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

Stories for 6 January 2006

Oxfordshire News

Elton tickets are selling fast

Elton John fans are being urged to snap up tickets for his outdoor Oxford concert while they still can, as almost 70 per cent have been sold.   more...

Ordinary people

Helen Watkins (Oxford Mail, December 18) is less than fair in describing the disciples of Jesus as 'spin doctors'.   more...

Good policing

New Year's Eve was a busy night but peaceful in Oxford city centre.   more...

Morse star remembered

Inspector Morse actor John Thaw has been added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.   more...

Ageing bridge may be rebuilt

The Wolvercote viaduct on the A34 south of Pear Tree may have to be demolished amid mounting concerns about the escalating cost of repairs -- a move which would cause traffic chaos across Oxfordshire.   more...

Police pledge to beat gun crime

Oxford's police chief issued a warning to armed criminals after four men were held in dawn raids yesterday: "We will hunt you down and relentlessly pursue you."   more...

Eye cancer operation `was a success'

An African toddler is looking forward to returning home -- after lifesaving cancer treatment arranged by her "guardian angel" from Oxford.   more...

Public back westgate redevelopment

Plans for the £300m redev- elopment of Oxford's Westgate shopping centre are getting good feedback from shoppers, say developers.   more...

Report criticises waste partnership

A report by the Audit Commission has criticised the way councils in Oxfordshire are jointly tackling the problem of waste.   more...

City hailed for £4.7m tsunami aid boost

The tsunami-relief appeal has been boosted by a staggering £4.7m from kind-hearted fundraisers in Oxford, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has announced.   more...

Crackdown on mini bike craze

Police in Didcot are cracking down on 'mini-motos' after a string of complaints from residents.   more...

Friday, January 6: No mercy for new year thugs

It seems that our criminals are starting the new year as they finished the old.   more...

Town pub serves up perfect pints a-plenty

One of Banbury's best-loved pubs has been recognised for the quality of the beers it serves.   more...

Chime for action

Villagers have vowed to protect their church clock -- which some have branded as 'antisocial' for ringing too early in the morning and late at night.   more...

One-legged man robbed of £160

A one-legged man in a wheelchair was robbed at knifepoint by two men in Wantage.   more...

Homes plan for campus

Thame's old workhouse could become the site for more than 100 new homes.   more...

Bear necessities

One of Abingdon's oldest but probably least-known institutions -- the men-only Bear Club -- goes into its 51st year but with a history dating back to 1767.   more...

NHS must stay in our hands

On Tuesday, MPs at Westminster will be lobbied to put the brakes on the Government's anticipated White Paper, Care Outside Hospital, which, with its earlier report, Commissioning a Patient Led NHS, is likely to recommend the outsourcing of such essential health services as health visitors, community nurses, primary care pharmacists and other allied health professionals.   more...

'Cancer victim' fleeced lovers

A serial conwoman who duped lovers out of thousands of pounds by pretending she had cancer was jailed yesterday (Thursday).   more...

Plea after probe into boy's death

The mother of a toddler who was run over and killed outside the family home two years ago is terrified that more children will lose their lives.   more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Football: BAIRD HAUNTED BY FREAK INJURY JINX

Banbury United will be without their top-scorer Andy Baird for the fifth-placed side's tough trip to Southern League Premier Division rivals Methyr Tydfil after he suffered a bizarre ear injury.   more...

Football: ITALIANS EYEING U'S STAR DAVIES

Oxford United's want-away striker Craig Davies is being chased by Italian Serie B side Verona.   more...

Fixtures: The week's sporting calender

SATURDAY   more...

Football: Boss Peace is hoping for a happy Wantage return

GLS Football Hellenic League: Manager Stuart Peace returns to his old stomping ground as his Didcot Town side look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier Division against Wantage Town tomorrow.   more...

Rugby: SKIPPER NOYCE BACK FOR QUINS

Skipper Andy Noyce is set to return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines as Oxford Harlequins visit Maidenhead in South West 1 tom- orrow.   more...

Football: City eye Craker

Oxford City will be able to take over at the top of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division table for the first time this season if they beat leaders Harefield United at Court Place Farm tomorrow.   more...