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

Oxfordshire | Archive | 2006 | April

Stories for 7 April 2006

Abingdon

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Animalmatters

Goodbye friend

When I first met Lorna she was confined to a wheelchair. She had a small army of helpers but her only constant companion was Gigi, a toy poodle. more...

Goodbye friend

When I first met Lorna she was confined to a wheelchair. She had a small army of helpers but her only constant companion was Gigi, a toy poodle. more...

Bicester News

900-house plan branded ‘daft’

Plans for a development of 900 houses, a primary school and shops on land just outside Bicester have been submitted to Cherwell District Council. more...

Taxi ambition is tall order

A would-be cabbie has been told he may not get a licence for a specially converted disabled access minibus because its roof is not high enough. more...

Tributes to crash driver

The family of a man who died in a head-on car crash has paid tribute to him as a wonderful, caring and kind person. more...

Tributes to crash driver

The family of a man who died in a head-on car crash has paid tribute to him as a wonderful, caring and kind person. more...

Books

Changing the world

If you had to name 12 books that changed the world, which would you pick? more...

Veronica Stallwood, a former Oxford college librarian, has taken over the mantle of Colin Dexter with her Oxford-based detective Kate Ivory. In her latest book, Oxford Letters (Headline, £6.99), Kate investigates a mysterious couple who seem to be trying to kill her mother. more...

Female Indiana Jones in search of a legend

Mary Zacaroli talks to archaeological artist Clara Semple about the mythical silver coin known as the Maria Theresa thaler Archaeological artist Clara Semple has spent more than 40 years working in numerous Arab countries on both sides of the Red Sea. Almost whereever she went, she came across large silver coins bearing the portrait of Austro-Hungarian empress Maria Theresa, which over the centuries have gained near-mythical status across the Arab world. more...

Female Indiana Jones in search of a legend

Paperbacks

John, Cynthia Lennon, (Hodder, £7.99) Cynthia Lennon has had plenty to say over the decades about her ten years in the sixties as wife of the famous Beatle. Unfortunately, she repeats much of it here, in cliches which must surely have been honed by years of newspaper interviews. The only new thing is that, having previously declined to play the role of the vindictive ex-wife, she airs for the first time some of the hurt and grief from their marriage break-up, plus examples of John's abusive, paranoid behaviour even when supposedly happily married. She also describes what must rank as one of the meanest divorce settlements ever provided by a millionaire. Their son Julian puts it best when he asks his mother: "Dad's always telling people to love each other, but how come he doesn't love me?" Indeed, the most compelling part of the book is Julian's foreword describing how it felt to be rejected by a man who preached love and peace. more...

Paperbacks

Vonnegut returns to turn his wit on Bush

This roller-coaster ride through the mind of one of the United States' most celebrated authors will leave many readers relieved that they are not the only sane person on the planet. more...

Mediterranean message of acceptance

Two stories run parallel to each other in this novel, only merging towards the end when the boy becomes a man and the woman learns to face her ghosts. more...

Biography - Michael Scott

The history of this book is almost as interesting as its subject. The first serious attempt to write a biography of campaigning priest Michael Scott was made by Observer journalist Cyril Dunn in the spring of 1974. more...

Chox News

How I took on my leukaemia

Kate Birkbeck, 11, of Hornton, near Banbury, was nine when doctors discovered she had leukaemia on Christmas Eve. more...

Cimena

The Dark (15)

Based very loosely on the novel Sheep by Simon Maginn, The Dark is a supernatural thriller almost entirely devoid of shocks or scares. more...

Columns

Cabbages and Kings: April 7, 2006

SPRING has arrived in Oxford. more...

Country

Room for a view

If one was to pick a site from which to survey the landscape of Oxfordshire, Wittenham Clumps is an ideal spot. more...

Cricket

CRICKET: Daggett and Knight shine bright

Oxford University soon found themselves up against it when they enterained Warwickshire 2nd on the opening day of their two-day match played under UCCE competition rules. more...

Didcot

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Editorial Comment

Speedy . . . and not so speedy

Of course, Cyclox, the cycling pressure group, was wrong to put up a sign warning of the dangers at a junction near Oxford railway station. more...

Entertainment

Events April 9

Bike ride: 9.30am. 55-mile ride to lunch in Quainton, coffee in Bicester. Oxford City CTC. outside Campus Store, Broad Street, Oxford. Robert 01869 245079. more...

Events April 10

Five-a-side Football League: New league. Capacity for 24 teams. Monday nights 8-10pm. All abilities welcome. Oxford, Kidlington. 0870 241 2494 (Option1). more...

Events April 7

Coffee and light lunches: By volunteers for church funds. Methodist Church Hall, Sheep Street and Victoria Road entrances, Bicester, 9am to 1.30pm. more...

Events April 8

Coffee morning: At St Edburg's Church Hall, Old Place Yard, Bicester, 9.30am to 11am, in aid of church funds. more...

Events April 11

Gallery talk: Small Treasures of the Ashmolean. 1.15-2pm. £2. Booking recommended. Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford. 01865 278015. more...

Events April 12

Easter Holiday Activities: Apr 12-14. African Games. Explore Africa in the Pitt Rivers. learn to make and play mancala, a simply addictive game. 1-4pm, free, no need to book. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. 01865 270927. more...

Events April 13

Farmers' market: Bicester Farmers' Market, local produce for local people, Sheep Street, 8.30am to 2pm. more...

Plant, Deacon Blue, Texas at Cornbury

LED Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Scottish bands Deacon Blue and Texas have been confirmed for this year's Cornbury Festival, which takes place on Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9. more...

Food

Henley prepares to celebrate local food

Helen Peacocke reports on the first Henley Food Festival taking place over two days at the end of the month Who said we don't care about the food we consume? Despite all the gloomy reports on the way we eat, child obesity and the staggering amount of fuel required to ferry food from one country to another, our interest in local food appears to be increasing. It is reflected in the burgeoning number of food festivals taking place, not just in the UK, but throughout the world. more...

Henley prepares to celebrate local food

Recipe: Purple sprouting with duck and orange dressing

Late-picked purple sprouting is one of the most nutritious vegetables around at the moment, especially if you buy it from a farmers market or farm shops such as Millets at Frilford where it's harvested fresh from the field every day. A 100g portion of freshly picked purple sprouting contains enough vitamin C for your day's requirements, and loads of other nourishing nutrients too. more...

Recipe: Purple sprouting with duck and orange dressing

Football

FOOTBALL: Miller returns

Spartan South Midlands League Leaders Oxford City welcome back striker Justin Miller when they travel to Premier Division rivals Langford tomorrow. more...

FOOTBALL: Boss Foley fires up Ardley troops

GLS Football Hellenic League Pete Foley has backed his Ardley United troops to reach their second final of the season by beating Tytherington Rocks in the semi-finals of the GLS Challenge Cup. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird set for Banbury

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: Baird eyes return

Striker Andy Baird is set to return for Banbury United when they travel to Premier Division rivals Team Bath. more...

FOOTBALL: City regain winning thread

OXFORD City got back to winning ways, but had to come from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Tring Athletic and extend their lead at the top of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division to five points. more...

FOOTBALL: Banbury go down

BANBURY United went down 2-1 to an 89th-minute goal from Salisbury substitute Robert Matthews in the Premier Division on Saturday. more...

FOOTBALL: Thame relegated

THAME United were relegated after suffering their heaviest defeat of the season 8-0 to Sutton Coldfield Town in Saturday's Division 1 West clash. more...

FOOTBALL: Thame relegated

THAME United were relegated after suffering their heaviest defeat of the season 8-0 to Sutton Coldfield Town in Saturday's Division 1 West clash. more...

FOOTBALL: Let's keep run going – Fowler

Bicester Town boss Tim Fowler has five simple words for his players when they visit Prestwood tomorrow keep up the good work! more...

FOOTBALL: Confident Foley fires up troops

Pete Foley has backed his Ardley United troops to reach their second final of the season by beating Tytherington Rocks in the semi-finals of the GLS Challenge Cup tomorrow. more...

FOOTBALL: Launton are humbled

Launton Sports' hopes of winning their first silverware of the season ended as the Premier Division outfit suffered a shock Oxfordshire Senior League's President's Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Division 1 side Enstone Sports. more...

FOOTBALL: Ex-Forest star in town

Former Nottingham Forest star and now Swindon coach Ian Woan is set to pull on his boots again when he plays against the Banbury & District Lord Jersey FA Veterans League representative side at Bicester Town on April 23. more...

Garden

Dainty Woodlanders

This year we stand a good chance of having a proper full-blown spring because the cold, wintry weather we've recently suffered has held everything back. more...

Headlines

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Witney Gazette with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Timing of meetings attacked

A DISTRICT councillor who is standing down in the May elections has hit out at the council for holding its meetings during working hours. more...

I will still be around, says GP

IT is the end of an era in the Wychwoods area of West Oxfordshire where there has been a Dr Scott looking after local people for more than 70 years. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

The race is on for control of WODC

THE race is on for control of West Oxfordshire District Council. more...

Police and store discuss parking in Woodstock

POLICE met the managers of a Woodstock store to try to solve the problem of congestion in the town centre. more...

Witney CCTV cameras never sleep

SHOPKEEPERS were invited into the CCTV control room in Witney to see how the system works. more...

Health & Beauty

Breathe easy

Many people with asthma or rhinitis have simple allergy to dust, house dust mites, pets or moulds. Skin tests, though far from perfect, often succeed in identifying specific triggers. more...

History

Secrets of Stonor

Tucked away in a Chilterns valley five miles from Henley on Thames, Stonor possesses both a grandeur and a seclusion well-suited to the needs of the family who have lived there for over 800 years. more...

Master of industry

In April 2004, a plaque was unveiled at an apparently insignificant house at 16 James Street, Cowley. What few may appreciate, even now, is that this was the childhood home of William Richard Morris, one of Oxford's greatest industrial pioneers. more...

Interiors

Ceramic magic

When you next find yourself with time on your hands, idly browsing through the ceramic selection at one of the National Trust outlets, the well-stocked shop at Blenheim Palace, or perhaps even London's world-famous Fortnum & Mason store, do take a closer look at the inscription on the pieces. more...

Rockin' chair blues

Life can take some strange twists and turns none more so than for Chris Baylis, founder of The Real Wood Furniture Company, based in Woodstock. more...

Le Antiques

Restoration and conservation

In recent months, I have been seeking expert advice for Oxfordshire Limited Edition readers with an eye to collecting. April is here and rejuvenation is in the air. If you cast a fresh eye over your most cherished possessions and decide they are looking past their best; what can you do? more...

Leader

Turning point

The Government has got itself into an extraordinary mess over the health service. A huge amount of extra money has gone into the NHS over the last few years and yet, in Oxfordshire, we are facing a funding deficit of £82m. more...

Pooling resources

Oxford City Council has got itself into a pickle over its decision to allow all under 17s in the city free swimming at its pools. It has now had to accept that European Court rulings mean that free swimming must apply to all under 17s whether they come from Oxford, Eynsham, Kidlington, Banbury, or indeed anywhere in the world. more...

Pool liberated

Abingdon outdoor pool is on course to open next month despite the activities of some idiotic vandals. more...

Commuters win the day

Well done to the Didcot commuters who forced the Government and First Great Western to rethink plans to axe services into London. more...

Lefolklore

Tales of war

The English Civil War of the 17th century was a traumatic period. Family members and friends often found themselves on opposing sides, and there was much unhappiness, distress and fear. Perhaps because of this there are many tales connected with this time. more...

Tales of war

Lemuseums

While the city sleeps

The Ashmolean presents a unique vision of Oxford in this series of black and white photographs by independent photographer Norman McBeath revealing a timeless city of stories where everyday places assume the magic of stage-sets. more...

Letters

Narnia is not under threat

I was concerned to read that Ronald Brind, whose organisation uses the CS Lewis nature reserve in Risinghurst, Oxford, to conduct tours for American tourists, was disgusted' by the efforts of local people and the BBOWT wildlife trust to improve and enhance this beautiful but vulnerable site, Narnia under threat (Oxford Mail, March 31). more...

Excellent care

Through your paper, can I thank all those who helped me when I collapsed at home last Thursday? more...

Breadth of vision

Sir I write to suggest some 'joined-up government' in the realm of animal rights. more...

Backward looking

Sir I am absolutely appalled at how researchers, who insist on using animals in their research, deceive the public every time they are interviewed. After watching a re-run of John Stein's interview (Professor of Psychology at Oxford) in which he categorically stated, 'All medical progress over the last hundred years has come about through animal research', I felt compelled to expose this claim. John Stein makes himself look foolish by insisting upon using animals in research, and that medical progress has relied solely on this methodology. Vivisection is delaying medical progress and allowing hundreds of thousands of people to die from debilitating diseases, the evidence is irrefutable. more...

Backward looking

Cycling danger

Sir In response to a recent request for a progress report on the Botley Road railway bridge, following a 2,000-signature petition submitted last year, county councillor David Robertson has responded: "Options for providing some degree of cycling facility for eastbound cyclists under the bridge have been extensively explored. For safety, financial or practical reasons we do not consider that these can be taken forward in the foreseeable future." more...

Limit speed to 20mph

Sir The county council has withdrawn a plan to convert a pavement outside St Ebbe's School in Whitehouse Road to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists. All able-bodied children should be encouraged to walk or cycle safely to school, both for their healthy development and for everyone's environment. However, shared use pavements are not the way to safer cycling. more...

Recycling aim

Sir It comes as no surprise that 95 per cent of Oxford residents, who took part in the city council survey, support more recycling. But I'm thrilled that nearly threequarters (72.5 per cent) back the particular scheme we are proposing to start in October. more...

Lakes destruction

Sir I wonder if all your readers are aware of the scale of destruction which will occur if the RWE npower application to fill Lake E at Radley with ash from Didcot Power Station is approved: 1: Over 1,000 trees chopped down There are over 2,000 trees in this area. Although some will remain, chainsaws will be heard as well over 1,000 trees are felled. more...

Imaginative proposal

Sir Christopher Schenk (Letters, March 31) is right: the Reformation took place a long time ago and it is time for forgiveness and reconciliation. I was present at a meeting of Churches Together in Oxfordshire in October 2003 when the Lord Lieutenant suggested a new memorial might be built in the city to honour all its local martyrs, irrespective of whether they were Protestant or Catholic. On the Protestant side, the names of Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley are, of course, well known. Less well known are three Catholic priests, George Napier, George Nichols and Richard Yaxley, who, professing their own beliefs with similar courage, were hung, drawn and quartered in Oxford. I suggest that in these less tempestuous times many would be willing to contribute to the cost of implementing this imaginative proposal. F.G. Davis, South Newington more...

Vulnerable site needs sensitive handling

Sir I was very concerned to read that Ronald Brind, whose organisation uses the C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve in Risinghurst to conduct tours for American tourists, was disgusted' by the efforts of local people and BBOWT to improve and enhance this beautiful but vulnerable site (Report, March 31). more...

Equal treatment

Sir It appears somewhat disingenuous of the St Margaret's Ward Liberal Democrats to put into their April 2006 newsletter this sentence "And for those of 60 or over, bus travel within the city after 9am is now free!" without the acknowledgment that this concession has lately come about as the result of Parliament passing the Labour Government's Budget of 2005. more...

Unfailing care

Sir In the light of the current debate about the care of the elderly in the NHS I am writing to you about my recent experience. more...

Unrewarded choice

Sir Spring is in the air and anyone who drives along Marston Ferry Road is sure to notice and presumably feel cheered by the masses of daffodils emerging along the bank which seperates the road from the cycle track. more...

Concrete jungle

Sir I was horrified to see in the winning architect's plans for Bonn Square published in your paper, March 10, that at least two more beautiful mature old trees will disappear. Trees of this size take over 100 years to grow and provide essential natural beauty in a townscape bereft of it. They should not be destroyed, but could be made into a feature with an area of grass and flowers around them. Those trees, if allowed to stay, as well as combating carbon dioxide emissions, could help to improve that area of the centre of Oxford far more than the concrete jungle of poles and paving stones provided by this new plan, and would be cheaper to implement. more...

Royal Mail's curious standards

Sir Poor postal delivery in Oxford seems to be back in the news again. I am feeling frustrated, irritated and frankly, amazed at the service, or lack of service that we are receiving. more...

Unjustified claim

Sir Your front page headline, Trauma of two-tier switch 'worth it' (Report, March 31) is extremely misleading by implying that all city schools have benefited from the re-organisation. more...

Nothing to say

Sir On the question of permitting mobile phone masts on school sites, Burford School head Patrick Sanders says: "There's no reason why we shouldn't renew it . . . Nobody will know for many years about the safety of them" (Report, March 31). Quite so: we don't know about the safety of ongoing microwave radiation, and we are not likely to know either way for a very considerable time. more...

Something new

Sir My colleagues and I were pleased to read that your correspondent A.Watson (Letters, March 24) had enjoyed many of the events that Oxford Inspires has promoted. more...

Solar communication

Sir In this age of instant communication, should not the 400 delegates attending the Second Solar Cities Congress (Report, March 31) be communicating their ideas by the Internet, rather than travelling from Japan, Australia, Korea, Brazil, or even North Oxford to the Examination Schools? Or is the attraction of an international jamboree too great? The hypocrites! more...

Shop close to home

Sir The city council has been asked to explain why it wants to increase traffic to Oxford, but it stays silent. It seems that our councillors cannot find justifications for their policy on Westgate that they feel can stand the light of day. more...

Lewine

The French connection

Just outside Henley-on-Thames, in the Newton Business Park, there is a very fine and, I have to say, brave, wine merchant. Lake Wines is owned and run by Adrian Lake, a man who fervently believes that French wines are indisputably the world's best. more...

Listings

Cinemas April 7 to April 13

CINEWORLD, MILTON KEYNES: Scary Movie 4, TBC, Thurs only, 11am, 11.55, 1, 2, 3.10, 4.10, 5.20, 6.20, 7.30, 8.40, 9.40pm. Junebug, TBC, Wed only 7pm. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, U, 11am, 11.30, noon, 1.15, 1.45, 2.15, 3.30, 4, 4.30, 5.45, 6.15, 6.45, 8, 9, 10.20pm*, delux screen, 12.30pm, 2.45, 5, 7.15, 9.30pm. Alien Autopsy, 12A, 11am (not Sat), noon, 1.20, 2.20, 3.40, 4.40, 6, 7, 8.20, 9.20, 10.45*, 11.45pm*. She's The Man, 12A, 11.05am, 1.35, 4, 6.30, 9.10, 11.50pm*. The Dark, 15, 12.20pm (not Thurs), 2.55 (not Thurs), 5.15, 7.35, 9.50, 12.10am*. Rent, 12A, 8.50pm. Failure to Launch, 12A, 11.40am, 2.05, 4.45, 7.10, 9.35pm. The Shaggy Dog, U, 11.10am, 12.10, 1.40, 2.30, 4.55, 7.20pm. Firewall, 12A, 4.05pm (not Thurs), 6.40 (not Thurs), 9.15pm. Basic Instinct 2, 18, 4.10pm, 7.05 (not Wed), 9.45pm. Yours, Mine & Ours, PG, 11am, 1, 3pm. The White Countess, PG, 8.40pm (not Thurs). Hostel, 18, 5pm, 7.15, 9.40, 12.05am*. Inside Man, 15, 12.05pm (not Sat & Thurs), 3.20 (not Thurs), 6.25 (not Thurs), 9.25 (not Thurs), 9.45pm (Thurs only). The Ringer, 12A, 11.15am (not Thurs), 1.30pm (not Thurs). V For Vendetta, 15, 9.45pm (not Thurs). The Pink Panther, PG, 11.05am, 1.25, 3.50, 6.20pm. more...

Motoring News

Roadtest: Matiz makes a splash

Most iconic motoring brands conjure up an instant vehicle vision. For me, the name Chevrolet means big, bold and brash. more...

Roadtest: Matiz makes a splash

Most iconic motoring brands conjure up an instant vehicle vision. For me, the name Chevrolet means big, bold and brash. more...

Motors

Roadtest: Matiz makes a splash

Most iconic motoring brands conjure up an instant vehicle vision. For me, the name Chevrolet means big, bold and brash. more...

Epica marks Chevrolet mid-size debut

The new Chevrolet Epica is the company's first mid-size model to be launched in Europe and will come with a choice of two transversely mounted engines one a 2.0-litre. straight six, the other a new 2.0-litre. four-cylinder common rail direct injection diesel. more...

Amica makes comeback as Hyundai starter model

The just-launched Hyundai Amica is a prime example of a little car that offers a lot. more...

Nissan goes pink

Nissan has bowed to pressure from car buyers and launched a pink version of the C+C coupe-convertible. more...

Fresh new look for little Mazda

Mazda has launched a new-look Mazda2 with a nine-strong model range and a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine. more...

Roadtest: Matiz makes a splash

Most iconic motoring brands conjure up an instant vehicle vision. For me, the name Chevrolet means big, bold and brash. more...

Hairy Bikers' books to be won

Following on from this year's popular Hairy Biker BBC Two television series, the two big bearded bikers Dave Myers and Simon King are preparing to recreate their mixture of motorcycle tales and delicious delicacies from around the world with the launch of a new book, aptly named The Hairy Bikers Cookbook. more...

Motorsport

Italian star makes BTCC debut

Fabrizio Giovanardi, regarded as the best touring car driver in the world, will fly in from Italy today for his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut at Brands Hatch on Sunday. more...

Harvey has high hopes for Brands

Former BTCC Champion and GT racer Tim Harvey, of Woodstock, has high hopes for 2006 as he prepares for the opening rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Brands Hatch this weekend. more...

Italian star makes BTCC debut

Fabrizio Giovanardi, regarded as the best touring car driver in the world, will fly in from Italy today for his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut at Brands Hatch on Sunday. more...

Solberg cannot wait for Corsica

Banbury's Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg is looking to erase memories of a painful Rally Catalunya with a podium on the Tour de Corse this weekend. more...

Solberg cannot wait for Corsica

Banbury's Subaru World Rally Team driver Petter Solberg is looking to erase memories of a painful Rally Catalunya with a podium on the Tour de Corse this weekend. more...

Plato fired up for Brands clash

Oxford touring car driver Jason Plato has brushed aside comments made about him by "cocky" Tom Chilton and instead says he's hungrier than any of his rivals to win this year's Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship crown. more...

Music

Soul man

Debbie Waite is charmed by singer Craig David during his world tour. more...

News

Banbury MP: Come clean over NHS cuts

MP Tony Baldry has asked county health bosses to come clean over cuts to mental health services in Banbury. more...

Plea for railways review

A CALL for an integrated transport system in Oxfordshire has come from Banbury MP Tony Baldry. more...

Loneliness of the round-world sailor

HE has not seen any sign of life for six weeks but yachtsman Adrian Flanagan has found plenty to entertain him out at sea. more...

Vision for children

A PLAN to promote the well-being of children in Northamptonshire has won the support of more than 30 local groups. more...

Can you help the police solve these local crimes?

BURGLARS stole £5,000 in cash and cigarettes from Arden News on High Street, Banbury. Police believe a rear door was forced open between 9pm and 10pm on Wednesday night. more...

Club's appeal as it marks 75 years

BANBURY United is celebrating 75 years as a top football club with an appeal to local businesses for support and sponsorship. more...

Pensioner recovers after mugging

A 77-year-old woman needed seven stitches in a head wound after being robbed on Bretch Hill. more...

Mum's plea to save unit

PREMATURE baby Charlie Clarke is living proof of the need for full children's services at Banbury's Horton Hospital. more...

Mum's plea to save unit

PREMATURE baby Charlie Clarke is living proof of the need for full children's services at Banbury's Horton Hospital. more...

Mum's plea to save unit

PREMATURE baby Charlie Clarke is living proof of the need for full children's services at Banbury's Horton Hospital. more...

Mum's plea to save hospital's baby unit

PREMATURE baby Charlie Clarke is living proof of the need for full children's services at Banbury's Horton Hospital. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Banbury Cake with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Family pay tribute

THE FAMILY of a man who died in a head-on car crash has paid tribute to him as a wonderful, caring and kind person. more...

Train disruption

RAIL services in north Oxfordshire will be affected by engineering work over the weekend. more...

900 homes for Caversfield?

PLANS for a development of 900 houses, a primary school and shops on land just outside Bicester have been submitted to Cherwell District Council. more...

Bicester 'gets lowest health funding in country'

PATIENTS in Bicester recieve the least amount of Government health cash per person in the country, it was revealed this week. more...

Chiropodist cautioned

A BICESTER chiropodist has been cautioned for unlawfully giving a patient a local anaesthetic. more...

Opposition unites over council 'secret plan' for Garth

OPPOSITION town councillors have joined forces to call for greater openness in the way decisions are made about the future of Bicester's civic mansion house. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Bicester Advertiser with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Bicester Advertiser with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Obituaries

Miss Winifred 'Aggie' Simpson: Former shorthand and typing teacher

WINIFRED Simpson, who has died aged 100, taught shorthand and typing to hundreds of Oxford school pupils. more...

Mr Peter Moss: Former Lord Mayor of Oxford

TRIBUTES have been paid to Peter Moss, the former Lord Mayor of Oxford, who has died aged 73. more...

Opinion

My teenage days as a tinpot tyrant

The Lord Chamberlain's licence for this play is conditional upon the phrase 'Party of Dynamic Erection' throughout the play being changed to 'Party of Dynamic Insurrection' The words above appear, exactly as I reproduce them, on the first page of my battered, beer-stained copy of David Halliwell's Little Malcolm and his Struggle against the Eunuchs. It is a French's acting edition dating from 1966, and I possess it because long ago I appeared in the play. Not so long ago, however, that we needed to obey the Lord Chamberlain's instructions. The date was 1969. Censorship of the British stage had ended the previous year. We could mention the Party of Dynamic Erection as often as we wanted and did. more...

My teenage days as a tinpot tyrant

It's time these spaces were disabled

It is more than three years since I began getting cheesed off by the number of disabled parking spaces in my neighbourhood and I am sure it applies across the county that stand empty and unused because the people for whom they were designed had stopped driving, moved on or died. Some of them were many years out of date. Our city councillor Susanna Pressel took up the cause but got nowhere, such are the legal complications involved. more...

Ot News

Walton Street will be swamped with traffic

MORE than 2,200 cars could drive up and down a narrow North Oxford street when a new super surgery is opened in the city centre, according to experts. more...

Drunken Boat Race star spells night in cells

DRUNKEN celebrations following Oxford University's boat race victory landed two students in trouble with the police this week. more...

Man charged with murder of Thame man

THE family of a Thame man stabbed to death in a blazing bungalow in Northamptonshire on Wednesday described him as "a gentle man with a kind and generous spirit". more...

Trees felled to make way for hospital buses

TWO trees and a listed wall have come down at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, to make way for buses. more...

Bus driver spotted using mobile

A FORMER soldier has complained after he saw an Oxford bus driver using his mobile phone at the wheel. more...

North Oxford residents campaign for post-box

RESIDENTS in North Oxford are demanding the return of their missing post-box. more...

Saddam's former adviser comes to town

A FORMER adviser to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has urged people to support British troops still operating in the Middle Eastern country. more...

City residents face fines over rubbish

LEAVING wheelie bin lids open or putting rubbish out on the wrong day could bring a fine of up to £75 under measures by Oxford City Council. more...

Voluntary organisations face threat

VOLUNTARY organisations across Oxfordshire face tougher times finding helpers after cutbacks at the county's key recruitment centre. more...

No cycles in the cycle lane please

YOU won't get wet while waiting for your bus, but you could get hit by an oncoming cyclist. more...

No cycles in the cycle lane please

YOU won't get wet while waiting for your bus, but you could get hit by an oncoming cyclist. more...

Service to mark Bishop's retirement

A SPECIAL service is being held to mark the retirement of the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries. more...

Consulting on pollution zone for city centre

ENVIRONMENTAL consultants have been hired at a cost of £24,000 to examine the possibility of creating an exclusion zone around Oxford city centre to ban high-polluting traffic. more...

Pilot scheme for county jobseekers

JOBSEEKERS in Oxfordshire are to be given an ultimatum either attend a compulsory course in moving from welfare to work, or lose your benefit. more...

Protests against Jerry Springer at theatre

CHRISTIANS from different churches and organisations came out to protest against a musical they described as depraved and offensive. more...

Base protesters could be 'terrorists'

PROTESTERS who enter an RAF base in Oxfordshire will be treated as "potential terrorists" and could face up to 51 weeks in jail. more...

Concern at plans for Brookes housing

DEVELOPMENT plans for a university campus have caused concern among neighbours who fear existing parking problems will be exacerbated. more...

'We want to be part of Berkshire again'

STANDING proudly in front of a 'Royal County of Berkshire' sign in Oxfordshire and pointing to a map of 1804 historian Nikolai Tolstoy declared: "We saw off Napoleon and will see off Oxfordshire County Council." more...

Owners face fines for walking too many dogs

DOG owners in Oxford could be fined for walking too many dogs at the same time, as part of a package of new powers for councils. more...

Cannabis plant haul could be biggest yet in city

HUNDREDS of cannabis plants were found in two East Oxford houses yesterday in what could be the biggest seizure of homegrown drugs in the city. more...

County's farmers fear panic over bird flu

THE worst fears of Oxfordshire poultry breeders have been confirmed with news that the dead swan found in Scotland was carrying the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. more...

Grants offered to community groups

Staff at Dialability in Oxford celebrate their grant towards building a sensory garden CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of The Oxford Times with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of The Oxford Times with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Led Zeppelin legend and Texas will headline festival

LED Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Scottish bands Deacon Blue and Texas have been confirmed for this year's Cornbury Festival, which takes place on Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9. more...

Other Sport

CYCLING: Lloyd is the one to catch

TOP local cyclo-cross rider Paul Lloyd retained his 100 per cent winning record as the fastest Didcot Phoenix member in the first ten-mile time-trial of the 2006 season. more...

POINT-TO-POINT: Four back for more

Four winners from the last Mollington meeting, near Banbury, return to the course eyeing more glory at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase Hunt tomorrow. more...

BADMINTON: Headington Redefield are crowned top dogs

Headington Redefield A have established themselves as the county's strongest club by winning the Five Disciplines League. more...

BADMINTON: Headington Redefield are crowned top dogs

Headington Redefield A have established themselves as the county's strongest club by winning the Five Disciplines League. more...

BADMINTON: Headington Redefield are crowned top dogs

Headington Redefield A have established themselves as the county's strongest club by winning the Five Disciplines League. more...

BADMINTON: Headington Redefield are crowned top dogs

Headington Redefield A have established themselves as the county's strongest club by winning the Five Disciplines League. more...

BADMINTON: Headington Redefield are crowned top dogs

Headington Redefield A have established themselves as the county's strongest club by winning the Five Disciplines League. more...

HORSE RACING: McCoy out to break hoodoo

IT'S the John Smith's Grand National tomorrow and much of the attention this year will focus on whether Tony McCoy can finally win the big race. more...

HOCKEY: Hawks sign off with win

OXFORD Hawks signed off their Men's English League South Division campaign on a high note with a 4-2 win away to Ipswich which lifted them up to eighth in the table. more...

RESULTS & FIXTURES April 7

RESULTS FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Mansfield Tn 1, Oxford Utd 0. more...

RESULTS & FIXTURES April 7

RESULTS FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Mansfield Tn 1, Oxford Utd 0. more...

RESULTS April 7

RESULTS FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Mansfield Tn 1, Oxford Utd 0. more...

TENNIS: Henman vows to play on

Tim Henman says he has no intention of retiring at the end of the season. more...

RACING: Jarvis is on song

Twyford trainer Alan Jarvis has his string in fine fettle with Trans Sonic and Star Of Canterbury scoring at Kempton and Southwell respectively. more...

RACING: Thornton set for Aintree

Stratton Audrey jockey Robert Thornton aims to repeat his Cheltenham double success on Voy Por Ustedes and My Way De Solzen when he again partners the Francois Doumen-trained Innox in tomorrow's Grand National on whom he finished seventh last year. more...

Oxford News

Oliver! offers stage stardom

Hundreds of young people will flock to auditions in Oxford tomorrow for the chance to star in the country's largest youth production. more...

Funding fears for volunteers

Voluntary organisations across Oxfordshire face tougher times finding helpers after cutbacks at the county's key recruitment centre. more...

Get set for the big run

All roads lead to Blenheim Palace on Sunday as hundreds of runners take on the picturesque five-mile course in the grounds of the stately home to raise money for the new Oxford Children's Hospital. more...

Funds bring more child care

A new nursery is to open in Oxford's Blackbird Leys estate providing 20 extra childcare places for the city. more...

Funds bring more child care

A new nursery is to open in Oxford's Blackbird Leys estate providing 20 extra childcare places for the city. more...

Something for every folk fan

Folk music fans are in for a treat when the third Oxford Folk Festival opens today. more...

Buses win battle

Two trees and a listed wall have come down at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital to make way for buses. more...

Grants offered to community groups

Charities in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the Oxford Mail's parent company with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Gardeners get £15,000

Years of campaigning to transform derelict garages into a community garden have been rewarded with a £15,000 grant from the city council. more...

Hooligans strike at old tower

Vandals scaled scaffolding on an ancient Oxfordshire church tower before ripping stones from the parapet and lobbing them at floodlighting. more...

Taking action

Every household in Oxford can set policing priorities for their doorsteps, streets and local communities now that a new neighbourhood scheme is being extended citywide. more...

Bike sign uses 'shock tactics'

Cycling campaigners have teamed up with a construction company to put up a shocking warning sign at an accident blackspot. more...

'We fear panicover bird flu'

The worst fears of Oxfordshire poultry breeders have been confirmed with news that the dead swan found in Scotland was carrying the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. more...

'We fear panic over bird flu'

The worst fears of Oxfordshire poultry breeders have been confirmed with news that the dead swan found in Scotland was carrying the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. more...

Cars to increase with new surgery

More than 2,200 cars could drive up and down a narrow Oxford street when a new super surgery is opened in the city centre, according to experts. more...

Hundreds of cannabis plants found

Hundreds of cannabis plants were found in two East Oxford houses yesterday in what could be the biggest seizure of homegrown drugs in the city. more...

'Mental lapse' led to smash

A careless driver who lost control and veered across a road killing himself, a woman and her elderly mother-in-law suffered a 'lapse of concentration', an inquest ruled yesterday. more...

Cornbury line-up confirmed

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and Scottish bands Deacon Blue and Texas have been confirmed for this year's Cornbury Festival. more...

People

Playing the game

"Best fish and chips I've ever had," the man behind us remarked to his wife, as he wiped his mouth on his napkin, unaware he was in the presence of greatness. more...

The St Clare's story

Anne Dreydel, co-founder of St Clare's, Oxford, is a renowned educationalist and has been a leading champion of international relations for over 60 years. more...

Keeping it in the family

During the 1950s and 60s, the BBC TV Sports programme Grandstand sent a regular outside broadcast team to cover international motorcycle scrambling, or MotoCross as it came to be known. more...

Keeping it in the family

During the 1950s and 60s, the BBC TV Sports programme Grandstand sent a regular outside broadcast team to cover international motorcycle scrambling, or MotoCross as it came to be known. more...

Restaurant Reviews

Tyred menu

Are there any places as soulless and uniform as motorway service areas? more...

Results And Fixtures

FIXTURES: The week's sporting calender

SATURDAY FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Chester City. more...

Rowing

ROWING: Williams hails Oxford coach

OXFORD University president Barney Williams hailed coach Sean Bowden after the Dark Blues tamed the angry River Thames to hand favourites Cambridge a decisive beating in the 152nd University Boat Race on Sunday, writes Mike Rosewell. more...

Rugby

RUGBY: Hawks eye tactical changes

Henley Hawks have named an unchanged side for their trip to Stourbridge in National Division 2, but could make some tactical changes. more...

RUGBY: Chinnor coach calls for calm

Chinnor coach John Brodley wants the whole club to "relax and savour the occasion" as they host Maidenhead in South West 1 tomorrow (3). more...

RUGBY: Bicester turn up heat

Bicester will be without back-row forward Christian Wright as they look to boost their hopes of clinching the final promotion slot by beating county rivals Wallingford in their last Premier Division home game of the season, tomorrow. more...

RUGBY: Bicester turn up heat

RUGBY: Grove victorious

GROVE defeated Beaconsfield 29-12 in a re-arranged Southern Counties North game at Cane Lane. more...

RUGBY: Reeves stars for Henley

BARRY Reeves inspired Henley Hawks to a 21-12 home victory over Manchester and ended their National Division 2 relegation fears. more...

RUGBY: Wallingford lift Oxfordshire Shield

GREATER precision and attacking flair saw Wallingford finish worthy winners in an entertaining final at Iffley Road on Saturday. more...

RUGBY: Wallingford lift Oxfordshire Shield

GREATER precision and attacking flair saw Wallingford finish worthy winners in an entertaining final at Iffley Road on Saturday. more...

RUGBY: Bicester turn up heat

Sport

Italian star makes BTCC debut

Fabrizio Giovanardi, regarded as the best touring car driver in the world, will fly in from Italy today for his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut at Brands Hatch on Sunday. more...

Italian star makes BTCC debut

Fabrizio Giovanardi, regarded as the best touring car driver in the world, will fly in from Italy today for his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut at Brands Hatch on Sunday. more...

Tennis

TENNIS: Woodstock hold on

Woodstock won a final-rubber thriller to beat Witney 5-4 in Men's Division 1. more...

TENNIS: Henman feeling revitalised

TIM Henman is feeling revitalised, despite his slide down the world rankings. more...

Wallingford

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Wallingford News

Book of walks a tribute to 'eco farmer'

A tribute in book form is being made to farmer Paul Warburton killed in a farming accident nearly two years ago. more...

Wantage And Grove

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Grants offered to community groups

CHARITIES in Oxfordshire are being offered a helping hand by the parent company of the Herald with thousands of pounds on offer. more...

Witney News

Pakistani minister swaps churches

Moving from Lahore, a city in Pakistan with a population of more than eight million, to the village of Long Hanborough population 2,500 is a challenge the Rev Asif Karam has risen to over the past six months. more...

Pakistani minister swaps churches

Wordplay

The art of texting

Text messaging was a fairly new phenomenon when I wrote a Wordplay article about it in April 2002. Now it seems that half the population is sending text messages. more...

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