Archive
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Families bake cakes to support rescue workers at Didcot Power Station
THE community of Didcot have rallied round to do their bit in aid of the search for three missing people after Tuesday's power station collapse. Mothers and children from the town baked cakes and donated other snacks to the emergency services,
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Gray Matter: Morris Minor stars in a memoir of fifties Oxford life
A 1933 Morris Minor Tourer called Sue has pride of place on the cover of Three Glorious Years, an entertaining account of the student life led by the author RJ ‘Dick’ Lloyd as he read for a degree in modern languages at Merton College in the mid-1950s.In
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Gray Matter: New-look museum is a treat for car enthusiasts
With what will seem painful irony, an institution designed to celebrate the joys of motoring finds itself encircled by road works just as its doors are reopened to eager visitors.Making my way to the launch of the new-look British Motor Museum on February
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Man who groomed depressed, housebound 15-year-old girl is jailed
A MAN who "groomed" a teenager suffering mental health difficulties after her parents gave him a key to their house was jailed for 27 months yesterday. Derek Long, of Corbett Road, Carterton, admitted inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
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Times Tech: One-device-for-all idea is not a smart one
When Microsoft attempted to blur the lines between a desktop computer and a mobile phone the result was Windows 8, an operating system almost universally loathed and critically panned from all angles.Years of familiarity with a start menu and desk analogue
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FOOTBALL: James Roberts returns to Oxford United after Oxford City decide against extending his loan
James Roberts will return to Oxford United following the expiration of his loan at neighbours Oxford City. The 19-year-old striker failed to score during his month-long spell and departs ahead of their Vanarama National League South trip to Gosport
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Firefighters deploy crane and close street...to rescue bird from roof
A TRAPPED bird has sparked an emergency rescue mission in Oxford city centre this evening. Firefighters cordoned off part of Cornmarket Street near Moss Bros and HSBC at the junction with Queen Street at about 5.50pm. A cherry picker was brought
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Flying Scotsman to pass through Oxfordshire
One of the world's most famous locomotives will be steaming through Oxfordshire this summer. The newly-restored Flying Scotsman will be passing through Bicester and Oxford on a Chilterns Lunchtime Tour in the late morning of Wednesday, June 1.
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Review: The secret garden in Worton
Katherine MacAlister goes organic in Worton and discovers a tiny, hidden cafe, serving some amazing food It is the most unlikely of venues, a working farm in the middle of nowhere, bleak on this cold February day, where the elusive Worton Organic
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Jeremy Mogford talks 40 years in Oxford
Jeremy Mogford discusses updating Quod and 18 very successful years in business After leaving University, I spent a year gaining invaluable management experience in London. My early ambition was to have my own restaurant and to this end I borrowed
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Huntsham Court is a manor from heaven
Ella Reeves puts her best foot forward for a night of ballroom dancing in her own private stately home "Today we’re going to learn a cheeky cha-cha” said Strictly Come Dancing’s Robin Windsor, with a wink and grin so familiar to Strictly fans –
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Dancing right back to where it started with choreographer Thomas Noone
Thomas Noone was a late starter by anyone’s standards. That he is now a world class choreographer, having only taken up dancing classes while studying geology at Oxford is therefore a stunning achievement. Back to show us what he’s made of, the
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Review: Doctor Faustus @ Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Fifty years ago this month when Richard Burton famously starred as Doctor Faustus at Oxford Playhouse, critics complained about the three-hour wait for a glimpse of his wife Elizabeth Taylor in the unvoiced role of Helen of Troy.Compare this with the
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Review: Snow Maiden and Giselle @ New Theatre, Oxford
In the samey world of popular classical ballet, where productions of Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and Nutcracker roll round relentlessly, it is good occasionally to welcome something a little different.Well, as a matter of fact, not that different in the
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Review: John Grant @ O2 Academy, Oxford - 'Like an angry hipster whose macchiato has been served too cool'
Gary Lawrence enjoys the music of John Grant, but finds the experience a little too middle class for comfort John Grant O2 Academy Oxford Friday, February 12 I've been to gigs where the crowd resembled violent mobs, blessed out
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Review: King Charles III is a truly majestic royal triumph
Tim Hughes finds himself captivated by Royal Family drama King Charles III at the Oxford Playhouse The Queen is dead. Prince Charles becomes king... but courts a constitutional crisis by sticking to his principles and refusing to play the ceremonial
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Singing the praises of a festival of song in Oxford
Oxford audiences, it seems, can’t get enough of the Oxford Lieder Festival. So if you have been suffering from lieder withdrawal symptoms since the close of last year’s song fest, the forthcoming Spring Weekend of Song should be the perfect panacea
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Country stars join Whispering Bob for roots music fest
WHEN a man like Bob Harris decides to host his own festival, you know you’re in for a good time. And this week’s announcement of the headliners for his inaugural Under The Apple Tree Roots Festival, only confirms that. New Yorker Gretchen Peters
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Highlights: Stiff Little Fingers, Little Brother Eli, Big Narstie and more
Punk rock Stiff Little Fingers O2 Academy Oxford Tonight Ticketweb.com Join Jake Burns and co for a rousing blast through the back catalogue of one of the most incendiary, and relevant, bands in punk history. Still going strong, the
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In the Fat White Family way: Drugs, illness, nudity and pizza.. life in rock's most dangerous band
Tim Hughes talks to Lias Saoudi, frontman of one of rock’s most incendiary and controversial bands, about drugs, illness and causing offence Outrageous, provocative and deliciously chaotic, Fat White Family are the antidote to the legions of bland
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Vivid images of a ‘messy’ world from artist Dan Baldwin at Cassington gallery
Stuart Macbeth steps into the complex world of painter Dan Baldwin Dan Baldwin’s painting Art Therapy is a big blue still life. From a distance it looks like a cheerful billboard poster made in the style of the Fauvist painter Raoul Dufy. Up close
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For Art's Sake with Dancin' Oxford's Claire Thompson
Dancin’ Oxford is the brainchild of Claire Thompson, who is behind its tenth anniversary celebrations starting this week Oxford has been offering dance in many guises for much longer than the Dancin’ Oxford festival has been around. But I wanted
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'I do feel a sense of achievement' says Falklands War survivor Simon Weston OBE
Simon Weston OBE is recovering from his 96th operation when we speak, prompting me to try to reschedule. “No, I’m fine. Just having a day on the sofa, which is why I’m free. Otherwise I’m normally on the road,” he explains. “And I have no ego so knock
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Thursday’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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Police appeal for help with finding missing Oxford woman
POLICE have launched an appeal to find an Oxford woman whose family have not seen her for nine months. Lauren Glasgow was last seen by her family in the city during May 2015. The 24-year-old has links with London, where it is believed she has
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Cyclist taken to hospital after crash near Pear Tree
A CYCLIST has been rushed to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital by paramedics after being involved in a collision with a car. A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service confirmed the crash happened at the Loop Farm roundabout on the A4260 dual
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Grieving father pleads for justice "to ease my pain"
THE GRIEVING father of a child found dead in her mother’s home has pleaded for justice to be done to "help ease his pain". Nabil Dahane's plea comes as police today made a fresh appeal and offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to conviction
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The Guide: What is happening on the entertainment scene
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The council should treat our citizens with respect
OXFORD City Council is threatening ‘further action’ against Ms Spiller, of Temple Road, Cowley, for feeding the pigeons, reports the Oxford Mail (February 22). The council will financially benefit from successfully prosecuting Ms Spiller whose
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Witch hunt on emissions is just to fund capitalism
I CONCUR with Rex Hora (letters, February 18) regarding the premature closure of Didcot A power station being due to dodgy science, ie the CO2 theory of climate change. What Mr Hora didn’t mention was the dark hand of the EU in this – viz, their
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Green party’s views on housing are unfounded
I AM a committed Green party voter as they appear to be the only party (except for the SNP and Plaid Cymru) who say they understand tackling inequality is the primary issue of politics. However, our chronic housing shortage of supply is the biggest
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Turn fats to fuels to help fight the ‘fatberg’ issue
CONCERNING Thames Water’s problem with ‘fatbergs’ in Oxford city centre, it should copy an innovative scheme run by Yorkshire Water to avoid creating them. Yorkshire Water in collaboration with a local community centre introduced a ‘fats to fuel
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Sending fond thoughts for the league’s future
IN REFERENCE to your feature on Abingdon Aunt Sally, I just wanted to say that if I still lived in Abingdon I would still be on the committee. I played with the top players in the 80s and early 90s before I left to live in the USA and I’m sure
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Profile: Roger Griffin has a radical approach to terror
Alison Boulton gains some insight into radicalism from an expert at Oxford Brookes Roger Griffin, Professor in Modern History at Oxford Brookes University, is a mild-mannered man who could charm the birds from the trees. He’s also an expert on
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Scales of Justice: 19 cases heard at Oxford and Banbury Magistrates Court
OXFORD Robbie Howkins, 19, of Bretch Hill, Banbury, admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in Banbury on June 22 last year. Handed a six-month conditional discharge
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City’s housing pressure is completely self-imposed
THE housing ‘pressure’ that Oxford City Council leader Bob Price refers to is entirely self-imposed and unnecessary. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment, is based entirely on unrealistic projections of growth which are based purely on unspecified
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Football matches for girls have gone on for years
CONGRATULATIONS should go to Oxfordshire FA for organising a girls’ football tournament, Oxford Mail February 22, but I would question the headline “Historic” and the assertion it would be “the first girls-only schools tournament held in the county
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Large groups make poor decisions – so vote out
IT IS always nice to be part of a large convivial group and I can see where the attraction lies in the EU club. However it has also been proven by psychologists that large groups often make very bad decisions. This phenomenon can be labelled
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'Formulaic rock by numbers make Sundara Karma a one trick pony'
Richard Brabin examines Sundara Karma and determines they must try harder... Sundara Karma February 24 The Bullingdon, Oxford There’s a real sense of prophetic momentum behind these four lads from Reading. Sundara
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'Superficial and contrived' - PINS fail to impress
Richard Brabin is less than impressed by a 'sluggish and anodyne' appearance by all-girl Manc band PINS Pins The Bullingdon, Oxford February 11 2016 It seems virtually impossible that this all girl, rock and roll
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Discount retailer will create 50 new jobs with new Bicester store
FIFTY jobs will be created when discount retailer B&M Bargains opens a store in Bicester next week. Residents also have a chance to nominate a local hero, who will receive £250 worth of vouchers to spend in store. They will also be given
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Car transporter and lorry in Oxford eastern bypass crash
A CAR transporter and a lorry have been involved in a crash on Oxford's eastern bypass, causing major delays to traffic. The collision happened on the southbound carriageway at the Cowley Junction for Garsington Road. A slip road is now completely
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Quad Talk: Make the most of your time to be haphazard
Edward Clarke fears his English literature students are too clinical About 10 years ago, at the end of a paper I had delivered at an academic conference in Grasmere, someone asked me very publicly: “so, what do you understand by literate despair
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Blessed are the cheesemakers: Cheese meets science at tasting event
Seeing is ‘brie-lieving’ for Marc West, as he gets a ‘Caerphilly’ planned insight into the science of cheese Blur bassist Alex James once confided in me that he believes “cheese is the tastiest substance in the universe” – and the man really does
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Review: The Folly Bridge, Oxford
The world seems a better place as Katherine MacAlister runs from the elements and into the warmth of a delicious fine dining eatery I’ve never had a particularly successful evening at the Folly Bridge, regardless of its various incarnations, chefs
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The frantic Russell Kane is the man for all ages
Katherine MacAlister talks to comedian Russell Kane about how his outlook on life led to his new show I’d heard that Russell Kane was difficult, a young pretender, more Russell Brand than Russell Howard, and therefore a nightmare to interview.
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Chef's Special by Roger Williams, chef at The Maytime Inn, near Burford
I wanted to be a cook from a young age when I used to cook cakes with my mum at home. But being a chef is more than just cooking. I went to Coleg Powys Newtown and studied catering and hospitality NVQ Level 3 but I think Bowood Hotel and Golf was
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It's a landmark year for the annual Dancin’ Oxford festival
Dancin’ Oxford is celebrating its 10th anniversary. David Bellan finds out what’s in store for our very own dance festival Over the past 10 years, Dancin' Oxford has seen 250 workshops and 300 performances by dance companies from across the globe
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Man Made’s Nile Marr joins the family business
Having The Smiths’ guitarist as your father can be a blessing and curse as Tim Hughes finds out It can be a mixed blessing having a famous parent, while it can give you a massive leg-up and head start, it can also impose ridiculous expectations
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Politics: Why staying in the EU will help to benefit Oxfordshire
John Tanner Oxford city councillor for Littlemore Britain belongs in Europe and always will. The European Union has brought nothing but good to Oxfordshire and it is where our future lies. The only sensible vote on June 23 is to
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First Person: Dealing with fame in 21st century
One of her students has been signed up for a top TV series, but young performers’ dreams do not always come true, says Flintlock Theatre School joint artistic director Anna Glynn Providing performing arts training to young people in Oxford is both
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Luxury leather firm sees bags of potential amongst women
Olympic athletes and TV presenters are fans of an Oxfordshire firm’s luxury leather goods. Gold-medallists Denise Lewis, Michael Johnson and Sir Ben Ainslie plus Formula One presenter Suzy Perry have all praised the Witney-based company. Founders
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Teen Taste @ Banana Tree, George Street, Oxford
Where did you go? Banana Tree, a new restaurant on George Street What was it like? It serves Indo-Chinese food What did you have? First the Saigo punch mocktail which was so good. Then the chicken dumplings with soy sauce, and the
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Kilimanjaro Feast: Chef is rising up to charitable heights
If someone asked you to cook a meal for 120 people at no cost whatsoever, you would probably think ‘why and how the hell would I do that?’ If someone asked you to spend six days climbing to the top of the tallest free standing mountain in the world
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Thieves beat man with metal rod in violent attack
THIEVES beat a man unconscious with a metal rod before making off with his mobile phone. Thames Valley Police said the violent attack on the 25-year-old took place at 9pm on Friday, February 19, in Northfield Road, Oxford. He suffered from
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Callum O'Dowda thinks Oxford United victory will send out strong message to promotion rivals
CALLUM O’Dowda believes the manner of Oxford United’s victory at Exeter City will have struck a big blow to their promotion rivals. Doubts had arisen over whether Michael Appleton’s men could sustain their challenge following home defeats to Northampton
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Obituary: ‘Remarkable’ maths professor Sir Christopher Zeeman remembered
LEADING mathematics professor, Sir Christopher Zeeman, has died, at the age of 91. Described as a brilliant, remarkable and charismatic lecturer, Sir Christopher, from Woodstock, was the 63rd president of the London Mathematical Society from 1986
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RUGBY: Banbury Bulls stretch the gap with five-try show
BANBURY RFC ran in five tries to convincingly beat title rivals Earlsdon and open up a nine-point lead at the top of the table. Bulls secured a 33-0 victory over the Coventry-based side to put themselves in pole position for promotion from Midlands
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FOOTBALL: Banbury United make it six on the bounce
BANBURY United made it six wins in a row as they beat Bishops Cleeve 2-0 in Division 1 South & West. Mike Ford’s men stayed fourth and comfortably inside the Evo-Stik Southern League play-off positions as a result. Felipe Barcelos went
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Obituary: Bobby Craig was a former Headington half-back and chairman of city golf club
FORMER Oxford United half back and president of Oxford City Golf Club Bobby Craig has died, age 87.A well-loved character from the days where the club was known as Headington United, Mr Craig played for the club during the 1950s, scoring 10 goals during
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UPDATE: David Cameron backs biggest shake-up of councils in Oxfordshire since 1974
PRIME MINISTER David Cameron and Oxfordshire's other MPs have backed a bid to abolish Oxfordshire County Council and carry out the biggest shake-up of local government since 1974. The county's four district councils and Oxford City Council have
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Oxford United fan accused of breaking rival fan's jaw was defending himself, court hears
AN OXFORD United fan who broke the jaw of a rival supporter at a bowling alley told jurors he was defending himself. Clifford Whistler told Oxford Crown Court yesterday he only punched Dagenham and Redbridge fan Jack Conner once in self-defence
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BOXING: Didcot fighter Dariusz Skop out to make his mark at Bethnal Green
Didcot cruiserweight Dariusz Skop is making changes as he looks to take his career “to the next level”. Skop has the first fight of what he hopes will be a breakthrough year at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, this Saturday, when he fights
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ICE HOCKEY: Oxford City Stars run riot with 15 goals against Bracknell Hornets
Oxford City Stars were in devastating form as they hammered Bracknell Hornets 15-5 at Oxpens on Sunday. It is the highest scoreline in English National League South Division 1 this season, beating Stars’ own record of 13 goals against Milton Keynes
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CRICKET: Ian Caunce called up to England Over 60s Ashes squad
IAN Caunce has spoken of his delight at being selected for England Over 60s’ Ashes tour to Australia later this year. The aggressive Oxford Downs batsman has been picked for the month-long trip after a successful year for both country and county
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Father in plea for help to find killer of 20-month-old daughter
THE father of a child found dead in her mother’s home will today make an impassioned plea for information as a reward is offered in the murder investigation. Nabil Dahane will address the media in the desperate hope somebody might help police in
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OX5 Run: Mum of Harry Martin signs up for race to thank children's hospital for life-saving diagnosis
LESS than a year ago, young Harry Martin spent an agonising week in hospital as doctors tried to diagnose a rare disease. Now his relieved mum Jo, describes him as a “normal, cheeky, mischievous” boy. And she has set out to thank staff at Oxford
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ROWING: Oxford Brookes lower Dark Blues colours in build-up to Boat Race
In the worst possible conditions, Oxford University lost to Oxford Brookes on the London Tideway as they build to next month’s Boat Race, writes John Wiggins. The two universities had not met for a fixture since 1994. Brookes meanwhile have
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Parky at the Pictures (In Cinemas 25/2/2016)
The American rite-of-passage picture hasn't changed much since Rob Reiner sent four friends into the Oregon woods in his 1986 adaptation of Stephen King's Stand By Me. Not every chronicler of troubled youth has since felt the need to resort to such
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Parky at the Pictures (DVD 25/2/2016)
ACTION. Takeshi Kitano's Hana-bi (the maverick Japanese director created his masterpiece with this 1997 tale of a cop forced to turn to crime to care for his dying wife and disabled partner); Shinya Tsukamoto's Tokyo Fist (the cult director stars
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RUGBY UNION: Coach Kerr calls on leaders Bulls to keep hammer down
RUNAWAY leaders Banbury must not take their foot off the gas, according to head coach James Kerr, if they are to be crowned champions. Bulls stretched their advantage at the top of Midlands 2 West (South) to nine points with a 33-0 victory over
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ATHLETICS: Super Cornish in fine form
JAY Cornish broke the 70-minute barrier for the first time in windy conditions when coming a superb eighth in the Wokingham Half Marathon. The White Horse Harrier, competing for his first-claim club Hercules Wimbledon, recorded a time of 1hr 9mins
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RUGBY LEAGUE: Six of best as Oxford claim win
OXFORD RL ran in six tries to make a strong return to competitive action in beating Hemel Stags 34-12. With Hemel’s pitch unplayable, the Ipro Sport Cup first round tie was moved to Maidenhead RUFC and the Blues started brightly. Andrew Hoggins
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AUNT SALLY: Deddington land KO Cup
DARREN Cave hit a six in the first leg to help Deddington beat General Foods 2-0 in the final of the Banbury Indoor League’s KO Cup. STAGGERS drew 3-3 against Queens Head to clinch the Eynsham Sports & Social Club Winter League title. YARNTON
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BAR BILLIARDS: John Patey scores biggest away break in Oxford League
John Patey produced the highest away break of the season – 8,490 – to help Democrats draw 3-3 with Masons Arms B in Section 1 of the Johnsons Buildbase Oxford & District League. Masons Arms A won 4-2 at Gladiators Club A to stay joint second
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Social services apologise for serious failings in Jayden Parkinson murder case
SOCIAL services bosses have apologised after a major report on events leading to the murder of Didcot teenager Jayden Parkinson uncovered serious failings by staff. A serious case review published yesterday found social workers at Oxfordshire County
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Jayden Parkinson's killer tells serious case review only he could have prevented murder
JAYDEN Parkinson’s killer told a serious case review he was the only person who could have prevented her murder and no-one could have stopped his violent and possessive behaviour. The report found numerous failings on the part of organisations
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'Shattered' Roofe needs a break, says United boss
A “SHATTERED” Kemar Roofe is in need of a few days’ rest to ensure he is fit for Oxford United’s run-in, according to head coach Michael Appleton. The 20-goal forward has been carrying a groin problem, which he admitted this week was hampering