Archive
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Delays on train and bus services in Oxfordshire tonight
CROSSCOUNTRY services between Derby and Oxford are delayed by about 20 minutes tonight. This is due to signalling problems at Birmingham New Street. There are also delays of about 30 minutes between London Paddington and Reading, again because
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Campaigners vow to fight on to save Temple Cowley Pools
CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue fighting proposals to develop the former Temple Cowley Pools site after housing plans were unveiled. Housing association Catalyst revealed further details of its plans to build a mix of 48 flats and houses on
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Focus key as Millie and Lucy build spaghetti tower
THESE potential engineers of the future had concentration etched on their faces as they used their ingenuity to build an intricate free-standing tower. Lucy Brotherton and Millie Jones, both 13, used pieces of spaghetti wedged into soft marshmallows
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Superheroes to step out under stars as fundraisers for hospice
HUNDREDS of superheroes will take to the streets for a moonlit charity stroll through Oxford. The annual event, now in its ninth year, raises vital cash for the Sobell House Hospice Charity and will see teams of walkers take to the streets of Oxford
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Fraudster posing as store detective cons pensioner in Blackbird Leys
A MAN pretending to be a store detective stole cash from an 85-year-old man. The pensioner was walking across the Oxford Retail Park car park, Blackbird Leys, on Sunday, when he was approached by a man. The man claimed the pensioner paid with
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George Baldock joins Oxford United on season-long loan
GEORGE Baldock has agreed to return to Oxford United on a season-long loan deal from MK Dons. The highly-rated right back was a hit on loan with the U’s after arriving in February, starting a dozen games and scoring once as the side finished the
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Life-saving equipment donated to schools
A COUPLE who shot 2,000 basketball hoops to save lives have now donated defibrillators to two schools. Liz and Lewis Purbrick, of Grove, raised £5,030 to buy the units with a four-and-a-half hour sponsored basketball marathon in December. They
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Review: La bohème @ Grange Park Opera
Many productions of La bohème start off on a losing streak with a garret full of bohemians who strain the audience’s credibility beyond breaking point. Often they are too old to pass muster as tyro practitioners of their various arts; sometimes they
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Emergency repair works close lanes of Eastern Bypass
EMERGENCY repair works have closed various lanes along the A4142 Eastern by-Pass Road today. The closures will be between Horspath Road and the Headington Roundabout until 3.30pm. Drivers are expected to experience delays due to the restrictions
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‘Precious’ reserve gets a spruce-up
VOLUNTEERS gave up a chunk of their Sunday to give the Lye Valley Fen in Headington some much-needed TLC. The marsh-like nature reserve near the Churchill Hospital is one of the best examples in the UK of a calcareous valley fen, as its chalky
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School aiming to sell grounds for housing
ABOUT 140 homes could be built on what is now King Alfred’s East Site, leaked documents have revealed. The academy is looking to sell the site in Springfield Road, Wantage, for £11m to fund a major redevelopment of its Centre Site in Portway.
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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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Man pushed to the ground and assaulted by three men in Garth Park, Bicester
A MAN was pushed to the ground and assaulted by three men in Garth Park on Saturday. Thames Valley Police said the assault happened between 5pm and 7pm when the 32-year-old victim was walking through the park in Launton Road. He was approached
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Sky Sports to broadcast Oxford United's game at Bristol Rovers
OXFORD United’s game at Bristol Rovers in September has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports. The fixture at the Memorial Stadium will now be played on Sunday, September 6 at 12.15, moved from Saturday, September 5 at 3pm. It will
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Student set to pick up top award
BLUE will be the colour for an autistic student set to be presented with a top award from his college at Blenheim Palace. Ben Lindsay will pick up one of the coveted Student of the Year awards from Abingdon and Witney College and will collect his
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Riders on a roll with council in plan to replace old skatepark
A REVAMP of an “out-dated” skatepark could be more than just a pipe dream after youngsters lobbied town leaders. Repairs and ultimately a new skatepark are wanted to replace the existing Garth Park skatepark that is more than 16 years old.
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When an emergency doesn’t qualify as one
KEEP the Horton General, and chairman Keith Strangwood in particular, were very interested in Marion Judd’s letter to the Oxford Mail (June 24) in which she says that it is “management who decide how many operating theatres stay open at any one time
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Dangerous situation of cyclists on narrow path
THERE is a dangerous point in central Abingdon where the pavement becomes very narrow as Ock Street merges into High street. Accidents have been known to happen here. Currently the problem is intensified by cyclists riding along he pavement at
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North Oxford would suffer without support of a centre
THE future of Summertown’s Diamond Place North Oxford Association Community Centre is to be discussed by Oxford City Council’s executive board. The board will meet at the Town Hall, St Aldate’s. on Thursday, July 9, at 5pm. The NOA Community
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People deprived of a choice of supermarket
I AM surprised by the response of John Cotton in your article about Morrisons not coming to Wallingford (June 18). I attended the South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee meeting in July 2013 and am well aware of what ensued. It was
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Time to turn the tide on water privatisation
FURTHER to Derrick Holt’s letter about water (June 16), how do we get our public water supply brought back? According to We Own It, over 70 per cent of the public want the railways, energy companies, Royal Mail and the NHS to be in public ownership
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Double reason for saying thanks to hospital staff
TWICE this week I’ve had to go to the JR. First with a husband with suspected broken wrist on Tuesday evening. Everything was calm and helpful. OK, we had to wait but the children were whisked away to be dealt with elsewhere. Thursday was a repeat
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Update: First RAF flight carrying bodies of Tunisia victims to arrive at Brize Norton tomorrow
ONE of the victims of the Tunisian beach massacre is being treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Four tourists hurt in Friday's attack were flown back to the UK to RAF Brize Norton during the early hours after dropping one patient off
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Glastonbury is left in shade by Kidstock
AS THOUSANDS of festival-goers raved at Glastonbury this weekend, children at ‘Kidstock’ showed them how it should be done. Aspiring stars from six Kidlington primary schools took to the stage to perform an eclectic range of music, song, dance
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Long-serving keeper Clarke is set to leave Oxford United
Ryan Clarke looks certain to be leaving Oxford United, with head coach Michael Appleton expecting the goalkeeper to depart this week. The Oxford Mail revealed six weeks ago Appleton had informed Clarke he was not guaranteed to continue as United
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Quiz League: Green Road pull off a brilliant win
With a convincing and wholly unflattering 79-67 scoreline, the Green Road Club (Kidlington) pulled off the result of the night last Thursday as they recorded their first win over Premiership opponents, the Royal Blenheim (Oxford City). A gruelling
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University Life: University gives us much more than qualifications
Hamish Chalmers MA postgraduate student in education at Oxford Brookes It was my honour to have the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of all the students graduating from Oxford Brookes University on Friday. Graduation is a
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On Yer Bike: The thought of pulling a caravan makes me sweat
A cycling holiday is a pleasant and rewarding experience, but packing up to go is always a delicate transition from “take the kitchen sink” to “leave it all behind, just grab your toothbrush”. There is a fine line between having all the necessities
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Mourners pay their respects to much-loved Aown Dogar
A TEENAGER who was the “life and soul” of his family was given a heartfelt farewell from hundreds of mourners yesterday. Family, friends and school pupils and other members of the Oxford community gathered at the Central Oxford Mosque in Manzil
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Get the suncream ready as a heatwave hits Oxfordshire
A MINI heatwave will hit Oxfordshire this week, with temperatures set to reach 30C tomorrow. The Met Office is predicting highs of 27C today in Oxford and Abingdon, before they peak tomorrow, with temperatures then set to stabilise towards the
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Record attendance for City of Oxford College welcome day
An “unprecedented” number of students attended an annual welcome day, according to City of Oxford College. About 900 young people starting courses in September attended the day on Friday to find out more about their programme of study, meet with
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Oxford United players get ready to make a flying start at RAF Benson
Oxford's United’s squad will visit RAF Benson tomorrow for a two-day team bonding trip aimed at testing them physically and mentally. Pre-season officially began yesterday, when the players got together for the first time for a meeting to outline
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Inequality in Oxford on council’s agenda
Oxford City Council’s scrutiny panel will meet tonight to discuss how to help combat inequality issues in the city. Councillor Van Coulter, chairman of the local authority’s inequality panel, has prepared a report named Combatting Inequality, which
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Police call on charities for help supporting victims
CHARITIES and voluntary organisations could increasingly help Thames Valley Police tackle crimes such as rape in the future, the force’s new chief constable has said. Francis Habgood told the Oxford Mail women’s organisations could work with victims
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Cuts and rising care demands putting more children at risk
THE man in charge of the county’s children’s services has warned a surge in cases on the back of Operation Bullfinch and other child abuse scandals is leading to huge pressure on his department. Jim Leivers, director of children’s services at Oxfordshire
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FOOTBALL: Didcot sign up striker McDonagh as a replacement for the prolific Mills
Didcot Town joint manager Ian Concannon has backed new signing Conor McDonagh to replicate the success of prolific striker John Mills. The former North Leigh marksman has returned to Oxfordshire after spending last season with Evo-Stik Northern
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Pupils on parade to help forces charity
A SCHOOL that took part in Camouflage Day said it was vital their pupils learned about the armed forces. Youngsters from Gateway Primary School in Carterton dressed up in camouflage to raise money for the charity SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen
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Honda stolen in Abingdon
A motorcycle has been stolen from outside a property in the town. Thames Valley Police said the white and black Honda CBR125 was stolen in John Morris Road between 3.15am and 3.45am on Saturday. The force did not say what the registration of
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Inquest into road crash death
An inquest will be held today into the death of a man who died in a road crash. Jason Parker, 45, from Faringdon, died on New Year’s Day on the A417 Lechlade Road when a silver Honda hatchback crashed into a fence and tree. The inquest will
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Ceremony honours veteran ‘whose colour saved his life’
A BLACK RAF veteran who said his skin colour saved his life in Nazi-occupied Europe will be remembered at a ceremony in Thame today. Johnny Smythe is buried in St Mary’s Church cemetery in the town, where his relations will join military veterans
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MP Nicola Blackwood backs child sex abuse campaign
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood backed the launch of a new campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation yesterday. National charities the NWG Network and Missing People developed the “Say Something” campaign with children to empower
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MOTORSPORT: Gambler Plato loses lead but is happy with Croft outing
JASON Plato declared himself satisfied after the sixth round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Croft, despite losing his slender lead at the top of the driver standings. The 47-year-old, from Oxford, secured a podium finish
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Tuesday, June 30, 2015
4:09pm A fraudster posing as store detective conned a pensioner in Blackbird Leys 1:17pm A 32-year-old man has been pushed to the ground and assaulted
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Oxford Brookes plans to add to its student village
MORE students could be set to move into an Oxford Brookes University complex that can already house 750. Plans to add 20 bedrooms to Cheney Student Village in Cheney Lane, Headington, will go before members of Oxford City Council’s east area planning
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A sight to enjoy as Botanic Garden blooms bright
TOM Price is making sure the plants are well watered at the Botanic Garden in Oxford as summer rolls on. The garden curator is working hard to keep the herbaceous border and Merton border in the Lower Garden colourful as the warm weather continues
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Charlotte Nott’s family welcomes arrival of meningitis vaccine
THE family of meningitis survivor Charlotte Nott has welcomed a lifesaving vaccine that will be rolled out this summer. The Department of Health has announced the UK’s first meningitis B vaccine will be distributed across the country to help combat
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Couple discover lost Constable drawing
AN Oxfordshire couple have unearthed what is believed to be a lost piece by John Constable after it had been hanging above their mantelpiece for years. Experts believe the line drawing is of Constable’s wife Maria Bicknell, whom he married in 1816
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GOLF: Guard of honour for Bowler after Frilford marathon
JAMES Bowler battled blisters and breezy conditions to complete a 108-hole challenge at Frilford Heath. The attempt to play the club’s three courses twice began at 4.20am on the Red Course. The halfway mark was reached by 10.45am, when a short
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New ideas for Mini
Mini is to focus on five ‘core’ car brands as part of a new strategy. The car maker, which builds the iconic vehicle at the Cowley Plant, did not specify what the five models would be. The company said it would also continue to expand into
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Arson suspected outside Bicester fire station
A suspected arson attack targeted a fire service training vehicle, police said. The vehicle was parked outside Bicester fire station in Queens Avenue on Saturday at 11.30pm when it was believed to have been set on fire. The flames then spread
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MOTORSPORT: Walkinshaw raring to go for Russia
SEAN Walkinshaw is relishing tackling the Moscow Raceway when the fourth round of the Blancpain Sprint Series takes place in the Russian capital this weekend. The Chipping Norton-based driver and MRS GT-Racing teammate Craig Dolby head to Russia
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Man who raped child sent to jail
A COUNCIL worker who sexually abused a girl was yesterday sentenced to 17 years in prison. Philip Spriggs, of Hillsale Piece, Littlemore, Oxford, was also sentenced for one count of sexually abusing a boy under the age of 13 and for downloading
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Traffic jams feared as £12.5m transport revamp is unveiled
A £12.5M transport scheme has been unveiled for Headington amid fears that the roadworks will bring traffic to a standstill. The “Access to Headington” scheme will cover an area including the B4495 from Cherwell Drive/Marsh Lane to Horspath Driftway
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Elephant Man play ‘brings human frailties to life’
THE true story of The Elephant Man is being brought to life in Abingdon. Abingdon Drama Club is putting on a stage version of the Victorian tale, written by Bernard Pomerance, at the Unicorn Theatre starting next week. Duncan Blagrove will
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David Cameron unhappy about loss of NHS nurses
PRIME Minister David Cameron has said it was “extremely disappointing” Chipping Norton Hospital was to lose NHS nurses from its intermediate care ward. The Witney MP made the comment after it was revealed nurses at the 14-bed unit at the London
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RUGBY LEAGUE: Ace Nathan Kitson inspires Oxford to fine win
NATHAN Kitson’s hat-trick and a late try from Andy Matthews helped Oxford RL produce a stunning comeback and beat Coventry Bears 24-20 at Iffley Road. Trailing 18-6 just after the break, Kitson’s superb treble hauled the Blues into the lead.
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Flooding victims give plan for city relief channel their votes
HOUSEHOLDS in one of Oxford’s worst-hit flooding areas said they were positive about the progress of a proposed £120m relief channel as consultations continue this week. The Environment Agency (EA) with the help of councils and other partners wants
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Animal charity will benefit from family fun day
FROM furry animals to boat trips and bouncy castles, a host of activities will be at this year’s Muddy Waters family fun day. The Plough Pub in Wolvercote is hosting the annual event organised by Sarah Clacher, wife to author of the Muddy Water
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DARTS: James Deabill leads Black Bull charge
JAMES Deabill bagged the highest finish of the week as Black Bull edged East Oxford Conservative Club 5-4 in Section 3 of the Greene King ODDA Summer League. Deabill’s check-out of 132 saw him beat East Oxford captain Ade Bowden. Meanwhile,
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Coach scores major award for work with special needs team
A WITNEY rugby coach has won a national award recognising his work in the community. Jeremy Bristoe, head coach at Witney Wolves SEN (Special Educational Needs) RUFC, won the Premiership Rugby’s Community Champion Award. It is given to a person
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Art as therapy for victims of brain injuries
ART by people with brain injuries went on display for one night at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. Sculpture, paintings, mosaics and textiles by 20 students in The Silverlining charity’s art group were shown on June 18 for about 200 guests. The
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Baby’s memorial fund tops £60k
A COUPLE who have raised more than £60,000 in memory of their one-year-old son will put the money towards vein-finding technology. David and Hannah Cole, from Kirtlington, set up the charity Thinking of Oscar after their son passed away in June
