing actual bodily harm and one of being in charge of
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Something blue heralds the arrival of warmer months
A BLUE TIT nestles in a sea of pink – a symbol of spring. Oxford Mail photographer Ed Nix captured this harbinger of clement weather on a day off in his East Oxford garden. The bird landed on the branch as Mr Nix was sat enjoying the sun over
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Skin cancer survivor urges suncream use for summer
SCHOOL nurse and skin cancer survivor Rachael Willoughby has urged parents to protect their children from the dangers of the sun as summer approaches. The 37-year-old, who medics said got the disease from overexposure as a child, said she too often
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Half-term hub is expected to be a sell-out
PARENTS are being urged to sign up for a half-term programme of activities before they sell out. Bicester’s The Cooper School will host the Cherwell District Council half-term hub after its most popular run over Easter. It takes place from
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Mars scientist dies aged 70
SPACE robot scientist Professor Colin Pillinger, who had links to Oxfordshire, has died. The planetary scientist, 70, who was the driving force behind Britain’s Mars lander Beagle 2, suffered a brain haemorrhage at his home in Cambridge. The
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Cuttings under floorboards provide a novel inspiration
WHEN pub boss Jo Eames started renovating her house, she never imagined it would lead to her writing a novel. But finding some faded newpaper cuttings beneath the floorboards provided the inspiration for a wartime tale focusing on the Second World