Archive

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Headington Library gets its lift at last to delight of local readers

Mums with pushchairs and wheelchair users are delighted with the new lift at Headington Library after years of campaigning. The lift was installed at the library in Bury Knowle Park in September. Now, Oxfordshire county councillor for Headington

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A modern splash facility may replace ageing pool in Cutteslowe Park

CUTTESLOWE Park’s paddling pool could be turned into a new “splash” pool. Oxford City Council is looking into making changes to the pool, which is nearly 50 years old and coming to the end of its working life. A consultation has been launched

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New ATM is right on the money for Littlemore Post Office customers

A FREE-TO-USE cash machine has been installed in Littlemore after a long campaign by residents. The new ATM at the Post Office on Cowley Road means people no longer need to travel to Sainsbury’s in Heyford Hill or pay a £2 fee to withdraw cash

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Barton teens serve up a treat to celebrate the good work on their estate

YOUNG people have made their estate proud after hosting a dinner and awards do. The Thrive Young Achievers Dinner was held at the end of last month to celebrate good work on the estate. The starter created by the young chefs More than

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Stepping forward to say a healthy thank-you to Oxford hospitals

EACH had their own reasons for taking part but all who walked five miles for city hospitals had eternal gratitude for NHS workers in common. More than 100 people took part in Sunday’s “It’s Not Just a Walk in the Park” event for 34 charities that

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Man hurt in accident near Banbury fights for life

A 19-year-old pedestrian who suffered life-threatening head injuries in a collision with a car was still fighting for his life yesterday. The man was walking on the A4260 between Twyford and Bodicote, near Banbury, at 1am on Monday when the collision

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MOTORSPORT: Marussia driver Jules Bianchi remains 'critical but stable'

JULES Bianchi remains in a “critical but stable” condition after suffering a traumatic and devastating brain injury in a crash during Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. It is still too early to say if, and to what extent, Bianchi, who drives for the

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Woman injured in road rage incident after collision on the M40 at Milton Common

A WOMAN was injured in a M40 car crash moments after a road rage incident, police have said. The victim, who is in her 20s, was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra near junction 7 of the northbound carriageway at about 10.20pm on Friday when her car

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Privatisation of our NHS and other awkward questions

I have just returned from a few days away in Eastbourne with my son. We did a fair bit of walking, had some excellent meals out, including a steam train ride on the famous Bluebell Railway Line, followed by a good play at the local theatre, about the

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Meet lifesavers who arrive by helicopter

WHEN a call comes through to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance crew at RAF Benson, it is all systems go for the team of paramedics and doctors and their pilot. It takes less than five minutes for the helicopter to be in the air after

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Tuesday’s letters: What are your fellow readers writing in about today?

Want to give your opinion? Email letters@oxfordmail.co.uk

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Watch: 6 national and international news videos for you including Ebola, IS, the McCann Twitter woman and Dappy's assault

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Cash boost helps to preserve our stunning county flower

THOUSANDS of Oxfordshire’s iconic flowers will benefit after a nature reserve received a cash boost. The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust has been given £18,874 to manage its Iffley Meadows Biodiversity Improvement Project at Iffley Meadows

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Helping people find out who they are at Family History Fair

FAMILIES were given a history lesson about where they came from last weekend. About 370 people turned out at the annual Oxfordshire Family History Fair at The Marlborough School in Woodstock on Saturday. They were given information about ancestors

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Flying visit adds to attractions at heritage day

VINTAGE vehicle and aircraft enthusiasts gathered in Bicester for a “Sunday Brunch Scramble” at a former bomber station. Held by Bicester Heritage at its premises on the former RAF Bicester site, historic car, aeroplane and motorcycle owners displayed

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Planners backing 750 homes despite pleas for more jobs

PLANS for 700 homes in Carterton should be approved but another 1,000 refused, councillors have been told. A final decision on plans for 700 to the east of the town and 1,000 to the west is expected by West Oxfordshire District Council on Thursday

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UPDATE: Bicester street shut after concerns over tangled power lines

TANGLED power lines have caused police to shut off a road in Bicester this morning. Kings End is currently closed off by Thames Valley Police. Force spokeswoman Hannah Williams said police were called at about 10.15am to reports of tangled

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MOTORSPORT: Bianchi remains 'critical but stable'

Jules Bianchi remains in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital following surgery after he sustained severe head injuries in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The 25-year-old Marussia driver crashed into a recovery vehicle after aquaplaning

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Major delays on bus services between Oxford and Abingdon due to landslip in Kennington

Passengers travelling between Abingdon and Oxford are experiencing severe delays this morning. Oxford Bus Company is reporting 50-minute delays on the X3/X13/35 service due to emergency works following a landslip in Bagley Wood Road in Kennington

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Local needs must be put first in housing

I was delighted to see the newspaper highlight the excellent work of Wantage Town Team in filling empty shops in Wantage with innovative and exciting local initiatives (October 1). Wantage, Grove – and nearby Didcot – are under huge pressure to

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Overlap between Labour/Tory policies is overwhelming

In his most recent letter to the newspaper, October 1, John Tanner tries to tell us how different the Labour party is to the Tories. Sadly the exact opposite is the truth. Labour are committed to all the cuts the Tories have made and will carry

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Botley development fails to look after people who are less mobile

The revised plans for the Doric development in Botley show a complete disregard for the welfare of pram-pushers, wheelchair users and the less mobile, assuming that we shall all be happy to wait for ages for lifts to arrive or put our shopping-carts

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Quiz League: Memorial Trophy win just what the doctor ordered

THERE was a full turnout on Thursday night as all combatants in the Summer Leagues congregated at the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown) for the distribution of silverware and to participate for the handicapped Janet Priest/Laurence Stevens

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On yer bike: A sad day as I say farewell to a dear old friend

I lost an old friend last week. She was trustworthy, gentle and beautiful to boot and I coldly sold her off. Yes I’m talking about one of my bikes, one of my favourite bikes actually. You are probably wondering if that bike was my favourite, then

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This attitude is what makes me really angry

Whilst I missed the original article-apparently by Alex Wynick – I have seen the responding letters of Helen Marshall and David Diment concerning Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s survey highlighting Asian women’s difficulties having private visits to GPs

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Precious villages and towns are under threat

Is this government out to destroy our ancient market towns and villages? Its building programme certainly gives that impression. My own village of Milton-under Wychwood is at present battling against a development of 70 homes which could rise to

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Improvements come at cost of the environment

I read with interest the article ‘Piazza dream for city’s Gloucester Green area, October 1’ – which painted a fairly rosy picture of the proposed plans to regenerate the area. The magestic trees on Gloucester Green What it failed to mention

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Four-vehicle crash in Thame on A4129

Drivers are suffering delays in Thame this morning following a four-vehicle smash. The accident happened on the A4129 Tythrop Way and it is now blocked both ways, between the Cromwell Avenue/Moorend Lane junction and the other Cromwell Avenue junction

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U's learn how to play 'ugly'

MICHAEL Collins revealed a team meeting last week laid the platform for Oxford Un-ited’s gritty 1-0 win over Newport County. The midfielder scored the winner on Saturday, securing only United’s second win in Sky Bet League Two this season.

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COMMENT: Roadworks are just a journey to a better city transport future

HOW often have we written about the fragility of Oxford’s road system, with even the seemingly smallest of incidents causing widespread chaos? And there is also the danger, because of the passage of time, that frustrated motorists believe the latest

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Traffic roadworks mean misery for drivers as more delays expected

COMMUTERS faced traffic misery yesterday morning, and have been warned to expect more of the same for at least another month. Roadworks brought traffic travelling into the city to a standstill, with many journeys taking three or four times longer

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COMMENT: Jenni’s space hop is a marathon bounce

AS thousands of you nervously count down the days until the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday, imagine the nervousness Jenni Davies feels. Not only is she facing 13.1 miles for her event, she is planning to do it on her space hopper for charity.

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Arrest over dog attack

A 38-year-old man has appeared in court accused of allowing a dog to attack another man. Malcolm Pipkin appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday to admit unlawful wounding after he attacked Ben McMenemy in Cornmarket on March 11. But Pipkin

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Delays on trains cause problems for commuters

RAIL passengers yesterday faced major delays on services between Oxford and London Paddington because of a signalling problem. Damage to signal equipment during overnight works between Slough and West Drayton caused trains into London Paddington

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George Clooney buys a house alongside the Thames

Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney has bought his new wife a £5m mansion alongside the River Thames. The star of Ocean’s Eleven and Gravity, 56, bought his wife lawyer Amal Alamuddin, the mansion, thought to be near Henley, as a wedding gift.

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Stowaways spark security scare at RAF Brize Norton

SECURITY checks have been increased on vehicles bound for RAF Brize Norton after two stowaways were brought into the Carterton military base. Two Sudanese men aged 22 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after being found hiding

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Here’s hopping I break world record: woman to do half marathon on a space hopper

RUNNING a half-marathon would test many people but one woman wants to break a world record by completing the distance on a space hopper. Witney resident Jenni Davies has already completed half-marathons by running and riding a small child’s bike

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FOOTBALL: City boss Merritt pledges to retain attacking focus

VANARAMA CONFERENCE NORTH OXFORD City boss Justin Merritt won’t sacrifice attacking football for an improved defensive showing as his side host Stockport County tonight (7.45), writes MATTHEW BRUCE. City have scored more goals than all other

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You’d have to go a fair way to beat this fun

THE two-day ancient Woodstock Charter Fair began yesterday. Managed by the Showmen’s Guild, the ancient fair, which dates back to the 15th century, is held each year in High Street, Market Street and Park Street, and includes fairground rides and

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Bannister to start race

Running legend Roger Bannister will open Sunday’s Oxford Half Marathon. Organisers said this year’s event would celebrate “all things Bannister”, to honour Sir Roger’s breaking of the four-minute mile record at the Iffley Road track 60 years ago

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Grant to help develop breast cancer vaccine

A breast cancer charity has given an Oxford scientist £18,000 to help develop a vaccine against the most common form of the disease. Against Breast Cancer has established a Fellowship programme with Oriel College to support research, and has given

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Oxford flooding victims face a two-month inquiry wait

IT will be at least two months before flood victims left devastated after a water main burst in their street are able to discover the cause of the disaster. And Normandy Crescent residents have been left fuming after Thames Water failed to tell

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DARTS: Oxon too hot to handle

OXFORDSHIRE enjoyed a clean sweep as all four teams came out on top to clinch a comfortable overall victory against Surrey in Division 1. They ran out 25-11 winners at Bicester, claiming three bonus points in the process to move second in the table

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HOCKEY: Depleted Hawks owe late victory to Hardy

DESPITE having only eight players on the pitch at one stage, Oxford Hawks opened their South League Premier Division 1 campaign with a 2-1 victory at Purley Walcountians. After having one efort disallowed, Hawks took the lead just before half-time

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RUGBY UNION: Quins are stung by Hornets

NATIONAL 3 SOUTH WEST OXFORD Harlequins suffered their first home defeat of the season with a 24-13 reverse against second-placed Hornets. Quins were below par and missed kicks at crucial times, while Hornets took their chances well. The

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RUGBY UNION: Robinson boots Henley back to top spot

NATIONAL 2 SOUTH HENLEY Hawks regained top spot after a 32-22 victory at Launceston. Hawks’ win over the Cornish All Blacks saw them edge back ahead of Taunton Titans on points difference. Henley fly half Will Robinson kicked eight out

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Update: Major delays on the A34 from Kidlington to Bayworth and reports of a collision at the Botley Interchange

THERE are major delays around Oxford again this morning following one of the worst commutes ever for drivers in the county yesterday. Roadworks brought vehicles to a standstill with some journeys taking three or four times longer than usual.

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Tuesday, October 7

6:09pm A woman has been injured in a road rage incident after a collision on the M40 near Milton Common, police have said  %if(after3) %if(after7)

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Army reserves return from major training

BANBURY’S new Army Reserve unit returned from its first major training exercise on Salisbury Plain on Saturday. For two weeks, 30 officers and soldiers of 142 Vehicle Squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps have been learning and practising driving

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Uni students can take aim to enrol in young officers’ corps

AS people from across the county remember the centenary of the First World War, one Army group is hoping its illustrious past will help it recruit new members. When war broke out in August 1914, members of the Oxford University Officers’ Training

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GOLF: Hopkins and Connor star for Burford

BURFORD moved clear in Division 1 of the Shaw Gibbs Oxfordshire Foursomes League following a whitewash at home to Feldon Valley. The defending champions were convincing 3-0 winners, with none of the matches getting past the 16th green. Their

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HOCKEY: Stewart strike leads the way

OXFORD Hawks were quickly out of the blocks in their 3-1 victory away to Cheltenham in the Investec Conference West. They built up a 2-0 lead in the first half-hour. A simplemove saw Lucy Stewart open the scoring. Hawks doubled their lead

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Travel: First Great Western train services back to normal

TRAINS in and out of London Paddington are running to schedule this morning after repairs to signals near Slough. Yesterday First Great Western services were badly affected throughout the day after weekend engineering work damaged signalling equipment

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FOOTBALL: Allison and Simmonds seal United's comeback

WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE A TWO-goal burst in as many minutes helped Oxford United Women come from behind to win 2-1 at Watford in Division 2 on Sunday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE. Megan Wynne had put the home side in front, but goals from Lauren Allison

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FOOTBALL: Fishwick cleared to play

SOUTHERN LEAGUE BANBURY United’s Tom Fishwick will not be suspended, despite being sent off after the referee admitted he was wrong to dismiss him. Fishwick was sent off for a second bookable offence during the Puritans’ 4-1 defeat at Truro

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RUGBY UNION: Dixey sees red as Grove break duck

SOUTH WEST 1 EAST GROVE held on to record their first win of the season – an 11-7 success at Bletchley – despite having hooker Steve Dixey sent off. Dixey was red-carded for stamping after 65 minutes with Grove leading 11-0 and the hosts hit

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Man fights for his life

A 19-year-old man was fighting for his life in hospital last night after an incident that has been referred to the police watchdog. The man was involved in a collision with a red Hyundai while walking on the A4260 between Twyford and Bodicote at

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Woman is indecently assaulted in city centre

A 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Magdalen Road, Oxford, police said yesterday. Thames Valley Police said a man approached her from behind and indecently assaulted her at 12.45am last Tuesday. The man is described as being Asian

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RUGBY UNION: Taylor to lead Dark Blues on return

VARSITY PREVIEW CAPTAIN Jacob Taylor returns from a foot injury as Oxford University visit Richmond tonight (7.45). Taylor comes in at full back, with Ed Doe moving to the wing and Henry Hughes dropping to the bench to protect a thigh knock

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Driver denies killing

A motorist has denied killing a young film maker by driving dangerously on the A40. David Portch, 29, of Kilnwood in Walter’s Ash, Bucks, appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday to deny causing death by dangerous driving on the A40 on December

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Council is bidding for Bicester to become new ‘garden city’

BICESTER could become one of up to five “garden cities” along a restored direct rail link between Oxford and Cambridge, it has emerged. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday told the Liberal Democrat party conference in Glasgow that towns

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Shake-up afoot over the way mobile libraries serve county

THE number of stops made by mobile libraries across the county is set to be halved, but council bosses have pledged this will not affect the level of service. Oxfordshire County Council has launched a review of its mobile library services as it

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Inspector visits ’town green’

A PLANNING inspector looking into whether land in Northway should be protected from development visited the green space yesterday. Ross Crail has been tasked with deciding whether the land in Foxwell Drive should be designated as a town green or

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100 staff told ‘jobs are safe’ as Witney furniture firm Wesley-Barrell is sold

A WITNEY furniture maker that has been family-run for more than four generations has been sold to a private investor. The new owner of Wesley-Barrell, which hand-crafts sofas and armchairs, is businessman Ayiaz Ahmed. Mr Ahmed bought the firm

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Man jailed for 13 years for sex assaults on young girls

A 30-YEAR-OLD man who sexually abused two young girls has been jailed for 13-and-a-half-years. Craig Preston was convicted of two counts of rape of a child beween 2011 and December last year. An Oxford Crown Court jury also found him guilty

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Enjoying all the fun of the Michaelmas fair

FUN-seekers braved the wet weather yesterday to enjoy the thrills at Abingdon’s Michaelmas Fair. Despite the rain, revellers headed to Ock Street for the annual fair, thought to be Europe’s longest street fair. The annual two-day fair is hosted

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New hospice chief executive considers merger possibility

THE world’s first children’s hospice could merge with a Hampshire hospice after plans were revealed by their new chief executive. Chris Robinson, who has taken up the post at Helen and Douglas House in Magdalen Road, will spearhead a year-long

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Dealer is jailed for cannabis and heroin offences

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for dealing heroin and cannabis. Kuldeep Singh admitted possession with intent to supply Class A drug heroin and Class B drug cannabis. Singh, of Woburn Close in Banbury, was sentenced

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GOLF: Club results

SHAW GIBBS OXFORDSHIRE FOURSOMES LEAGUE Section 1 Burford 3 (4pts), Feldon Valley 0 (0) (Burford scores first): J Wilks & J Simpson bt A Bailey & M Everitt 3 & 2, A Salter & M Potts bt W McCoombes & B Grazebrook 4 &

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Jump in couples seeking help of counsel service

A COUNTY relationship counselling service said it has seen a spike in visitors after the end of the summer holidays. A boss at Relate Oxfordshire said couples often re-assess issues in September. On the last week of the school holidays, 339

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Researchers are backing major bipolar survey

OXFORD researchers are behind a major new study into the causes of bipolar disorder and the best way to treat and care for sufferers. The survey for sufferers, their families, and medical workers, is today being announced and opened on Bipolar

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Oxford hospital bosses undecided on smoking shelters issue

HOSPITAL bosses have yet to decide whether to put up smoking shelters despite winning council permission for them. An Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust boss said it is consulting with NHS leaders over whether to put up the five shelters.

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Eyeing up a miniature world of railways

IT’S a small world after all for these model railway enthusiasts. Train modellers who specialise in one of the smallest model scales, known as ‘Z gauge,’ gathered in Oxfordshire for a national celebration of their creations. The Zedex 2014