Stories for 7 January 2003

Oxfordshire Business

Whiz of an idea may speed medical tests

A long queue for the ladies at a production of the musical Fame has led to the creation of an Oxford company with an innovative product.   more...

Novarc moves to bigger premises

Oxford University spin-off company Novarc has celebrated its first year in business by moving to larger premises and investing £300,000 in new equipment.   more...

Inventor gets backing for hot idea

An inventor has come up with an idea which he says could halve the size of central heating boilers and make them twice as efficient.   more...

Grocery firms launch price war

Tesco and Asda have fired the first salvos in a new price war between the supermarket giants.   more...

Merger leads to profits rise

A Dutch firm expects profits to rise after it merged with Oxford-based Blackwell's Information Services.   more...

Debate scheduled

Don Cruickshank, chairman of the London Stock Exchange, and Peter Wyman, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, are to address the Oxford Union's annual business debate on February 19.   more...

Training offered

Benchmark Business Training is holding a one-day Course for the Company Secretary on February 24, at the Oxford Hotel, near the Wolvercote roundabout.   more...

Name change

The Co-operative Union which is owned by the Co-op group -- of which the Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op is part -- is to change its name after 133 years to Co-operatives UK.   more...

Purser at breakfast club

Lynda Purser, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council, will be among the speakers at the Bicester Business Breakfast Club at the Littlebury Hotel, King's End, on January 23 at 7.30am.   more...

Oxfordshire Education

Aurora breaks charity record

Are modern businesses doing enough for society? Are they giving enough to charities?   more...

Pupils' back pain blamed on bags

As children go back to school for the new term, they head off each morning with bags crammed full OF books, sports gear, food and probably CDs and personal stereos.   more...

Philip Seton-Anderson continues our guide to educational terms. No. 15: THINKING SKILLS

Thinking skills form the cornerstone in the teaching of all National Curriculum subjects and are intended to enable pupils to develop their capacity to reflect and reason as well as learn.   more...

Carl builds on skills

gained at college An Oxford student has been named as the most skilled young joiner in the country after winning a national competition.   more...

Teacher leaves after 29 busy years

Sutton Courtenay Primary School's longest-serving teacher, Rosemary Bushnell, has bid farewell to staff and children after 29 years.   more...

Magic produced at chapel

A television magician `sawed' pupils in half to commemorate the centenary of a boarding school's chapel.   more...

School centre benefits town

Witney's Henry Box School now has a state-of-the-art modern languages centre, but not just for its own pupils.   more...

Advice for school leavers

With the January 15 deadline for sixth-form students to send off UCAS forms for university places approaching, a Government-sponsored organisation is offering advice to school leavers.   more...

Foundations laid

Work has begun on Caldecott Primary School's £1.3m extension and modernisation programme.   more...

Presentation night

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Gill Sanders, will be guest of honour at Cheney School's annual certificate presentation evening on January 10.   more...

Looking to the east

Japanese language classes are to be introduced at Banbury School, following the arrival of Ryoko Imai.   more...

Oxfordshire Local Info

Lord Jenkins of Hillhead

Roy Jenkins, the Chancellor of Oxford University, may have been born in South Wales, but his links with the city stretched back as far as 1938.   more...

John Garfitt

A war hero, who was also a forestry expert and poet, died aged 88.   more...

Oxfordshire News

Free neuter ops offered

An animal charity is offering free neutering operations to tackle the problem of unwanted cats.   more...

Floods mean thousands left without their post

Thousands of letters and packages could not be delivered to homes and businesses in Oxford on January 6 as roads were closed due to flooding.   more...

Wardens 'might speed up police'

Patrols by street wardens on Oxford's estates could result in a more rapid response from the police to incidents.   more...

Emergency repairs stop further misery

Residents of flats plagued by flooding and vandalism were spared further flood misery by emergency repairs -- thanks to the Oxford Mail.   more...

Community could lose post office

The closure of a post office based in a north Oxford newsagents could be followed by the loss of the shop if the owners cannot find a buyer.   more...

Drug-addict mother jailed for three years

A mother who admitted a string of thefts and burglaries began re-offending because her baby was born a drug addict, Oxford Crown Court heard.   more...

Wardens 'might speed up police'

Patrols by street wardens on Oxford's estates could result in a more rapid response from the police to incidents.   more...

Whiz of an idea may speed medical tests

A long queue for the ladies at a production of the musical Fame has led to the creation of an Oxford company with an innovative product.   more...

Shocked reaction to terror arrest

Neighbours and the Muslim community have expressed shock over the arrest of an Oxford resident on terrorism charges.   more...

Bus scheme changes name

Directors of a company aiming to turn the idea for a guided bus system in Oxford into a £36m reality by 2008 have come up with a new name for the rapid transport scheme.   more...

Prison for college thief

A drug addict with a £180-a-day crack cocaine and heroin habit has been jailed for stealing a mobile phone and mini-disc player from an Oxford University student's bedroom.   more...

Last tenant joins new housing board

The final tenant member has been appointed to the board of an organisation that will manage council houses in Cherwell if tenants vote in favour.   more...

Insight provided into different faiths

People are being offered the chance to learn more about worldwide religions.   more...

Looking to the east

Japanese language classes are to be introduced at Banbury School, following the arrival of Ryoko Imai.   more...

'Please return my dogs'

The worried owner of two pregnant dogs stolen from their kennel fears the pets may not survive in the icy weather.   more...

Christmas trees to be collected

Cherwell residents who want to recycle their Christmas trees can leave them out for collection on January 11.   more...

Thames Water criticised

More homes in parts of Oxford could face flooding unless greater consideration is given to planning applications, according to Oxford city councillor Susanna Pressel.   more...

Televideo presentation

Carpet care and restoration specialist Rainbow International, part of a franchise network, has donated a televideo to the nursery class at Longfields Primary School.   more...

Presentation night

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Gill Sanders, will be guest of honour at Cheney School's annual certificate presentation evening on January 10.   more...

Search for friend

OXFORD Mail readers are being asked to help reunite an Oxford man and a friend on the other side of the world.   more...

Debate scheduled

Don Cruickshank, chairman of the London Stock Exchange, and Peter Wyman, president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, are to address the Oxford Union's annual business debate on February 19.   more...

Land to hand

Gardeners in Kidlington are being urged to take up vacant allotments.   more...

Charity event

A dinner dance with disco, auction and tombola will take place in the Community Centre, Woodstock, on February 28, in aid of mayor Gwen Mason's chosen causes - cancer charities and the Oxford Children's Hospital appeal.   more...

Trust on tour

The Zacharias Trust has been invited to speak in 13 different countries this year.   more...

Cold closes library

Bicester Library has been forced to close temporarily because of problems with its heating system.   more...

Purser at breakfast club

Lynda Purser, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council, will be among the speakers at the Bicester Business Breakfast Club at the Littlebury Hotel, King's End, on January 23 at 7.30am.   more...

Go for it

A careers day called Going For It is to be held at Cooper School in Churchill Road, Bicester, on February 14.   more...

Duo perform

The Katona Guitar Duo will perform works ranging from the baroque to the tango in the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Wantage, at 7.30pm on January 18.   more...

Jubilee parties reimbursed

Two villages have won their battle for Golden Jubilee party cash.   more...

Charity collection

The Wantage Churches Housing Coalition is collecting toiletries for Homelessness Sunday.   more...

Christians unite

A joint service for Christians will be held in the Catholic Church of St John Vianney, Charlton Road, Wantage, at 6pm on January 19, to start the week of prayer for Christian unity. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Church Hall.   more...

Mayor suggests permanent lake

The worst flooding of the River Thame valley in more than 40 years has prompted calls to turn part of it into a permanent lake.   more...

Magic produced at chapel

A television magician `sawed' pupils in half to commemorate the centenary of a boarding school's chapel.   more...

Computer suite needs furnishings

Millbrook Primary School in Grove is begging businesses to help the pupils improve their IT skills.   more...

Churches highlight plight of homeless

More than 30 churches in west Oxfordshire are to conduct services highlighting the plight of the homeless in the area.   more...

Spiritual retreat

The Methodist minister for Childrey, Grove and Wantage, the Rev Brenda Woods, is taking a spiritual sabbatical from February 10 until May at the Ignatian Centre for Spirituality in St Bueno's, north Wales.   more...

Stars sought

The British Heart Foundation will be holding auditions for the Heart of Britain Star Search, for solo vocalists over 16, at the Corn Exchange, Witney, on February 27.   more...

Smart idea

Churchgoers in Grove have collected more than £700 by filling old Smartie tubes with coins.   more...

Man fined for abuse

Ryan Davies, 23, of Moor Avenue, was fined £100, with £55 costs, at the town's magistrates' court after admitting being abusive to police officers in the Market Square, Witney, on December 21.   more...

Event cancelled

A wassailing evening in the orchards of Cogges Manor Farm Museum, due to be held on January 11, has been cancelled. The event was to have been held by the Friends of the Wychwood Project.   more...

Antiques on show

Witney antiques collector Paul Durham will be holding an exhibition of Susie Cooper bone china ceramics at Antiques on High in the High Street from February 15 to March 8.   more...

Plans for £1m hall go on show

Villagers are being invited to look at proposals for a £1m village hall.   more...

Woman washed clothes after killing

The girlfriend of one of the teenagers accused of murdering a homeless man has told a court how she helped them wash blood off their clothes.   more...

Betting shop burgled

Thieves who broke into a betting shop got away with a safe and cash totalling thousands of pounds.   more...

Focus put on health

A course on home-help homeopathy is being organised in Wallingford.   more...

Special market

Market fixed The Wallingford Country Market (WI) organisation is planning a Valentine Special for February 14 with a range of cards, gifts and goodies as well as the usual range of home baking, preserves, honey, eggs and crafts.   more...

Ringing out

A chance to learn handbell ringing is being offered in Wallingford.   more...

Ringing success

Christmas shoppers gave nearly £300 to the Hendred Handbell Ringers during Wantage's Dickensian and Wallingford's Victorian evenings.   more...

Teacher leaves after 29 busy years

Sutton Courtenay Primary School's longest-serving teacher, Rosemary Bushnell, has bid farewell to staff and children after 29 years.   more...

Foundations laid

Work has begun on Caldecott Primary School's £1.3m extension and modernisation programme.   more...

Seasonal collection tops £5,000

The Father Christmas activities run by the Abingdon Lions Club raised more than £5,000.   more...

United face legal action over debt

Legal action is to be taken against Oxford United by Oxford City Council over more than £500,000 of unpaid debts.   more...

Oxford-built vehicle sees off Japanese rivals

Staff at Oxford's Cowley car factory are celebrating after the new Mini picked up its most prestigious honour to date.   more...

Americans award Mini car of the year honour

Staff at Oxford's Cowley car factory are celebrating after the new Mini picked up its most prestigious honour to date.   more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Boss Atkins is off to the sales

Ian Atkins is hoping to cash in on the January sales because he is convinced Oxford United's squad needs to be stronger if they are to maintain their fine league form and win promotion.   more...

Is it a pitch or is it a lake?

Abingdon Town's Associate Members Cup home tie with Hungerford Town has been called off as the pitch is flooded.   more...

Football results

Results from the weekend, January 4-5   more...

Proud U's beaten but unbowed

Ian Atkins hopes his Oxford United players can learn the lessons of Highbury after they came away with their respect intact from Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup defeat.   more...

Shot-shy City pay for missed chances

Yeading 1, Oxford C 0: Oxford City's failure to hit the target again cost them dearly, when despite having more chances than their hosts they lost out to a solitary goal in Ryman League Division 1 North.   more...

Jones strike seals win

Berkhamstead Tn 2, Thame Utd 3: Thame United showed great resilience as they twice came from behind to take the Ryman Division 1 North points against their Berkhamstead hosts.   more...

North Leigh march on at top

Cherry Red Records Hellenic League match reports from Gloucester-North Leigh, Abingdon-Yate Town and Letcombe- Prestwood   more...

Banbury lose unbeaten record

King's Lynn 2, Banbury Utd 1: Ten-man Banbury lost their 18-match unbeaten Dr Martens League record at The Walks on Saturday in controversial style.   more...

Potter on target

Hungerford Tn 1, Abingdon Tn 1: Chris Potter was on target as Abingdon Town maintained their unbeaten away record in Ryman Division 2 with a point at fifth-placed Hungerford on Saturday.   more...

City boss Lee wields axe

Oxford City boss Paul Lee has promised to ring the changes for tonight's Ryman League Division 1 North clash at Wembley, after what he called a passionless display against Yeading on Saturday.   more...

Athletics results

Results from the Oxon AA Championships   more...

Reserves go through

Oxford City Reserves moved into the fourth round of the Suburban League Cup with a 5-0 win at home to Ruslip Manor on Saturday. Their goals came from Ben Cogger (2), Matty Whitehead, Danny Leggatt and Kenny Hale.   more...

Get set for the Oxford 'Silver Machine'

Barring any unforeseen hitches, Sky Sports Elite League speedway will be up and running again at Oxford in March.   more...

Bicester fall to Grant's boot

David Charles Oxon KO Cup: Fly half Francis Grant kicked 14 points as Witney's more experienced side proved too strong for Bicester in their double-header.   more...

Rover book finals spot

Rover Oxford Ladies won a place in the National League indoor play-offs after a pulsating performance at the South competition at Haslemere, Surrey.   more...

Thame want more of the same

Thame United aim to extend their unbeaten run to nine games when they host second-placed Wealdstone in Ryman Division 1 North tonight (Tuesday).   more...

Hawks win

Oxford Hawks Ladies 2nd beat Rover 5-1, with goals by Kathryn Spencer, Emma Batten, Cathy Flynn and Mandy Borrett.   more...

Standlake in banger bonanza

More than 200 racers pitched into action at Standlake Arena as the west Oxfordshire track staged the biggest banger race meeting in the country for the fifth year running.   more...

Leaders hang on for Launceston treble

National Division 2: Henley Hawks defeated Launceston for the third time this season but were forced to hang on by the skin of their teeth before squeezing home 21-17.   more...

Expansive Chippy reap their reward

Berks, Bucks & Oxon round-up: Chipping Norton outgunned Littlemore 34-8 in Division 1 after playing a much more expansive game.   more...

Taylor's hat-trick boosts Banbury

Midland 2 East: Winger James Taylor was the star for Banbury Bulls with a hat-trick of tries as they saw off Ilkeston 47-15 to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop.   more...

Rugby results

Results from the weekend, January 4-5   more...

Chinnor empty handed

South West Division 1: Chinnor came away from Truro with little to show from a game they dominated for large periods but finished up losing 15-10.   more...

Quins go back to school in style!

South West 2 East: Oxford Harlequins put on an impressive display of flowing rugby to run out comfortable 45-10 winners over Wimborne after switching their fixture to Chipping Norton School because of flooding.   more...

Mini enthusiasts set for new trophy test

A major new series for the Oxford-built Mini is being launched this season.   more...

Jaguar ready for launch

Jaguar will launch their car for the new Formula 1 season on the internet after scrapping plans for a formal ceremony.   more...

  
Restrict search to 7 January 2003