COMMUTERS are facing delays on the A34 tonight after a lorry and a van collided between Abingdon and Didcot. An ambulance spokesman said one person had been treated at the scene at about 5.30pm but did not need to be taken to hospital. There were
A CHILDREN’S centre has been given a lift with a £1,000 cash injection. The cash was arranged for Rose Hill and Littlemore Children’s Centre in Ashurst Way, Rose Hill, by city councillors Ed Turner and Michele Paule and county councillors Gill
A BARTON pensioner has called for cameras to stop drivers speeding across the Green Road roundabout. Brian Ashford says more needs to be done to help motorists safely leave the estate from Bayswater Road. The 71-year-old, of Waynflete Road,
FLOWERS, plants and shrubs that brightened the front of the West Oxford Community Centre have been stolen. Staff at the community centre in Botley Road planted snapdragons, marigolds, petunias and shrubs at the entrance to the building in June.
MEMORIES of the good old days play a powerful part in the lives of older people. And for the past two years, villagers have been attending workshops aimed at helping unlock their distant memories through tales and displays of objects from the past
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to knock down a house in Cumnor Hill, Oxford, and build four homes on the site has been defeated on appeal. The independent Planning Inspectorate has rejected Brookworth Homes Limited’s appeal for 40 Cumnor Hill. Vale of
WITH a few simple brush strokes, Andrew Cherrie is transported to another world. The former carpenter began painting to help him grieve following the death of his wife – and now wants to share the healing power of art with others. Mr Cherrie
AN electronic speed sign is to be installed in Foxcombe Road near Hinksey Hill by the end of October after a long campaign by residents. The £3,500 sign will be activated by speeding drivers. The sign will tell them to “slow down” and show
A HEADINGTON pub that was listed as a community asset is back on the market. Oxford City Council designated the Fairview Inn as a community asset on July 16 after residents launched a campaign to save the pub. The residents then had six weeks
AN OXFORDSHIRE charity that provides grants for young artists is to celebrate its 10th birthday at the Pegasus Theatre. The Exuberant Trust, which has awarded nearly 80 grants totalling £42,000 in the past 10 years, is putting on a gala showcase
A COMMUNITY centre in North Oxford has been forced to lose two members of staff in the face of financial pressures. Cutteslowe Community Centre has restructured its staffing to get by, losing two community worker posts. Allie Noel, who has
I REALISE that the Archbishop of Canterbury is a busy man, but I am sorry he has stepped down as patron of the RSPCA. He would be an excellent advocate for animal welfare. God has given us a responsibility to care for the whole of creation and we need
I AM so pleased that Nuala Young (September 5) has responded as to why the city council is silent on the future of the Covered Market. It is obvious that the city council is determined to get more chains into the market, increasing rents beyond the
THE English people are truly being gagged, aren’t they? Vinnie Jones says what thousands of others would say, there are too many immigrants in this country and it’s not the England he grew up in (hear, hear). Is this a democratic country or not? Race
MANY words have been written and spoken concerning the badger cull, both for and against, but in comparison very little about research into the causes and problems of badgers carrying and passing on bovine TB to cattle. Here are some questions people
Emissions from diesel engines are implicated in the development of lung cancer, heart disease and asthma. A recent trip to Stockholm showed how other cities approach this health threat. Buses were run on bio-fuels, taxis and local delivery
SHE’S lived through two world wars and seen 20 Prime Ministers enter and leave Downing Street. Mavis Fearnley celebrated her 105th birthday in style on Saturday with a party at The Meadows care home, Britwell Road, Didcot. Born on September
WITH the sunny days quickly disappearing and the evenings drawing in, it’s time to start thinking about lighting yourself up like a Christmas tree and wrapping up warmer and waterproof. Depressing really, this summer has been so good to us, it
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Mark Pritchard (August 28) that the RSPCA would acquire further integrity if it renounced its royal patronage. The fact is that the Queen’s devotion to animals does not seem to extend beyond her beloved corgis and racehorses
I READ with interest the proposals of how to spend the £16.6m on the proposed Barton Project. I, along with others, have been asking for a pedestrian crossing across the A40 at the junction of Collingwood Road so that the elderly, schoolchildren and
ONLY one Oxfordshire MP, Labour’s Andrew Smith, had the courage to vote against bombing Syria. What a pity the Tory MPs in this county did not do the same. The terrible civil war in Syria has been made even worse by the use of chemical weapons,
IF you have ever found yourself worried about whether or not an elderly relative has taken his pill, researchers may have found the answer. A team from Oxford University has been working on pills that send a text message to say they have been swallowed
The £3.5m redevelopment plans of Abingdon’s historic Guildhall have been hit by delays. A planning application to build a new cinema extension and to overhaul the current building was due to be submitted last month. But councillors have put
WOMEN are getting the chance to grab designer handbags for a fraction of their usual price at a new fundraising event for Oxfordshire hospices. Up to 40 handbags will be auctioned by Handbags for Hospices at Malmaison Oxford Hotel for Sobell House
Coffee, cake and charity. Catching up with friends over coffee and cake is one of life’s real pleasures. So imagine how good it feels to indulge yourself in this way and do your bit for charity at the same time? On Friday 27 September, people
LITTLE Lauren Drysdale-Feakin was sorely tempted to bite a chunk out of an apple at the Sutton Courtenay produce and craft show. The five-year-old was one of many visitors to the show at the village hall in Frilsham Street on Saturday. Entrants
Fans of hit TV drama Downton Abbey can see some of the costumes used in the series at a special exhibition in the West Ox Arts museum. The 10-piece collection includes gowns and staff uniforms worn by major characters of the period drama, starring
WANTAGE MP Ed Vaizey has reportedly pulled out of a speaking engagement at an alternative Conservative conference this week. The Culture Secretary, along with Home Secretary Theresa May and Education Secretary Michael Gove, told organisers he could
THOMAS Reeve is a cleaner. As we report today, he is also a hero. While out doing his weekly shop, he pinned a suspect to the ground at a Sainsbury’s store in Kirtlington. Thames Valley Police has advised people not to “take matters into their
First person: Louise Argles has just completed a Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Oxford Brookes University I have enjoyed a wonderfully, fulfilling and inspiring year, having just graduated from Oxford Brookes University. The
FOR 81-year-old Hubert Allen having an extra pair of hands around the house makes all the difference. The grandfather-of-six, from Old Marston, was widowed last year and now has an informal ‘homeshare’ arrangement where his lodger pays no rent
THE trial of five men arrested when police raided an Oxfordshire scrap metal yard began yesterday. All the defendants deny charges of attempting to acquire and conceal criminal property at TR Rogers Metal Recycling, in Nuneham Courtenay, in May
Abingdon’s historical sites and buildings will be open to the public at a free heritage event this weekend. Abingdon’s Guildhall, County Hall, St Helen’s Church, the 15th century St Ethelwold’s House, The Malthouse, and Old Abbey buildings will
Abingdon’s historical sites and buildings will be open to the public at a free heritage event this weekend. Abingdon’s Guildhall, County Hall, St Helen’s Church, the 15th century St Ethelwold’s House, The Malthouse, and Old Abbey buildings will
Many county residents would not think of joining or investing in a credit union, Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry told a Commons debate on pay-day loan companies. Sir Tony said there was a need to “enhance the competition” to tackle companies like Wonga
A TEENAGER praised by the Prime Minister for reviving a village fete will try to make it even better next year. Jake Acock, pictured, is hoping to get the Red Arrows to perform a flypast at the Leafield fete near Witney. The Burford School
A SERIAL burglar has been jailed for three years after his DNA was found on a glove left behind at a house he broke into. Graeme Jacob, of Botley Road, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday after he admitted seven burglaries and one theft
EIGHT-year-old Nell Peto gave a helping hand as her neighbours took on residents from a nearby street in a tug of war. The event happened at a street party aimed at bringing the community together in Clive Road, Cowley, on Saturday. The party
CHIPPING Norton racer Alice Powell saw her lead at the top of the F3 Cup whittled down as she crashed out of both races at Snetterton. Her advantage over Alex Craven is just ten points with four events left. Powell led the opener after a fast
SOUTH WEST 1 EAST JACKSON Achilles scored a brace of tries as Oxford Harlequins opened their campaign with a 36-15 victory at Newbury Blues. The No 8 was one of a host of debutants for Quins, who were relegated last season. Achilles drove
A bid to create 30,000 jobs and expand the county’s science and technology industries has been unveiled. Oxfordshire County Council and other organisations have revealed a plan to claw back powers from central Government through “city deal” status
TWO teenagers out fishing thought they’d caught a whopper when they felt tugging on their rod. But they were in for even more of a shock when they discovered the find was a black briefcase with a sniper rifle and a handgun inside. Alex Weller
County council staff will be carrying out free safety checks for electric blankets next month. Residents must book appointments on 0845 0510845 option 4 or email communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk The dates are: Oxford (October 7); Abingdon
Cleaning teams from Cherwell District Council will carry out extra duties across the village later this month. Staff will “go above and beyond their usual duties”, the council said,to tackle issues like flytipping, dog fouling and littering from
A three-car collision caused long delays stretching onto Abingdon Road, Fyfield, and block the junction with the A420 yesterday. A grey Mazda, green BMW and a yellow Renault van were all involved in the smash at 3.50pm. Two people were taken
Plans for 22 homes on disused land at Lawn Upton House on Sandford Road in Littlemore have been approved by Oxford city councillors last night. A plan by Vanderbilt Homes Ltd to convert the house itself into 24 flats is pending. As part of the
Three warehouses can now be built after Rego (Oxford) Ltd was granted permission for them on the former DHL site off Sandy Lane West. Oxford City Council’s east area committee approved the plan unanimously last night, despite concerns from some
A SECOND bid to build homes on sports pitches and a car park near the new Tyndale Community School has been thrown out. Councillors on Oxford City Council’s east area planning committee last night refused permission for 40 homes, 71 parking spaces
NATIONAL 2 SOUTH THREE penalties from James Cathcart earned Chinnor a 9-3 victory in wet conditions at Exmouth. Fly half Cathcart put Chinnor 3-0 up seven minutes and added a second penalty after home flanker Oliver Pyne was sin-binned.
WILF BENNETT TROPHY OXFORD retained the trophy with a 114-run hammering of Tiddington in the final at Oxford Downs. Stewart Laudat led the way with 63 off 30 balls as Oxford amassed a formidable 225-7 from their 20 overs. He was supported
Lotus team principal Eric Boullier is still doing all he can to keep Kimi Raikkonen despite suggestions the Finn has already signed for Ferrari. Growing speculation has it Raikkonen is to return to Maranello to replace Felipe Massa. But Boullier
Inquests into the deaths of an Army medic and Royal Marine in Afganistan are due at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court today. Corporal David O’Connor, 27, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, and Corporal Channing Day, 25, of 3 Medical Regiment, were killed
Three illegal fishing traps have been seized by officers from the Environment Agency. The crayfish traps were taken from the River Thames in the city centre on Saturday. Fisheries officer Matt Drew said unauthorised traps could harm wildlife
CAMPAIGNERS say too many pubs in Oxfordshire are being turned into homes and that more protection is needed to stop it. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says 22 locals have been given planning permission to be turned into homes in the last five
AN attempt to expand and extend operations of a waste site that will soon open in Sutton Courtenay has been blocked. Councillors yesterday ruled against two planning bids from FCC Environment relating to its materials recycling facility (MRF),
THE grass on Oxford Castle Mound has not been cut in four years. But yesterday Oxford Garden Design staff Aris Escalona and Paul Norton took the unusual step of strimming the slope – while abseiling. It is expected to take the pair another
Outstanding displays by Deta Hedman, Casey Gallagher an Sean Holley could not prevent Oxfordshire suffering a heavy 23-13 defeat by Kent in their opening BDO Inter-Counties Premier Division match of the season at Tonbridge. Hedman produced the
Chris Wilder is now the third longest-serving manager with one club in English football’s top four divisions following Greg Abbott’s dismissal by Carlisle United yesterday. The winless Cumbrians made the decision following Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat
The man who redeveloped the German town of Freiburg is to give a speech at Oxford Town Hall today. Elements of the design have said to have influenced the blueprint for Barton West, which is Oxford’s largest development in a generation and could
A thief has taken a church donation box containing about £10. The box went missing from St Mary the Virgin Church in Bampton between Monday, September 2, and Tuesday, September 3. Police asked witnesses to call 101.
Two homes in the same Grandpont street were broken into on the same day. Thieves made their way into the Cobden Crescent houses through unlocked ground-floor windows between 8am and 7pm on Friday. Cash and a camera were stolen from one home
Izi's Bar kept on track for a men's Summer League double with a 5-2 away win over Section 2 side Ampleforth Arms B in the Greene King ODDA's Seven-a-side Cup. The Premier Section leaders sped into a 3-0 lead thanks to Roy Smith, Arran Stevens and
SEAN Walkinshaw recovered from a spin to claim his second Copa Class podium of the European Formula 3 Open season at Spa-Francorchamps. The 19-year-old from Chipping Norton qualified fifth in class, but a first lap spin dropped him back to tenth
BERNARD TOLLETT OXFORDSHIRE CUP MARK Skelton fired Horspath to a maiden county title with an eight-wicket victory over Great & Little Tew at Oxford Downs. Skelton scored 67 not out from 33 balls as Horspath chased down Tew’s 134-8 with
HORSPATH captain Will Eason felt his side had thrived as slight underdogs in the Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup final. Eason said Horspath failed to hit top form when they lost to Tiddington in the county final of the Village Cup in June, but
KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIP ONE OXFORD RL were knocked out of the play-offs after an agonising 30-26 defeat at Hemel Stags. The visitors matched Hemel’s five-try tally, but were ultimatedly denied by the accurate place-kicking of BJ Swindells
NATIONAL 1 HENLEY Hawks came on strong in the second half to hammer Tynedale 51-17 at Dry Leas. Hawks led just 22-17 at the break, but roared away to a seven-try victory on their return to English rugby’s third tier, with No 8 Robbie Stapley
Jake Wright hailed Alfie Potter as the best player in Sky Bet League Two after the winger played a key role in Oxford United’s win at Burton Albion. The 24-year-old opened the scoring with an eye-catching run and shot at the Pirelli Stadium, setting
A one-year-old boy has died after falling into a pond. He was pronounced dead at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Friday after the incident in Queensway on Wednesday. South Central Ambulance Service was called on Wednesday at 5.24pm
THOUSANDS braved the wet weather to enjoy the fun of the fair in Oxford yesterday. The annual two-day St Giles’ Fair which has been running as a funfair since the 1850s, got off to a slow but steady start. Lord Mayor of Oxford, Dee Sinclair
HEADING out to fill his car up, the last thing Thomas Reeve thought he would end up doing was tackling a thief. But the 31-year-old cleaner from Kirtlington acted on impulse, jumping out of his car to the rescue of a Sainsbury’s security guard
Many people like a drink. Many people also like going to the pub. But, as we report today, not enough of us are using our local watering holes. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has warned that far too many pubs in Oxfordshire have been turned
THIS was the unusual sight greeting commuters on their way to work this morning. Nigel Wilkins spotted this massive jet of water spurting from a manhole cover at 7.20am in Beaumont Street, Oxford, by Oxford Playhouse. The Botley resident -
OXFORD Hawks hosted 11 teams for the Oxfordshire County Tournaments at the weekend. Henley finished on top in the ladies’ competition, while Banbury were too hot to handle in the men’s event. Hawks were defending both titles, but could not
SEVEN people managed to escape a house fire last night. Two fire crews from Slade Park and Rewley Road were called to the property in Campbell Road at around 9.30pm. A severe fire had taken hold of the ground floor of the house and there
A FIELD of 150 turned out for the Centenary Trophy at Frilford Heath. The competition on the Red Course began in 2008, when the club celebrated 100 years since its formation. Angela Reeves won the ladies’ section, finishing with 37 points,
RON Creese won Oxford City’s Past Captains’ Trophy for the third time. His 36 points was the best of the 16 past captains in the field, one ahead of Ray Davies. John Summers was third on 33 points.
CRAFTSMEN and women showed off their wares and helped raise money for Oxford’s Pegasus Theatre during a fair. The art and craft fair took place inside and outside Pegasus Theatre, in Magdalen Road, East Oxford, on Saturday. About 50 artisans
SHAW GIBBS OXFORDSHIRE FOURSOMES LEAGUE KO Cup Frilford Heath 3, Buckingham 0: L White & T Smith bt P Skinner & S Lewis 5 & 3, C Little & M Chiddington bt S Newbould & A Leetham 4 & 3, A Walton & E Bradley bt M Schofield
THE age gap between these youngsters and their oldest schoolmates is an impressive 11 years. But it is hoped they will all get on well and be able to come together for nativity plays and assemblies. A total of 22 four-year-olds arrived yesterday
