Oxford and Oxfordshire news, sport and information updated throughout the day

Stories for 15 December 1999

Oxfordshire Business

Fundraising boss moves

THE man who has put Cambridge University at the top of the fundraising tree has arrived in Oxford, pledging to create a "philanthropic culture".  more...

Oxfordshire News

Please come home, my son

Tearful father Gareth Chaplin made an emotional plea for his missing son Paul to come home, writes Phil Clee.  more...

New police chief stands up for herself

When Julie Spence failed to win promotion with the Avon & Somerset Constabulary, she didn't hesitate, writes andrew Ffrench.  more...

Gretel finds success is no fairy tale

In the frantic run up to Christmas, Gretel Parker will be working 11-hour shifts stacking supermarket shelves with bread and cakes to fund her small business The Tiddler Press which aims to bring a little magic to its readers, writes Janet McMeekin.  more...

Winning mug is top of the pots

A Millennium mug designed by a nine-year-old schoolgirl is selling like hot cakes, writes Roseena Parveen.  more...

Hospitals 'can't pay their bills'

A hospitals in Oxfordshire may have to stop paying major suppliers after falling into "dire financial straits", writes Victoria Owen.  more...

Don't fall victim to Yule crime

Householders are being urged to take a few simple steps to ensure a crime-free Christmas and New Year, writes Andrew Ffrench.  more...

Xsara's got zing

CITROEN'S Xsara is the sort of car you could safely recommend to your father. Spacious, with a high level of standard equipment, the Xsara is a quality performer from the ground up, with a long list of innovative features and user-friendly touches.  more...

Security bill 'scandalous'

A council is facing a £180,000 security bill to keep watch on an old people's home it closed, writes Mark Templeton.  more...

A touch of magic

ASTON Martin is marking the new Millennium with the introduction of finger-tip operated electronic control for the automatic transmission of the 185mph Bloxham-built Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.  more...

Man and boy die in car smash

A man and a boy died after their car was involved in a horrific smash with a lorry today.  more...

Jailed drivers lead bid to cut drink-drive deaths

MOTORISTS convicted of causing road deaths have been enlisted to help deliver a hard-hitting campaign against drink-driving.  more...

Social services to lose senior posts

Social services chiefs are set to axe senior managers in a radical shake-up to save £255,000, writes Mark Templeton.  more...

Clio's tops

THE Renault Clio has raced to the top of the European small car sales chart. The car has scooped 10.47 per cent of the market this yearand the range is due to expand next year with the arrival of the performance Renaultsport Clio 172 2.0 16V.  more...

Your turkey will do the drains a fat lot of good

Fat from turkeys and other festive roasts could be cooking up problems for householders and the environment, Thames Water has warned, write Andrew Ffrench.  more...

Diesel danger is higlighted

MOTORCYCLISTS are supporting a petition which calls on the Government to introduce legislation which will make biking a safer form of transport.  more...

Motoring memories are invited

DRIVERS are being invited to submit special motoring moments for a competition as part of an exhibition called 'The Open Road' being staged at the National Motor Museum.  more...

Free magazine for all two-wheelers

COVER Notes, a free bikers magazine with features on Harley riding Boyzone star Ronan Keating and a host of rare modern and classic bikes, has been published by leading motorcycle insurer, Carole Nash Insurance Consultants.  more...

New E-Type 'is planned'

JAGUAR is planning a spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type, it was reported this week.  more...

United can look forward to Chelsea Cup trip

OXFORD United's remarkable form since manager Mickey Lewis has been in charge continued at Nottingham on Friday. The battling U's took their run of unbeaten games to 11 with a terrific equaliser from substitute Paul Powell.  more...

Today: There will be a good deal of sunshine, although it will be cold.

Tonight: It will be a mainly dry night with long clear spells, leading to a widespread and sharp frost. Tomorrow: Another cold start, but becoming warmer with a fresh 10mph to 15mph wind. a chance of rain later.  more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Witney chief Constable is ready to walk away

By RUSSELL SMITH WITNEY Town chairman Brian Constable has spoken of his increasing disillusionment with the game - and admitted he would quit the club if a big-money backer offered to take over.  more...

Jamie to get his big break

AMIE Cook will step into the breach for Oxford United this Saturday with boss Mickey Lewis urging him: "Go on, you've got your chance, now take it!"  more...

Cup tickets going fast

UNITED are revising their predicted gate figure for next week's FA Cup replay against Nottingham Forest after what they describe as "a very encouraging demand for tickets".  more...