Archive
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Meerkats pop out to frolic in the frost at Cotswold Wildlife Park
IN the African desert, meerkats don’t tend to see a lot of frost. But this family at Cotswold Wildlife Park seem perfectly happy frolicking in it. Staff at the Burford centre captured the popular creatures chilling out. Spokeswoman Debbie
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Collision involving car and a lorry causing delays off the M40 near Waterstock
A COLLISION involving a car and a lorry is causing delays between the A40 London Road and the M40. The A418 Oxford Road is closed in both directions. Ambulance crews said they were called to the scene just after 6pm and are still at the scene
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Thames Valley Police’s crime panel needs new members
APPLICATIONS are open for two new independent members on the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel. The panel helps to scrutinise Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld. It is made up of one councillor from each of the 18 councils in
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Theatregoers in the spotlight with £5,000 charity donation
THEATREGOERS donated £5,000 to charity at collections at performances of Dirty Dancing at Oxford’s New Theatre. The funds will go to ECHO - Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation - to support young people with heart conditions. Staff from Oxford
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Village group belatedly rings in the new year
CHURCH bells rang out for the first time this year in West Hanney to announce 2015’s first Sunday service. The Hanney Bellringers gathered in St James the Great Church, in Church Street, on Sunday at 9am for their first ring of the new year.
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Children on song at schools' music festival
POPULAR music from the 1950s and 1960s was brought to life at Didcot and district’s primary schools’ music festival. About 250 youngsters aged nine to 11 gave two performances at Didcot Civic Hall. Songs included When I’m 64, Yellow Submarine,
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Party celebrated success of Deaf Centre
THE Christmas festivities may have been over but that was no excuse not to throw a party. Members who attended the Deaf Centre in St Ebbe’s, Oxford, look to be in a happy mood as they celebrated the New Year at their annual party in January 1963.
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Snowy trip to school for youngsters
AT THIS time of year, we can usually expect to have had at least one fall of snow – and that was certainly the case in 1978. It didn’t snow at Christmas, but by early January, large parts of Oxfordshire were covered. As usual, it proved a nuisance
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Teeth came out but Oxford City footballer played on
JOHN Farr was happy to pose with his Oxford City team-mates for a photograph, but why was he looking so glum? He had a good reason – he had been accidentally struck in the mouth and had had two teeth knocked out! He recalls: “It happened when
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MAILBAG: Young Kitchener 'recruits' on parade
I ENCLOSE a photograph with ‘More Kitchener recruits’ written on it, obviously, given the age of those involved, a tongue-in-cheek reference to Lord Kitchener’s call for recruits to join the British Army at the start of the First World War. My
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Dramatic turn for Morris Motors workers
MEMBERS of the Morris Motors drama section entertained audiences with four performances of a play called The Pay-off at the clubhouse in Crescent Road, Cowley, in 1957. Pictured back, left to right, are Stan Faber, Alan Franklin, Mary Soames, Norman
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'Fancy a rat as well as a pint then, sir?’
AN OXFORD pub sold not only beer, but bred dogs and, it appears, rats. The unusual combination of trades took place at the Old Dog Tray pub at 6 Gloucester Street, more recently the home of the Annabelinda fashion shop. Memory Lane reader David
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The changing face of Wootton, near Abingdon
WOOTTON Players gave three performances of Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular in 1990, which follows the fortunes of three couples at successive Christmas parties. Eva, alias Anne Hall, helps Geoffrey, played by John Casey, look the part.
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Video: Boost for Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary
OXFORDSHIRE Animal Sanctuary recently held a “Happy Staffy Month” in a bid to find homes for the 17 Staffordshire Bull Terriers in its care. And staff said following their appeal families have shown an interest in taking on some of the dogs as
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Top magistrate lauds work of colleagues in time of austerity
THE top magistrate in Oxfordshire said he found the job “challenging yet immensely satisfying” as he stood down after three years in the role. Tim Pocock served the maximum term as the first Chairman of the Oxfordshire Bench after being elected
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Man attacked in Oxford nightclub toilets
A MAN was attacked in the Purple Turtle nightclub and left with bruising and cuts to his face. Police said the attack was at 2am on December 28 in the male toilets of the Frewin Court club. The victim was stood by the sinks when two men entered
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Monday’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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David Portch admits causing death by careless driving of Kidlington 24-year-old Wilson Lau
A motorist has admitted causing the death of a young film maker by driving carelessly on the A40. David Portch, of Kilnwood in Walter’s Ash, Bucks, appeared at Oxford Crown Court this afternoon on what was due to be the first day of his trial.
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UPDATE: Person rescued from near train tracks in Grove
A WOMAN has been taken to hospital after ending up near the train tracks in Grove. Ambulance crews and an air ambulance were called to Denchworth Road, Grove at 12.45pm. British Transport Police spokesman Brian Price said: “We were called to
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One lane of London Road eastbound is closed for barrier repairs
ONE lane of the A40 London Road eastbound is closed. The lane was shut near the B4027 Wheatley Road at about 10am today to allow barrier repairs to be carried out. The work is expected to be finished by 1pm. We have asked Oxfordshire County
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Oxford United fans' chat
1:02pm Time's up, thanks for all your input. Apologies if we didn't get round to addressing your point - it's always busier after a defeat. — @OxfordMailOUFC 05 January 2015
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Flood alerts remain in place for River Thame and River Ray in Oxfordshire
FLOOD alerts remain in place for Oxfordshire today. The alerts were issued yesterday by the Environment Agency today for the River Thame and the River Ray. Both alerts were issued following heavy rain overnight. The first covered the River
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Arrogance over cost of council project debacles
IT is interesting to read the correspondence with regard to councillors Rose, Bulmer and Hudspeth and the arrogance which they show to those who ask perfectly reasonable questions and ultimately pick up the tab for their decisions. I well remember
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Help Ebola victims but protect us from returns
I COMMEND the work of anyone who wishes to go to Sierra Leone to help those afflicted by the Ebola illness – that is a selfless act. However, those people who work in close proximity to those with this virus need to go through a decontamination
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Disastrous year in the history of Port Meadow
THIS year has been a disastrous year in the history of Port Meadow, with the university flats at Roger Dudman Way and the British Rail track laying operations. Responsibility for planning decisions are with Oxford City Council and it should, therefore
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SCALES OF JUSTICE: 18 people before the courts
OXFORD MAGISTRATES' COURT Ian Bint, 55, of Coulings Close, Wantage, admitted drink-driving on December 9 in East Hendred, near Wantage. He had 64 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath, above the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He was given a 20
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Overflowing car park now a sign of the times for using rail services
HANBOROUGH station’s new car park is overflowing only 18 months after it was opened. The Cotswold Line Promotion Group says about 204 cars a day now cram into a park with only 191 spaces. In December, the Office of Rail Regulation published
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Make managers keep the ambulance target times
I WAS absolutely astonished to read in the Oxford Mail (December 30) that the South Central Ambulance Service was considering extending ambulance target times. I have needed, and benefitted from, sub-eight minute response times on two occasions
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Don’t lose your right to vote and register now
THE electoral register is key to our democracy. Yet, the Lib Dem/ Conservative Government’s changes to how you register to vote has scratched a third of Oxford’s electors from the register. Unsurprisingly for a city where students make up more
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Steam buffs make tracks to see Thomas
TRAIN lovers jumped aboard steam locomotives as they enjoyed the first day of the new year. Families climbed aboard at Didcot Railway Station for its first Steam Day of 2015. Visitors had the chance to ride along the centre’s two demonstration
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VIDEO: Highlights from Oxford United's clash with Cheltenham Town
Watch the key moments from Oxford United's 2-1 home defeat to Cheltenham Town. Video via Oxford United's official Youtube channel
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RABBIT RAMBLINGS: Our pensioners are being cast adrift by this online culture
I RECENTLY spent a couple of hours at a bus stop with a lady who’d left her handbag on the 11.10am X39 bus out of St Aldate’s. “It’s got all my money and my prescription in it – my husband’s going to kill me”. She dropped her cane in the street
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Discover the mystery of generous giving, and receiving more in return
“THE most beautiful thing we can witness is the mysterious. Those to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, are as good as dead; their eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein In my study I have a small
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Hold the spirit of Christmas, and move on
IS Christmas over for you – at least, until next year? For some people maybe it feels as though it never started. While most of us have been partying, others have been working hard maintaining the essential services on which we rely. For others
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Traders facing market axe in row over staff
A TRADERS’ co-op faces losing its last public pitch in Abingdon after members were told to quit a farmers’ market. Abingdon Country Market said Abingdon Farmers’ Market leaders told them their monthly stall had too many people behind the counter
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Wes Burns feels Oxford United were too confident during Cheltenham game
WES Burns thought over-confidence played a role in Oxford United’s 2-1 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town. The loanee from Bristol City headed the U’s ahead in the 20th minute and they went on to gain a firm grip on the Sky Bet League Two game.
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Residents pay tribute to lost badger habitat
DOZENS of Kidlington residents held a vigil to protest against the demolition of a badger sett. The sett was removed by developers Pye Homes from a site at Webbs Way on Friday, December 12, despite a campaign and petition to save it. On Saturday
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Nature reserve volunteers are on the cutting edge
Volunteers spent a morning working hard to smarten up Crecy Hill nature reserve. Members of Oxford Conservation Volunteers started working on the area, which lies on a slope overlooking the River Cherwell, the Oxford Canal and the main railway
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Lapses cost us dear, says Michael Appleton
MICHAEL Appleton rued lapses in concentration which cost Oxford United dearly as they crashed to defeat against Cheltenham Town. For the U’s head coach, the 2-1 loss was arguably the most frustrating of their Sky Bet League Two season. A goal
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Delays to train service
First Great Western services between Didcot and Swindon were delayed for more than four hours yesterday. Emergency engineering work on the line led to trains running at a reduced speed from about 7.30am. Normal service was resumed shortly after
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Hopefully this disruption for traffic will be worth it later
LAST year will be remembered by many commuters for five months of misery on Oxford’s roads. And now, as travel firms and traders count the cost of the disruptions, we can look forward to yet more delays and congestion caused by roadworks. But
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Nearly a million bus passenger journeys hit by roadworks last year
ALMOST a million passenger journeys in Oxford were disrupted by a set of roadworks last year, a bus firm boss has said. Oxford Bus Company also revealed the Kennington roadworks from July to December cost the company “a significant six-figure sum
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Deadline nears for primary school places
PARENTS are being urged to ensure they do not miss this year’s deadline for applying for primary school places. Oxfordshire County Council is reminding people with children born between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2011, they must apply by
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Johnny Mullins has no answer for Oxford United's defeat
JOHNNY Mullins felt Oxford United’s season was summed up in their 2-1 loss at home to Cheltenham Town. Wes Burns headed United in front during a dominant opening half hour, but they could not kill the game off. Instead, Cheltenham exploited
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Signs set for leisure centre
Blackbird Leys leisure centre in Oxford is set to get new illuminated signs. Oxford City Council’s East area planning committee will meet on Wednesday at the town hall in St Aldate’s at 6pm to discuss the planning application. Three illuminated
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Flood warnings issued
Flood alerts were issued by the Environment Agency yesterday for the River Thame and the River Ray. Both alerts were issued during the morning following heavy rain overnight and stayed in force throughout the day. The first covered the River
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Driver is to stand trial over motorist's death
A driver who denies killing a 24-year-old motorist by driving dangerously on the A40 is due to go on trial today. David Portch, 29, of Kilnwood in Walter’s Ash, Buckinghamshire, is expected to stand trial at Oxford Crown Court after he pleaded
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We paid price for late mistake, says London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell
JUSTIN Burnell hailed the enthusiasm and battling spirit shown by his London Welsh players, who pushed Harlequins close, despite slipping to their 12th defeat in the Aviva Premiership, writes SIMON WILLIAMS. Welsh still had hopes of gaining their
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Actor lends support to worthwhile cause
BAMPTON in West Oxfordshire has given Downton Abbey actors a warm welcome in recent years. So it is not surprising one of the TV series’ stars, Hugh Bonneville, has offered support for the Old Grammar School building, home of the village library
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Video: Downton Abbey star backs plan to bring ex-school back to life
TELEVISION star Hugh Bonneville has backed a campaign to renovate a dilapidated historic building used in Downton Abbey. Mr Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham in the period drama, has today called for help in preserving the volunteer-run Old Grammar
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Man cut free from car following crash in Shipton-under-Wychwood
A MAN had to be cut free from a car following a traffic collision near Shipton-under-Wychwood. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service was called to the A361 near the village yesterday shortly after 8am. A fire service spokeswoman said: “Messages
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Monday, January 5
7:14pm A collision involving a lorry and a car is causing delays off the M40 near Waterstock %if(after3) %if(after7)
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UPDATE: Traffic easing in London Road, Headington following roadworks
TRAFFIC has returned to normal on the London Road, Headington, after delays earlier today. Commuters faced delays on a stretch of the road where roadworks are taking place. Two sets of works are under way on the road after work on phase one
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DARTS: Hedman suffers first-round loss
Oxfordshire county player Deta Hedman’s dreams of capturing the BDO World Championship title were shattered with a 2-1 defeat to holder Lisa Ashton in the first round at Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green. Hedman, the No 1 seed, was beaten for
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FOOTBALL: John Mills doubles up as Didcot Town climb to third
Didcot Tn 3 (Dutton-Black 19, Mills pen 28, 85) Sholing Spts 1 (Wilson 61) John Mills bagged a brace to take his tally for the season to 37 goals as Didcot Town moved up to third in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West
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FOOTBALL: Danny Nicholls delighted as Oxford City evolve into contenders
Assistant manager Danny Nicholls admitted he has been delighted with Oxford City’s transformation into Vanarama play-off contenders, writes MATTHEW BRUCE. The former Kettering Town and Corby Town coach was recruited by general manager Justin Merritt
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FOOTBALL: Minnows Easingston Sports lands glamour game with Oxford United
Easington Sports bagged the plum tie after being drawn away to Oxford United in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup quarter-finals. Oxford City are away to Banbury United, while holders Ardley United entertain Oxford City Nomads. The draw is completed
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FOOTBALL: Corcoran sees red in defeat
Adam Corcoran was sent off as second-bottom Shrivenham slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Thatcham Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division. Shrivenham fell behind on the stroke of half-time when Mark Hughes converted a penalty. Corcoran
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FOOTBALL: Wantage Town walloped by leaders Merthyr
Merthyr Tn 7 (Traylor 10, 50, 89, Buaza 13, Morgan 19, Wright 36, Prosser 67) Wantage Tn 0 Wantage Town’s wretched run in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West continued with a seven-goal thrashing at trailblazing leaders
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RESULTS: January 3-4
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd 1, Cheltenham Tn 2. VANARAMA CONFERENCE NORTH Chorley v Oxford City pp. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: Poole Tn v Banbury Utd pp. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn 3, Sholing Spts 1;
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Farm workers and students peel off for charity calendars
A TEAM of farmers and friends have stripped off for charity this winter. The 2015 Naked Farmers calendar sees a group of men from Broughton Grounds Farm, near Banbury, and the surrounding villages, going about their daily business in the buff.
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Deaf service at school set to close
A support service for deaf children at Rush Common School in Abingdon is set to be approved for closure today. Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for children, education and families, Melinda Tilley, has been advised to close the centre
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Sex abuse trial due to get underway today
Seven Banbury people are due to appear at Oxford Crown Court today accused of sexually abusing girls. Ahmed Hassan-Sule, 20, of Glyndebourne Gardens; Said Saleh, 20, of Orchard Way; Mohamed Saleh, 21, of Orchard Way; Takudzwa Hova, 21, of Broughton
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Final chance to have say on council budget cuts
OXFORDSHIRE residents have until Friday to give their views on the county council’s budget for the coming year. On December 8, the authority unveiled plans for cuts of £20m to services, in addition to £64m of cuts over the next four years announced
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Food festival chef going for gold
AFTER winning a silver medal for Wallingford Food Festival 2014, director Paul Bellchambers is cooking up a mouth-watering programme to get the gold in 2015. Japanese, Brazilian, Indian, Italian and French cuisine will all be on the menu at this
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Karate charity gets a £40k helping hand from Europe
A KARATE charity for disabled people has been handed almost £40,000 to train new coaches and help members gain new skills. The European Commission has given the €50,000 grant to Old Marston-based Disability Karate Federation just over two years
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Decision due for £37.5m fund to improve care
A HEALTHCARE fund designed to increase cooperation between adult social care agencies in Oxfordshire is set to be signed off by councillors. The £37.5m Better Care Fund will be debated by councillors on Oxfordshire County Council’s health and wellbeing
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£11k funding aids children's leisure options
FIVE organisations will be handed a total of £11,000 from Oxfordshire County Council’s Chill Out Fund. The £100,000 fund aims to give children and young people access to a range of leisure activities. So far during this financial year, £88,842
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Minors prove a major attraction as classic cars turn heads
MORRIS Minors descended on Bicester Heritage yesterday as it celebrated its first Sunday Brunch Scramble of the year. Brunch was served from 10.30am as people turned up to see exhibitions, including a display of Bugatti cars alongside the Morris
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City suburb to recall how a generation was lost to war
IN THE four years from July 1914, the community of Grandpont lost a generation of young men. A total of 66 soldiers are named on Grandpont’s war memorial at St Matthew’s Church, in Marlborough Road, Oxford. Now a group, including some of those
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Michael Appleton expecting players to leave Oxford United
THE first activity of the transfer window for Oxford United is likely to be players leaving, according to head coach Michael Appleton. Saturday marked the beginning of the month-long opportunity to make changes to squads, with the U’s expected
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Tackle causes of NHS crisis, says county's health chief
COUNTY health funding boss Joe McManners fears a “sticking plaster” approach to NHS issues as the May General Election draws near. The Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group clinical chairman is concerned the symptoms rather than the cause of
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Hotels join fight against exploitation
HOTELS and police are to hold regular meetings to tackle issues like child sexual exploitation under a new scheme. It is hoped the North Oxfordshire Hotel Watch scheme – with meetings every three months – will be rolled out across the county.
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London Welsh 13, Harlequins 24
LONDON Welsh suffered a narrow defeat at home to Harlequins yesterday, but showed the sort of fighting spirit they will need to stand any chance of retaining their Aviva Premiership status, writes SIMON WILLIAMS. The performance at Oxford’s Kassam
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Films prompt young victims of sex offences to report abuse, say West Oxfordshire police
CHILD sex abuse victims have told police in West Oxfordshire of their experiences because of film presentations, an officer says. Police community support officer Chris Jones said the presentations – which started four years ago – were having a
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Fitness sessions launched in Cherwell
DOZENS of fitness sessions are being launched across Cherwell to help people get fit and lose weight in the new year. Classes include self-defence and martial arts at Taurus Gym, Kidlington, running and circuits at Bicester’s Bure Park Primary
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Visionary poet Blake inspires Oxford's Blackwell’s to run a festival
VISIONARY poet William Blake has inspired Blackwell’s to organise a two-week festival in his honour. Staff at the Broad Street bookshop are launching the festival to tie in with the Ashmolean Museum exhibition Apprentice and Master, which started