Archive

  • Grand Lady

    Randolph hotel was born in 1864, neo gothic style.The hotel was not named after Randolph Churchill, but from the Randolph Gallery, part of the new Ashmolean Museum.This gallery was built as a result of a £1000 benefaction left by Dr Francis Randolph,

  • Blair: I'll take the heat on new homes

    Prime Minister Tony Blair has vowed to "take the heat" in order to get more of Oxford's young on the property ladder. In an exclusive interview with the Oxford Mail, Mr Blair said his Government had to make "bold decisions" about housebuilding to ease

  • Sales push U's towards record books

    Oxford United's loyal fans look set to take the club into the record books tomorrow - earning them a place in the top 10 Conference attendances. More than 7,193 supporters will need to pass through the stadium turnstiles for the game against Aldershot

  • High drama at Didcot A

    Eco-activists who scaled a 650ft chimney at Didcot Power Station were bedding down last night thursin their bid to bring the plant to its knees. Greenpeace campaigners scaled the tower in the early hours of yesterday morning and a second group chained

  • Smiles and sunshine

    This injury-hit triathlete is starting to smile again. Not only have two recent treatments to my injured foot gone well, but come Monday I'm ditching this wintry weather for some Florida sun. Yep, that's right, winter training ahead of the 2007 season

  • Today's local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 96 BMW 2970 Electrocomponents 285.5 Isoft Group 43.75 Oxford Biomedica 273.75 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 166 Reed Elsevier 585.75 RM 169.25 RPS 236.75 Torex Retail 37.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Today's local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 96 BMW 2970 Electrocomponents 285.5 Isoft Group 43.75 Oxford Biomedica 273.75 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 166 Reed Elsevier 585.75 RM 169.25 RPS 236.75 Torex Retail 37.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Power protest: Vaizey condemns break-in

    Wantage MP Ed Vaizey has condemned the break-in at Didcot power station by Greenpeace protesters. Thirty protesters invaded Didcot's coal-fired Didcot A station this morning in a bid to shut it down. Didcot power station is in Mr Vaizey's constituency

  • Crowds give author A-miss

    Author Martin Amis's visit to Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Mr Amis was due to talk at the venue on Tuesday at 7pm, to promote his new novel House of Meetings, but cancelled the book-signing event after only

  • Amis visit to Oxford cancelled

    AUTHOR Martin Amis's visit to the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Mr Amis was due to talk at the venue on Tuesday at 7pm, to promote his new novel House of Meetings, but cancelled the book-signing event after

  • Station cuts power output after break-in

    MANAGERS at Didcot power station scaled down production this afternoon following a break-in by 30 Greenpeace protesters. Fifteen environmental campaigners chained themselves to a conveyor belt carrying coal into Didcot station A, while about 15 others

  • Power protest: Production scaled down

    Managers at Didcot power station scaled down production this afternoon following this morning's break-in by 30 Greenpeace protesters. Fifteen environmental campaigners chained themselves to a conveyor belt carrying coal into Didcot station A, while

  • BOWLS: Two out of two for Oxon

    BOWLS: Oxfordshire made it two wins out of two in the English short mat inter-county competition with a 21-15 victory against Surrey at Bisley.

  • SPEEDWAY: Cheetahs stick to Wednesdays

    Oxford Cheetahs will be racing again on Wednesdays next season - and fans can look forward to a new No 1. Owner Colin Horton has indicated that Todd Wiltshire will not be returning to the club but he has already lined up a world-class rider.

  • GOLF: Chippy land first title

    Chipping Norton landed the Shaw & Co Oxfordshire Foursomes League Section 1 title for the first time after beating Studley Wood 3-0.

  • HOCKEY: City suffer home defeat

    City of Oxford suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Amersham & Chalfont in Division 1 of the South League. City found themselves 2-0 down after conceding goals from penalty corners. Simon Toms pulled a goal back for City, but Amersham made it 3-1 from

  • Power protest: Thirty invade Didcot A

    Thirty Greenpeace protesters invaded Didcot's coal-fired power station this morning in a bid to shut it down. Fifteen environmental campaigners chained themselves to a conveyor belt carrying coal into Didcot station A while about 15 others climbed one

  • Under the microscope

    One of Oxford's leading scientists and academics will be under the microsope at an event hosted by the Oxford Trust. Professor Graham Richards will be on the sofa answering questions from the Trust's chief executive, Gillian Pearson, as the latest subject

  • RUGBY: Bicester power home in cup

    Bicester produced a superb display to power past Beaconsfield 38-17 in the EDF Energy Senior Vase. Flanker Anthony Nightingale and Fijian winger Esawa Rakacikaci both bagged try doubles. Bicester's other tries came from hooker Steve Barnes and full

  • RUGBY: Oxford backs run riot

    Oxford outshone Gosford All Blacks in the backs to romp home 48-8 in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Divison, thanks to tries from Tom Olley (3), Kenny MacLennan (2), Dean Muir (2) and Mark Viner. Olley added four conversions. Eugene Griffin scored

  • RUGBY: Hawks battle it out for victory

    It was not pretty, but Henley Hawks battled hard for a 12-5 victory against a dogged Manchester side at Dry Leas in National League 2. Manchester spent 65 per cent of the game in Henley territory, but they paid for three missed easy kicksat goal.

  • RUGBY: Under-pressure Varsity draw another blank

    Oxford University failed to score for the second week running as they went down 21-0 to a strong Bristol side at Clifton on Monday night. Bristol fielded two full internationals in Argentinian full back Bernardo Stortoni and Italian centre Walter Pozzebon

  • RUGBY: Chinnor stunned by late score

    Chinnor snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to lose 17-15 in their EDF Energy National Trophy tie at home to North Walsham on Saturday The hosts led 15-5, but were evetually undone by a stoppage time converted try in one of the longest matches

  • RUGBY: Guileless Quins edged out

    Oxford Harlequins had more than enough possession and territory to win theiry first-round clash in the EDF Energy National Trophy at home to Westcombe, but fell to a 21-15 defeat on Saturday. But all too often they lacked the guile and patience to

  • ROWING: Stanier is lightweights' skipper

    James Stanier, a product of Abingdon School, is the new president of Oxford University lightweights, writes Mike Rosewell. Stanier, a third year studying Modern History at University College, with a place reserved at the RMA Sandhurst, was in the group

  • FOOTBALL: Foley resigns as Ardley boss

    Pete Foley resigned as Ardley United manager after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Hellenic lweAguePremier Division strugglers Harrow Hill, duringwhich his son Tom was sent off. The Oxford United legend, who has also managed Didcot Town, Oxford City, Marlow

  • FOOTBALL: Banbury let it slip

    Banbury United's roller-coaster of a Premier Division campaign continued on Saturday when they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at home to Rugby on Saturday Following a goalless first half, the game exploded into action, four minutes after the

  • FOOTBALL: Now Abingdon United upset leaders

    Abingdon United continued to prove the doubters wrong as they inflicted the first league defeat this season on Southern League Division 1 South & West leaders Taunton at Northcourt Road on Saturday. Boosted by the signing of former Wycombe Wanderers

  • FOOTBALL: Didcot lose two-goal lead

    Didcot Town wasted a great chance to move into the top seven by surrendering a 3-1 lead to Uxbridge in Saturday's high-scoring Sourthern League Division 1 South & West clash at the Loop Meadow Stadium. Even though Didcot were without midfielder Andy

  • FOOTBALL: City lose again

    Oxford City's losing streak continued as they went down to the only goal at Taunton in the second round of the Errea Cup on Wednesday. Taunton went ahead on 19 minutes, Matt Prosser heading in a Mark Harding cross. After the break, Mark Jones fired

  • FOOTBALL: Lyne quits as City boss

    Oxford City were rocked after manager Andy Lyne sensationally resigned following the club's 2-0 defeat against Beaconsfield in Southern League Division 1 South & West on Saturday. Following a meeting with chairman Brian Cox, his resignation as boss

  • Getting closer to the true sounds of Maori culture

    GILES WOODFORDE talks to Janet Linc about directing the choir Choros and her musical links with New Zealand Oxfordshire is not exactly short of choral conductors, but Janet Linc must be one of the busiest. She not only runs her own group, Choros, but

  • Chapels signify links to nonconformists

    Methodism took root in Oxford despite the bar on non-Anglicans by the university, writes CHRIS KOENIG Would anyone mourn those hideous Oxfordshire County Council offices in Castle Street, Oxford, were the city ever to become a unitary authority and

  • Children's story time

    Parents are being encouraged to teach toddlers to enjoy books by joining a new scheme at Oxfordshire libraries. Certificates illustrated by some of the country's best-known children's artists are up for grabs as part of the Oxfordshire Bookstart Book

  • Berried treasure

    As autumn arrives, VAL BOURNE reveals how to keep your garden full of colour Autumn finally seems upon us. We are in a cycle of misty mornings, hazy afternoon sunshine and cooler nights as the garden slowly retreats underground in response. But all

  • South Africa Case, £82

    2005 Boschendal Le Pavillon Chardonnay-Semillon: This blend of 80 per cent Chardonnay and 20 per cent Semillon creates a rich but balanced wine with fresh fruit flavours of peach and citrus finishing with a hint of sherbet. Amazingly, it also weighs

  • Chimney Meadows needs you

    The Wildlife Trust's largest nature reserve is already a significant European haven for rare species but there is still work to be done, writes HELEN PEACOCKE Three years have passed since Chimney Meadows in West Oxfordshire was turned into a nature

  • Birthday concert marks return to roots for group

    As award-winning vocal ensemble I Fagiolini heads to Oxford to celebrate its 20th anniversary, NICOLA LISLE talks to founder and director Robert Hollingworth On November 15, 1986, a group of Oxford University undergraduates put on a concert at the

  • Eye to eye

    THERESA THOMPSON is beguiled by the new exhibitions, Vive La Parisienne and Zoo The latest exhibitions opening at Compton Verney make an intriguing mix. Essentially they boil down to looking at women and looking at animals, but through the eyes of

  • Learning the language of the workplace

    Graduates with language skills are more and more in demand, writes ELAINE BIBLE The Brits are renowned for lagging behind their European neighbours when it comes to being able to communicate in a foreign language. Less than a third of us can keep up

  • Cape wines more old than new

    I always find it slightly odd that people think of South African wine as exclusively New World. Particularly when Simon van der Stel established the huge and historic Constantia wine estate in what are now the suburbs of Cape back in 1685. Ironically,

  • M40 closure causes chaos

    Rush-hour drivers are being warned about serious delays on Oxford's A34 today after traffic was diverted from the M40 following a fatal crash. There were lengthy tailbacks back up the M40 after the motorway was shut in Buckinghamshire, with reports

  • Miami advice

    If you can tear yourself away from dreams of searching for the perfect poolside Mojito for just a minute, imagine a Miami that is starting to take itself seriously. Because away from its tanned volleyball players and rollerbladers, posing on Ocean Drive

  • Lou Cummins - Oxfordshire Association of the Blind director

    The director of the Oxfordshire Association of the Blind, who took on the role after 18 years as a newspaper editor, has died, aged 60. Laurence Cummins, known as Lou, passed away on October 13. He was appointed by the charity in 1996 following a

  • Doug Watts - FA referee's committee chairman

    A man renowned for his commitment to Oxfordshire football has died, aged 76. Doug Watts, the chairman of the Oxfordshire FA referees' committee, was a highly-respected member of the Oxfordshire FA and was considered a friend and a mentor to all referees

  • Briain surgery

    The darling of satirical TV quiz shows, performing as a stand-up, Irish comic Dara O'Briain was a little underwhelming. While undisputedly possessing a sharp wit, his performance in the first half of the show raised smiles rather than belly laughs,

  • Kingston Baguize Drama Group

    Things are moving apace now with our November production of 'Pretzels for Dinner'by Janet Shaw. Pretzels is a bitter-sweet comedy looking at life through the eyes of Annie Johnson, married to Bill for thirty-five years and the highlight of her life is

  • Orest-ing vision

    Helen Edmundson, who adapted thetragedy for Shared Experience Company, states in the programme: "I confess I have played fast and loose with the conventions of Greek theatre and with Euripides' version." Out go the Chorus and Pylades, in favour of enhanced

  • The Insider: November 2, 2006

    THE Insider predicts that Oxford Union president James Wise is courting controversy, having decided on a motion of This house believes it's grim up North for his farewell debate later this year. Speakers have yet to be confirmed, but for those considering

  • A better life? It's got worse

    This is an update to my letter, What a way to treat elderly (Oxford Mail, October 13). Has my brother's life improved? It has not. It would be fair to say it is much worse. Not only has he had to put up with the alcoholic residents still in place at

  • Quarry neglected

    I refer to your article about Shipton-on-Cherwell quarry (Oxford Mail, October 24). As a resident of Shipton since 1945, I saw the quarry producing stone for the manufacture of cement. At that time, the whole quarry was a very tidy place, a trifle

  • The malice behind the yobbery

    Every year the authorities appeal for sensible behaviour. Every year a significant number of idiots ignore them and run riot. For most, Halloween is an excuse for some harmless, spooky fun, but for a few it seems to be a trigger for yobbery and cruelty

  • Protests force hospital rethink

    The future of Banbury's Horton Hospital is up in the air after public pressure forced health chiefs to reassess their plans. Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust had originally intended to close the Horton's special care baby unit, end 24-hour inpatient

  • Venue’s change of tune

    Oxford's premier live music venue The Zodiac has been sold to a major national club chain, ending months of speculation over its future. The Cowley Road club, which has remained fiercely independent for 11 years, has been snapped up for an undisclosed

  • Mother died weeks after cancelled op

    A mother who died when a swollen gland in her neck burst was due to have a routine operation three months earlier which could have saved her life. Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust is now investigating why Ertrice Simmons, 56, of Blackbird Leys in

  • Fine fish and juicy game at the Trout at Tadpole Bridge

    I was pleased to see a group of obvious regulars enjoying their pints of hand-pulled Young's bitter - and their cigarettes - as I ate dinner at the Trout, beside Tadpole Bridge, last Thursday night. While they sipped, puffed and chatted at the bar, I

  • Students fear more break-ins

    Three students are living in fear at their Oxford home - after being burgled twice in three weeks. Helena Mensah, 20, Temi Adenugba, 20, and Charlene Kandiyero, 19, only moved into their Cowley home in early September before starting their second year

  • Sniffing signs of drug abuse

    A dog trained to sniff out drugs picked out a staggering 27 pub-goers and clubbers to be searched in Oxford city centre on Saturday night. A team of police officers and a black Labrador called Benson carried out checks in St Ebbe's, George Street and

  • GOLF: Results round-up

    CHIPPING NORTON Senior Men's Stableford - Div 1: 1 C Bryant 37pts, 2 D Sykes 36 (cb), 3 D Roberts 36. Div 2: 1 R Cox 37, 2 P Bragge 34, 3 D Bales 33. Ladies' LGU Medal: 1 J Laurie nett 69, 2 S Barguss 74 (cb), 3 K Stagg 74. Professional's Swindle:

  • Helen's stone soup recipe

    I have always loved the story of the stone soup, which I mention in the main article today. The thought of a dish being flavoured by everyone contributing what they can has always appealed. I have listed ingredients for this hearty soup, but please

  • GOLF: Burford duo to the four!

    SIMON Hopkins and Andy Nickless each picked up four trophies at Burford's presentation evening after excellent seasons. Hopkins collected the Secretary's Prize, Maurice Gee Trophy and Pelican Cup, plus the Haynes Tankards, which he won with Michael

  • Soup of the evening — beautiful soup

    If you are wondering what steaming hot dish to serve up at your firework party this year - think soup. Soup is one of the most versatile meals there is. It can be thick and chunky, or smooth and warming, and can be flavoured with fruits and spices from

  • FOOTBALL: Spreading the word!

    Oxford United's ticket office are bracing themselves for a hectic week - after prices were announced for the FA Cup clash at Wycombe Wanderers and the campaign to try and break the 7,000-barrier for Saturday's home match with Aldershot gathers pace.

  • Mother tackles gunman intruder

    A mother chased a burglar and ordered him to give back what he had stolen - despite being threatened with a replica handgun, a court heard. Oxford Crown Court was told drug-addict Marc Daniel-Youngs emptied out his bag of stolen goods in the street

  • FOOTBALL: Hero Chris saves day for Barton

    Morrells of Oxford Sunday League Chris Flowers was the Barton United hero as his last-minute penalty save secured a 2-1 victory over Six Bells Kidlington in the first round of the President's Cup. With Barton leading 2-1 and a place in the second round

  • Traders criticise traffic system

    Traders in Abingdon have criticised the town's new central traffic system. Some say they're losing business, five weeks after the two-way Stratton Way was introduced. Shops in Ock Street report a slowdown in trade. Customers tell them they are staying

  • Death leads to M40 closure

    DRIVERS were being warned about serious delays on the A34 near Oxford today after traffic was diverted from the M40 following a fatal crash. There were lengthy tailbacks on the M40 after the motorway was shut in Buckinghamshire, with reports of delays

  • Spoof documentary's hilarious but not PC

    Sacha Baron Cohen's journey into America's heartland, in the guise of his fictitious Khazakstani television reporter, could justifiably stake a claim as the most uproariously and hysterically funny film of the year. There are moments in Borat - Cultural

  • FOOTBALL: Super Jackass romp clear at top

    Autotype UTV League Jackass Inn stretched their lead at the top of Division 1 by trouncing a depleted Standlake Garage 10-1. Jackass were quickly in front after Johnny Pearce converted a penalty, with further first-half goals coming from Chris Hedges

  • Birthday girl targets 110

    Reaching the grand age of 100 is a milestone that would more than satisfy most of us. But Margaret Paxton, who is celebrating her century today, hopes it will be the first of many three-figure birthdays. For the Oxford resident, who lives at the

  • Arthouse titans lend festival some class

    Some of the biggest names in arthouse cinema have graced the 50th London Film Festival. Paul Verhoeven (Black Book), Lars Von Trier (The Boss of It All), Gianni Amelio (The Missing Star), Otar Iosseliani (Gardens in Autumn), Jan Svankmajer (Lunacy) and

  • GOLF: Chippy secure championship

    CHIPPING Norton landed the Shaw & Co Oxfordshire Foursomes League Section 1 title for the first time after thrashing Studley Wood 3-0. Chippy, who just avoided relegation last season, won seven out of their ten matches to finish three points ahead of

  • Chance to join housing debate

    Widespread housing consultation has begun in Didcot to decide where 3,000 new homes should be built. Residents are being asked in a series of exhibitions where they think the new estates should be built. Nine sites have been identified around the

  • Such pride in bike ride

    Seven-year-old Reagan Spinks with his baby sister Ellie May A seven-year-old boy from Bicester has stunned his parents by raising more than £500 for the special care baby unit which looked after his little sister. Glory Farm Primary School pupil Reagan

  • Halloween? it was just hell

    Oxford's top policeman hit out at malicious yobs who made Halloween night less of a treat after a score of problems in the city. Pumpkins were thrown through windows, car tyres slashed, at least one car overturned and rubbish set alight in Barton, Blackbird

  • Service station packs in

    What is believed to be one of the few remaining attendant service filling stations in Oxfordshire has sold its final drop of petrol - driven out by cheap supermarket fuel and the high cost of buying from the big oil companies. The Lodge Hill garage

  • Grave woe for family

    A Wallingford family visiting a cemetery were left deeply distressed when they found soil from a new grave dumped on a relative's monument. South Oxfordshire District Council has apologised for the disrespectful act at Wallingford Cemetery. Alf Smith

  • On track for a £62m boost

    Oxfordshire's ambitious rail and road plans are on track after experts told the Government to back them with £62m. Under the £88m plans, two extra platforms would be built at Oxford rail station, bus lanes would be put in on the A34, along with sophisticated

  • The Threepenny Opera. Oxford Playhouse

    Much of Bertolt Brecht's material is too highbrow for most people's liking, but The Threepenny Opera manages to be both satirical and earthy. Opening with the jaunty tune Mack the Knife, the 1928 musical - a reworking of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera

  • FOOTBALL: No end in sight to City's losing streak

    Southern League Errea Cup Taunton Tn 1, Oxford C 0 Oxford City's losing streak continued as they went down to the only goal at Taunton in the second round of the Southern League's Errea Cup. In a poor game that lacked the passion of a cup tie, there

  • ICE HOCKEY: Nightmare debut for sorry McGurk

    Kevin McGurk had a debut to forget for Oxford City Stars after the netminder was taken off during his side's crushing 12-2 defeat at leaders Streatham Redskins. The Stars bench decided to withdraw the keeper with 11 minutes to go in the second period

  • House of Gods: Music Theatre Wales, Oxford Playhouse

    Imagine a rich brew of Celtic mythology, Gothic horror and macabre comedy, sprinkled with sexual temptation, music hall routines and patriotic fervour, and you'll have some idea of the multiple strands that make up House of the Gods, brought to the Playhouse

  • TABLE TENNIS: Bushell blitz sends Forum clear

    Forum A continue to set the pace in Division 1 after two convincing wins inside a week. Maximums from Karl Bushell and Fraser Harris helped Forum to a 9-1 victory over a weakened Bicester A side. And then another clean sweep from Bushell saw Forum

  • BAR BILLIARDS: Bye leads Nelson to shock victory

    David Bye held his nerve to give Section 3 outfit Nelson B a narrow 3-2 win over Shelley, of Section 2. There was nothing between the sides going into the final match, but Bye recorded a good break of 4,120 in his score of 6,610 to give his side a surprise

  • BOXING: Super Stedman in gritty show

    Wolvercote welterweight Paul Stedman got his season off to a winning start with a determined and polished win over former Home Counties champion Billy Crotty. The 29-year-old Banbury panel beater kept the Cheshunt man at bay with some solid jabs and

  • BOXING: Abingdon duo star

    Abingdon Town ABC duo Kaleen Love and Kate Stinson returned triumphant from their first outings of the season at Harrow. Love lost the first round to awkward southpaw Lesley Sackey, from the host London All Stars gym. But the Oxford University post

  • What's On Jazz and Contemporary Nov 3-10

    For all those who want to do more than just listen to jazz, there is an opportunity to learn more of the sinister art at a special jazz workshop at Wood Green School, Witney, on Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm. Led by London pianist Geoff Castle, assisted by

  • BOWLS: Oxon march on with victory over Surrey

    Oxfordshire made it two wins out of two with a 21-15 victory against Surrey at Bisley. The visitors came out on top 179-142 on shots. In the opening exchanges, Oxon won both singles in convincing fashion with Trevor Brown triumphing 20-5 and Matt

  • Level 42: New Theatre

    It was with some surprise that I realised it had been three years since I last saw the stupendous Level 42 in concert at Oxford - it felt much less than that. Nothing had changed . . . their loyal fans - the New Theatre was full - were out of their seats

  • Essence of Africa: Sacoba dance company, Pegasus Theatre

    Eye-catching plans and a large model currently line the walls of the Pegasus foyer. They illustrate the innovative development scheme proposed for the theatre. Just how much that development is needed was vividly demonstrated by the lively Bode Lawal

  • Three Strange Angels: Oxford Contemporary Music

    Although not alone, Steve Reich is certainly the best-known composer to write music that uses rhythm and pitch rather than melody in harmonic progression and who took inspiration from ritual drumming, speech and sound rather than the classics. Seventy

  • Christ Church Music Society

    No fewer than two premieres were on the menu for Christ Church Music Society's concert in Christ Church Cathedral. Both came from the pens of Oxford-based composers, and both thoroughly put the cathedral organ through its paces. Accende Lumen Sensibus

  • Brien O'Rourke: West Ox Arts

    From New Zealand to Turkey to Oxfordshire this artist captures light in its transience and radiance especially with his paintings of water in all its different manifestations. Take Brien O'Rourke's two pictures of the beach at Steward Island, New Zealand

  • Orestes: Oxford Playhouse

    'No-one is truly free; they are a slave to wealth, fortune, the law, or other people restraining them from acting according to their will," wrote Euripides. As the curtain goes up on Helen Edmundson's play Orestes, which she has based on the original

  • Plucky Tangmere saves the day

    I have long had great affection for O. V.Bulleid's "Battle of Britain" class engines of the Southern Railway. One of their number, proudly steaming at the head of The Golden Arrow, adorned the wallpaper of my bedroom when I was five. A few years later

  • Zodiac sold to Academy group

    OXFORD'S premier live music venue The Zodiac has been sold to a major national club chain, ending months of speculation over its future. The Cowley Road club, which has remained fiercely independent for 11 years, has been snapped up for an undisclosed

  • 'Prank' theory in £25,000 blaze

    DETECTIVES believe a barn fire which caused £25,000 damage may have been a prank which got out of hand. Fire crews and police were called to the barn fire off Binsey Lane, off Botley Road, Oxford, in the early hours of Monday as flames reached 20ft

  • Katharine House Hospice Lottery winners

    THIS week's winners in the Katharine House Hospice Lottery are: £1,000 winner: K Fenwick, Towcester. £100 winners: P Hamston, Kings Sutton; S Campanaro, Banbury. £50 winners: G Collett, Banbury; J Hathaway, Bodicote. £20 winners: J Taylor, Broughton

  • Wristband ID device tested

    A WRISTBAND barcode identification system, tested out by patients needing blood transfusions, could soon be used in Oxfordshire hospitals. The new system, which was introduced earlier this year, will now be rolled out across the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals

  • Union to debate climate change

    MARKET forces alone are unable to prevent devastating climate change, Green Party Euro MP Caroline Lucas will tell the Oxford Union today. Dr Lucas will argue that business has played a key role in causing climate change and largely remains indifferent

  • 'No respect shown for the dead'

    A WALLINGFORD family shocked and distressed when they found earth from a new grave dumped on a relative's monument have received an apology - and a promise that it will not happen again. May Smith, from St George's Road, Wallingford, said: "It was awful

  • Cycle challenge for budding teacher

    A TEENAGER with hopes of becoming a primary school teacher is getting on her cycle in aid of children's charities. Amy Hayes, 18, of Leafield, is to cycle up to 120km a day in the Middle East to raise funds for five charities. She said: "This will

  • Sophie talks vegetables

    COOKERY writer and TV presenter Sophie Grigson, who lives in Cumnor, will be in Abingdon today to give a talk about her latest book, Vegetables. She will be at Mostly Books, in Stert Street, where she will also sign copies of her book. Tickets cost

  • Cyclists must see the light

    CYCLISTS have been warned to use lights when riding in the dark - or face a £30 fine. From today, police in Oxford will be clamping down on cyclists who do not light up. But anyone who does get caught will be able to get their fine cancelled - if

  • Hospital cuts back in melting pot

    THE future of Banbury's Horton Hospital is back in the melting pot after Oxfordshire health chiefs revealed they were reconsidering plans that would have decimated paediatric and maternity services at the site. But a cautious Banbury MP Tony Baldry

  • Drive targets car park cheats

    NEW regulations to prevent motorists cheating on car park charges come into force on November 13. Cherwell District Council is changing its pay-and-display car park ticket machines and in future drivers will have to key in their vehicle registration

  • Hairdressers in the pink

    HAIRDRESSERS in Adderbury were 'in the pink' on Friday to support a breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign. Staff at Squires Hairdressers took part in the Breast Cancer Care charity's 'go pink' campaign to highlight the disease which affects

  • Talks start on council jobs shake-up

    STAFF consultations on job losses at Cherwell District Council are under way after the approval of management restructuring plans. Ten top jobs are set to go under the proposals, drawn up by new chief executive Mary Harpley. Last week, it was announced

  • £90,000 boost for independent village school

    AN auction has raised £90,000 for a village school that was saved from closure by determined parents. Ten years ago, Priors School, at Priors Marston, was on the brink of shutdown under budget proposals put forward by Warwickshire Education Authority

  • Mayor makes cash for charities

    BANBURY town mayor's Christmas Bazaar - a fundraising sale for local community groups and charities - takes place on Saturday, November 11, in Banbury town hall between 9.30am and 3pm. Mayor John Donaldson will officially open the event at 10am. The

  • Art exhibition to draw in Cheshire Home cash

    CHESHIRE Home volunteer Chris Craggs is to re-run a successful art exhibition to raise funds for Banbury's new Leonard Cheshire building. Mr Craggs' exhibition - prints of black and white drawings done on holidays over the last ten years - has been

  • Win tickets to see X Factor winner

    TWO tickets to see popular X Factor winner Shayne Ward in concert at Birmingham's NEC on Saturday, February 17, are to be won, thanks to Radio Horton and Jeffs Travel The prize includes coach travel to and from the venue. All you have to do is to

  • Countdown to big Christmas lights festival

    WITH just over three weeks to Banbury's annual Christmas Lights Festival, the final arrangements have been made for a packed stage programme of music and entertainment - with Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, booked to top

  • Fired up for fun

    HAVE fun but don't let your children get hurt - that's the advice from fire chiefs as Bonfire Night looms. Oxfordshire County Council's fire service is issuing guidance to families to make sure that everyone has a good time on Sunday, November 5, without

  • Recycling paid off for pensioner

    Recycling paid off for pensioner A PENSIONER has reaped a financial reward after she did the right thing and recycled her old telephone directory. Maureen Robinson, of Distons Lane in Chipping Norton, won £50 in West Oxfordshire District Council's

  • Enter our competition for theme park thrills

    ONE lucky youngster can win a prize with a difference, thanks to Gullivers Theme Park at Milton Keynes and the Banbury Christmas Lights Festival. The winner of this super competition will get a family admission ticket to the Park and be invited to join

  • Mother claims police 'abandoned' family

    THE mother of a 14-year-old boy who lost the sight in an eye after he was shot with a pellet gun says the family was "abandoned" by police. Rhys Thomas, of Tarragon Drive, Greater Leys, Oxford, spent two weeks in hospital after a ball-bearing was lodged

  • Cycle gang attacks student

    A GANG of youths in dark hooded jackets attacked a student from behind and tried to steal his mobile phone. The 19-year-old victim was walking down Headington Hill when the gang assaulted him. Police spokesman Kate Smith said: "During the attack he

  • Vandals attack boatyard

    VANDALS caused hundreds of pounds damage when 12 boats were attacked at Kingston Boat Yard in Abingdon. Police said canvases were pulled off and locks were damaged, but nothing was stolen. The damage occurred sometime on the night of Tuesday, October

  • Boris tours constituency

    SOUTH Oxfordshire MP Boris Johnson will be getting an update on how South Oxfordshire District Council is operating when he meets leader Ann Ducker and chief executive David Buckle. The meeting, tomorrow, will be part of his weekly constituency days

  • Furious reaction to field housing plans

    A SURVEY of public opinion is being considered in Marcham, near Abingdon, after plans to build 45 houses on Anson Field received widespread opposition. Money from the properties, planned by the Anson Trust, would pay for a community centre and playing

  • School pupils in bus gas scare

    SCHOOLCHILDREN feared they might have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after their school bus filled with black smoke. Fifteen-year-old Mark Britton was one of about 70 pupils from King Alfred's School in Wantage who travelled home on Monday afternoon

  • Powers extended

    POWERS to combat antisocial behaviour on two Bicester estates have been extended until April 30, 2007. The dispersal orders in the King's End and Greenwood areas were launched in April. Police research showed the problems included groups of young

  • Tour de Trigs challenge looms

    A LONG walk through difficult countryside - much of it in the dark - is the daunting challenge waiting for competitors in Banbury's annual Tour de Trigs. The event has been running for 40 years since it was started as a small local hike by a group of

  • Charity walker's £6,000 tally

    LONG distance walker David Gibbard, who this summer raised nearly £6,000 for good causes, has thanked the people who supported him. Mr Gibbard, 68, of Bloxham, collected £3,400 for breast cancer research in July by walking from Greatworth to Duns Tew

  • Activities album for teens

    A "THINGS to do" directory for young people could be published in a bid to stop youths hanging around on street corners. The move has been put forward as part of Banbury's new neighbourhood police initiative - which sees local people, councils, landlords