Archive
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Former BA captain from Marcham jailed for more than 12 years for sexual offences against children
A wealthy former British Airways pilot was today jailed for more than 12 years after he was found guilty of a string of child sex offences. Bartle Frere, of Marcham, Oxfordshire, befriended a young boy and over a three-year period, sexually abused
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Drama wardrobe service sees a brighter future in the wings
AFTER a “mammoth” 10-month battle to survive, Oxfordshire Drama Wardrobe said it has been saved after a final sell-off over the weekend. The amateur dramatic costume rental service sold off some 1,200 unwanted costumes and accessories to raise
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Abingdon school exhibition is display of talented art students’ work
A WEDDING dress splattered with red dye to show the spread of cancer cells throughout the body was just one of the pieces on display by pupils at an end-of-year art show. The impressive exhibition was the product of students in the art department
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Cornet player blows her contest judges away
JEMMA EVANS would not want to blow her own trumpet. But the cornet? That is another matter. The Oxford music teacher is now an award-winning cornet player after blowing judges away at a contest in Wales. Miss Evans, from Great Western Park,
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Town ‘champions’ dropped as council bids to get new blood
SOUTH Oxfordshire’s main towns have lost their “champions” on the district council’s cabinet as its leader said “younger blood” was needed. Councillors from Didcot, Wallingford, Thame and Henley sat on the South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet
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Bumper year for festival sees 10,000 turn out for family fun
CROWDS flocking to Spiceball Park for the “magnificent” Banbury and District Show on Sunday surpassed all expectations, with up to 10,000 people attending the family day. Entertainment in the two arenas, including horseback performances by the
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Update: Three people taken to hospital after crash on the A44 Woodstock Road in Yarnton
THE A44 Woodstock Road is partially blocked after an accident. Drivers are facing queuing traffic in both directions, near Cassington Road, Yarnton. There are reports single alternate lane traffic is taking turns to pass the scene, which
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‘Leap of faith’ works as church hits target
A RECTOR has thanked the community after £131,000 was raised to revamp a 900-year-old church. The Rev Charles Masheder admitted it was a leap of faith after the church chose the most expensive option to improve St Mary’s Church in Ambrosden, near
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RUGBY UNION: Chief executive Mike Stevens leaves London Welsh
LONDON Welsh's chief executive, Mike Stevens, has left the Oxford-based club just over a year after he was appointed. Stevens, who lives in Abingdon, became the Greene King IPA Championship club's CEO on May 12 last year. However, after being
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Tributes paid by family of emergency call handler killed in crash
THE family of a 22-year-old emergency call handler who died driving home from work after Christmas has paid tribute to her "utterly commendable" good nature. Ayesha Idris, from Kidlington, died when her car crashed into a tree on the A34 slip road
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Two-vehicle crash on the A34 near Weston-on-the-Green
ONE lane is blocked and traffic is queuing due to an accident involving two vehicles on the A34 near Weston-on-the-Green. It is understood that the accident occurred on the A34 southbound and lane one of two is obstructed near the BP
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Wednesday’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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Hairdressers show style with fundraiser to support hospice
HAIRDRESSERS who used to style the hair of former Witney mayor Chrissie Curry have got together to stump up cash for the cancer hospice where she was treated. Ms Curry lost her battle with the illness on April 22, aged 66, after being treated at
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Minority do not speak for most of our village
BROADCASTER Bill Heine once said Kennington could claim to be the most generous village in England. So imagine how appalled I feel about the image of my village being promoted in the national press regarding the reaction to a plan for troubled
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Services became victims of city’s 1990s bus war
I READ Jim Lynch’s letter about the number 8 bus and saw that he got quite a few replies. One thing that no-one mentioned was that it was also run by Thames Transit in its final days. It took it over in 1994 when COMS was bought by the Go-Ahead
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Can anyone offer any information on soldiers?
I AM seeking any next of kin regarding my brother Arthur Edward Coomber of the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry. He and his five mates were killed on May 22, 1940. His five mates were Sidney Callow, aged 22; Alfred Jenkins, aged 28; David Pattinger
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Councillor was dedicated and showed commitment
I WAS saddened to read that Councillor David Snow had taken the decision to stand down from West Oxfordshire District Council. Although I didn’t share his right-wing politics, no one could doubt his dedication and commitment to serving the people
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Why are there now long queues at the chemists?
HAS anyone else noticed that since another chemists has left the High Street in Witney, Boots the Chemist has halved the checkout stations dealing with general items? It is as if Boots are saying: “We are the only act in town. Like it or lump it
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Cycling boosts economy as well as people’s health
CAR parking charges (June 11) in the city made by Oxfordshire County Council are bound to rise given the substantial cuts already made to the grants it receives and the threat of further cuts under the current Government. Clearly, it is also better
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CS Lewis is unlikely ever to have drunk at estate’s pub
CAN I please direct this to Margaret Taylor (nee Covey) and Ronald Brind regarding their comments on the future of the Ampleforth Arms pub on Risinghurst estate. I also grew up on the estate as did they and I feel that I must point out the inaccurate
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Railway flyover would take up too much space
THE idea of putting a railway flyover near Wolvercote has surfaced again (June 12). Anyone who thinks that this is a good idea should go to have a look at the Aynho junction flyover just south of Banbury, or at least look at it on a map. The
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The Issue: Are the benefits of solar panel farms worth their impact on the landscape?
YES Cllr Craig Simmons, Leader of Oxford City Council Green Group To minimise climate change and ensure our future energy security, there is no doubt that we need more cleaner, greener electricity and solar panels provide an increasingly
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Disabled Space: ‘Lessons in street manners could cut out accidents’
For the past seven years, since I became disabled and visually impaired, I have had many things to contend with. Just walking around is hard enough. My guide dog Richie, makes things a lot easier but he can’t solve every problem. Walking around
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Dad runs a third charity ultra-marathon
A FATHER-of-three has returned home after completing a hat-trick of 90km marathons to raise money for good causes. Matt Luff, from Barton, finished the ultra-marathon – the Comrades – for a third year in a row, this time raising nearly £1,000 for
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Michael Appleton's focus on early-season clashes
Michael Appleton’s focus will be on Oxford United’s opening fixtures when the Sky Bet League Two programme is announced today as he aims to avoid a repeat of last season’s costly slow start. The U’s already know one of their competitive games,
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Oxford United fixtures: 2015-16
OXFORD United will kick off the new Sky Bet League Two season at home for the second season in a row, beginning the 2015-16 campaign against Crawley Town on August 8.It is part of what looks a testing opening month, where they have trips to Luton Town
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Woman pulled from Thames after onlookers alert firefighters to fall
A WOMAN was recovering yesterday after being pulled from the River Thames in Oxford by firefighters after clinging onto a life ring. Fire crews from Rewley Road and Kidlington were called to the Thames, between Thames Street and Friars Wharf, at
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Mum says even babies can be top of the potties
POTTY training children is one of many dilemmas facing parents. But one mum has come up with a unique method which aims to get rid of nappies and to potty train babies from birth instead of waiting until they’re toddlers. Childminder Amber
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Wednesday, June 17
6:46pm Former BA captain from Marcham jailed for more than 12 years for string of sexual offences against children 2:14pm Two-vehicle crash blocks part
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New rail route is on track after go-ahead
NETWORK Rail has been given the go-ahead to start work in the city on a new rail route. It comes after the west area planning committee decided to approve the Wolvercote section of the East West Rail scheme yesterday. The Chiltern Railways
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Accountant funded his lavish lifestyle with £6m BMW fraud
AN ACCOUNTANT who defrauded BMW of almost £6m and bought cars, jewellery and a diving school in Mauritius committed “a grotesque breach of trust”, a judge said. Johannes Franken, right, was jailed for five years and four months yesterday after
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FOOTBALL: Bradley Bubb lands Oxford City move
Oxford City have signed Grenada international striker Bradley Bubb. The 27-year-old, who was with Havant & Waterlooville last season, has played in the Football League and the Conference for Aldershot Town. He also had a brief spell at
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Residents’ anger over water bill rise
Residents in Langford and areas of Launton have set up an online community after “at least 90 households” have been lumbered with massive water bills. According to residents in the Southern area of Bicester, water bills issued last month are “double
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TENNIS: Lucy Brown in battle to line up in play-off
Lucy Brown is facing a race against time to be fit for tomorrow’s Wimbledon play-off event. The 22-year-old, from Elsfield, near Oxford, retired with a hamstring injury at 7-5, 5-0 down against Tara Moore in last week’s Aegon Surbiton Trophy first
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FOOTBALL: Didcot Town snap up Leigh Bedwell and Marvin Martin from rivals Banbury United
Didcot Town joint manager Ian Concannon has hailed the capture of defender Marvin Martin and goalkeeper Leigh Bedwell from Banbury United. Former Oxford United scholar Martin won promotion from the Southern League Premier Division with Oxford City
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YOUTH FOOTBALL: Summertown Stars are up for the FA Cup
Summertown Stars have a strong affinity with the FA Cup – so it was only right that they got their hands on the famous trophy at the weekend. It was back in 1974 that Stars’ founders chose the club’s red and white striped kit in recognition of
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CRICKET: Higgs spell sees Thame cash in on break in the weather
THAME Town defeated both Cumnor and the weather to claim their fourth win of the summer and move top of the Cherwell League's Division 1 after a third of the season. Town got off to a great start thanks to Hassam Mushtaq (3- 26), who made early
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Councillor David Snow resigns over meeting times
CALLS have been made for West Oxfordshire District Council to make its meetings more accessible after a councillor resigned because he could not attend them. Independent councillor David Snow who has served on the district council for three years
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First aider is top of the class for his commitment to cause
HIS aim is simple. He wants to make sure every student leaves the school with some form of first aid training. Now Vic Moore has been nominated for the Everyday Heroes awards for his commitment to teaching people first aid. The 53-year-old
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VIDEO: Praise for crews who stopped fire at Magdalen College School's sports hall from spreading + pictures
FIREFIGHTERS will remain at Magdalen College School overnight and into Thursday to deal with any flare-ups that might happen after last night's fire, the fire service said. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Dave Bray said one engine
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Creepy crawlies ‘canapés’ will cause buzz with festival-goers
FRIED grasshoppers, succulent silk worm pupae and wasp broods in soy sauce are all on the menu at an Oxfordshire festival this weekend. Three friends from Oxford – Rebecca Roberts, Charlotte Payne and Annie Zimmerman – will be serving up the insect
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CRICKET: Caunce warms up for Aussies
IAN Caunce warmed up for his forthcoming encounters against the touring Australia Over 60s with a brilliant century for Oxfordshire. Caunce’s unbeaten 110, which included five sixes, secured Oxon’s first success in the Seevant 60-Plus Championship
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Headington's famous Shark House is let
One of Headington’s most famous landmarks will be getting some new tenants, as Shark House, owned by Mail columnist Bill Heine, has been rented out after more than six months on the market. The house on 2 New High Street has a 7.5m shark protruding
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CRICKET: Jack Simpson inspires leaders Minster Lovell to Oxenford success
Minster Lovell marched on at the top of OCA League Division 1 after romping to a ninewicket victory at home to Oxenford. In a match reduced to 28 overs per side by the wet weather, Minster dismissed their visitors for 87 as Jack Simpson returned
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Archaeologists hope a college dig will reveal city’s early days
ARCHAEOLOGISTS digging at The Queen’s College say new evidence could provide key answers about Oxford’s early expansion. Oxford Archaeology has been excavating at the High Street college as part of work to build an underground library extension
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Cuts to children’s centres will create ‘family crises’
A UNION has warned that a shake-up of children’s centres in Oxfordshire could push more families into crisis. As revealed by the Oxford Mail yesterday, Oxfordshire County Council has announced it intends to make £6m of savings by merging children
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Audio: Telephone scammers targeting Witney - listen to one of them calling up the town's mace bearer
SUSPECTED scammers have been calling people in Witney posing as members of the town council. The town council said it knew of about 50 people who been targeted by people claiming to be from the authority and from the NHS, asking people if they
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AUNT SALLY: Ace Lee Thompson on song as Red Lion A Eynsham cruise to Woodman win
LEE Thompson was in tremendous form as he whipped off 14 dolls to help The Red Lion A Eynsham beat The Woodman 3-0 in the Greene King Oxford & District League, writes ANDY BEAL. Thompson’s 5-4-5 earned Red Lion their third win of the season
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Husband sues NHS over stroke diagnosis
AN OXFORDSHIRE man is claiming damages from a Kent hospital trust for failing to treat his wife’s stroke despite the couple diagnosing it themselves. Timothy Owers, 48, of Woodbridge Close, Aston, is suing Medway NHS Foundation Trust and the NHS
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Homes planned on Didcot power station site
PLANS for hundreds of new homes on the former Didcot A power station site have now been submitted. Demolition of Didcot A’s coal yard finished in November and the 47-hectare site was sold to Clowes Developments, which has consulted the public on
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AUNT SALLY: New Club B knocked off perch after first defeat
NEW Club B surrendered their unbeaten record and top spot in Section 5 as they were beaten 2-1 at new leaders The Red Lion A Marston. A first leg loss of 18-15 set the tone for New Club’s evening, but they drew level by the odd doll 12-11 in the
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Speakers set to discuss Ebola at free conference in Oxford
EXPERTS who led the worldwide fight against Ebola are to meet in Oxford for the first time since the killer disease was largely brought under control. Speakers, including Professor Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, will
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Vandals ‘should be ashamed’ after trees in Blackbird Leys Park are destroyed
VANDALS have damaged a row of trees in Blackbird Leys Park that will cost a total of £1,200 to replace. Four silver birches, planted in early May as part of landscaping for the Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, have been partially or completely destroyed
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Council denies plans to send ‘troubled families’ to house
A LONDON borough council denied that it would be sending “troubled families” to a house in Kennington at a public meeting. Representatives from Hackney Council tried to allay residents’ fears at a special meeting in St Swithin’s Church Hall on
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Concern over bus routes first stop for new residents’ group
CONCERNED residents aired their grievances about the buses in the Leys at an informal discussion group called Leys Voice. The initiative was set up about two months ago by Oxford City Council officers and residents as a sub-group of the Leys Community
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Children get to grips with nature at activity day
CHILDREN scaled massive trees, enjoyed a real fire and made “mud soup” on an activity day in Wheatley. The Heart of the Wildwood group meets every Monday in woodland off Littleworth Road. The club allows children to explore their surroundings
