Archive
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Motorcycles roar into Cassington for annual Bike Night
A TANG of petrol and the roar of engines is filling the air in Cassington tonight. The annual Cassington Bike Night is well under way, with thousands of motorcycles expected before the evening is out. Bikers have hit the highway and headed
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That’s crafty! Kitchen brewer is all set for major expansion
A MICROBREWERY that wants to bring innovative new ideas to Oxford has become the latest addition to the craft beer revolution. The LAM brewery in Sandford-on-Thames currently operates out of a kitchen in the South Oxfordshire village but is planning
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Hundreds gather to pay respects to 13-year-old who died after being pulled from Thames
A TEENAGER who was the "life and soul" of his family was given a heartfelt farewell from hundreds of grieving loved ones today. Relatives, friends, school pupils and other members of the Oxford community gathered at the Central Oxford Mosque in
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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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Memory mailbag: Rifles practice dated back to Napoleonic era
I saw the picture of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (OBLI) exercising the Freedom of Oxford marching across Magdalen Bridge in 1953 (Memory Lane, January 12). I can remember watching as a boy of seven the parade from a vantage
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Ok, chaps, anyone for a spot of dwile flunking?
It was a mucky and muddy business when dwile flunking came to Oxford. A ferocious battle developed as students from Oxford College of Further Education took on opponents from Kings Lynn in a Headington field in 1976. The ancient sport involves
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Great War fighter plane with very strong city connections
The practice of towns supporting the crews of aircraft and ships during the Second World War is well known. A Spitfire which took part in the conflict was named City of Oxford and the city also adopted the cruiser, HMS Enterprise. Now historian
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Activities group for over-50s seeks new members to join in
A PROJECT providing activities and classes for over-50s in Blackbird Leys is encouraging more people to join by setting up an outreach programme. The Clockhouse CDI project offers things such as Tai Chi classes, yoga classes and crafts sessions
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Memory mailbag: Publican pops up in log book
I was interested to see a picture of Robert Ansell, of the Jersey Arms at Middleton Stoney, removing the Closed on Sundays sign (Memory Lane, May 18). I have in my possession a log book for a car I used to own, an Austin Metropolitan made in 1961
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Ladies’ role in fighting crime
Gillian Bingham and Enid Brooks were fully engaged in the fight against crime. They are pictured on night duty in the radio room at Cowley police station in 1967, six months after the station opened. Supt George Barnes invited the Press to
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Pair’s 600 miles in the saddle
Bob Burns and Richard Crocker swapped the forklift trucks they usually drove for cycles to raise money for good causes. The Bicester pair were cycling 600 miles from Bicester to Land’s End and back to raise money for Bicester Community Hospital
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Remarkable former publican Florence going strong at 104
The Morris family ran The Fishes at North Hinksey, Oxford, for more than 40 years. One member, Florence Morris, who kept customers happy at the popular pub, has just celebrated her 104th birthday at her home in Canada. Mrs Morris and her husband
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Young choir hits all the right notes to show off to parents
These young singers were no doubt suffering a little stage fright as they performed in their school hall. They were not only facing the judgement of their parents, but also one of Oxford’s leading choirs. Pupils at St Christopher’s Junior School
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Temperature set to reach 30C as heatwave hits Oxfordshire this week
A MINI heatwave is set to hit Oxfordshire this week with temperatures set to reach 30 degrees on Wednesday. The Met Office is predicting highs of 27C tomorrow and 30C on Wednesday, with temperatures set to stabilise towards the end of the week
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Investigation continues into feared arson outside Bicester Fire Station
POLICE believe a fire service training vehicle was set alight deliberately. The vehicle was parked outside Bicester fire station in Queens Avenue on Saturday, June 27 at 11.30pm, when it was set on fire. The fire spread to a second vehicle
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Plane from RAF Brize Norton to bring back tourists after Tunisian terror attack
A TRANSPORT plane has been sent from RAF Brize Norton to Tunisia today to help evacuate British tourists wounded in a terror attack. The C17 transport plane will bring back four Britons who were injured when a gunman opened fire at a beach resort
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Plans for £12.5m transport boost in Headington
PROPOSALS for a £12.5m package of transport improvements in Headington could see new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and bus lanes. Oxfordshire County Council will start asking residents, workers and visitors to the area for their views on the
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New flats must provide enough space to breathe
BY now Wantage residents should have received the plans for the Wantage shopping site redevelopment. Reading the preview of the plan, I couldn’t help but notice the emphasis on three-storey developments with flats above. I hope Wantage Town
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More needed to involve people in democracy
CONGRATULATIONS to new Labour town councillor Laura Price who was elected in a by-election in Witney South. Together we will work to open up council business, champion Witney, press for closer joint working with other councils to make our town
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Replacing kerbstones a shameful waste of cash
Replacing kerbstones a shameful waste of cash THE kerb stones on The Plain which were replaced in April had to be removed and replaced in May since they were not the required dropped kerb stones, causing considerable disruption to wheelchair and mobility
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Overpopulation is one factor in the cause of migrants crisis
THE number of people migrating across the world to escape poverty, dictatorial or inefficient governments, war or to escape religious persecution has become alarming and it’s difficult to see an answer. One major cause of the problem is overpopulation
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Unsafe cramped house costs the landlord £16,000 in fines
A BLACKBIRD LEYS landlord was ordered to pay more than £18,000 after admitting 12 charges relating to mismanaging a home shared by several tenants. Ashraf Suleiman Salim El-Hosny, 31, of Peregrine Road, pleaded guilty to the charges at Oxford Magistrates
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Scales of Justice: 17 cases heard at Oxford Magistrates Court
OXFORD MAGISTRATES Amy Breslin, 28, of Swalcliffe Road, Upper Tadmarton, Banbury, admitted speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone in Main Road, Broughton, on October 6. Fined £100 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs. Driving licence
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Can anyone help with bus service information?
I AM seeking information about more bus services in Oxfordshire. Two routes that no longer run are the 30 and X30 services, which I’m sure some readers will remember. Both these routes went between Oxford and Abingdon via Peachcroft, and I’d like
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Didcot needs someone to look at the wider picture
JOHN COTTON, Conservative leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, says that it "was unfair on other towns" for Didcot to have a "champion" in the cabinet. Can I ask if he plans on being fair to them in other ways too. Will Wallingford be
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Social sensitivity made it hard for Mark to cope
I FEEL that I must draw attention to a mistaken impression given in your otherwise excellent article "Mum to show art by son who starved after benefits slashed" about my son Mark Wood (June 26). It was not the case that Mark could not abide other
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Park and walk scheme would not increase traffic
WITH respect to my proposal for a park and walk located on Osney Mead, Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth has missed the point. This idea will not increase cars on the A34. A car park accessed directly from the A34 within 10 minutes
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Patience is a virtue as we wait for a new Bishop
By Ven Martin Gorick, Archdeacon of Oxford No Bishop of Oxford. How are you going to manage?” It’s a question I’m often asked these days. The Crown Nominations Commission appoints bishops in the Church of England. It’s a large
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Blaming British Muslims will not solve problems of radicalisation
Dr Hojjat Ramzy, Imam and director of the Oxford Islamic Information Centre I COULDN’T agree more with our Prime Minister’s call to an ‘end for finger pointing’ when it comes to extremism and radicalisation. But by accusing British Muslims
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Stuart Macbeth: We should make more of history on our doorstep
The Church of England recently published bleak statistics. Average attendance at rural church services on Sundays is down to 19. Almost a third of those are 70 or over. But these figures don’t account for the thousands of church crawlers who, like
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Oxford United eye training base next to Kassam Stadium
OXFORD United are looking into the feasibility of setting up a purpose-built training ground on fields opposite the Kassam Stadium. Informal, preliminary discussions have been held with the relevant councils about the plan, which would include
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CRICKET: Lethal Penhale stars as Banbury shoot out Reading for 40
Karl Penhale produced a devastating spell of 6-10 as Banbury shot out Reading for just 40 in a one-sided Division 1 clash at White Post Road on Saturday. The seamer, who is playing for Northants 2nd XI this season, proved unplayable to set up an
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Video: Memorial festival Libfest overwhelms Liberty Baker’s parents + picture gallery
LIBERTY BAKER’s father said she would have “loved” the music festival held to celebrate her life. Thousands of people flocked the first Libfest in Witney on Saturday in glorious sunshine. Teenage friends of Liberty who put it on saying they
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Great idea but plan was not practical as city is finding out
ONE can normally trust the people in the know, those down on the ground working at the coal face. And it would seem that the predictions of headteachers ahead of the introduction of universal free school meals for Key Stage One have indeed come
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Students gather in tribute to classmate Aown Dogar
STUDENTS from Cheney School this weekend paid further respects to their classmate Aown Dogar, who died last Thursday after falling into the River Thames. About 40 teenagers, mainly from Year 9, met at Donnington Bridge on Saturday to comfort one
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Liberty's dad gets apology
LIBERTY BAKER’s father has not decided if he will accept an invitation for a face-to-face apology from Thames Valley Police after he was wrongfully summonsed to court. Paul Baker, 47, said he received the letter from Superintendent Kathleen Lowe
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'Free school lunches cost us dear'
HEADTEACHERS in Oxford have claimed a free lunches policy has caused them huge issues as the first year of the policy draws to a close. School meals became free for all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in September under a scheme introduced
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Diocese faces near two-year wait for new Bishop
THE next Bishop of Oxford is now not likely to take on the role until at least September 2016, a senior church official has admitted. It would mean the post will have stood vacant for almost two years after the Rt Revd John Pritchard retired at
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CRICKET: Great Tew stay clear at the top despite draw
GREAT & Little Tew remain top of Division 2 despite only drawing in their clash at Dinton on Saturday. The leaders set 254-9 off 58 overs, and after restricting their hosts to 58-5, looked on course to record another win. But a 87-run sixth-wicket
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Man arrested in Oxford in connection with car stolen and arson at house in Beckley
A thief stole a 4x4 vehicle before crashing it into a fence and then abandoning it. Thames Valley Police said officers were called to Woodperry Road in Beckley yesterday at 8.45am when a woman reported a black Audi 4x4 had been stolen. The
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CRICKET: Horspath hold on for a draw to extend unbeaten run
Horspath's last pair survived the last six overs to secure a draw at home to Slough – and extend their unbeaten run in Division 1 to five matches. After a well-contested game, the hosts finished on 158-9 in pursuit of their target of 184. Horspath
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CRICKET: Leaders Henley give sad Oxford a pasting
Oxford's nightmare season continued when they lost at Division 1 leaders Henley by eight wickets shortly after lunch on Saturday. A top against bottom clash was alway likely to be one-sided, but Oxford will be disappointed at the manner of their
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CRICKET: Aston Rowant forced to bat out to secure draw
ASTON Rowant stay off the bottom, despite having the worse of their Division 2 basement battle at Cove. In reply to the hosts’ 246-8, Rowant finished the day battling for a draw on 194-8. As a result, basement side Cove close to within a point
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Council apologises for delay cleaning dead woman’s flat
HOUSING bosses have apologised for a delay in cleaning a council flat in Oxford where a woman’s decomposing body was found. Kathleen Heasman, 89, died in her council flat in Whitworth Place, Canal Street, Jericho, earlier this year and her niece
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Monday, June 29
3:30pm Temperature set to reach 30C as heatwave hits Oxfordshire this week 1:59pm Investigation continues into feared arson outside Bicester Fire Station
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CRICKET: Anupam Sanklecha in all-round show to give Shipton an unlikely victory
ANUPAM Sanklecha was the star as Shipton-under-Wychwood pulled off a miraculous six-run victory at home to Datchet in Division 2 on Saturday. The hosts seemed dead and buried when they collapsed to a horrendous 32-8 after winning the toss and choosing
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Thousands head to castle to relive the historic siege
HISTORY nearly repeated itself in Wallingford this weekend as hundreds of Roundheads and Cavaliers fought in fearsome battle. More than 750 history buffs from the English Civil War Society invaded the area around Wallingford Castle and settled
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Students will build a rainbow to fill the Cowley Road Carnival with colour
A RAINBOW of colours will shimmer along Cowley Road when carnival fever hits the city. Students at schools across Oxford have been busy crafting colourful costumes ready for Sunday’s Cowley Road Carnival. The youngsters are set to flaunt their
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Thousands head to castle to relive the historic siege
HISTORY nearly repeated itself in Wallingford this weekend as hundreds of Roundheads and Cavaliers fought in fearsome battle. More than 750 history buffs from the English Civil War Society invaded the area around Wallingford Castle and settled
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Families’ delight that 70th VJ Day anniversary is to be marked
TWO women whose fathers were prisoners of war have welcomed the announcement that a special ceremony to mark Victory over Japan Day will be held. Oxford City Council has said the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised above Town Hall for an entire
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Families’ delight that 70th VJ Day anniversary is to be marked
TWO women whose fathers were prisoners of war have welcomed the announcement that a special ceremony to mark Victory over Japan Day will be held. Oxford City Council has said the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised above Town Hall for an entire
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Payout call for victims of sex abuse
A CAMPAIGNER against child sexual abuse has called for Oxfordshire County Council’s outgoing chief executive to donate her £259,000 pay-out to the Operation Bullfinch victims. It was announced on Friday that Joanna Simons, who has held the post
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MOTOGP: Bradley Smith battles for seventh spot
OXFORDSHIRE’S Bradley Smith secured another fine finish after coming seventh in the MotoGP’s Dutch TT race at Assen. Starting 12th, Smith, who hails from Forest Hill, climbed to eighth on the first lap and was battling for fifth for most of the
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Streets were filled as nation’s war heroes were celebrated
CIVILIANS and soldiers took to the streets across Oxfordshire to honour sacrifices made by generations of soldiers, sailors and pilots for Armed Forces Day. Thousands of people lined the streets in Banbury on Saturday as the Band of the Irish Guards
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County’s third crematorium officially opened at ceremony
OXFORDSHIRE’S third crematorium was blessed by the Archdeacon of Dorchester. The Ven Judy French was assisted by Rev Ann Thompson and Rev Headley Feast in the service at South Oxfordshire Crematorium and Memorial Park, which took place on Friday
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CRICKET: Oxford's Westaway catches out Cambridge at Lord's
Oxford University wicket-keeper Sam Westaway claimed seven victims and scored a half-century to help the Dark Blues to a 43-run victory over Cambridge in the One-Day Varsity Match at Lord’s on Saturday. The 22-year-old was top scorer with 53 as
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WEEKEND RESULTS: June 27-28
ONE-DAY VARSITY MATCH Oxford Univ 202-8 (50 ovs, S Westaway 53, R Heywood 35, M Hughes 34, S Cato 32, A Patel 3-22), Cambridge Univ 159 (34.2 ovs, P Hughes 39, O Jones 4-27). DAVIDSTOW VILLAGE CUP Cumnor 147 (38.3 ovs, J Dale 43, T
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Man-made blood cells to be trialled
MAN-MADE blood cells developed by Oxford scientists could be used as an alternative to donations by 2017. NHS Blood and Transplant said the laboratory-produced red blood cells will be used in clinical trials in humans within two years’ time.
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‘Temporary’ office scheme to be scaled back at Oxford Railway Station
PLANS for a “temporary” building that could be in place at Oxford Station for a decade have been scaled back after opposition from residents living nearby. Network Rail has resubmitted the scheme for a two-storey temporary staff accommodation block
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Yoga sessions prove a hit
YOGA enthusiasts in East Oxford held free taster sessions to celebrate the first International Yoga Day. Staff at Tara Yoga Centre, in Cowley Road, invited people in South Park to try out the exercises and find out more about yoga. Centre co-ordinator
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Oxfordshire’s third crematorium officially opened at ceremony
OXFORDSHIRE’S third crematorium was blessed by the Archdeacon of Dorchester. The Ven Judy French was assisted by Rev Ann Thompson and Rev Headley Feast in the service at South Oxfordshire Crematorium and Memorial Park, which took place on Friday
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Forgotten solo gems from the saddest Bee Gee uncovered
Reg Little on the decade-long quest to reveal Robin Gibb’s complete work to the world On one of his many visits to America, Bee Gee Robin Gibb happened to catch an old interview with John Lennon on television. The former Beatle was meant to