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Oxfordshire | Archive | 2001 | November

Stories for 14 November 2001

Abingdon News

Plan to extend centre after big re-opening

The Preston Road Community Centre in Abingdon will re-open with a New Year's Eve party -- and then organisers will get down to planning an extension of the building. more...

Voters go to the polls in by-elections

Voting is taking place tomorrow in two by-elections in Abingdon for vacancies on the Vale of White Horse District Council and Abingdon Town Council. more...

Hotel plan opponents win new backing

Opponents of a plan to build a 100-bed hotel and factory premises on a flood plain in Abingdon have won a new ally -- the Institution of Civil Engineers. more...

Santa goes on tour with Lions

Christmas is approaching and the Abingdon Lions are making plans for Father Christmas to tour estates in the town. more...

Dead man identified

A pedestrian killed in an accident outside the Mounts Bay Inn, Nuneham Courtenay, at 8pm on Saturday has been named as Jimmy Smithson, 56, of no fixed address. more...

Banbury News

Girl wins coveted motorbike award

A 16-year-old girl has beaten the boys to win a coveted motorcycling award. more...

Meningitis patient recovers

A Banbury School pupil struck by meningitis is recovering from the illness in The Horton Hospital. more...

Candlelit concerts coming up

The Adderbury Ensemble chamber orchestra has a busy Christmas schedule with four candlelit church concerts in Oxfordshire. more...

Writer to perform switch-on

Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter will switch on the Christmas tree in Banbury's Castle Quay shopping centre at 3.30pm on Sunday. more...

Fire crews were called to a house fire in Hillside Close, Banbury, at 4.30pm on Monday. The blaze was caused by an electrical fitting in the ground floor lounge. The occupier was given oxygen at the scene. more...

Football: Milner strike keeps Banbury on glory road

Rugby Utd 1, Banbury Utd 2 more...

Bicester News

'Life sentence is justice for dad'

The son and daughter of a murdered man who saw his killer jailed for life say he got what he deserved. more...

Hands up for pizza

A Bicester nursery took on an Italian theme yesterday. more...

Didcot News

Waste crisis inquiry call

A council's handling of the waste management crisis affecting south Oxfordshire has been challenged by a union representative. more...

House permit

Permission to make Eastfield and Westfield cottages in Reades Lane, Gallowstree Common, Sonning Common, into one house has been granted by South Oxfordshire District Council. more...

Mast scheme

Hutchison 3G UK Ltd wants to put up a 50ft mast with three antennae and three dishes at Hagbourne Hill reservoir, West Hagbourne, for telecommunications. more...

Home plans

Outbuildings at listed Home Farm, South Moreton, could be converted to a home if a plan before South Oxfordshire District Council is approved. more...

Oxford News

Repair to key road on target

Roadworks which have closed a main road in Oxford could be completed by Friday, Thames Water said today. more...

Couple badly injured as car rolls off road

An elderly couple had to be cut free from the wreckage of their car, after it was shunted off a dual carriageway and rolled down an embankment. more...

Resignation sparks attack

The resignation of an Oxford city councillor has prompted one colleague to launch an outspoken attack on the authority's leaders. more...

Mother tells how she heard son dying

A mother has told how she heard her dying son make "rasping" noises as the man accused of causing his death held a phone near to him. more...

Youngsters spend the day in court

Budding lawyers put their skills into practice during a day of mock trials at Oxford Crown Court. more...

Centre protest 'minor' say staff

Detainees at Campsfield House immigration centre have protested against the way they are being held -- but reports differ as to how many were involved. more...

Shoppers cry as woman tumbles down escalator

An elderly woman fell backwards down an escalator in a busy Oxford department store. more...

Authors shortlisted

Oxford author Ian McEwan is in the running for another literary award, having been pipped at the post to the Booker Prize. more...

Displays light up streets

Sixteen Christmas light displays will adorn Oxford's city centre streets this year. more...

Support for Oseney Court plans

Proposals to protect the future of Oseney Court as a provider of housing and care for older people have been endorsed by a new council committee. more...

Shops meeting postponed

A public meeting over whether an off-licence should be able to keep selling groceries after a new food shop opened in the same parade was cancelled. more...

Fires probe

Police are investigating three suspicious fires at Bryan Gelder Joinery, in Jack Straw's Lane, Headington. A fence and shed were badly damaged and a workshop slightly damaged. more...

Home plans

Plans for a new house at 10 Shotover Kiln, Forest Hill, have been lodged with South Oxfordshire District Council. more...

Basketball: Devils enjoy a perfect opener

Oxford Devils started their National League campaign with an emphatic 99-68 win over the Hull Icebergs at Oxford Brookes. more...

Athletics: Hirst is third in Scottish test

Headington Roadrunner Allison Hirst produced another star performance as she finished third in the ladies' 35 age group 5km race at the British and Irish Veterans' Cross Country International in Falkirk. more...

Football: Old Headington in pole

RT Harris Oxford City FA Old Headington thrashed The Cavalier 6-2 to go top of the Premier Cup group. more...

Basketball: Oxford conquer Swindon

Oxford Braves returned from Swindon with a 77-64 in National League Division 2 South. more...

Oxford,Abingdon,Banbury,Bicester,Didcot,Thame,Wantage,Wallingford,Witney News

Talented children support appeal

More than 100 talented youngsters from all over Oxfordshire visited Banbury's Castle Quay shopping centre yesterday to record a special Children in Need programme for BBC Radio Oxford. more...

Copter plea

Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust is pleading for help to keep its 999 helicopter flying. The charity is urging people to help by sending donations to Stevie Horton, TVAC Air Ambulance, 44 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2NN. more...

Football: Ex-City star Peirson blasts a perfect ten

Former Oxford City ace Richard Peirson ran riot with ten goals as Division 1 high-fliers Saxton Rovers crushed third division Challow United 16-0 in the North Berks Charity Shield first round. more...

Football: Ian in golden goal glory

Banbury Charity Cup Ian Jenkins grabbed a golden goal to give Bakels Crusaders a shock 5-4 win over KEA United in the second round. more...

Oxfordshire Business

Radical revamp pays dividends

Radical restructuring at a hi-tech Oxfordshire company is paying off, its top executive has revealed. more...

BMW to sell off leasing business

BMW is to sell its finance subsidiary Rover Financial Services to MG Rover in a £340m deal. more...

Drugs firm moves to new home

Growing pharmaceutical company Oxford Natural Products (ONP), which is developing a new generation of botanical medicines, is on the expansion trail. more...

Experts offer support

Five experts from the hi-tech world of optical chips have been drafted in to give an Oxfordshire firm a final push into full manufacturing. more...

Shifting telecoms fortunes

Two major players in the telecoms industry have revealed a stark contrast in their fortunes. more...

New arrival

Steve McConnell has been appointed technical support engineer with water heater and boiler maker Lochinvar. Mr McConnell has joined the company from Hamworthy Heating, where he was an area sales manager. more...

Oxfordshire Education

Top-class energy savers

Youngsters at St Michael's Primary School in Steventon have been turning their attention towards saving the school money. more...

Girl wins coveted motorbike award

A 16-year-old girl has beaten the boys to win a coveted motorcycling award. more...

Oxfordshire Leisure

Sparkling celebration for Festival of Light

At 6pm on Saturday, hundreds of candles will be lit at the Asian Cultural Centre, Manzil Way, Cowley to mark Diwali. more...

Authors shortlisted

Oxford author Ian McEwan is in the running for another literary award, having been pipped at the post to the Booker Prize. more...

Skate park plan moves forward

Plans for a multi-purpose skate park in Wallingford have taken a step forward. more...

Magic of Arthur tour

The magical world of Arthurian legend is set to cast a spell over audiences in Oxfordshire. more...

Candlelit concerts coming up

The Adderbury Ensemble chamber orchestra has a busy Christmas schedule with four candlelit church concerts in Oxfordshire. more...

Classy auction

Signed photos of David Beckham and Michael Owen are going under the hammer to raise cash for Brize Norton primary school. The football memorabilia is among 80 lots so far brought in for the second celebrity auction in aid of the school. The event is on Saturday in the Elderbank village hall at 6.30pm, with viewing from 5pm. more...

Cue to dance

Brazilian dance and martial arts group the Group Abolicao is holding an event at St Francis Church Hall, Holloway Road, Cowley, on Saturday from noon to 4pm. Students will be singing in Portuguese, dancing and playing instruments to win their grading belts. For details, visit the abolicao.co.uk website or call 01865 423119. more...

Curtain up

Image Theatre Company will stage Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen at the sports and arts centre in Oxford Road, Thame, on December 21 at 7pm. more...

Bazaar date

The grand annual British Red Cross bazaar, which raised £6,000 last year, is at Burford School on November 24, 10am to 1pm. more...

Social group

Oxfordshire Association for the Blind is launching a social group for young people -- call 01869 331325. more...

Oxfordshire Marketplace

Still head of the supermini family

Long after the passing of Nicole and Papa, Renault's little Clio continues to set the pace in the family supermini stakes. more...

Bad drivers put off the learners

More than three quarters of learner drivers are put off taking to the roads for fear of encountering too many bad drivers, according to a survey by Duckhams Oils. more...

Puma's final rumble

Ford is saying farewell to the Puma with a striking limited edition model -- the Ford Puma Thunder. more...

Stilo turns on the style

Fiat's new mid-size Stilo three and five-door hatchback made its UK public debut at the Scottish Motor Show in Glasgow. It will going on sale here in February 2002. more...

Twist on a classic

Land Rover has released the first photographs of the new Range Rover, which goes on sale in the UK in February 2002. more...

Red light for more green vehicles

One in five cars in Europe could be running on alternative fuels rather than petrol or diesel by 2020 under a plan to promote renewable energy put forward by the EC. more...

Bring on the muscle

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its most powerful current production car, the SL 55 AMG, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. more...

Freelanders in the land of the free

Land Rover has started production of North American specification Freelanders. Sales start in the USA and Canada in December. more...

Ford on-line

Ford is the first car manufacturer in the UK to provide on-line booking of vehicle servicing and maintenance, following the launch of a new interactive website, www.fordserviceonline.com. The Internet-based aftercare booking system is now available in the UK following its global launch in September 2000 and a successful British trial programme earlier this year.The website enables motorists to obtain an all-inclusive price quotation for scheduled vehicle maintenance and selected repairs, and book a guaranteed appointment time with a Ford dealer of their choice. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to anyone with Internet access. more...

50,000th Astra

The 50,000th model in the Astra coupe and convertible range has rolled off Bertone's assembly line in Grugliasco, Italy. The Italian coachbuilding and design specialists have produced the elegant coupe since the autumn of 1999, and the convertible since the spring of this year. European registration figures show the success of the two Astra variants. With 20,000 newly-registered Astra Coupes, last year's registrations (16,000) were exceeded by September this year. Large demand for the convertible means yearly production is being increased from 11,000 to 14,300. more...

Parts boost

Daihatsu customers and dealers are to benefit from a new, one million-plus parts warehouse as part of the new importer's commitment to the brand. West Midlands-based International Motors Limited - which took over responsibility for Daihatsu vehicles in March 2000 - will also be creating ten extra jobs in the venture. It means its Ryder Street parts warehouse in West Bromwich will employ 55 people looking after all parts and accessories requirements for the Japanese marques of Subaru, Isuzu and now Daihatsu. more...

Stylish Volvo

Volvo has unveiled a host of improvements to the style, specification, safety and drivability of Volvo's premium range of saloons, estates, coupes and convertibles for 2002, yet most prices stay the same. Every range has new alloy wheels, new colours and features to add not only more style but also more value for money, too. Under the skin, there are also new engines to choose from - Volvo's new Bi-Fuel engines that run on gas and petrol, plus a state-of-the-art D5 diesel engine. more...

Reliable Accord

A survey carried out by motor trade publication Fleet News covering the reliability of 620,000 vehicles run by leasing companies revealed that the Swindon-built Honda Accord was the most reliable company car on the road. The survey listed vehicles according to the lowest number of breakdowns per 100 cars on their fleets. Points for reliability were accredited each time a vehicle was cited by a leasing company, awarding five points for a first place, to one point for a fifth. more...

Better warranty

BMW has improved its warranty terms for all new cars registered in the UK from November 1. The mileage limit of 60,000 miles over the three-year cover of the warranty has now been dropped to allow unlimited mileage over the same period. At the same time the paint warranty has been extended from 12 months to 24 months unlimited mileage and now all parts will carry 24 month unlimited cover too. The six-year unlimited mileage corrosion warranty remains unchanged. more...

BMW deal

BMW has signed a co-operation agreement with Austrian company Magna Steyr, covering the development and production of the new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle. BMW will retain sole responsibility for the vehicle's design, engine construction and purchasing. Magna Steyr will build a new factory and extend the paint shop and body shop facilities at its production site in Graz, Austria, to build up to 300 X3s per day - creating 2,500 new jobs. more...

Green engine

Vauxhall has started major deliveries of vehicles fitted with its latest environmentally-friendly Dualfuel engines - a 1.8 litre 16-valve that is now an integral part of the Vectra engine range, and improved 1.6 eight-valve and 16-valve engines for Astravan and Astra cars. All three are the first in the LPG/petrol sector on sale in the UK to meet the stringent Euro 4 emission standards. more...

Clever lights

Audi is working on new lighting technology which could banish being blinded by badly-aligned headlights, or having to suffer the glare of rear foglights in good driving conditions. The first phase advanced headlights, which could appear in 2003, will have a cornering function, which will be determined by speed and steering angle. more...

Ski sponsor

Land Rover has announced a new sponsorship deal with the Ski Club of Great Britain. The deal covers the 2001/2 and 2002/3 winter seasons and includes the sponsorship of the ski club's representatives in 41 top ski resorts and also a dedicated Land Rover page on the club's online daily snow reports website www.skiclub.co.uk. more...

Sell your motor

The Great British Autojumble returns again to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on Sunday January 6, 2002. New for 2002 is the automart where private owners and dealers can bring their cars along to sell for an entrance fee of £20 and a restoration area where visitors can get handy tips and advice. more...

Scooter scoop

The BMW C1 has been awarded 'Scooter of the Year 2001' in the up-to-125cc category by readers of the German magazine Roller Spezial and Scooter. This is the second year in succession that the C1 has received the award. more...

Smart pick-up

Mitsubishi is introducing the 2002 model of the L200 Double Cab Pick-Up, which offers a higher specification, more power and lower emissions at the same price. The Double Cab range costs from £15,776 to £19,176. more...

TLC from STP

Engine care performance brand STP has launched three special engine maintenance twin-packs. The performance, service and power packs each contain two 250ml STP formulations and are priced from £7.99 more...

Oxfordshire News

Eyesore battle to go to High Court

A council is poised to take a man to court following a six-year battle to get him to tidy up his land. more...

Repair to key road on target

Roadworks which have closed a main road in Oxford could be completed by Friday, Thames Water said today. more...

Couple badly injured as car rolls off road

An elderly couple had to be cut free from the wreckage of their car, after it was shunted off a dual carriageway and rolled down an embankment. more...

Plan to extend centre after big re-opening

The Preston Road Community Centre in Abingdon will re-open with a New Year's Eve party -- and then organisers will get down to planning an extension of the building. more...

Resignation sparks attack

The resignation of an Oxford city councillor has prompted one colleague to launch an outspoken attack on the authority's leaders. more...

Centre protest 'minor' say staff

Detainees at Campsfield House immigration centre have protested against the way they are being held -- but reports differ as to how many were involved. more...

Hotel plan opponents win new backing

Opponents of a plan to build a 100-bed hotel and factory premises on a flood plain in Abingdon have won a new ally -- the Institution of Civil Engineers. more...

Sparkling celebration for Festival of Light

At 6pm on Saturday, hundreds of candles will be lit at the Asian Cultural Centre, Manzil Way, Cowley to mark Diwali. more...

Man is found dead in flat

A block of Oxford flats was under 24-hour police guard today following the suspicious death of a resident. more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Football: Bans 'unfair' claim United

Oxford United have appealed against the decision by the Football Association to make the touchline bans of Mark Wright and Ted McMinn run concurrently. more...

Athletics: White Horse trio's joy

The White Horse Harriers' team of Tim Hughes, Paul Jegou and Jason Cook took part in round two of the Wessex Cross Country League at Newbury, and did enough to win the Division 2 event. more...

Greyhounds:

TOMORROW'S OXFORD CARD 7.35 450m A9 more...

Aunt Sally: 16 for hotshot Goulding

Pip Goulding was the star as the Gladiators Friday Beer Seller League got off to a flying start with five sixes. more...

Football: Old Woodstock in cup calamity

Old Woodstock Town president Ian Lenagan has hit out at the Oxfordshire Football Association after his side were not entered for this year's Oxfordshire Senior Cup following a registration mix-up. more...

Rugby: Oxon Under 18s' title hopes fade

Oxfordshire's hopes of collecting the Southern Group Under 18 title all but disappeared as they lost 22-3 to Dorset & Wilts at Witney on Sunday. more...

Rugby: Evans in new role as numbers fall

The Rugby Football Union are taking action to try and halt the dramatic drop in the numbers playing club rugby. more...

Squash: Scott battles to New York win

Scott Handley, from Wallingford, the world No 79, has won the Tech Valley New York Open, beating Switzerland's Lars Harms in the final. more...

Basketball: Devils enjoy a perfect opener

Oxford Devils started their National League campaign with an emphatic 99-68 win over the Hull Icebergs at Oxford Brookes. more...

Basketball: Oxford conquer Swindon

Oxford Braves returned from Swindon with a 77-64 in National League Division 2 South. more...

Football: Highfield hotshots

Oxfordshire Senior League Highfield Old Boys made it nine wins out of nine in the Premier Division with a 5-2 victory over bottom club Ruscote Sports. more...

Football: Boss Mark takes his punishment

Oxford United boss Mark Wright accepted his punishment meted out by the FA. more...

Thame News

Scheme backed

Plans for major work at Christchurch in Upper High Street, Thame, have the backing of the town council planning committee. The plans include a new porch and lobby, alterations to floor levels, a new lift, kitchenette and lavatory for the disabled. more...

Lights switch-on

The Christmas tree lights outside Thame town hall will be officially switched on at 6.30pm on December 7. Local schoolchildren will be singing carols round the tree. more...

Curtain up

Image Theatre Company will stage Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen at the sports and arts centre in Oxford Road, Thame, on December 21 at 7pm. more...

Wallingford News

Bungalow veto

South Oxfordshire District Council has rejected plans for a bungalow next to Easby Orchard in Plough Lane, Shiplake. more...

Squash: Scott battles to New York win

Scott Handley, from Wallingford, the world No 79, has won the Tech Valley New York Open, beating Switzerland's Lars Harms in the final. more...

Waste crisis inquiry call

A council's handling of the waste management crisis affecting south Oxfordshire has been challenged by a union representative. more...

Eyesore battle to go to High Court

A council is poised to take a man to court following a six-year battle to get him to tidy up his land. more...

Upbeat event

After months without an allocated police officer, Wallingford and Cholsey were recently given their own area beat officers. more...

Skate park plan moves forward

Plans for a multi-purpose skate park in Wallingford have taken a step forward. more...

Plans for bike path

Plans have been unveiled for a cycle path linking Wallingford with Cholsey railway station. more...

Mast scheme

Orange has submitted plans to South Oxfordshire District Council for a 15m telecom mast and equipment cabinets in a 14m by 10m compound at the sewage treatment works in Wallingford Road, Goring. more...

Dish go-ahead

NTL has been given the go-ahead by South Oxfordshire District Council for another dish on the telecommunications tower at Englands Game Farm, Christmas Common, Watlington. more...

Homes rejected

A proposal to knock down 4 Newtown Gardens, Henley, and put up two semi-detached houses in place of the bungalow has been refused by South Oxfordshire District Council. more...

Bungalows plan

Planning permission is being sought by Messrs Crabbe & Dearlove to build three bungalows and garages on their land at the rear of The Street, Crowmarsh. more...

Barn bid vetoed

Plans to convert Glebe Barn, Cuxham Road, Watlington, into a four-bedroomed house have been rejected by South Oxfordshire District Council. more...

Wantage News

Waste crisis inquiry call

A council's handling of the waste management crisis affecting south Oxfordshire has been challenged by a union representative. more...

Market Place gets clean-up

Work has started to smarten up Wantage Market Place after a two-month search to find a contractor. more...

Student station goes on the air

Students have launched their own college radio show to entertain classmates and staff. more...

Passion for ceramic art

Artwork inspired by the scenery of the Vale of the White Horse and the Berkshire Downs is now on display in Wantage. more...

Crafty gifts on show

A range of arts and crafts are going on show to help ease the headache of finding Christmas gifts. more...

Crash injury

One person was taken to hospital after a collision between a car and a lorry on the A420 at Hinton Waldrist, just after 3.30pm on Monday. more...

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