Archive
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Tyres company director complains that caravans are a "menace" to industrial estate
THE commercial director of a tyres company in Didcot has complained to police about caravans and camper vans "restricting access" on an industrial estate.Nigel Blackwell, of RL Automotive, claims employees of local companies are parking on the
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Damaged gas main causes leak at Bicester Village
Engineers are working to repair a damaged gas main which caused a leak at Bicester Villlage today. Teams from SGN- formerly known as Southern Gas Networks- at at the scene of the leak and are trying to fit a bypass around the damaged section of
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Another first for astronaut Major Tim as he speaks to MPs from space
OXFORD West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood is used to grilling witnesses for inquiries – but she made a “historic first” when she questioned Major Tim Peake in space. British astronaut Major Peake gave evidence to the Science and Technology Parliamentary
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Boss at demolition firm speaks out after collapse at power station
THE boss of the demolition firm charged with taking down Didcot A Power Station has defended his staff and the company’s suitability to complete the task. Mick Collings died and three other men are still missing following the collapse of the boiler
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First homes for Barton Park estate approved by Oxford City Council
The first homes to built as part of the Barton Park development will start to take shape from June. Oxford City Councillors granted planning permission for 237 homes which will be built as part of a wider 885-home development this evening.
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Memories of Banbury's past uncovered at church demolition
MEMENTOS of Banbury's history have been unearthed underneath a demolished church.When Fairway Methodist Church was knocked down in January to make way for a new housing project, builders discovered a time capsule buried in the ground nearly 60 years ago.Among
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Hostel under threat by station overhaul say they still have not found alternative site
A HOSTEL set to be bulldozed if the multi-million-pound revamp of Oxford Rail Station goes ahead says it is still no closer to finding an alternative site. The YHA said it had not been consulted on the latest plans for the scheme, despite the Oxford
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UPDATE- A34 cleared after earlier oil spill caused crash
The A34 has been cleared after an oil spill earlier this afternoon caused a crash. The spill happened on the roundabout where the A34 and M40 meet at Junction 9. The oil has now been cleared off the road. The vehicles involved in the crash
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Feature: Tory in The Jungle says refugees really need our help
I entered the Jungle camp in Calais knowing very little about the place. I leave with my eyes wide open. Whatever people think of this place and the reasons behind it being there, these are human beings living here. I saw conditions that I
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Feature: Upcycle charity seek volunteers to join their restoration green team
HANDYMEN and fix-it females are being called upon to help an upcycle charity continue its restoration work across the county. Bicester Green works to keep rubbish from ending up in landfill and opened about three years ago. Workers say it is
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RACING: Victoria Pendleton storms to her first victory as jockey
Victoria Pendleton recorded her first winner as a jockey aboard Pacha Du Polder in the Betfair Switching Saddles Hunters’ Chase at Wincanton today. The dual Olympic cycling champion, who lives in Moreton, near Thame, was unshipped from Paul Nicholls
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Five fire crews sent to St Cross College due to faulty light
Five fire engines were sent to St Cross College in St Giles today after a faulty light set off the fire alarm. Fire crews arrived at the scene at about 4pm and were there for half an hour before leaving.
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Afternoon Tea: Tea time makes a difference for mum at Sudbury House
THE tradition of taking afternoon tea compromising of a pot of tea and a light snack dates back to the mid 1840’s. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, and a close friend of the young Queen Victoria, complained of a ‘sinking feeling’ in the middle
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Fire crews save industrial unit from blaze in Upper Heyford
Firefighters praised quick-thinking staff after they managed to save an industrial unit from a blaze in Heyford Park, Upper Heyford. Fire crews were called to the scene in Camp Road shortly after 2.15pm today and found a large converted aircraft
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UPDATE: Man killed in collision with lorry on A34 named as James Geddes
AN inquest into the death of a 40-year-old man killed in a collision with a lorry on the A34 has been opened. Oxfordshire Coroner's Court heard today how James Geddes of Temple Street, Cowley, died when he ran out in front of a oncoming HGV - according
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Lifelong dream of becoming a wildlife photographer is finally a reality thanks to twitter
LIKE many of us, Jo Cartmell spent years working at a desk while dreaming of following her true passion. Now she has fulfilled her lifelong ambition of becoming a wildlife photographer thanks to Twitter. Growing up in Grove, near Wantage, Jo
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Oxford's Audiograft Festival is an eclectic feast of sound and visual art
Stuart Macbeth listens in to a festival that celebrates music with a visual presence Sound art is an area which crosses between contemporary music and the visual arts. It includes composition and making sound works which have a physical, visual
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Workers in Oxford 'will not be able to retire until 78'
Workers in Oxford face the prospect of staying in employment until 78, according to a new report. The investigation by pension company Royal London found an average earner who starts saving at 22 and makes the minimum statutory contributions would
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Two taken to hospital after head-on crash in Abingdon
A HEAD-on crash has inflicted injuries on two people in Abingdon, who have been taken to hospital. Copenhagen Drive, near Shippon, is closed both ways following the crash at the roundabout with Colwell Drive and Wyndyke Furlong. David Gallagher
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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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VIDEO: Oxford Mail reporter finds out first hand what being a Big Issue seller is really like
Big Issue founder John Bird said last week his charity was the first in London to give vulnerable people “the opportunity of making money”. Reporter Kieran Davey took to the streets of Oxford to find out what it takes to sell the magazine I’m not
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Wall collapse causes disruption in Oxford
A wall has collapsed in Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys. Oxford Bus Company said the collapse has caused disruption and meant its city5 service cannot serve the road. It has been diverted along Pegasus Road to Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre.
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UPDATE: Power returned to 500 homes in Bicester after tree falls onto cable
About 500 homes in the Bicester area were without electricity this afternoon after a tree fell and damaged an overhead power line. More than 40 postcodes in the OX7 area were without power for about an hour while Scottish Southern Electric sent
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DIDCOT DISASTER: Demolition firm boss Mark Coleman defends company following Didcot power station tragedy
The boss of demolition firm Coleman & Company which was in charge of taking down Didcot Power Station has defended the company's suitability to carry out the demolition. Mick Collings died and three other men are still missing following the
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Chipping Norton mayor urges residents to vote yes for town's Neighbourhood Plan
THE chairman of Chipping Norton Town Council is urging everyone in the town to have their say on whether the council can have a hand in controlling future developments in the area. A referendum on whether or not to adopt the Chipping Norton Neighbourhood
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County set for cold blast as ice and snow warning issued
A weather warning has been issued with a blast of cold weather set to hit Oxfordshire on Friday. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning- the lowest level- for snow and ice. The warning will be in effect from 3pm Friday until 9am on Saturday
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Lord-Lieutenant selects trio of deputies to represent our Queen in the county
MEET the men taking up the mantle of deputy lieutenants for Oxfordshire. Sir Tony Baldry, Colonel (retired) Neil Sutherland OBE and Richard Venables have all been chosen by Tim Stevenson, the Lord-Lieutenant, to help him represent the Queen in
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Brain injury charity opposes call for schools to ban full-contact rugby
A BRAIN injury charity has defended children's right to play full-contact rugby, following national calls for schools to ban tackling in the sport. Medical experts have released an open letter to MPs, urging schools to make rugby more of a non-contact
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Plans put forward for merger of Conservative associations across Oxfordshire
CONSERVATIVE associations in Oxfordshire could be merged into one "super association" under plans put forward yesterday. The changes would see permanent staff brought in, with shared offices covering multiple constituencies and the role of voluntary
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Owner vows to turn city centre café around after one-star hygiene rating
THE owner of a Oxford city centre cafe has vowed to turn around the business after it was given food hygiene rating of one.Oxford City Council said their were "several high risk dishes" and "no procedures in place to reduce the risk of
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VIDEO: Highlights and reaction from Oxford United's win against York City
WATCH the main moments as Oxford United claimed their biggest home win since October 2012 by hammering relegation-threatened York City. Head coach Michael Appleton and striker Jordan Bowery give their reaction to the victory.
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Delay fear if traffic lights replace roundabout
LAST week I went to the public exhibition held by Oxfordshire County Council over the Headington Access Transport plan. I noted with pleasure that the plan for a bus lane in Cherwell Drive has been withdrawn but that they intend to take away the
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Congratulations to city council Labour Group
I WRITE to congratulate Oxford City Council Labour Group on a positive, ‘good news’ story, buried in their recently approved budget for 2016-17. Despite punishing rules towards housing costs imposed by central Government, the Labour Group has agreed
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Beware, PSPO changes our status in the courts
THE NEW Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has become the city council’s solution to the problems of city living. This year, Oxford City Centre became a PSPO Zone, and additionally, the Oxford Mail reports (March 1) plans for the River Thames
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Thanks to those making our city so spick and span
COULD I thank the hundreds of volunteers who will be out in Oxford at the weekend picking up litter that others have carelessly dropped? The OxClean campaign run by Oxford Civic Society is remarkable and seems to get bigger every year. I shall
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Slow kettle plan makes blood boil thanks to EU
WHICH would you prefer? A fast electric kettle or one that takes ages to boil while you twiddle your thumbs? And do you prefer a Hoover that has weak suction or a vacuum that has more powerful suction to keep your carpets clean? Well the EU
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Breaking mould of two tier local government
WE HAVE been very heartened by the many expressions of support that we have received for the District Unitary proposals for devolution that we launched last week. There is widespread agreement that our proposals combine the best of localism, with
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How can a £600,000 house be affordable?
THERE is frequent comment in your columns about the lack of and what defines affordable housing in Oxfordshire. To answer the latter I have recently seen two communications. One is from John Tutte, group chief executive of Redrow, the other
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These cuts will prove very costly for the taxpayer
TWO HUNDRED jobs to go in regard to Oxfordshire’s children’s centres. That is a fraction of the jobs to be lost in the near future thanks to the government cuts. These cuts are supposed to save the taxpayer’s money, yet with the resulting job losses
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OUP changes geography textbook after Ukrainian complaint
OXFORD University Press (OUP) has changed its geography textbook for teenagers after it sparked a row with the Ukrainian Government. The latest edition of Geog.3 – aimed at pupils aged 11 to 14 – now says Crimea is part of Ukraine but is controlled
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Dazzling Diamonds: Research brings us closer to finding cure for cancer
EVERY two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Virtually all of us are somehow affected over the course of our lives by this terrible disease, but there is hope.Thanks to the tireless work of scientists around the world, UK cancer survival
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East Oxford homeless centre calling on volunteers to join the team
AN EAST Oxford homeless centre supporting the city’s rough sleepers is calling on the community to join their battle to tackle the crisis.The Porch Steppin’ Stone Centre urgently needs at least 30 volunteers to devote their time to the charity and help
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Healthwatch: We’ve got to speak up to get changes made in way our health service is run
Healthwatch Oxfordshire is the only independent watchdog for health and care services in the county and has a statutory duty to hold those who run the services to account. It does so by carrying out reviews of services and publishing results and recommendations
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Update: Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash on Cumnor Hill, Oxford
A motorcyclist was involved in an accident this morning on Cumnor Hill in Oxford. Drivers reported seeing the motorcyclist lying at the side of the road near his motorbike, shortly before 9am. Traffic was able to pass the incident after the
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Oxford United on the march after third straight win as rivals slip up
OXFORD United enjoyed one of their best nights of the season after hammering relegation-threatened York City and then seeing a host of their promotion rivals had slipped up. The 4-0 win at the Kassam Stadium saw them climb to second in Sky Bet
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Oxford United 4 (Bowery 15, Dunkley 72, Hylton 78, Roofe 84), York City 0
OXFORD United ended their wait for a home win by finishing strongly to sweep struggling York City aside for their biggest Kassam Stadium victory in more than three years. Jordan Bowery continued his fine form by opening the scoring early on, but
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Comment: FOI report came as a welcome surprise
YESTERDAY'S report by the Independent Commission on Freedom of Information came as a surprise – but a welcome one. Ever since it was announced this committee of Lords, a Dame and a former Home Secretary would be looking at the FoI Act, campaigners
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Comment: Backing schools to provide great education for children is vital
ALL of our children deserve the best start in life and a good education is absolutely critical to ensuring that is the case. There can be no excuses for schools which fail our youngsters, whether through poor teaching, low standards of behaviour
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One man dies in car crash in Didcot
A 30-year-old man from Didcot died in an accident in the town yesterday, Thames Valley Police have confirmed. A spokesman for the force said the collision happened yesterday at about 2.10pm in Jubilee Way, near to the junction with Hagbourne Road
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Larry Sanders, brother of American presidential election candidate Bernie, casts his vote
Former Green Party politician Larry Sanders has cast his vote for his brother Bernie Sanders, the US presidential hopeful taking on Hillary Clinton. Mr Sanders, from East Oxford is a former social worker, legal adviser and activist who only recently
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ROWING: Three former Abingdon School pupils to do battle in Boat Race
Three former Abingdon School pupils will battle it out in this year’s Cancer Research UK Boat Race. Following the announcement of the crews yesterday morning, James Cook was named in the Oxford boat, with fellow old Abingdonians Felix Newman and
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Woman denies she lied about sexual assault to hide flirting from fiancé
A WOMAN has denied lying about being sexually assaulted to hide her flirting with another man from her fiancé.David Clays and the alleged victim had been sending each other regular texts and Snapchat messages when they went out drinking in September 2014
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SCORES ON THE DOORS: The latest hygiene ratings for food outlets around Oxfordshire
FIVE STARS The Muddy Duck, Main Street, Hethe, Bicester Food Hygiene and Safety: Good. High standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice; conforms to accepted good practices in the trade.
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Update: M40 southbound cleared following four-vehicle crash
Drivers have been facing delays on the M40 this morning following a four-vehicle crash. One lane blocked and slow traffic following the acciden on the southbound carriageway near junction 10 for Brackley and Cherwell Valley services. One vehicle
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Winning designs announced for multi-million pound Oxford Rail Station revamp
THE top three designs of the multi-million pound overhaul planned for Oxford Rail Station have been announced. The striking designs give an insight into what the city centre rail station could look like in the future and will be used as inspiration
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GALLERY: Search teams at Didcot Power Station described as the "best in the world" as new images show scale of operation
FIRE chiefs called the search teams at Didcot Power Station as the "best in the world" as new pictures showed the scale of the rescue operation. The images released by crews at the scene show the huge mass of twisted metal being scoured by the
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Controversial mini estate will be "less isolated" after changes by developers
A CONTROVERSIAL 140-home development in Littlemore looks set to go ahead after developers made changes designed to make it less isolated from the rest of the area.Littlemore Parish Council and some residents had expressed concerns the proposed homes near
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FOOTBALL: Sean Hurcombe's double helps holders OUP into Charity Cup final
Leading scorer Sean Hurcombe netted a brace as holders Oxford University Press beat West Witney 4-0 in the semi-finals of the Oxfordshire Charity Cup. OUP got off to flyer against the Witney & District Premier League leaders when Hurcombe was
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Judge extends jail term for bail- jumping rapist Joseph Tsang
A RAPIST has had his prison sentence extended for a "determined and outrageous" attempt to escape justice by fleeing the country before his trial.Joseph Tsang was due to stand trial at Oxford Crown Court in August last year accused of raping
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Collectors hope to bag a bargain at village antiques fair
COINS, postcards and David Bowie records were among items up for sale in Kidlington.The village's monthly antiques fair saw collectors and bargain hunters turn out looking for hidden treasures.Vintage postcard collector David Brown was tempted by a 18th
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Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes wants the hit drama to be turned into a movie
Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has said he would love to see the hit drama turned into a movie. The final series of Downton ended with a special episode on Christmas Day which topped the TV ratings with 6.6 million viewers. The series
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FOOTBALL: Crucial wins for Banbury and Wantage
BANBURY United made it nine straight wins with a battling 2-1 success over Bridgwater Town last night. Mike Ford’s side stay top of Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West after a goal in each half. Felipe Barcelos (21) opened
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FOOTBALL: Clarke hits four-timer in victory
JOSH Clarke fired in four goals as St Edmunds Royals beat Caversham Trents 6-1 in the Oxford Mail Youth League Under 14 C League. James Donovan and Oscar Thomas completed the scoring for the hosts. Jayden Coaker netted for Caversham. Lexxus
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FOOTBALL: Super Moore grabs a hat-trick as Ardley book semi-final spot
A HAT-TRICK from Jason Moore and a brace for Fin Crawford gave Ardley United a 5-1 victory at Crowmarsh Youth as they progressed to the Oxford Mail Youth League Under 12 KO Cup semi-finals, writes PAUL LYON. Fernando Rodriguez grabbed a consolation
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New developments in Oxfordshire to lead the UK in ‘healthy towns’ revolution
PLAYGROUNDS along pavements and fast-food-free zones are some of the more extreme ideas being looked at to make two Oxfordshire developments "healthy towns".NHS England announced yesterday Barton Park – Oxford's largest housing development for
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FOOTBALL: Jack Morton's double helps Carterton Town A to second
Carterton Town A moved up to second in the Witney & District FA Premier Division table on goal difference with a 3-0 win at home to Combe, writes Anthony Barlow. Jack Morton struck twice for the title hopefuls, alongside a Jack Lonsdale effort
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FOOTBALL: Vale of White Horse Schools reach Hobbs Cup final
Vale of White Horse Schools under 15s downed holders Slough 1-0 at Milton United to book their place in the final of the Hobbs Cup. The decisive moment came in just the second minute of the semi-final clash. An inswinging corner from Jack Stevens
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VIDEO: Airmen celebrate 100 years of Number 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton
AIRMEN celebrated 100 years of serving in the Number 47 Squadron yesterday as they performed a special anniversary parade for a Royal visitor. The Squadron at RAF Brize Norton celebrated its centenary, and paraded with The RAF's Central Band in
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GIRLS' FOOTBALL: Sharp shooter Ellie hits four in Harwell & Hendred’s win
ELLIE White bagged all four goals as Harwell & Hendred won 4-0 at home to Benson United in Group B of the Oxford Mail Girls League’s Under 12 League Cup. The pick of the bunch was a superbly struck free-kick from outside the area, with White
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FOOTBALL: Saxton Rovers hit cup holders Berinsfield for six
Saxton Rovers avenged their defeat to Berinsfield in last season’s North Berks Cup final with a heavy 6-0 quarter-final victory, writes Phil Annets. Goals from Tom Stanley, Wayne Waldron, Kyle Allsworth, Frankie Haines and two late efforts by substitute
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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL: Superb City too strong for Swindon
OXFORD City Ladies came from behind to win 2-1 at Swindon Town in Thames Valley Counties League Under 18 Division 1. City dominated the opening exchanges, but found themselves a goal down at half-time thanks to Kathryn Bach’s breakaway goal.
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Parents backlash against "nonsensical" Ofsted report about "inadequate" primary school
PARENTS have rallied round to defend their school after staff were told to make urgent improvements by Ofsted. West Kidlington Primary School was rated “inadequate” during its last inspection in December – a verdict one parent has called “nonsensical
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Hospital trust bosses promise to recover £3m overspend by the end of financial year
HOSPITAL bosses have vowed they will balance the books – by clawing back a deficit of more than £3m.Latest figures show Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was expecting to have overspent by £3.1m from April to November last year.But a report
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ReFashion event has a stylish way to recycle your clothes
FASHIONISTAS flaunting outfits crafted out of recycled materials will strut their stuff on the catwalk this month.Oxford City Council has said it hopes its fifth ReFashion event on Thursday, March 10 will be the biggest one yet.The award-winning free
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Councillor warns shortage of planning staff could result in another "Castle Mill fiasco"
A DESPERATE shortage of experienced planning staff could lead to another "Castle Mill fiasco" in the city, it has been warned.Figures revealed Oxford City Council had to pay more than £380,000 to temporary staff in its planning department after
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Man jailed over drunken knife and bomb threat to police
A FATHER who watched his friend die from a heart attack went on a drink-fuelled binge that ended with him telling armed officers he had a knife and bomb.James Brown had been staying at a house in Bicester with Adrian Hyslop when his friend died there