Archive
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I tried this dreamy M&S Mother's Day Box which could save you £100 on beauty
If you have a beauty-obsessed motherly figure in your life, it can be difficult to know exactly what gifts to buy them for any special occasion. There’s no doubt they already have baskets and cupboards full of make-up, skincare and all sorts of
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Coronation Street cast 'so excited' for arrival of Desperate Housewives star
Coronation Street cast members have said they are "so excited" to see the arrival of a well-known Desperate Housewives star to the soap. In some of the show's upcoming episodes, childhood sweethearts Leanne Batterby and Nick Tilsley will have their
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Which dog won Crufts Best in Show in 2023? Dog competition returns for 2024
Crufts is back again this year as many dogs prepare to show off their skills at the popular dog show. As dog owners hope their dogs will impress, you might be wondering who won the competition in 2023. The Best in Show competition started in
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Birdland showcases feathered mums for Mother's Day
Birdland is set to celebrate its feathered mums this Mother’s Day weekend. The event, running from March 10-11 at the Cotswolds-based wildlife attraction, across the border from Oxfordshire, will look at the dedication of some of Birdland's avian
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Witney hair salon shortlisted in national beauty awards
A Witney based business has been shortlisted as one of the finalists in the hair extension specialists category in the English Hair & Beauty Awards 2024: Chapter 3. Manestream uk will know their fate when the results are announced at a ceremony
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Young U’s concede last minute winner to miss out on final
OXFORD United’s Under-18s conceded a last minute winner as they missed out on the chance to reach a final. Frankie Maciocia handed Millwall a dream start, when he netted at the back post after just three minutes in the Under-18 Professional Development
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State-of-the-art vinyl listening station coming to local hi-fi store
A local hi-fi retailer has announced the launch of a new vinyl listening station. Summertown’s Sevenoaks Sound and Vision is inviting music fans to experience its new state-of-the-art listening station located at the front of the store. The
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New parking restrictions to be implemented at Oxford United stadium
New parking restrictions are set to come into place at the Kassam Stadium and Leisure Park. The Firoka Group of Companies is launching the measure to counter misuse and unwarranted parking by people not using Oxford United's on-site facilities.
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Oxford United reveal when footbridge application could be submitted
OXFORD United have reported that an application for a potential footbridge at the site of their proposed new stadium could be submitted by late spring. The U’s announced at the end of last month that a full planning application had been submitted
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Tory peer pays damages after calling Oxford students 'antisemitic'
A Conservative peer has paid damages and apologised after wrongly accusing an Oxford University Challenge team of 'antisemitism' for choosing an octopus as their mascot. Former MEP Jacqueline Foster alleged in a since-deleted tweet that doctoral
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Young Reporter: Cancer Research Uk in Headington (Andrea Antoniadou)
Headington shops is home to a vital force in the ongoing battle against cancer, as Cancer Research UK acts a beacon of hope in potential breakthroughs for medical research. Over the past years, the Cancer Research shop situated in Headington has not
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Anthology work from Kennington and Kenyan pupils to be launched on World Book Day
Twenty four Kennington children have been published as authors in an anthology book featuring artistic contributions from British and Kenyan youths. Cosmic Cats, published by Oxford eBooks, a Kennington based company, features work from pupils
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How to vote if you can't reach the polling station
Residents unable to visit polling stations on May 2 to vote in local elections have two alternatives available to them. Voters unable to cast their votes in person can opt for postal voting or assigning a trusted individual to cast their vote on
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Announcement expected for new crime series starring Shaun Evans
An announcement is expected soon about when Shaun Evans' new crime drama will be shown on ITV. It is now almost a year since the final episode of ITV's Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour. Series nine ended in March last year and the last episode
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Persistent rainfall forces postponement of Thame United's weekend matches
Persistent rain over the weekend resulted in the postponement of all of Thame United's Saturday matches, with only Sunday's games managing to weather the storm. On Saturday March 2, Thame United's First Team was scheduled to play Bedford Town at
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12 notorious dogging hotspots located around the Oxfordshire area
These are some of the most notorious locations around Oxfordshire area used for dogging, according to advertising meet-ups. Dogging became popular in 2003 when couples could arrange meetings conveniently on the internet. During and after the
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Prospective MP calls for police front counter to reopen 'to maintain trust'
A prospective MP for Witney is campaigning for Thames Valley Police to reopen its police station front desk in the town 'to maintain and build trust'. Charlie Maynard, the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Witney, has launched a petition
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Thames Valley PCC commits £900k funding to tackle youth knife crime
Thames Valley police and crime commissioner (PCC) has committed £900,000 worth of funding to tackle youth knife offending. Matthew Barber has used the investment to extend the Operation Deter Youth Programme, which has already seen successful trials
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Disabled woman labelled ‘a Karen’ in Blue Badge parking row at hotel
A disabled woman has been labelled a ‘Karen’ following a parking row at an Oxfordshire hotel. Frances Union, originally from the United States, has been staying in the Premier Inn on Oxford Road since Friday, February 23, after asbestos was found
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Pizza places get new food hygiene ratings after inspections
Two pizza places in Oxfordshire have been handed new food hygiene ratings. Herbies Pizza, a takeaway in Henley, was handed a score of four-out-of-five following an inspection on January 30. Elsewhere in the county, Fireaway Pizza in Banbury
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Congestion builds on major route after traffic incident
4:04pm Thank you for following this live blog. 3:58pm
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National Insurance rate cut for 27 million workers from next month
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced another 2p cut to National Insurance contributions, following a similar move at last year’s autumn statement. He told MPs in his Budget that the rate of national insurance for workers earning between £12,570
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Jeremy Hunt makes changes to 'unfairness' of Child Benefit rules
Changes to the Child Benefit system, previously labelled “unfair” by Martin Lewis, have been announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. In his Budget, Mr Hunt announced that changes would be made to Child Benefit rules which penalise single income families
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New tax on vapes announced by Jeremy Hunt in Budget
The Government will introduce a new tax on vapes in a bid to discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit. During his Budget speech, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the Commons he was confirming “the introduction of an excise duty on vaping products
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Household Support Fund extended for six months in England
A fund aimed at supporting vulnerable households with the cost of living will be extended a further six months beyond March, the Chancellor said. Jeremy Hunt told the Commons: “Next the Household Support Fund. It was set up on a temporary basis
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Drivers to save £50 as fuel duty frozen for 12 months, Chancellor announces
The current 5p cut in fuel duty will be extended for another year, the Chancellor has announced. Revealing his Budget in the House of Commons today, Jeremy Hunt confirmed that the fuel duty cut would remain in place for another year in a move that
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Martin Lewis speaks out as people 'annoyed' with budget comments
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has spoken out after facing some backlash for his comments on the Spring Budget. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt took to the House of Commons to share the Spring Budget with the UK. Throughout the budget
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Colourful mural painted at Oxford hospital
A mural has been painted at the Blenheim Head and Neck Unit at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. The project followed patients' feedback, who suggested a more positive and welcoming environment could be achieved with calming yet colourful nature-based
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Country fair known for ferret racing and axe throwing is cancelled
An annual fair which celebrates rural traditions has been cancelled to give the site a rest. Organisers Wychwood Forest Trust said there will be no Wychwood Forest Fair in 2024. The habitat restoration charity said: "After three fantastic
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Kaleb Cooper encounters billboard challenge on UK tour
Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper’s UK tour faces an unexpected challenge in Bournemouth as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched billboards advocating veganism. The animal rights group has put up nine double-sided billboards
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Councillors call for Oxford United stadium bridge plan to speed up
Kidlington councillors are urging Oxford United to speed up with its bridge access plan alongside its new stadium proposal. Although the planning application submission has been collectively welcomed by councillors Dorothy Walker, Lesley McLean
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New school's SEND provision 'falling far short' of town needs
Approved plans to fund a new primary school on a Didcot housing development have been criticised by councillors and parents for their “low” SEND provision. Oxfordshire County Council gave the go-ahead for £2.19m to be spent on the site at Didcot
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Consultation open on shared use pedestrian and cycle paths
A consultation is open on whether to convert pavements into shared use cycle paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Oxfordshire County Council is seeking views on the proposals which it says will help improve cycle safety in Carterton. The proposed
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Newsagent's alarm after eight new bike racks block shop front
A frustrated shopkeeper said it almost killed his business after the council unexpectedly installed eight new bicycle racks directly in front of his shop. The new racks went up without warning in front of Mary and Martin’s Newsagents on Woodstock
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PICTURES: Forklift truck OVERTURNS and falls into brook
A forklift truck has completely overturned in the night and fallen into an Oxfordshire brook. The 11-tonne vehicle was at the building site in Sutton Courtenay but fell into Ginge Brook on Tuesday night (March 5). A photograph snapped by onlooker
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Woman charged with 'causing death of man' in three-vehicle crash
A DRIVER is due to be sentenced after the death of a man in a three-vehicle crash in Bicester. Terence Rabbitts died after the collision at about 3.30pm on Thursday, December 23, 2021, between the Bicester Heritage Centre and the Stratton Audley
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Former Tory MSP and Oxford graduate takes seat in House of Lords
Lord Cameron of Lochiel, formerly a Tory MSP, has recently taken his seat in the House of Lords. The 47-year-old Oxford graduate was joined by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton and independent crossbencher Lord Cameron of Dillington
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Oxfordshire council platform tackles overseas care hiring challenges
Care providers in south-east England are gaining assistance in reducing bureaucracy and costs involved in overseas hiring through an Oxfordshire developed international recruitment system. The platform is the result of a £2.54 million investment
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Campaigner to stand at General Election to put brakes on traffic schemes
A 'community champion' is standing at the next general election to try to put a halt to new traffic schemes in Oxford. Amir 'Steve' Ali, is standing as an independent in Anneliese Dodds' Oxford East constituency, because he said his community '
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M&S cafe set to close leaving shoppers 'disappointed'
A town centre supermarket is set to lose its cafe leaving shoppers "disappointed", say store bosses. The cafe in the M&S Foodhall in Didcot will serve its final drinks on March 23 after an internal review by the major retailer. The staff
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Family of stabbing victim release heartfelt tribute to ‘beautiful boy’
The family of a man who died following a stabbing in Oxford have released a heartfelt tribute. Tobias Bruce, from the city, was stabbed during an incident in College Lane, Littlemore, at around 6.05pm on Sunday, February 25. The 32-year-old
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Banbury United slip further into relegation battle after home defeat
BANBURY United slipped further down the Vanarama National League North table after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Rushall Olympic. Ronan Maher hit the post for the visitors after quarter of an hour, however the Walsall loanee opened the scoring
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Cadbury reveals Mini Eggs chocolate that has been discontinued ahead of Easter
Cadbury has revealed it has axed a Mini Eggs chocolate from its range in the lead up to Easter 2024. Cadbury is responsible for a range of popular chocolates including Boost, Crunchie, the classic Dairy Milk as well as Easter favourites Creme Eggs
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National Lottery announces new change to how winners claim prizes on all games
People who purchase National Lottery games are being warned about a new rule change that’s now in place when it comes to claiming your winning prize. Those who are lucky enough to win between £500.01 and £50,000 will have to follow a new process
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Heavy delays as police called to A34 crash
11:25am We are now closing this live blog as this incident has been cleared. Thank you for following our coverage.
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Fans 'in tears' as first Hairy Bikers episode after Dave Myers death airs on BBC
The first episode of Hairy Bikers following the death of Dave Myers last Wednesday (February 28) has gone to air on BBC Two. Myers, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, died at the age of 66 last Wednesday night after a battle with cancer
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Army removes Princess of Wales appearance claim on Trooping the Colour website
The Army previously announced the Princess of Wales, Katie Middleton would be reviewing Trooping the Colour in June but it has since removed these claims. It comes as tickets were being sold on the official website for the June 8 military spectacle
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Jeremy Hunt promises 'permanent cuts in taxation' ahead of pre-election Budget
On the eve of Jeremy Hunt’s Budget, he has said “lower tax means higher growth” as he promised “permanent cuts in taxation” for families. Hunt’s Budget is expected to feature a 2p cut in national insurance. The Chancellor said Prime Minister
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This activity lowers your risk of early death if you do it daily, study finds
Walking 10,000 steps a day can lower the risk of heart disease and early death even if people spend most of their day sitting down, research suggests. Previously, experts have found that people who spend a lot of time sitting while awake, including
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Bargain hunter reveals when to shop at Asda, Aldi and more for discount stickers
A bargain hunter has explained when to shop at the major supermarkets to make the most of discount sticker bargains. The co-founder of the money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk has rounded up the best times to visit the likes of Lidl, Marks
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Dame Helen Mirren 'blown away' by her new Barbie doll - complete with mini Oscar
Hi Barbie! Academy-Award-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has been recreated in Barbie form and she even has a mini Oscar. The actress, 78, who narrates the Barbie film, shared that she was "blown away" by her doll and that being chosen by Barbie
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Energy costs at Oxfordshire schools soar over last year
School energy costs have risen by more than half in Oxfordshire over the past academic year, new figures show. Figures from the Department for Education show £3.22 million was spent on energy for local authority-run schools in Oxfordshire in the
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Who gets free NHS dental care in England? What do you do if you can't afford it
It can be tricky to find an NHS dentist taking on patients in England at the moment. But for those who have one and can book regular check-ups and appointments for treatment, you might be worrying about the cost. Although it’s important to
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Over 100k job opportunities on offer in England and Wales on new jobs24 platform
Over 100,000 job opportunities are on offer in England and Wales on a new national recruitment website. jobs24 has brought 12 regional job sites under one platform in order to give job seekers access to a wider range of roles across hundreds of
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Man who left fuel station without paying caught after running TOWARDS police station
A man in Oxfordshire was detained by police after walking away from a petrol station without paying. The incident happened at the ESSO fuel station in Abingdon on the evening of Tuesday, March 5. Thames Valley Police were patrolling when they
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Yellow weather warning issued for Oxford as Met Office warns drivers TODAY
A yellow weather warning has been issued for Oxford with heavy fog expected this morning. The Met Office has warned that drivers in the city and surrounding areas will experience difficult conditions this morning. Drivers across Oxford will
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Woman accused of setting fire to building, endangering life
A WOMAN is due in court for allegedly setting fire to a building in Oxford. Kathleen Rooney, 32, appeared in Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 5) charged with one count of ‘arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered’.
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Oxford to host meeting of European space start-ups with astronauts to attend
A former commander of the International Space Station will join 30 global space start-ups to highlight European space initiatives. The event, hosted by the Creative Destruction Lab Oxford is scheduled for March 6 to March 8 at the Saïd Business
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Banbury Town Council takes action against period poverty
Banbury Town Council is combating period poverty by providing free menstrual hygiene products for those in need. Recent findings by ActionAid revealed that approximately 21 per cent of women in the UK are struggling to cover the cost of period
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Tories say residents 'picking up tab' for council's 'overspending' after tax rise
Conservatives accused opponents of 'hammering' residents and leaving them to 'pick up the tab' as the council continues to 'overspend'. West Oxfordshire District Council's 2024/25 budget, which raised council tax by 4.2 per cent - around 10p per
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Improvements in air quality seen in north Oxfordshire
Air quality in north Oxfordshire is improving, resulting in the number of pollution hotspots being halved. Cherwell District Council has approved a new air quality action plan, and agreed that Horsefair and North Bar in Banbury and Bicester Road
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Oxfordshire's firefighter response times rank 9th slowest in the UK
Oxfordshire has the ninth slowest firefighter response times in the UK according to a new study. Claims.co.uk researchers used Home Office data to analyse the call handling times, crew turnout times, and drive times for all types of fires in the
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Cherwell council addresses food poverty with action plan
Cherwell District Council is taking steps to reduce food poverty and improve residents’ health. The council's executive has approved the Food Action Plan, a strategy drawn up by Good Food Oxfordshire and various Cherwell-based organisations.
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Family-friendly compost giveaway to be held in park
Oxford's Florence Park will be hosting a family-friendly compost giveaway event this weekend. The event is set to take place on Saturday, March 9 from 10.30am to 1pm. Organised by Oxfordshire Reuses and Oxford Direct Services (ODS), the event
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Comedian Tom Ward to embark on 25-city UK tour this autumn
The dates have been announced for comedian Tom Ward's 25-city UK tour, with a performance in Oxford set for October. Starting in September and running until late November, the funnyman, known for his quick wit and unique perspective on life, plans
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Mums go free at Tumblestone Hollow this weekend
Mums and mother figures are to be granted free entry at Tumblestone Hollow at Stonor Park, near Henley-on-Thames, this weekend. This marks the first occasion that the park, which reopened its gates in February after a winter break, is extending
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Bromford busts shared ownership myths
New homes provider Bromford is debunking shared ownership myths in an attempt to raise awareness about this route onto the property ladder. Operating out of Oxfordshire, Bromford provides shared ownership homes which can offer a lifeline for first
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Three projects under way to conserve one of Roman Britain's largest villas
Three major conservation projects are under way at one of the largest villas of Roman Britain. Set on the banks of the River Evenlode, the luxurious ‘courtyard villa’ at North Leigh near Witney had 60 rooms and included three bath suites, 16 rooms
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Cherwell District Council holiday club opens Easter bookings
A Cherwell District Council holiday club is now accepting bookings for the Easter holidays. Beginning on April 3 and lasting two weeks, Activate holiday club offers sports, arts, crafts, and games for children off school. Taking place at the
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Officer intervenes to stop 'illegal' felling of trees
Protesters say they are relieved after officers intervened to stop the "illegal" felling of trees at a city nature park. Oxford City Council had intended to chop down 18 trees at the Grandpont Nature Reserve but got as far as six before officials
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South Oxfordshire council vows to continue support for Ukrainian refugees
South Oxfordshire District Council has vowed to continue its support for Ukrainian refugees and those seeking sanctuary from persecution. The council discussed their commitment towards individuals affected by war and displacement its first full
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Bicester venue to take part in World Day of Prayer
A conference centre in Bicester is set to take part in an international event calling on Christians to "connect with the land from where Jesus came". Palestinian Christian women are this year's hosts for World Day of Prayer on March 8. John
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New shared ownership homes to become available in Oxfordshire
Platform Home Ownership has announced a range of upcoming shared ownership properties in Oxfordshire. Named 'The Falcons', the Carterton properties on Milestone Road will comprise two, three, and four-bedroom homes under shared ownership and rent
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Man on trial accused of fracturing man's head in Oxford assault
A TRIAL has started after a man suffered a fractured head during an assault in Oxford city centre. Jay Hayden, who has decided not to provide a formal statement to police or support the prosecution service, was assaulted in the early hours of August
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Oxford hospital pioneers life-changing heart procedure in UK first
A pioneering 'breakthrough' procedure to treat severe heart valve disease has been successfully performed for the first time in the UK at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH). The Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR
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Council pushes for vacant homes to be brought back to life
As Empty Homes Week is underway, Oxford City Council implores private owners of unoccupied residences to offer assistance in relieving the Oxford housing crisis. They aim to work closely with homeowners and transform their vacant properties back
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Bicester's talented terrier set to showcase her skills at Crufts
A cairn terrier from Bicester will be showcasing her skills at Crufts Dog Show later this month. Ava is being trained by Jennie Fairweather, a dog training instructor who has run Fairweather dog training club in Bicester for more than 20 years.
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U’s boss has ‘got the team around him that he was looking for’
OXFORD United chairman Grant Ferguson says that head coach Des Buckingham is happy with his backroom staff, following some confusion earlier in the year. In January, U’s chief executive Tim Williams revealed in a statement published on the club
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Banbury care home opens its doors to the community
A care home in Banbury is inviting the local community to explore its facilities. Highmarket House will be welcoming visitors on March 23, from 11am to 4pm. The facility is seeking to give visitors an insight into the life of its residents,
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Oxford University to honour writer with yearlong celebration
The University of Oxford will hold a yearlong celebration to mark 100 years since the death of a writer from Prague. They will host a number of academic and public events as part of the #OxfordKafka24 campaign, celebrating Franz Kafka. Alongside
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Look inside as popular pizza takeaway listed for sale in Oxford
One branch of a popular pizza takeaway chain has been listed for sale in Oxford. Caprinos is a nationwide takeout franchise which was incorporated in October 2014 and specialises in Italian food. The business started in Didcot right here in
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Confidence in police shaken by recent court cases, officials admit
Confidence in police has been shaken after a spate of court cases and incidents involving officers, law enforcement officials said. In the past six months the trial of a man accused of assaulting an officer collapsed, two officers have been in
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Banbury youth theatre announces 'School of Rock' taster day
Banbury's award-winning Youth of Banbury Operatic Society (YOBOS) has announced a taster day for the upcoming summer production, 'School of Rock'. Having turned 20 last year, YOBOS continues its goal of providing young talents, aged 11 to 19, with
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20mph speed limit signs defaced as vandals branded 'irresponsible'
Speed limits have been defaced in a village on the edge of Oxford prompting authorities to slam the culprits as "irresponsible". The 20mph signs in Cumnor were graffitied by an objector who changed the number to 40. "Think for yourself" and
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Beer festival with cheap pints at Oxford pubs is launched
Up to 20 real ales, including five from overseas brewers, will be available at three city Wetherspoon pubs during their 12-day beer festival. The Four Candles in George Street and The Swan & Castle in Castle Street, both in Oxford, as well as The
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Case against man accused of spiking woman's drink with cocaine is dropped
A TRIAL against a man who was accused of putting cocaine in a woman’s drink at a nightclub in Banbury has been dismissed. Charlie Hackett, 26, of Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, was charged with overseeing a noxious substance with intent to
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Community café hosts special cook-in evening
A Wantage café has strengthened its bond with the community further by hosting a special cook-in evening. Volunteers from across Wantage and Grove attended Down to Earth Community Café on Saturday evening (March 2) and got to work making pasta
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Vandalism in town toilets prompts new cafe scheme
Repeated acts of vandalism at public toilets in Abingdon has prompted a new scheme, with cafes being asked to allow people to use their facilities free of charge. The public toilets at The Charter, and in Abbey Meadows, have frequently been closed