Cambridge University defeated Oxford for the third Varsity Match in a row. Here is the numbers' game. See tomorrow's paper for full report. Competition: Varsity Match Score: Oxford University 16, Cambridge University 22 Oxford player ratings:
Oxford University captain Joe Roff spoke of his immense pride in his team as he reflected on a second Varsity Match defeat. Roff had longed to add a Varsity victory to his long list of achievements in an illustrious career, which has now ended. But
Lehman Brothers Varsity Match Oxford 16 (10), Cambridge 22 (8) Cambridge made it three Varsity Match wins in a row with a potent mixture of passion and clinical finishing. Unlike many matches in recent times, this was an enthralling contest with
Police have this evening carried out a series of drugs raids across Oxford's Leys estates. Up to 100 officers swooped on addresses in Greater Leys and Blackbird Leys, targeting suspected drug dealers. Four houses have already been raided, with a large
BUILDERS working on a hospital site in Oxford upset environmentalists by polluting a wildlife-rich pond with fuel. Contractors admitted that 250 litres of diesel mistakenly went into a pond in a wildlife corridor running across the Churchill Hospital
PHIL Gilchrist's 17-year career as a professional footballer officially came to an end yesterday when he announced his retirement. Persistent knee trouble brought the Oxford United defender's playing days to a conclusion before the 34-year-old had really
PHIL Gilchrist picked out his fellow Oxford United centre back Matt Elliott as the best defensive partner he's had in nearly 20 years in the game. Elliott and Gilchrist proved a superb combination for the U's in the 90s, and was the rock on which their
FINANCIAL managers at County Hall say the Government's annual financial settlement "is not the best of news" and could lead to service cuts. Whitehall has given Oxfordshire County Council £102.9m to fund services in 2008/09, a two per cent year-on-year
Northwich Chronicle sports editor John Buckley won't shed too many tears if his club loses tomorrow. The Northwich Victoria reporter said: "What's gone wrong with Oxford this season? "I put money on eight teams for promotion at the start of the season
Oxford United go into Saturday's game at Northwich knowing they can take nothing for granted. Most of the leading teams in the Blue Square Premier have found winning at places like Droylsden and Northwich a piece of cake. But the U's haven't been
Oxford's historic and "sensitive" landscape is hampering the search for solutions to prevent future flooding. A top-level report released by the Environment Agency last night painted a bleak picture for the city, with experts predicting the onset of
The switching on of a town's Christmas lights has plunged some businesses into darkness - and led to bumper candle sales. A group of businesses in Witney's High Street is having to resort to the old-fashioned light source because of frequent power cuts
Revolutionary play equipment designed to tackle childhood obesity has been installed on an Oxford estate. The state-of-the-art solar-powered interactive game - known as the i.play - is the first of its kind in the county. It aims to get youngsters
Financial chiefs at County Hall say the Government's annual financial settlement "is not the best of news" and could lead to service cuts. Whitehall has given Oxfordshire County Council £102.9m to fund services in 2008/09, a two per cent year-on-year
Health chiefs say Warneford Meadow will not figure in new planning proposals to develop land around the Warneford Hospital in Headington. The NHS trust behind the hotly contested scheme to create "a student village" on one of the city's green sites
THE review of the summer flooding, published by the Environment Agency yesterday, contained few surprises for those living in the city. It basically advised those unfortunate enough to live in areas prone to flooding to brace themselves for more chaos
The author of a best-selling book ranking Britain's towns in order of "crapness" is to run the gauntlet in Didcot tomorrow. When Sam Jordison wrote Crap Towns in 2003, thousands of people living in places like Middlesbrough, Hull, Croydon, Luton and
The 'Atlantic St Tropez' - in less than two hours from Southampton? Take me there! Ile de Ré, accorded this moniker by the Parisian press, is just off the French coast; courtesy of Flybe, you can be there in only 75 minutes, at real low-cost fares.
Oxfordshire County Council has been rated among the worst in England for 'bed blocking', according to a top-level report. The county ranked fifth out of 150 councils for preventing delayed discharges from acute hospital beds, by a Commission for Social
Tomorrow night will be the climax of a year of celebrations for Oxfordshire's 1000th anniversary. A huge range of events will be held across the county for Winter Light - a series of colourful finales staged in five towns. Cath Nightingale, of co-ordinators
The idea of closing Cogges Farm Museum and selling the historic site has the uncomfortable feeling about it of disposal of the family silver and we urge that the idea be dropped. H SWAISLAND (Dr) Vice-president Pendon Museum Trust Long Wittenham
In support of the campaign to save Cogges Museum, I would like to register a strong protest against this option on the following grounds: It is an exceptional historic site, scheduled as an ancient monument It is in the centre of Witney - one of the
We can only assume that councillors have never visited Cogges Farm Museum or we are sure they would not consider supporting this motion. Our family have been regular visitors to the museum since moving into Witney five years ago, as have many of our
The closure of Cogges Farm Museum would be a grave error. It has allowed so very many magical trips for children and we adults feel there has been a special place for us too. It deserves twice the amount of money being poured into it to develop it
Builders working on a hospital site in Oxford enraged environmentalists by polluting a wildlife-rich pond with fuel. Contractors admitted that 250 litres of diesel mistakenly went into a pond in a wildlife corridor running across the Churchill Hospital
I have been a regular visitor to Cogges Farm Museum for several years and have consistently been impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff and by the unique atmosphere of the farm. Cogges Farm provides an invaluable educational experience
I was really upset when my mum told me that Cogges Farm Museum may be closed. I can't believe that Oxfordshire County Council thinks that this is a good idea. I love Cogges Museum because the staff are really friendly and help you to understand about
The Bodleian Library in Oxford is putting on a special public display of its four copies of Magna Carta for the first time. The priceless documents will be on show in the Divinity School on Tuesday between 10am and 4pm. A talk by Prof Richard Sharpe
First of all, let's be clear about two facts - 1. this film will do for Oxford what Lord of The Rings did for New Zealand, and 2. that's the best I can say... Which frankly haunts me because I so wanted to enjoy this film, and went along with genuinely
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after thieves stole iPods from the Currys store in Witney. Two men carried the glass case in which the MP3 players were displayed out of the shop covered in a sheet. They were seen loading it into the back of a van
Police in the Thames Valley and other organisations have joined forces to clamp down on drink-related violence. Det Supt Richard List, who is leading the December initiative, said it was vital to make this Christmas safer for local communities. He
A lack of lighting in an Oxford park is making the facilities unusable on winter evenings, according to residents. And Mick Haines, who lives in the same road as the park, has collected more than 600 signatures from the local community in support of
Two years in, David Cameron's leadership of the Conservative Party appears to be working. An opinion poll at the weekend put the Tories on 41 per cent - 11 points ahead of Labour and enough to secure a 29-seat majority at a General Election. A string
Bampton is to get an improved sewer network in the wake of the summer floods. Thames Water is undertaking to improve parts of the network in the village and, subject to detailed designs and funding approval, plans to start work early next year. Bampton
The Queen's College, Oxford, is going underground to create a new library extension below one of the college's gardens. Like the Bodleian, Queen's has run out of space for its ever-growing collection of books and journals. So the college, in High
Six months ago, I finally got to see The Jam 25 years after they split up, in their new guise as From The Jam. The gig, at the Zodiac in Cowley Road, was an absolute cracker, so I was gob-smacked when I found out the band was returning six months later
POLICE tonight appealed for witnesses after a man tried to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl in Littlemore Park, near to Kempson Terrace. When the girl was near to the alleyway which leads out of the park a man came up to her from behind and assaulted
SATURDAY. FOOTBALL. BLUE SQUARE PREMIER. Northwich Victoria v Oxford Utd. BRITISH GAS BUSINESS SOUTHERN LEAGUE. Premier Div: Chippenham Tn v Banbury Utd. Div 1 South & West: Didcot Tn v Fleet Tn, Oxford City v Newport IOW, Uxbridge v Abingdon Utd
"Haven't you already reviewed Pizza Express?" I hear you ask. How many times can you review the same chain? Well, actually, as often as Pizza Express keeps opening restaurants, is the answer, as no two are the same. Pizza Express in Bicester perches
The bosses at The Plough may not realise it, but they could make a few quid if they checked their shelves. One of the tomes in the Library Bar is Control in a Bureaucracy by Andrew Dunsire. It dates from 1979, so surely it's of limited interest. But
Oxfordshire lost a double-header against Surrey at Wimbledon in the Inter-County Championships. The first team fell 12-3 to Surrey 2nd in Division 1C in spite of a promising start by county champion Ryan Manuel in the singles. The visitors' only other
Lightweight performers Andrea Dennis and Caroline Greves, of Wallingford, excelled in the 450-strong Scullers Head. Dennis, a world championships finalist last summer, won the elite lightweight honours, the second woman to finish overall, just seven
Oxford City are set to give a home debut to new signing Leon Woodruffe when they host Newport IOW in Division 1 South & West tomorrow. Player-manager Justin Merritt signed the former Yeading player from Slough after he impressed against City earlier
For many people in Oxfordshire, studying at one of the city's universities is out of the question, thanks to the cost of living. But Oxford Brookes University has decided to help by awarding community scholarships to 16 students from Oxfordshire to
Dorothy Cox likes anything to do with the royal family, so she cherishes her card from the Queen. It took pride of place among all the other cards and flowers she received for her 100th birthday at her Stanton Harcourt home on Sunday. Her daughter
Chinnor will look to vent their frustration on basement boys St Ives when they visit Kingsey Road in South West 1on Saturday (2.30). The second-placed side are still smarting from their 29-15 defeat at rivals Oxford Harlequins, but have had to wait
Ardley United manager Dan Still has hailed the capture of striker Lee Keyes (pictured) after signing him from Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division rivals Highworth. Keyes signed for Ardley on Monday and is set to make his debut when they host
After number-crunching percentages for a story about school league tables, I was in need of a little light literary refreshment, so I dashed along the towpath and up New Road to the municipal library at Westgate. After starting the very promising The
Musicians are needed to take a central role in the annual Scout and Guide spectacular that is the Oxford Gang Show. Organisers of the 2008 event, which will take place in March, are putting together an orchestra to accompany the spectacular cabaret-style
The red carpet, the paparazzi, the millions of autograph hunters, the stars, the glitter, the glamour - that was great fun, you don't get that every day." Writer Philip Pullman is still buzzing from the excitement of attending the premiere of The Golden
Once in a while, a band comes along that takes everyone by surprise. A band who, by their own efforts, get fans talking, musicians twitching with curiosity, and excited industry insiders rubbing their hands with glee. They don't come around very often
Families and friends remembering loved ones in the run-up to Christmas are being invited to hang messages of thought on a remembrance tree. The Christmas tree is designed to offer solace to those mourning family and friends over the festive season.
Now known for penning award-winning screenplays - and, indeed, for writing this play - Ronald Harwood used to be a 'dresser' to the stars. He knew what it was like to be subjugated to every whim and desire of theatre's leading men. He used these experiences
AEA Technology 84.25 BMW 2958 Electrocomponents 216.25 Nationwide Accident Repair 124.5 Oxford Biomedica 20.75 Oxford Catalyst 150 Oxford Instruments 197.5 Reed Elsevier 625.75 RM 204.75 RPS Group 299 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
Graham Gooch was once moved to ask Ian Botham: "Who writes your script?", after seeing the all-rounder snap up a wicket with his first ball to mark a come-back to Test cricket. That wondrous sense of timing has clearly not left him. A new autobiography
Tony Chaplin has lived in Thame since he was eight and worked for more than 40 years at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. River Thame: Old Chiltern's Son (Tempus, £14.99) is a meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated history and guide to
THE UNCOMMON READER Alan Bennett (BBC Audio, (2 CDs) £12.99)As Alan Bennett explains in the opening chapter of his latest work, The Uncommon Reader, it was all the corgis' fault. If they hadn't barked as they strayed through the grounds of Buckingham
Now the movie The Golden Compass has finally opened, there are at least four books to accompany the film inspired by Oxford author Philip Pullman. Publishers Scholastic have produced four tie-in titles to help young readers understand the complex themes
THE growing popularity of diesel helped boost car sales to the highest November total for three years. A total of 158,735 new cars were registered in November 2007 - a 2.2 per cent increase on the same month last year - the Society of Motor Manufacturers
Photographer Simon Marsden, who was raised as a Roman Catholic, has devoted his life to capturing ancient ruins and landscapes. He has always been fascinated by English churches, and his favourite examples are collected in a book called Memento Mori (
In publishing, the run-up to Christmas is the silly season. More books are bought now than at any other time of year, so publishers make the most of our search for Christmas presents, and release a variety of frivolous books that will appeal to a range
AN Oxfordshire business is one of 39 "visionary companies" worldwide named as technology pioneers by the World Economic Forum. Insect-born killer diseases such as dengue fever could be wiped out and pests such as locusts could be controlled with the
ABOUT 30 jobs will be created in Oxfordshire following the decision of a drug-testing company to move two laboratories to Milton Park, near Didcot. Concateno, one of Europe's leading drug and alcohol testing companies, took over Oxfordshire-based Cozart
Look at the poor old clubhouse of the Morris Motors Athletic and Social Club in Crescent Road, Cowley, not long for this world, with its rotting 1920s, vaguely Art-Deco design. Then look at the new Lord Nuffield Club building, handed over to the committee
An Oxford woman who went missing last month has been found safe and well. Alison Cox, 36, was last seen in Oxford on November 21. She has now been found at an address outside the county, a Thames Valley Police spokesman said today.
POLICE have made 77 arrests in an autumn crackdown on prolific criminals in Oxford, codenamed Operation Backlash. In the most recent phase of the operation, which ran from November 20 to December 2, police arrested 20 people in connection with offences
Oxford United club captain Phil Gilchrist (pictured) has announced his retirement from the professional game due to injury. Phil Gilchrist , 34, is in his second spell at United having re-joined them in 2006 following his release from Rotherham. But
POLICE this afternoon said that a woman reported missing in Oxford last month has been found. A spokesman said Alison Cox, 36, who was reported missing from Oxford on November 21, was found safe and well at an address outside the Thames Valley area.
The opticians or optometrists (is there a difference?) had done their bit. The two of us awaited the dispensing arm of the business to step in and sell us her latest expensive but trendy frames and lenses. A self-satisfied expression spread across my
MORE than 100,000 drivers in the Thames Valley have taken speed awareness courses rather than facing a fine since the scheme was launched four-and-a-half years ago. The workshop is for those caught speeding in 30 and 40mph zones and is run by DriveTech
Oxfordshire's black and Asian communities are being called on to consider signing up to the national organ register to help address a shortage of ethnic minority donors. As of December 2, there were 83 people within Oxfordshire waiting for an organ
Electrical giant Comet is extending its store in Botley Road, Oxford, which it says will create 40 jobs. The firm has spent £1.1m on developing the premises, which will open on December 15, in a bid to capture pre-Christmas trade with 2,500 products
OXFORDSHIRE'S black and Asian communities are being called on to consider signing up to the national organ register to help address a shortage of ethnic minority donors. As of December 2, there were 83 people within Oxfordshire waiting for an organ
ELECTRICAL giant Comet has moved into bigger premises in Oxford creating 40 jobs. The store has relocated to a larger unit in the Botley Road retail park where its old base had been in a move costing £1.1m. It will open its doors to shoppers on December
More than 100,000 drivers in the Thames Valley have taken speed awareness courses rather than facing a fine since the scheme was launched four and a half years ago. The workshop is for those caught speeding in 30 and 40 mph zones and is run by DriveTech
Among the latest crop of children's books, The Spellgrinder's Apprentice (Bloomsbury, £6.99) is a thrilling magical story from N.M. Browne about an orphaned boy who is apprenticed to grind spell stones, and is chased horribly when he runs away. Then
The birth of a child for most of us is a time of joy and celebration. However, in some cases, this joy can be tinged with anguish. Some are left coming to terms with looking after a baby that will never be normal and who is totally dependent on you. The
The public will soon get to see a gift presented to the Ashmolean by John Ruskin, writes CHRIS KOENIG The £61m revamp of the Ashmolean in Oxford will mean that the museum will have 39 new galleries and a doubling of display space. This in turn means
VAL BOURNE follows the Dutch example by forcing bulbs in midwinter We are only about two weeks away from the shortest day and you can already see bulbs pushing up through the ground. In fact, I have one solitary autumn-flowering snowdrop, Galanthus
Trust given green light for wildlife haven after reaching £850,000 appeal target, writes HAYLEY COVER The wildlife trust has successfully reached met its appeal target of £850,000 to buy one of the most important inland areas for wading birds in
Abingdon Museum is celebrating Christmas with an array of the historic, the fun and the bizarre, writes SYLVIA VETTA Mince pies, Queen Elizabeth I, pico-pipes and rollerblading are all features of a Christmas Show at Abingdon Museum. Lauren Gilmour
Bradley Walsh leaves his television role behind him to play pantomime, writes GILES WOODFORDE It was a way of courting certain death. If, around November time, a TV soap character ended up being drowned in a canal, or fatally stabbed in an ill-lit
Joint £1.7m funding secures school new sports centre, writes GEORGE HAMILTON A £1.7m sports centre has been unveiled to parents and pupils at an Oxfordshire school. The new site at Bartholomew School in Eynsham replaces a rundown sports centre which
Police officers are leaving the Thames Valley force before they have even served two years, figures have revealed. Home Office data showed that 29 officers who departed the force in 2006/7 - 10 per cent of total leavers - were relatively new recruits
A SWIMMING instructor described how she pulled a schoolboy from the bottom of an Oxfordshire pool on the day he died. Sara Allen, a swimming teacher at Lord Williams's School in Thame, told an inquest into the death of Nathan Matthews: "It was the
THE first designs for the new Oxford Academy at the site of Peers School in Littlemore have been unveiled. A small number of staff and students at the school have already offered their thoughts on the new design, which will provide the basis for a
FAMILY and friends paid tribute to a motocross rider who died after crashing off a track in front of his girlfriend. Bricklayer Gareth Bonner, 22, of Little Milton, was killed after losing control of his bike at the WildTracks Offroad Activity Park
OXFORDSHIRE primary schools are celebrating improved results in national tests for 11-year-olds. Each summer, before they leave primary school, Year Six pupils take Key Stage Two National Curriculum tests - and the 2007 results are published today
A TREE has been planted in People's Park, Banbury, to commemorate the town charter. Next year will be the 400th anniversary of the granting of the charter by King James I in 1608. The mulberry tree was chosen for its association with silk weaving
A CHEF at an Oxford pub has won a top national catering award for the industry's best young talent. Rob Hartwell, 24, a chef at The Fishes pub in North Hinksey, saw off hundreds of other hopefuls to scoop the 2008 Acorn Scholarship. Mr Hartwell believes
THE next meeting of the city council's north area committee will be held today at the North Oxford Community Centre in Diamond Place, Summertown, from 5pm today. Planning issues will be discussed first, with other community issues from 6.30pm.
A COMMUNITY is celebrating victory after a communications company decided not install a mobile phone mast - despite winning planning permission. Mobile giant T-Mobile had been granted permission to install a ten-metre mast and groundbase equipment
A THANK you coffee morning was held for businesses, organisations and charities that supported the families of troops while they were away on duty. Hundreds of soldiers from Bicester flew out earlier this year to Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia in the
SCHOOL children in Oxford joined together to dream of a greener Christmas. Pupils from West Oxford Primary School, one of the county's 176 eco-schools, gathered at a green Christmas tree at County Hall in Oxford to share ideas about how to enjoy a more
KNIGHTS in shining armour will be coming to the rescue of Wallingford traders tonight in a bid to give them a big boost in the run-up to Christmas. They will ride through the town on horses and take part in mock combats. Accompanying them will be jugglers
A CHARITY Christmas event, called The Snow Ball, will be held at the Church Mission Society House in Watlington Road on Saturday. The event will include music from the Fiona Fair Ensemble, a charity auction of art work, hog roast and other entertainment
POP legend Jason Donovan is continuing his support for Oxford's Children Hospital by opening a festive fundraising event at a toy shop. The Australian-born soap and reality TV star, who lives in Uffington, near Wantage, will greet fans at the sale
A WITNEY charity that helps socially excluded young people is going out into the community to throw a party for old folk. Teenagers at Base 33 are organising the Christmas bash for 30 elderly people from the town's community hospital and day centre
THE Princess Royal will be visiting Dorchester Abbey today, as patron of the Home Farm Trust, a charity for people with learning difficulties. The Princess, the Trust's patron for 25 years, will be at the candle-lit event where actors Robert Hardy and
A WOMAN delivering newspapers has been praised after raising the alarm which saved a life. Lisbet Thiron-Thome was doing her evening round when she heard a smoke alarm going off in a house at Court Gardens, Witney. After knocking on the front door
FRIDAY is decision day on the future of an Abingdon landmark. At a closed meeting, the developer will be chosen for the town's historic Old Gaol, pictured - but the name will be kept under wraps. At a meeting of the Vale of White Horse District
THREE councillors are spearheading a campaign to install security cameras at an antisocial behaviour hotspot at the Ladygrove shopping parade in Didcot. Shopkeepers and traders in Lostock Place have backed the idea to install CCTV cameras, but money
The first designs for the new Oxford Academy at the site of Peers School in Littlemore have been unveiled. A small number of staff and students at the school have already offered their thoughts on the new design, which will provide the basis for a wider
Family and friends last night paid tribute to a motocross rider who died after crashing off a track in front of his girlfriend. Bricklayer Gareth Bonner, 22, of Little Milton, was killed after losing control of his bike at the WildTracks Offroad Activity
There is no done deal to close Oxfordshire's farm museum at Cogges, in Witney. The county council yesterday insisted the centre's future had not been decided amid mounting public furore that the museum's future is in peril. It also came on the same
Oxfordshire primary schools are celebrating improved results in national tests for 11-year-olds. Each summer, before they leave primary school, Year Six pupils take Key Stage Two National Curriculum tests - and the 2007 results are published today
