Archive
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BOXING: Harley Mace tops the bill at Town v Gown clash
OXFORD University’s highly-rated welterweight Harley Mace tops the bill for this year’s Town v Gown show at the Oxford Union on Wednesday. He takes on Myles Vale from Eastside, Birmingham in a 69kg contest. Oxford’s captain, lightweight James
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Head ‘fobbed off’ over delayed Windmill Primary School extension
A HEADTEACHER at an Oxford primary school has claimed she is getting “fobbed off” by Oxfordshire County Council over questions about delayed construction work at the school. The council announced an extension of Headington’s Windmill Primary School
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SCHOOL SPORT: Brilliant Bunn powers home to rack up a Vale four-timer
FIONA Bunn recorded a fourth successive win at the Vale of White Horse Schools’ Cross Country Championships by retaining her under 17 girls’ title at Radley College. Bunn, the winner at under 15 in 2012 and 2013, led home a clean sweep of the first
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Video: Osney's Lock hydro scheme screw starts turning
THE ARCHIMEDES screw of a long-awaited hydroelectric scheme in Oxford has started turning. Commissioning for the Osney Lock Hydro project is underway and the 1.5 tonne Archimedes screw – installed in March last year – is up and running. The
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Julia Knight appears in court charged with attempted murder of patient in Horton General Hospital
A WOMAN charged with the attempted murder of a hospital patient today appeared in Oxford Crown Court. Julia Knight, of Sycamore Drive, Banbury, is accused of trying to murder Irene Robson on October 7 last year at the Horton General Hospital in
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Preserving ivory towers is unacceptable
Sir – The outcry from district and city councils regarding Ian Hudspeth’s proposal for an amalgamated body is all too predictable, and inevitably whiffs of self-interest. While financial savings may, or may not, be realised, the evidence of the
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NHS austerity
Sir – Sally Copley (Letters, January 15) suggests that the Labour party offers the only credible challenge to the coalition parties in Oxford West and Abingdon. The problem for those of us who really care about the future of the NHS is that it
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Concern for environment not anti-rail
Sir – Hugh Jaeger (Letters, January 15) is wrongly equating concern for the environment with an anti-rail stance. Network Rail’s draft long-term plans include options for improving capacity and these are rightly subject to consultation as to their
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Give voters choice
Sir – Sally Copley (Letters, January 15) writes that a vote in Oxford West for a minority party, the National Health Action (NHA) party, is a wasted vote. Whether Labour or Conservatives win in May 2015, it is unlikely that either will represent
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Election theme park
Sir – On behalf of all those already estranged from politics — and they are many — a plea. We still have nearly 100 days of electioneering before May 7. The disillusioned complain that politicians and party policies are all much the same. At election
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Clarify policies please
Sir – While I’m all for diversity in politics, I’m rather confused by the sudden proliferation of parties in Oxford. Coming hot on the heels of the National Health Action Party, which presumably could equally be titled the European Union, immigration
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Update: Man in court accused of £4.8m fraud at Mini plant
A MAN has been accused of fraudulently pocketing £4.8m from the assembly and services division at the Mini plant in Cowley. Johannes Franken, of Fockbury Road, Dodford, Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, was charged yesterday with two counts of fraud
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Declining services
Sir – Melinda Tilley, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and families claims that extra referrals into child mental health services are a sign of success, and that the county must be ‘dealing with it better’ (Report
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Strategic failure
Sir – You report that “The transport strategy is due to be approved by the county council cabinet on Tuesday, before a public consultation next month” (Plan to close all park and rides inside the ring road, January 22). Isn’t this just par for
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Tories hurt city schools
Sir – The worst event in local government history was the 1974 reorganisation that transferred powers over education, social services, transport planning et al away from cities like Oxford and put those powers in the hands of rural areas which, in
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Elite advertising
Sir – How representative an impression do you expect your readers to be able to glean about children, students and schools in Oxfordshire from the so-called Education Directory 2015 colour supplement, published by The Oxford Times on January 22? Elite
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Private fiefdoms
Sir – Your items in The Oxford Times of January 22, in relation to “plans to close all park-and-rides within the ring road” and “Districts unite against ‘supercouncil’ report” yet again highlights the regular sniping and back-biting between the district
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Cunning birds
Sir – C.P. Snow, where are you in this hour of need? I can understand Christopher Gray’s annoyance at poop-splattered windows (Gray Matter, January 22), but his bafflement is easily remedied. The emissions of flying gulls have lateral momentum
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White matter
Sir – The author of The Woman in Black, Susan Hill, now lives in North Norfolk, Christopher Gray told us in his interview with her (Weekend section, January 22). Presumably, she doesn’t enjoy (if that’s the right word?) regular access to your paper
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Pay for meadow mistakes
Sir – It is a disgrace that Oxford University’s Wellington Square administrators are scaring students into opposing the necessary mitigation at their Castle Mill blocks (Report, January 22) with talk of the cost of reducing the height of the buildings
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Tokenistic measures
Sir – So the administrative Council of Oxford University is to resist calls by its own Congregation for the institution to recognise that the Castle Mill development has caused substantive harm, and to raise its sights from the tokenistic fig leaf
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Deserved honours
Sir – Your readers may have seen recent TV documentaries on BBC and Channel 4 which were also of great interest to me. The Channel 4 documentary was about a Spitfire Mk1 which crashed in 1944 and was recently refurbished. The test flight at Duxford
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Hot topic
Sir – As an occasional visitor to Witney, I’m sorry but as a matter of principle I would not patronise those Marriotts Walk shops, attractive as their window displays are, which in this chilly weather leave their doors partly or fully open. Someone
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Dividing line
THE cutting down of trees and vegetation alongside the Oxford-Bicester line has certainly delivered another blow to Network Rail’s relations with residents in North Oxford. Residents, it seems, were reduced to running around last week asking
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Oxford United top scorer out to surpass his highest goals mark
DANNY Hylton is reluctant to make predictions about his scoring tally but acknowledged he would be disappointed if this season was not the best of his career in front of goal. Oxford United’s top hitman netted for the 14th time of the campaign
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11 things you may not have known were happening in Oxfordshire this week (including White Dee)
Saturday Two bereaved parents will be hosting a charity event in honour of their baby son, who passed away. Luke and Gemma Froude have held Finnley’s Day for four years and have raised more than £50,000 for charity SSNAP. Dee Kelly, known as White
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive Joanna Simons to stand down in June - and will not be replaced
OXFORDSHIRE'S biggest local authority will scrap its top unelected position as part of a radical shake-up to save costs, it was revealed today. In a message sent to all staff at Oxfordshire County Council, leader Ian Hudspeth and Joanna Simons
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Andrew Main appears in court charged with South Oxfordshire arsons
A MAN has today appeared in court accused of three arson attacks in South Oxfordshire, including those that destroyed district council offices and a funeral parlour. Andrew Main, 47, of Rokemarsh Farm, appeared via video link from Bullingdon Prison
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West Way campaigners need £15,000 for legal fight
CAMPAIGNERS battling the proposed £100 million redevelopment of Botley’s West Way shopping centre need £15,000 to fight an appeal. West Way Community Concern said it would be fundraising for legal support to take on developer Doric Properties at
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One lane of London Road in Headington shut for barrier repairs
ONE lane is closed due to barrier repairs on the A40 London Road in Headington. One of the two lanes on the eastbound carriageway is shut between Merewood Avenue at Thornhill Park and Ride and the junction with the M40. Work is due to be completed
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Legacy for future generations
It can be a very difficult thing to talk to others about what we wish to happen once we pass away and yet our attentions often turn to this thorny issue at this time of year. As the new year is upon us and we make New Year’s Resolutions, our thoughts
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Botley’s lost heritage
Sir — Botley bungalow, eh! While there’s nothing wrong with Botley’s bungalows, that name would suggest a very different building from the one it is proposed to knock down in favour of a hotel. This venerable two-storey stone cottage, dating from
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Contemporary art desert
Sir – Anne James’ article (Weekend, January 8) summarising what is in store for art lovers in 2015 in Oxfordshire highlighted the shortcomings of Oxford itself. Where can one go to see permanent collections of contemporary art particularly
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Pavement perils
Sir – Cars that are parked irresponsibly on pavements can cause a potentially dangerous obstruction for pedestrians as it can force them on to the road and into the path of vehicles. Newly-released research by YouGov has shown that three-quarters
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Waste of money
Sir – Such is the cloak-and-dagger secrecy surrounding the Green Belt Review, it is even hard to tell whether or not it is already under way. The Green Belt is a much loved and effective part of our planning system, protecting the countryside against
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Electric concerns
Sir – A few facts would have improved Hugh Jaeger’s letter (January 15). I am certainly much in favour of railway expansion and electrification — less diesel pollution, quieter trains and less vibration because trains are lighter. I know of nobody
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Queue to station
Sir – I see (Report, January 15) that Chiltern Railways will begin running trains during 2015. That is very satisfying. However I wonder whether anyone has thought how passengers will access the new station at Water Eaton from Oxford, especially
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Fears on freight noise
Sir – Residents in Waterways and Waterside, North Oxford, living close to the expanded Oxford-Banbury-Bicester railway infrastructure have every reason to be concerned about both the short- and long-term impact of plans to expand rail traffic passing
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Flawed scheme
Sir – Your article of January 15 quotes councillor Warwick Robinson, chairman of West Oxfordshire District Council’s (WODC) planning committee, saying that Taylor Wimpey’s application to build 200 houses between Woodstock Road and New Yatt Road, Witney
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Windrush homes
Sir – Regarding Gladman’s speculative plans to develop in the Windrush Valley, Witney: a ‘no-win, no-fee’ tactic on its own is not an issue, however, in light of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, it is a ruthless way of gaining consent
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Save our Woodstock
Sir – Woodstock residents and others who care about this ancient town have less than a week left in which to make their views known on the planning application for ‘Woodstock East’ — 1,500 new homes and ancillary development on the edge of this ancient
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Balance needed over parking
Sir – Every parking space in the centre of Oxford sucks in another vehicle and adds to congestion in our city. Most people already have the good sense to get in and out of Oxford by bus and the county council should be giving buses much more priority
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Two arrested after police raid house in Barton
TWO people were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and possession of class A drugs following a police raid. A 31-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, both from Barton, were arrested following the raid on Wednesday and have been bailed
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Insufficient reward
Sir – The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum Archives housed in Woodstock Library has recently received my recorded personal thoughts and experiences about life in the Second World War, including those as a navigator on three Lancaster squadrons in 1943
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Fairer society
Sir – I have mixed feelings about the National Health Action Party standing in Oxford West and Abingdon. They might attract voters who understand the damage Labour and the Coalition have done to the NHS and who would have voted for me because the Green
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Compliance required
Sir – Daniel Emlyn-Jones (Letters, January 15) has implied that the response to Castle Mill is a ‘subjective matter’. It is incorrect that this is the basis of the current drive to remedy the damage caused to Oxford’s heritage by the Castle Mill
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Interactive graphic: Get ready for kick off of Stevenage v Oxford United
Post by Oxford Mail Interactive Graphics.
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Cyclist and car collide on B4017 in Wootton
A CYCLIST has collided with a car on the B4017 Lamborough Hill in Wootton. Police said they were called to the scene at 8.30am following the incident which involved a Vauxhall Insignia car. The road was partially blocked and the incident is
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Oxford United new signing Richard Brindley raring to get stuck in
RICHARD Brindley is raring to make his Oxford United debut at Stevenage tomorrow after joining on loan yesterday. The 21-year-old has agreed to an initial one-month switch from Rotherham United and is likely to come straight into the starting line-up
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Appleton: Oxford United's window shopping may go to the wire
AS hard as Oxford United have worked to avoid doing business on transfer deadline day, head coach Michael Appleton is preparing to be involved in Monday night’s rush. Richard Brindley yesterday became the second new face through the door as the
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UPDATE: Car gone off road on A420 near Botley interchange
Traffic has returned to normal after an earlier accident on the A420. A lorry and a car crashed near the B4044 close to the Botley Interchange. The car, a silver Renault, is believed to have gone into a ditch. Police and the fire service
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Mum says Oxford Health let down son who escaped mental hospital
THE family of man who escaped a mental hospital, fled abroad then hanged himself in a prison cell have said he was let down by Oxford Health. Ian Mitchell, who was serving a life sentence for stabbing his ex-partner Michelle Storer, walked out
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James Roberts sets sights on new goal target for Oxford United
JAMES Roberts is aiming to reach double figures for goals before the end of his first season as a professional. The rookie striker took his tally for the campaign to five with a superb late equaliser in United’s 2-2 draw with Exeter City last weekend
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Oxford United's John Campbell waiting on Roofing extension
JOHN Campbell’s career at Oxford United rests on whether Jarrow Roofing are willing to agree a delay over receiving a fee for the striker. The 26-year-old joined from the Tynesiders in November, but has only made three appearances for the first
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Electricity substation for sale, asking price might shock you
WHOEVER snaps up this former Second World War sub-station is set for a blast of a time. The 1940s structure on the former RAF base at Caversfield, near Bicester, has been transformed into a luxury, three-bedroom pad. The kitchen But
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Westley highlights Oxford United's January investments
STEVENAGE boss Graham Westley says Oxford United’s movements in the January transfer window show they “mean business”. The two sides meet tomorrow, with the visitors set to name debutants in both full back positions, with Joe Skarz signing a permanent
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RUGBY: To'oala suspension adds to Chinnor woes
SKIPPER Alfie To’oala’s suspension and continuing run of injuries has led to Chinnor making numerous changes for their National 2 South match at home to Launceston tomorrow. Inspirational No 8 To’oala is banned for one match one the ‘totting-up
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Friday, January 30
1:31pm Oxfordshire County Council chief executive Joanna Simons to stand down in June - and will not be replaced %if(after3) %if(after7)
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Composed Josh Ashby deserved his chance - Oxford United striker
DESPITE grabbing the headlines with his last-gasp effort last weekend, it was the performance of another Oxford United youngster which impressed James Roberts. The 18-year-old striker has made 13 appearances since making his senior debut in October
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FIXTURES: January 31-Feb 1
SATURDAY FOOTBALL SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Stevenage v Oxford Utd. VANARAMA CONFERENCE NORTH Oxford City v Tamworth. EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE Premier Div: St Neots v Banbury Utd. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn v Stratford Tn
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FOOTBALL: Boss Merritt backing Oxford City to end Tamworth's winning streak
Oxford City general manager Justin Merritt is confident his side can overcome their recent poor form when they host high-flying Tamworth tomorrow afternoon, writes Matthew Bruce. The 2-1 defeat at Worcester City on Tuesday was City’s fourth in
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FOOTBALL: Banbury United boss demands results, not performances
Banbury United boss Paul Davis admitted a good performance tomorrow afternoon at St Neots Town in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division is far less important to him than a good result. Davis said he has been impressed by his side’s recent
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RUGBY UNION: Grove earn home draw in Oxfordshire Cup
Grove's reward for their 27-9 victory over last season’s runners-up Banbury in the first round of the Oxfordshire Cup, is a home draw with Chinnor 2nd in the semi-finals. Holders Oxford Harlequins, who accounted for Oxford University Greyhounds
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Operation Bullfinch child trafficking suspect rebailed
A man arrested as part of Operation Bullfinch on suspicion of child sexual exploitation in Oxford has been rebailed. The 29-year-old was arrested on suspicion of trafficking for the purposes of child sexual exploitation on December 16. He is
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Headteachers say 2014 results have been made meaningless
HEADTEACHERS have hit out at Government changes that they say have made this year’s league tables meaningless. Oxfordshire schools performed better than the national average again this year but many saw their percentage of top grades drop in yesterday
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Road deaths rise with 27 dead but officials say it is still historically low
THE father of Liberty Baker, the schoolgirl killed in a collision while walking to school, has called for more 20mph zones. Paul Baker, whose daughter Liberty, 14, died last June in Witney, spoke as new figures showed 27 people were killed on Oxfordshire's
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TENNIS: Spratt in last eight of British Open Seniors
BANBURY’S John Spratt won through to the 65 and over quarter-finals in the British Open Seniors Indoor Championships, played at Brierley. Spratt, ranked fifth in UK, now faces the No 1 Gerd Dahman, from Germany. In the Over 45s event, Rob Loosemore
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Man in court charged with arsons including blaze at council HQ
A MAN charged with a series of arson attacks is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court today. Andrew Main, of Roke Marsh Farm, Rokemarsh, near Benson, faces four charges in connection with a series of incidents on January 15, including a blaze at
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FOOTBALL: Sharp-shooter Mills a Didcot Town doubt
Star striker John Mills could be out of Didcot Town’s Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West clash at home to Stratford Town with a hamstring injury. Joint manager Ian Concannon rated 37-goal Mills’ chances at 50 per cent, but praised
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Will Hoskins goes under the knife to help ease groin issue
WILL Hoskins went under the knife yesterday in a bid to relieve ongoing pain associated with a groin injury. The Oxford United striker avoided surgery in September when he suffered the original problem, which kept him out for four months, but reported
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Election tensions begin to rise as Cameron tells rival: My daughter is a better baker than you
PRIME Minister David Cameron has said his 11-year-old daughter Nancy would “thrash” his Labour party rival in Witney, Duncan Enright, in a pre-General Election bake off. The Witney MP made the comment in response to a tongue-in-cheek challenge
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Man accused of child sex exploitation in Oxford made "extremely poor choices" jury hears
A BARRISTER told a jury her client had made a mistake by "hanging around" with a man convicted of a conspiracy to rape a teenage girl. Yesterday Isabella Foreshall QC delivered her closing speech in the trial of her client Tilal Mahdi, who denies
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Oxfordshire GCSE results beat national average despite Government-imposed changes + tables
OFFICIAL GCSE results published yesterday show schools in Oxfordshire are doing better than the national average. The Department for Education has released figures which showed 59.4 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils taking their exams at the end of
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BADMINTON: Cook loses York final
ALEX Cook, of Chinnor, was runner-up in the under 17 York gold mixed competition. Cook and Toni Woods, of Scotland, went down 22-20, 17-21, 21-17 to Sweden's Ella Soderstrom and Elliott Robertson, of Yorkshire, in an exciting final. Natalia
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Rape complainant in Banbury sex case denies lying
A GIRL who says she was raped when she was 14 repeatedly denied making up the allegation yesterday. Giving evidence at Oxford Crown Court the teenage complainant described being sexually abused by three men on January 20, 2013. The prosecution
