Archive

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Charity seeks supplies for Calais migrants

VOLUNTEERS at an Oxford charity are appealing for donations to deliver to homeless migrants in Calais. Emmaus UK will be sending trucks filled with supplies to France on July 5, and have asked Oxford residents to donate unwanted items. The

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All smiles at school as it celebrates ‘good’ rating

STAFF and pupils at Carterton Primary School are celebrating after the school jumped two places up the Ofsted grade scale and came out of special measures. The school was graded ‘inadequate’ after an inspection in December 2013, but after after

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Learning role of emergency services

PCSO James Hopkin(COR) met his match when he spent the day at Wheatley Primary School. He visited the school on Thursday last week with representatives from emergency services. It was PSCO Hopkin who came up with the idea when he approached

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Fete offers light at the end of the tunnel for school’s pupils

CASH to refit a specialist light room and buy bikes and trikes for the pupils at Kingfisher School was raised after it celebrated a milestone with a fete. The special event on Saturday was organised to help mark the school’s 50th anniversary.

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‘If you want to turn your home ‘green’ simply follow our lead’

AN ECO-FRIENDLY couple from Oxford who converted their 1960s terrace into an environmentally friendly home opened it up to the public. Tim and Joanne Nicholson spent £60,000 converting their property in Benson Place by adding new loft insulation

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Blog: Oxford City Council West Area Planning Committee discusses the East West Rail project

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Woman sexually assaulted while walking along cycle path in Oxford

A WOMAN in her 20s was sexually assaulted while walking along an Oxford cycle path. Thames Valley Police said the woman was walking along the path that runs between South Parks Road to Ferry Road at about 11pm on Saturday. Officers said she

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Literary festival opens up new chapters for young book fans

A LITERARY feast kept pupils from Blackbird Academy Trust entertained as they met students from across Oxford to share their love of books. About 600 pupils and staff gathered on Friday morning for a ‘Readathon’ of book shares, poetry reading and

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David Cameron visits the home of ‘innovative’ hair in Witney

PRIME Minister David Cameron let his hair down visiting a firm whose incredible success over the past year has been built on its Tangle Teezer. Women across the globe have taken to the hairbrush, which untangles hair so much that its Witney inventor

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Flats will boost trade in Bicester says developer

APPROVED plans for 42 apartments in Bicester for the elderly have been praised as an economic boost for the town centre. At a Cherwell District Council planning committee meeting last week, councillors approved the proposal by Churchill Retirement

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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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Pensioner victim of card fraud after withdrawing cash at Asda in Wheatley

A 75-year-old’s bank card was stolen from an Asda cash machine in Wheatley. The man was withdrawing cash from an ATM at the Asda store in London Road on June 1 at 9.07am when he was distracted by a woman tapping on his shoulder, police said.

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White van sought by police over crash involving Ford Transit in Fifield

A crash in West Oxfordshire involving a Ford transit van has prompted an appeal for witnesses. At about 8.10am on Thursday, on the A424 near the Merrymouth Inn, Fifield, a Ford Transit Connect van was travelling towards Burford when it left the

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Video: Former Mini worker who enjoyed extravagant lifestyle including buying a diving school in Mauritius jailed for £5.9m fraud

A former Mini worker has been jailed after a £5.9m fraud that paid for his extravagant lifestyle including BMW cars and buying a diving school in Mauritius. Johannes Franken, of Fockbury Road, Dodford, Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, was sentenced

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Gardeners give scarecrows a go in bird backlash

A GARDENER from East Oxford hopes to keep pigeons that keep attacking her vegetables at bay after learning how to build a scarecrow at a special workshop. Liz Hodgson, who has an allotment at the Fairacres site in East Oxford, attended the event

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Burglars smash their way into back door of house in Bicester

BURGLARS smashed their way into the back door of a house in Bicester.  Thames Valley Police said between about 5.30am and 7pm last Tuesday a rear door of the property in Lodge Close was smashed in before burglars searched the bedroom.  Officers

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Lining the pockets of pretend do-gooders

IN response to The Issue on Wednesday, June 10, about the allowance system featuring councillors Margaret Davies and Bev Clark. It is the same old story from councillors about how they do so much for the community and how they like to serve and make

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My husband never got paid for going on strike

I MUST take issue with R W Tucker regarding the unions at Morris Motors etc. I assume as he is always telling everyone he was a policeman, he did not work at the factory and so has his information second-hand. My husband worked at Morris Motors

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Why is it Blackbird Leys gets all the attention?

I JUST want to know whether Oxford city councillors know there are other estates in Oxford other than Blackbird Leys? Blackbird Leys seems to get a lot of upgrading in appearance and facilities. You don’t read anything about Marston, Northway

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Most residents did not use the community pub

THE Ampleforth Arms campaign is classic ‘get on the bandwagon’ stuff. The letter from Margaret Taylor (who I know of course) is typical of those who now want to know what they have long lost. It’s a pity more of the residents of the estate didn

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Staggered by a lack of train station facilities

MY WIFE and I recently visited Oxford for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our train home to Manchester was at 3.30 in the afternoon but after walking to the railway station from the centre dragging our suitcases, we were staggered

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It’s our duty to care and tackle climate change

ALTHOUGH some in the media focus on the differences between the UK’s faith communities, there is one issue, at least, on which we all agree. Climate change is an issue of justice. It is our duty to care for our planet so that our children and our

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Lack of local control means we are paying a high price

THERE was a time when local water was supplied by the council and you paid for it along with the rates. When the second reservoir was built at Farmoor, the council predicted that this area would be well supplied with water into the foreseeable

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A40 has now reopened in both directions following crash

The A40 Northern bypass has now reopened following an accident between a motorbike and a car. The road was closed both ways between the Eynsham and Wolvercote roundabouts following the incident shortly before 10am and drivers were advised to use

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On Yer Bike: What’s going to happen to our ‘normal bikes’?

A little birdy told me just the other day that the time will soon come when “normal bikes” will no longer be allowed on Oxfordshire trains. In light of the recent spending on improvements to cycle/train modes of travelling it seemed daft to me

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Biker dad cuts hair for cancer survivor

FOR 10 years he was the image of a hairy biker. But now Matthew Hipkin has had his beloved locks shaved so that a cancer survivor can have a wig. Cowley resident Mr Hipkin has not had a proper haircut in the past decade. The full-time house-husband

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Oxford United given Championship test in Capital One Cup

OXFORD United have been handed a trip to Brentford in the Capital One Cup first round. The clash against the Bees, who finished fifth in the Sky Bet Championship last season, is one of the toughest Michael Appleton’s men could have been given for

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University Life: Discover how to help the environment in city hunt

Gavin Hodgson Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager, Oxford Brookes University  At Oxford Brookes University we are excited to be taking part in Low Carbon Week Oxford, which started on Saturday and runs until this Sunday. With the University

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Quiz League: Plough capture literary honours

Having tasted success in the first Tabletop of the current season, the Plough (Wolvercote) added to their rather brimful trophy cabinet with the capture of the literature quiz last Thursday evening. Their skipper Vince was in excellent form as

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Woman clinging to life ring rescued from River Thames in Oxford city centre

A woman was pulled from the River Thames in Oxford by firefighters last night after clinging onto a life ring. Sixteen firefighters from Rewley Road and Kidlington were called to the Thames between Thames Street and Friars Wharf at about 10.45pm

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Broken down vehicle causing delays on A34 northbound near Peartree Interchange

A broken down vehicle is causing queues along the A34 Western Bypass Road. The road is partially blocked northbound before the Peartree Interchange, with reports saying there is congestion back as far as the Botley Interchange. Get the latest

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Bicester fireplace shop is burgled

Woodburners and stoves were stolen from a fireplace shop. Police said burglars got into The Fireplace in Wedgewood Road through the fire escape between midnight and 3am on June 11. Officers said 17 wood burners and multi fuel stoves were stolen

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CRICKET: Oxford skipper Ian Crosby banned

Oxford Cricket Club captain Ian Crosby has been banned for two matches, following his scathing criticism of umpires in a match last week. Crosby’s comments, which appeared in the Oxford Mail, came following their one-wicket defeat by Horspath in

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Woodstock housing estate changes ’not enough to win over residents’

CHANGES have been made to plans for a housing estate which would double the size of Woodstock. Pye Homes carried out a consultation earlier this year on its plans for 1,500 homes on land owned by the Blenheim Palace estate to the east of Woodstock

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Oxford set to become a Wonderland for Alice’s Day

GROUPS across the city are joining hands to turn Oxford into Wonderland for Alice’s Day. This year will be a double celebration as it marks 150 years since the publication of Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s book, Alice in Wonderland. Fans

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Speed limits begin on Eastern bypass

Speed limits began on sections of the Eastern bypass yesterday so a water main can be repaired. Drivers will be restricted to travelling at 30mph on a stretch of the Eastern Bypass near Normandy Crescent for at least six months. The limits

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Festival offers glimpse of history

HISTORIC aircraft and military vehicles will be on display at Bicester Heritage at the weekend for the first Flywheel Festival. The festival will run on Saturday and Sunday at the former RAF Bicester base, and will allow visitors to chance to get

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Restaurant conman is spared a jail term

A CON artist notorious for ordering expensive meals then leaving without paying has been released from prison after he was given “one final chance”. Homeless man Eric Austin has become so well known for scamming restaurants that Thames Valley Police

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Closure of children’s centres in Oxfordshire ‘could be socially damaging’

CHILDREN’S centres across Oxfordshire are under threat of closure as part of a radical shake-up to save more than £6m. The county council said it could no longer afford to support all of the county’s 44 centres due to ongoing budget cuts. To

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Update: Missing David Roberts has been found

A MISSING man from South Wales, thought to be in the Oxford area, has been found.  Gwent Police said David Roberts, 66, of Machen, Caerphilly, was last seen on Thursday, June 11. Thames Valley Police confirmed this morning that Mr Roberts had

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Tuesday, June 16

6:59pm Police reaction to Mini fraudster Johannes Franken 5:20pm Woman sexually assaulted while walking along cycle path in Oxford  

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Your chance to inspect Oxford's rare copies of Magna Carta

FOR centuries copies of Magna Carta were protected by monks at Osney Abbey in Oxford And now to mark the 800th anniversary of the historic document they are going on display in the city. The charter, agreed by King John of England at Runnymede,

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Don’t call time on Ampleforth Arms

Residents have submitted a formal application that could give them time to raise funds and buy The Ampleforth Arms in Risinghurst. CS Lewis’ former watering hole shut its doors after more than 70 years last month and since, residents have persuaded

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Oxford United set to discover Capital One Cup opponents

Oxfrord United will discover their first competitive fixture of the new season this morning with the round one draw for the Capital One Cup. Michael Appleton’s men, who receive their Sky Bet League Two schedule tomorrow, will be in the unseeded

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RACING: Scarlet Sash keeps up Henry Candy's winning run

Wantage trainer Henry Candy made it three winners in as many days when Scarlet Sash (7-4 favourite) scored under Edward Greatrex at Windsor last night. It came after the Kingston Warren handler had struck with Twilight Son in the 888Sport Charity

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MOTOGP: Bradley Smith passes Spanish test by recording fastest lap

Bradley Smith’s excellent form continued yesterday when he posted the fastest time in a MotoGP test in Spain. The Yamaha Tech3 rider, from Forest Hill, near Oxford, recorded a strong fifth place in Sunday’s race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

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Foundry’s bronze Queen marks 800 year milestone

A FIRM from the North Oxfordshire village of Cropredy was asked to cast a giant bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II for the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. Lockbund Foundry was asked to cast the statue as part of a memorial garden

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Stolen car crashed in Didcot

A car was stolen from a home before being crashing into a wall. Police said at about 7pm on June 4 a black Renault Laguna Estate with registration number EK54 was stolen from Lydalls Road and then crashed into a wall at the junction of Cow Lane

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GOLF: Shin sprints to Frilford Heath Gold Medal

ASHLEY Walton claimed the runners-up spot on home turf as Tim Shin won the Frilford Heath Gold Medal. The prestigious event, now in its 64th year, attracted a field of 108 players with a handicap of five or below to play over the Red and Green

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Demolition of Botley petrol station is struck by an 11th-hour hurdle

PLANS to demolish Botley’s only petrol station have been objected to at the 11th hour by North Hinksey Parish Council. The council said the potential loss of the next nearest filling station in Oxpens – not apparent when the plans were originally

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Couple raise £76,000 to buy lifesaving equipment

A SPECIAL delivery of new equipment for the John Radcliffe Hospital’s Newborn Care Unit was brought by a couple who lost their baby son in 2013. Kirsty and Jonathan Stansfield were devastated by the loss of their first-born George on December 2

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New eco-town will have defibrillators at bus stops

OXFORDSHIRE’S “Mr Defibrillator” has said plans to have life-saving equipment for every 100 homes at the new Bicester eco-town are “excellent”. Developer A2 Dominion told the Oxford Mail yesterday it hopes to have life-saving units at 35 bus stops

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Pupils experience evacuations and air raids on trip

CHILDREN from Oxford experienced life during the Second World War with a visit to a railway museum. Pupils from Magdalen College School dressed as evacuees for the trip to the Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon yesterday. During

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Oxford University professor wins award for research

A scientist has won an award for research that will aim to develop “bubbles” to deliver drugs to the body and treat life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Professor Eleanor Stride, of Oxford University’s department of engineering science, has

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Pupils’ climate plea to Oxford MP

A group of Cowley primary school children are hoping to lobby the Oxford East MP to tackle climate change. Children from SS Mary and John Primary School will give Labour MP Andrew Smith a letter as part of the Climate Coalition Climate Change Campaign

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GOLF: Barrow carries off North Oxford title

PAUL Barrow is North Oxford’s new club champion, winning the title by four strokes. A terrific first round of 69 put him in charge and although he could not quite repeat the feat in the second round, a 73 was more than enough for Barrow, who plays

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Abingdon’s grandest old lady celebrates her 105th birthday

GREAT, great-grandmother Doris Hyde will today celebrate 105 years of living in Abingdon. Born in Thames Street on June 16, 1910, Mrs Hyde is now believed to be Abingdon’s oldest living resident. Today she will celebrate her 105th birthday

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Up to 38 miles in one day for charity runner

A MAN dressed as Forrest Gump has finally completed his 837-mile run from John O’Groats to Lands End - and has raised nearly £10,000 in the process. Civil servant Ewan Gordon, right, who lives in Brashfield Road, Bicester, ran the length of Great

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Oxford’s away misery continues at Oldham

OXFORD RL’s away day blues showed no signs of letting up as they were demolished 64-0 by Oldham in Kingstone Press League 1. After recording a club record fourth successive home victory, the Blues were brought abruptly back down to earth in Greater

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New spaces offer commuters the chance to park and pedal

MORE than 100 new cycle parking spaces have been created at two of Oxford’s park and rides. Oxford City Council said its “park and pedal” scheme would allow people to cycle to Redbridge or Seacourt park and rides before getting a bus, or to park

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DARTS: Windrush Social Club seal thrilling win over Kidlington Green Club

WINDRUSH Social Club edged Kidlington Green Club B 5-4 in a gripping Greene King ODDA Summer League clash. Section 1 side Green Club took the lead when Andy Bowman beat Colin Bligdon, before Premier outfit Windrush made it 2-1, thanks to Tom Baughan

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MP Andrew Smith pleased Jeremy Corbyn is standing

LONGSTANDING MP Andrew Smith offered his public support to Labour leadership outsider Jeremy Corbyn with minutes to spare as ballot papers for the election were finalised yesterday afternoon. Mr Smith announced on social media website Twitter:

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Blood donors saved my life now you could be a ‘superhero’ too

A MOTHER who received two blood transfusions after a complicated pregnancy is asking more people to become “modern superheroes” and donate. Physiotherapist Jenna Jagodzinska’s life was saved after she needed 33 separate donations of blood while

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DARTS: Super Pete Hall scoops up three county awards

COWLEY Workers’ Pete Hall won three titles at the Oxfordshire County Darts and Super League presentation night at the Ex-services and Bicester Families Social Club. Hall was awarded the Super League singles trophy, Most Wins award, and the Secretaries

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Plan for 51 new homes in Chesterton ‘would have harmed area’s charm’

AN APPLICATION to build 51 new homes in Chesterton was refused for being “unsuitable”. Councillors at Cherwell District Council’s rejected the proposal last Thursday that could have seen the houses built on fields adjacent to The Hale, near Bicester

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Refugee Week events look at tales of those who fled home

THE personal journeys of refugees and asylum seekers will take centre stage this week with a variety of special events in Oxford. Refugee Week is running until Sunday and will feature a host of community events, from music, film and theatre to