Archive
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Starbucks bans personal cups to stop spread of coronavirus
Starbucks branches in the UK will be "pausing the use of personal cups" as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, the company has announced. It comes as the first person with coronavirus in the UK died today in Berkshire. The coffee
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Controversial housing plan 'reluctantly' passed by council
A HOUSING plan long-delayed by concerns of over development and building in the Oxford green belt will go ahead. South Oxfordshire District Council accepted its local plan at a meeting tonight. At the meeting, South Oxfordshire District councillors
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WhatsApp dark mode: How to enable new feature on your phone
Social messaging platform WhatsApp has added a dark mode feature - following the likes of Twitter and Instagram. We've put together everything you need to know about Whatsapp’s dark mode - and why it’s proving to be controversial. What is dark
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Did you know 144 people died from a cold-like virus today?
IN 2017/18, 26,408 people died of flu in England alone. Six of those were up to four years old, two were aged five to 14 and 1,462 were aged from 15 to 64. The other 22,237 people who died from flu were 65 or older. In the same period, the
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Dancers prove they have the moves by winning contest
Teenage dancers from across Oxfordshire skipped and twirled their way to victory in a prestigious competition. Members of Wallingford-based Dance Connection were crowned this year’s regional winners at the Can You Dance contest in London. Hundreds
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Petrol and diesel prices drop sharply - prompting calls by experts for more cuts
Petrol and diesel prices have fallen by some of the largest amounts in nearly 20 years. Last month as the price of oil slumped in February, with forecourt costs down 3p per litre for unleaded and 4ppl for diesel. However, industry observers
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Co-op urgently recall sandwiches over fears they contain metal
Chicken sandwiches from a leading convenience store chain are being urgently recalled. Co-op has recalled its Chicken and Stuffing sandwiches over fears that they might contain metal. All sandwiches are affected, regardless of the date on the
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CBeebies star Dr Ranj advises on what to say to your kids if they’re worried about Coronavirus
Cbeebies presenter Dr Ranj has made a video to explain to children the risks around coronavirus. The Strictly Come Dancing star, who presented Get Well Soon on the BBC children's channel from 2012 to 2015, made the film after hearing from parents
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First UK death of patient with coronavirus confirmed in Berks
A patient has died after contracting coronavirus in neighbouring Berkshire. NHS Royal Berkshire has confirmed that a person with 'underlying health conditions' has died today after contracting the virus. The hospital trust said the 'older
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Revealed: The UK’s car crime hotspots - and how to keep your vehicle safe
New data has revealed the biggest car crime hotspots across the country. It comes following a Freedom of Information from Choose My Car, which has named the UK towns and cities with the most car crimes. What is a car crime? The car crimes
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Amazon bans more than a million products which claim to cure coronavirus
AS CASES of Coronavirus surge to more than 50 in the UK, online retail giant Amazon has come under fire for selling products claiming to be 'cures' for the disease. From eBooks to vitamin C supplements, searching 'coronavirus' on their website can
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Leading stroke and dementia centre opens in Oxford
OXFORD is now the home of a state-of-the-art stroke and dementia centre. The Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (CPSD) was officially opened today at the John Radcliffe hospital. Charles Warlow, the neurologist who first
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Shelves empty as coronavirus panic-buying sweeps Oxfordshire
Supermarket shelves across Oxfordshire have been raided as people panic buy items due to coronavirus. As the first Oxfordshire cases were confirmed today, readers sent us photos like these of empty shelves in stores across the county. These
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First coronavirus cases confirmed in county
10:59pm MP Layla Moran has urged residents to 'remain calm.' She has appeared on a Question Time coronavirus special
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Two coronavirus cases confirmed in Oxfordshire
TWO coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Oxfordshire. Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are now working with Oxfordshire County Council and NHS colleagues to advise the patients and continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. The
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Coronavirus latest: Number of reported cases across UK rises to 115
The number of reported cases of coronavirus across the UK has risen from 85 to 115, the Department for Health has confirmed. A statement published at 4pm on Thursday read: "As of 9am on March 5, 2020, a total of 18,083 people have been tested."
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'Exquisite fine dining' by the Thames at this exclusive club
With stunning views of the Thames, Phyllis Court is a ‘home away from home’ for its members. But now the venue is is offering members and guests the chance to experience a completely new luxurious fine dining concept. Due to popular demand, the
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Harry meets Henry as school marks World Book Day
HENRY VIII met Harry Potter at an Oxford school as it celebrated the magic of World Book Day. Costumed characters from both history books and fiction have been roaming around Oxfordshire today, with many schools and workplaces taking part in the
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GP surgery closes for cleaning after 'incident'
A GP SURGERY was closed for cleaning this morning following a 'medical incident'. Woodstock Surgery was temporarily shut as a 'precautionary measure', but authorities will not confirm if this was due to coronavirus. ALSO READ: Lorry crashes
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Oxfordshire Mind backs Jericho Comedy for a Chortle award
MENTAL health charity Oxfordshire Mind is urging people to vote for an Oxford comedy group. Comedy Jericho has raised £70,000 for the charity in the past five years. READ AGAIN: Lorry crashes into hedge at roadside Now Mind is urging people
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Prince Charles at Jesus College in Oxford
SCHOOL children cheered as Prince Charles arrived at Jesus College in Oxford this afternoon. Pupils from three Welsh schools gave the Prince daffodils as he entered the college grounds. He met College Fellows, students and alumni.
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Fashion store Anthropologie is open in Oxford
STAFF at a new women’s fashion and homeware store in Oxford say they have had a ‘fantastic response’ from customers. The store has opened in the High Street near Carfax on the site of the former Jack Wills branch. Anthropologie is part of the
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Police officers find cannabis factory after 'disturbance' call out
POLICE have uncovered a cannabis factory at an ordinary house in Banbury. Officers raced to Cromwell Road in the early hours of yesterday morning, at about 3.45am, after reports of a disturbance. Cromwell Road. Google Maps. But
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Oxford school closed as choir member self-isolates
A PRIVATE school in Oxford is closed today after a singer in its choir returned from coronavirus-hit countries. New College School, a prep and pre-prep school for boys, has been shut since yesterday evening but is due to reopen tomorrow following
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Large police presence in Banbury
THERE have been reports of a large police presence in Banbury overnight. One nearby resident said there were vans of police officers and forensic tents at Cromwell Road. It has now been revealed that police officers stumbled upon a cannabis
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We Will Rock You: Queen musical is ‘a kind of magic’
Queen fans and lovers of musical theatre will be in their element with the arrival of the musical dedicated to the band’s music – We Will Rock You. Since 2002, over 15 million theatregoers in 17 countries have been thrilled by this epic show, jointly
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REVIEW: Film star Kiefer Sutherland brings cowboy country with tons of charisma
There will be plenty of naysayers who wouldn’t consider a show by actor Kiefer Sutherland a worthy excursion on a Monday night, certainly not for over £30 a ticket. This at least in part explained the crowd at his show at Oxford’s O2 Academy this
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Malachi Napa return scheduled for Oxford United's pre-season
MALACHI Napa is back running with a ball at Oxford United, but head coach Karl Robinson believes it is unlikely the winger will play again until July. The 20-year-old has been sidelined since August, following a broken leg sustained in the Carabao
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GOLF: Eddie Pepperell speaks out after Qatar Masters disqualification
EDDIE Pepperell has explained the reasons for his disqualification at the Qatar Masters today. The Abingdon golfer was kicked out of the tournament after signing for an incorrect scorecard following his opening round at the Education City GC.
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From Russia with love: Comedian Olga Koch brings hilarious show to Oxford tonight
FROM Russia with love, comes the hilarious Olga Koch. The comedian, who made waves with her side-splitting show at her Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala debut at the Oxford Playhouse last year, returns for a show at the Jericho Tavern tonight. Fresh
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'Avoid hand-shakes and keep your distance' - latest advice on avoiding coronavirus
AVOIDING hand-shakes is one effective way of reducing the risk of catching coronavirus, experts say. Thorough hand-washing, maintaining distance from others and avoiding contact like hand-shakes can be a good way to stem the spread of the virus
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How self-isolation can affect your rights and pay at work
UP until a week ago many of us had probably never heard the term ‘self-isolation’. But now not a day goes by without us being aware of people who have been asked or chosen to isolate themselves in order to try and minimise the spread of the Coronavirus
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Housing Plan likely to go through, as council leaders agree way forward
A MOOD of compromise swept through a meeting about a controversial housing plan this morning. South Oxfordshire District Council’s cabinet discussed its Local Plan for the first time today since being told by the government on Tuesday night that
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: Family favourites at Beefeater Oxford Kidlington
The Beefeater restaurant chain has been purveying its particular branch of mass-market dining since 1974, a fact now celebrated in one of its most prominent promotional logos. It happens that my career as a food reviewer in Oxford began in that
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Oxford professor to speak against Labour's trans rights pledges
AN OXFORD professor accused of being transphobic in a recent row is set to speak against Labour's trans rights pledges on Monday. Professor of Modern History at Oxford University Selina Todd will join other speakers at the 'Defend me or expel me
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REVIEW: Ayckbourn's Relatively Speaking is comic delight at the Mill at Sonning
Alan Ayckbourn's first hit Relatively Speaking is closer to farce than to the insightful dramas of middle-class (often middle-aged) angst that followed in his long and still continuing writing career. Pretty near bombproof where the matter of audience
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REVIEW:Queen's We Will Rock You a smash at the New Theatre
The mighty musical machine that was (and is) Queen has ever delighted the public as it seems, in recent years, to have dismayed critics immune to the band’s kind of magic when practised away from the concert platform. Consider the massive success
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GRAY MATTER:‘Sexiest tenor’ slays ’em at Covent Garden as Beethoven rolls over
Gustav Mahler called Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fidelio “the opera of operas”, and those of us less qualified than he to assess its many merits must ever regard it as a massively impressive work. So, in the 250th anniversary year of its composer’s birth
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Teacher BANNED after 'touching pupil's bottom' outside Oxford pub
A TEACHER who touched his pupils at an Oxford pub and tried to kiss them outside has been banned from the profession indefinitely. Results of a teacher misconduct hearing were published by the Department for Education today, for former biology
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Hand sanitiser sales triple as worried shoppers protect themselves from coronavirus
Worried shoppers hoping to protect themselves from coronavirus led to sales of hand sanitiser in supermarkets more than tripleing in the last month. Sales soared by 255 per cent during February, according to new data from Kantar Worldpanel. Meanwhile
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Oxford United sell out away end at Wycombe Wanderers
OXFORD United have sold out their allocation for the visit to Wycombe Wanderers later this month. The tickets for the Adams Park clash on March 21 - between two sides in the Sky Bet League One promotion battle - did not get beyond the period open
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Animal sanctuary lovers lend a hand
PEOPLE who want to see a 'beloved' sanctuary reopen have taken it upon themselves to help the owner get it back up to standard. Around 10 people went to Water Fowl Sanctuary and Children's Farm in Wiggington Heath, near Hook Norton, to do minor
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'Being an alcoholic is like being gay – it's not a choice'
While addiction treatments are normally hidden under a thick veil of secrecy, one Oxfordshire resident wants to have a frank conversation about alcoholism in a bid to encourage substance abusers to seek help. Former alcoholic John, who smiles with
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Opera company shortlisted for international award
AN OPERA company is celebrating being shortlisted for an international award. Bampton Classical Opera’s production of Stephen Storace’s ‘Gli sposi malcontenti’ (‘Bride and Gloom’) has been nominated in the Rediscovered Work category at the International
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Obituary: German links founder loved his jazz and a tipple
A JAZZ-LOVING youth leader who help establish a twin-town link with Germany has died aged 89. Stanley Hall of Wantage also worked for years as a council health inspector and director of environmental health and helped found and run Vale House care
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Personal safety training offered to councillors as local election approaches
SPECIAL safety training will be offered to local politicians who plan to canvas for votes in Oxford in the upcoming local council elections. The personal safety training course is being offered to councillors and candidates who are competing for
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Fancy living next door to an Olympic champion?
RESIDENTS of an Oxfordshire village can now claim they live next door to an Olympic medalist. British Army Warrant Officer Musa Audu won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens in the 4x400 metre relay. The 39-year-old
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Ofsted inspects Oxfordshire social services
SOCIAL workers are helping to protect Oxfordshire children from the 'stubborn' problem of neglect. Ofsted has inspected Oxfordshire County Council's children's services, and offered largely positive feedback. The regulator did not provide a rating
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'The next Lord Mayor is wholly unsuitable'
I DON'T have a problem with councillor Mark Lygo as a person, he's an amiable-enough fellow, but his appointment as the next Lord Mayor of Oxford is wholly inappropriate. Mr Lygo is already a dual city and county councillor, which is wrong in itself
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Barrister Dinah Rose QC appointed Magdalen College president
MAGDALEN College in Oxford has announced the appointment of Dinah Rose QC as its next President. She will take up office in September 2020 as successor to Professor Sir David Clary, who will have completed 15 years of service as President of the
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Police find missing man
POLICE have managed to track down a man who went missing in the early hours of this morning. Giorgio Delli-Compagni, 65, went missing from Middleton Stoney near Bicester at 4.30am. ALSO READ: School closed due to water works Police issued
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Jeep makes upmarket leap
There is a certain winter smugness that comes with having a Jeep Wrangler on the drive. Stormy forecasts of ice, sleet and snow hold no fear as you know this off-road champion will cope with whatever you throw at it. At first you wonder if
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The symptoms to look for and advice for parents as schools close amid coronavirus fears
SCHOOLS are not being advised to close in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), despite recent outbreaks in Europe. Around a dozen schools have sent staff and pupils home to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from half-term
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School closed all day due to water works
A SCHOOL has had to close today after being left without running water. Woodeaton Manor School near Oxford has been unable to welcome pupils this morning, but is due to reopen tomorrow. The special school, between Islip and Beckley, teaches
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GOLF: Eddie Pepperell disqualified from Qatar Masters
EDDIE Pepperell has been disqualified from the Qatar Masters. The Abingdon golfer carded a level-par 71 opening round at the Education City GC in an eventful 18 holes. Read also: Eddie Pepperell explains reason for Qatar Masters disqualification
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Lorry crashes into hedge at roadside
A LORRY ended up wedged on its side in a hedgerow after coming off the road near Bicester. Firefighters and police were on the scene of the collision on the A4421 this morning, between Bicester and Finmere. Images shared by Thames Valley Police's
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Couple's gin named best contemporary in the world
AN Oxfordshire gin distillery has been crowned as creating one of the world’s best gins. Sky Wave Gin, based in Bucknell near Bicester, has been named the World’s Best Contemporary Gin at the 2020 World Gin Awards, just 18 months after being launched
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Motor heritage site looking for volunteers to help with events and conservation
AN initiative has been launched for people to get involved in running events and keeping the history of former RAF Bicester alive. Bicester Heritage is looking for local people to join its Bicester Heritage Volunteer Squadron and comes after conversations
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Part of A34 closed after huge lorry fire
A STRETCH of the A34 just south of the county border is closed this morning due to a fire. Drivers travelling from Berkshire towards Oxfordshire are having to reroute because of the closure, which is not expected to be lifted until this afternoon
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Police officer accused of encouraging victim to not make statement
A POLICE officer has been accused of encouraging a victim not to make a statement about an assault. Detective Constable Philip Baines, based at Bletchley, will face the heads of Thames Valley Police on Monday at the force's HQ in Kidlington.
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A-road reopens after crash
TWO cars crashed at a roundabout near Grove this morning. The collision partially blocked the A338 Station Road, at the Williams F1 roundabout, but the road is now clear. There has been a collision on the #A338 north of #Grove, between
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ATHLETICS: Lloyd edges out rivals to take Oxford Mail Cross Country League crown
SOPHIE Lloyd triumphed in her three-way tussle for the women’s title, despite taking second at the final round. The White Horse Harrier was a distant runner-up to Oxford Triathlon Club’s Rebecca Duxbury at Henley Showground, finishing 34 seconds
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ATHLETICS: Oxford Mail Cross Country League standings + submitted club results
INDIVIDUAL MEN Senior: 1 B Cole (Swh) 34.17, 2 J Shayler (Abn, U20) 34.40, 3 S Byrne (Swh) 35.02, 4 C Chessell (Swh) 35.37, 5 S Upton (Wit) 35.41, 6 T Jones (Wit, V40) 35.56, 7 A Miell-Ingram (Rad) 36.09, 8 D Lawrence (Hed) 36.16, 9 S Watanabe
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FOOTBALL: Ardley United chairman reveals plans to expand
ARDLEY United are set to add five more teams to their set-up as the club aims to strengthen their presence in the community. From next season, the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division outfit are aiming to run three extra junior sides, an Under 14
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ICE HOCKEY: New boss Paul Gore sees good signs from Oxford City Stars
PAUL Gore was in upbeat mood despite Oxford City Stars’ defeat to his former side MK Thunder. Sunday’s 5-4 overtime loss at Oxpens came after a 6-4 victory over Bracknell Hornets on Saturday booked Stars’ place in the National League South Division
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BAR BILLIARDS: John Patey edges tense finale as Democrats beat Vikings
JOHN Patey claimed victory in the final leg to seal Democrats Club’s place in the last four of the Jolly Electrical League Cup with a 3-3 aggregate triumph over holders Vikings A, writes PETE EWINS. Allan Lacey (6,360) put Vikings ahead, before
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Thousands of books restored ahead of World Book Day
BLENHEIM Palace has completed a 16-year restoration of more than 2,000 books in time for World Book Day today. The Long Library has been undergoing a comprehensive conservation programme. See also: Schools stock up on anti-bac and tissues amid
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CORONAVIRUS: What does it mean for Oxfordshire's sporting stars?
OXFORDSHIRE’S sportsmen and women are beginning to be disrupted by the spread of coronavirus. The disease has reached more than 60 countries and caused dozens of sporting events across the world to be cancelled. MotoGP has scrapped its first
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Oxford United's impressive late goals record down to backroom staff – Matty Taylor
MATTY Taylor saluted the work of Oxford United’s support staff for the side’s incredible record of late goals this season. The striker netted six minutes from time on Saturday to secure a 2-1 victory against Southend United. Remarkably it was
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LEAGUE ONE: Run-ins for Oxford United and the rest of the promotion contenders
With most clubs in Sky Bet League One now having just ten games left, the promotion race is about to enter the final stretch. Just eight points cover the top eight sides, while theoretically all those in the top half have a chance of gatecrashing
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Luxurious eco-homes plan gets £5.5m funding boost
A SIZEABLE housing development bidding to be the ‘UK’s most sustainable residential project’ is being built on a former green plot of farmland. Comprising of 25 eco-homes Springfield Meadows, near Abingdon, is set to be completed in mid-2021 thanks
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Care home honours resident Rose with new vintage cafe
A BRAND spanking new old-fashioned tea room opened doors for dementia sufferers. Stowford House Care Home in Shippon celebrated its new vintage cafe on Monday with Mayor of Abingdon Charlie Birks who cut the symbolic ribbon. It was named Rose's
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Latest court results for Oxfordshire
OXFORD MAGISTRATES’ Reminder: here's what we can and can't report from court. MOKHTAR BENNAGI, 29, of Roger Dudman Way, Oxford, admitted drug driving with MDMA and cannabis in his blood as well as driving while disqualified and without a driving
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Eco education centre to be built with wood and straw
AN ECO education charity is working to create its new visitor centre from sustainable materials. The Earth Trust has hired Beard Construction to build its new sustainable education space in Little Wittenham near Didcot. The charity will be working
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Man to appear in court for rape and sex offences
A MAN accused of a string of sexual offences on a woman in West Oxfordshire is set to appear at court. Gordon Luetchford is charged with four counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, one of controlling or coercive behaviour and another
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Man who stabbed his brother cleared of intending to harm him
A MAN who stabbed his brother in a kitchen during a row has been cleared of intending to do him serious harm. From the witness box during the trial the knifing victim claimed that his brother Sheldon Gallacher had felt 'betrayed' after an earlier
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Prince Charles is in Oxford TODAY
THE Prince of Wales will be in Oxford today. Prince Charles will first meet current students, staff and College Fellows at Jesus College. Pupils from three Welsh primary schools, visiting the college for the day, will offer the Prince daffodils
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Motorcyclist who died after he crashed into metal barrier named
A MAN who died after crashing into a metal barrier in Littlemore has been named. Wesley Chiddington died last month of 'massive head trauma' after hitting the barrier while riding the child's white Midi Moto motorcycle he was riding, an inquest
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Groundbreaking heart imaging machine funded by donations
THE John Radcliffe has become one of only three hospitals in the UK equipped with a groundbreaking heart imaging machine. The Nuclear Cardiology team now has a £440,000 cardiac gamma camera, which will help up to 3,000 patients a year. It was
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Hollywood star Kiefer Sutherland finds performing in Oxford is 'a piece of cake'
PRIVATE jets, huge fees and worldwide fame are all well and good, but, it seems, the quickest way to a celebrity’s heart is through... cake! When Oxford baker Julia Atkinson heard Hollywood star-turned musician Kiefer Sutherland was in town, she
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Female firefighter figures revealed
Women make up a narrow share of frontline firefighters in Oxfordshire but are still better represented than they were five years ago, figures show. With International Women's Day approaching, fire and rescue services are being urged to challenge
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Charity fitness day this weekend
A DISABILITY sports coach is organising a charity fitness day this weekend. Lisa Hyatt has arranged the day in benefit of Clean Slate, a Bicester based charity which provides support to victims of domestic abuse. The Witney resident wants to
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Exhibition on West Way development progress
AN EXHIBITION will update residents today on the new multi-million pound West Way Square development in Botley. The new facilities, called West Way Square, are being created by The Botley Development Company, a joint venture between Mace Developments
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Teenager launched vile racist and sexist tirade at hospital staff
A TEENAGER shouted ‘white people are superior’ to a black security guard during a drunken, racist rampage at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Tyler Tassell, of Saxon Way in Headington, started spitting blood and shouting racist and sexual slurs at
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£21.5m plan for new homes, shops and a 'village green' in Blackbird Leys
A PREVIEW of 'desperately needed' homes planned for the centre of Blackbird Leys have been published, as a £21.5 million budget for the project has been suggested. The Blackbird Leys Development Project sets out a plan to build new shops, offices