Stories for 27 July 2006

Abingdon

Home prices set to soar

AVERAGE house prices in Oxfordshire are forecast to break the £300,000 barrier in the next two years.  more...

Mum-to-be's shock on hottest night

MUM-TO-BE Jane Newton told of her shock after a speeding car crashed into her bathroom minutes after she stepped out of the shower.  more...

Schools face closure in county review

SCHOOLS in Oxfordshire could be merged or closed as the county's education chiefs undertake a major review of primary education.  more...

Knife raiders hit service stations

WITH their faces hidden by sinister home-made masks, two robbers were caught on camera holding up two service stations at knifepoint.  more...

Post Office battle stepped up

MORE than 12,000 Oxfordshire pensioners could face difficulties getting money from their pensions after the Government moved a step closer to scrapping a Post Office payment method.  more...

Prisoner pays for trip home

A PRISONER who walked out of jail and visited his family, but then handed himself in three days later, has been given an extra two months inside.  more...

Storm strikes county after heatwave

BAKED, grilled and swamped the people of Oxfordshire sweltered through one of the craziest weather periods in the county's history last week.  more...

Festival fun despite rain

THUNDER, lightning and torrential rain failed to dampen the spirits of 4,500 music lovers at Steventon's ninth annual Truck Festival.  more...

'Outrageous' as petrol hits £1 a litre

UNLEADED petrol in at least five of Oxfordshire's 70 petrol stations this week rose to above £1 a litre.  more...

Public get say on health plans

THE people of Abingdon and Wantage will get their say on the future of healthcare in the district following fears they could be left out of talks.  more...

Athletics

ATHLETICS: City star out to rule the world

OXFORD City's Hannah England will fly the flag for Great Britain at next month's World Junior Championships in Beijing after running the race of her life.  more...

ATHLETICS: City star out to rule the world

Oxford City's Hannah England will fly the flag for Great Britain at next month's World Junior Championships in Beijing after running the race of her life.  more...

ATHLETICS: Radley youngsters bounce back

Radley have bounced straight back at the first attempt in the UK Young Athletes League after gaining promotion with victory in the final Southern 2 North meeting at Tilsley Park, Abingdon.  more...

Books

Jeannine Alton reviews the exhibition of a very English poet

We all know John Betjeman. Plumpish, jolly, schoolboyish in voice and manner, infectiously enthusing about trains and church architecture, capturing in easy-seeming verse the essence of English life.  more...

A very English poet

Jeannine Alton reviews the centenary exhibition of Sir John Betjeman>/b> We all know John Betjeman. Plumpish, jolly, schoolboyish in voice and manner, infectiously enthusing about trains and church architecture, capturing in easy-seeming verse the essence of English life.  more...

A very English poet

Jeannine Alton reviews the centenary exhibition of Sir John Betjeman We all know John Betjeman. Plumpish, jolly, schoolboyish in voice and manner, infectiously enthusing about trains and church architecture, capturing in easy-seeming verse the essence of English life.  more...

Business

Local share prices

Local share prices on July 17 were as follows: AEA Technology 104 BMW 2708 Electrocomponents 236.25 Isoft Group 61 Oxford Bio 22.25 Oxford Instruments 216.75 Reed Elsevier 532.5 RM 178 RPS 224 Torex Retail 59  more...

Country Matters

The grand old oak of Shotover

Experts have been drawn to Shotover Country Park by an oak which they say is 400 years old, writes HELEN PEACOCKE The ancient Shotover Oak with its gnarled and twisted branches, so admired by regular visitors to Shotover Country Park, may be much older than first thought.  more...

The grand old oak of Shotover

Experts have been drawn to Shotover Country Park by an oak which they say is 400 years old, writes HELEN PEACOCKE The ancient Shotover Oak with its gnarled and twisted branches, so admired by regular visitors to Shotover Country Park, may be much older than first thought.  more...

Cricket

CRICKET: Oxfordshire denied first win

Oxfordshire put a disastrous first day behind them to come within a whisker of pulling off a remarkable victory in their Western Division match against Wiltshire at Salisbury.  more...

CRICKET: Eynsham secure shock cup win

OCA Division 2 basement boys Eynsham stunned Division 1 title favourites Tetsworth by edging to a three-wicket victory in the Airey Cup semi-final on Sunday.  more...

CRICKET: Thame close gap on leaders

Thame Town defied the elements to pull off a stunning 46-run victory at North Maidenhead in Home Counties Division 2 West on Saturday.  more...

CRICKET: Tauqeer's fireworks light up Kidlington

For the second time this season, rain intervened between Kidlington and Wokingham but not before Tauqeer Hussain had provided some fireworks in the Home Counties League Division 2 West game at Wellington Road on Saturday.  more...

CRICKET: Mason shines against old team

An excellent spell of fast bowling against his old club by Lee Mason was all in vain for Bicester & North Oxford in Home Counties Division 2 West at Beaconsfield on Saturday.  more...

CRICKET: Banbury halted by storm

A hailstorm which made the ground look more like a snowscene in winter brought a dramatic finale to Saturday's Division 1 derby between Banbury and Henley at White Post Road.  more...

CRICKET: Unlucky Oxford denied

Relegation candidates Oxford were denied the chance of a much-needed win when a thunderstorm washed out their Division 1 clash at Falkland when they were well on top.  more...

CRICKET: Wallingford left on their own

Rebels Wallingford stand alone now as the only club refusing to support the beleaguered chiefs of The Oxford Times Cherwell League.  more...

CRICKET: Taylor made for Vale week

Former Oxfordshire all-rounder David Taylor will be starring in a Twenty/20 competition which launches Abingdon Vale CC's cricket week on Sunday.  more...

Didcot

Home prices set to soar

AVERAGE house prices in Oxfordshire are forecast to break the £300,000 barrier in the next two years.  more...

Next step towards the action groups

BENSON will be the focus of the next public consultation to bring in neighbourhood policing.  more...

Head loses his beard to help school pool

A HEADMASTER has parted company with his beard of 30 years to raise money for school funds.  more...

Didcot West estate gets the green light

A MAJOR housing development at Didcot looks set to go ahead, despite fears over traffic and a lack of affordable homes.  more...

Schools face closure in county review

SCHOOLS in Oxfordshire could be merged or closed as the county's education chiefs undertake a major review of primary education.  more...

Post Office battle stepped up

MORE than 12,000 Oxfordshire pensioners could face difficulties getting money from their pensions after the Government moved a step closer to scrapping a Post Office payment method.  more...

Prisoner pays for trip home

A PRISONER who walked out of jail and visited his family, but then handed himself in three days later, has been given an extra two months inside.  more...

Storm strikes county after heatwave

BAKED, grilled and swamped the people of Oxfordshire sweltered through one of the craziest weather periods in the county's history last week.  more...

Ed's chilly challenge

FORGET the luxuries of Westminster life Wantage MP Ed Vaizey will ditch all that when he takes off on a 400km trek across the Arctic.  more...

Festival fun despite rain

THUNDER, lightning and torrential rain failed to dampen the spirits of 4,500 music lovers at Steventon's ninth annual Truck Festival.  more...

'Outrageous' as petrol hits £1 a litre

UNLEADED petrol in at least five of Oxfordshire's 70 petrol stations this week rose to above £1 a litre.  more...

CCTV aids 100 arrests

CCTV SYSTEMS in Didcot and Wallingford are paying dividends but calls have been made for increased investment in the scheme.  more...

Eating Out

We found Princess Diana's shrine had seen better days

I'M not quite sure how we ended up at Postcombe which is on the A40. We intended to explore Watlington, but got lost along the way.  more...

Editorial Comment

Targeting tax cheats

We are in favour of our councils getting tough with council tax evaders. There are some who are in genuine difficulty in meeting their bills, and they should get all the help they can.  more...

Education

Shedding light on the important questions

SILVANA DAMERELL says Oxfordshire's super-microscope on target for 2007 Scientific research in the UK is set for a huge boost next year when Diamond Light Source, which is being built on the Harwell science and innovation campus, starts experiments that will answer a myriad of questions about the world around us.  more...

Entertainment

Growing numbers are visiting museum

MORE than 50,000 people are visiting The Vale and Downland Museum, Wantage, every year and the numbers continue to rise, thanks to the museum's Family Friendly campaign to put family needs at the centre of any visit.  more...

Features

The Shangri-La set in Didcot . . .

IT was dogged by health fears over pylons and power lines when it was built but, 12 years on, does Didcot's Ladygrove estate hold the secret to long life?  more...

Fixtures

FIXTURES July 28

SATURDAY CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Henley v Falkland, Oxford v Reading, Slough v Banbury.  more...

FIXTURES July 28

SATURDAY CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Henley v Falkland, Oxford v Reading, Slough v Banbury.  more...

FIXTURES July 28

SATURDAY CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Henley v Falkland, Oxford v Reading, Slough v Banbury.  more...

FIXTURES July 28

SATURDAY CRICKET HOME COUNTIES PREMIER LEAGUE Div 1: Henley v Falkland, Oxford v Reading, Slough v Banbury.  more...

Food

TWO-HOPUR TEST COOKS UP SOME TASY TEAMWORK

A frisson of excitement and anticipation rippled through the changing room as 12 employees of Bottle Public Relations began preparing for a team-building exercise designed to help them understand each other's strength's and weaknesses through a medium they all loved food.  more...

TWO-HOPUR TEST COOKS UP SOME TASTY TEAMWORK

A frisson of excitement and anticipation rippled through the changing room as 12 employees of Bottle Public Relations began preparing for a team-building exercise designed to help them understand each other's strength's and weaknesses through a medium they all loved food.  more...

RECIPE FOR TAGLIATELLE WITH MUSHROOMS AND TRUFFLE OIL

This recipe was written by the instructor chefs from Oxford Brookes University restaurant for those taking part in the team- building day. Although the recipe is geared for ten portions of starter, it also serves four generous portions as a main course. Those working from this recipe were absolutely delighted with the results and some cooked the dish again from their home kitchens, having bought themselves a pasta-rolling machine.  more...

Football

FOOTBALL: City mark cup win centenary

Oxford City may play second fiddle to Oxford United these days, but they were once the area's top dogs.  more...

FOOTBALL:City celebrate famous centenary

Oxford City may play second fiddle to Oxford United these days, but they were once the area's top dogs.  more...

FOOTBALL: Yemi strikes twice to stake claim

Oxford United boss Jim Smith is hoping to develop Yemi Odubade into a 90-minute player after his sensational entrance as a substitute at Eastleigh on Wednesday night.  more...

FOOTBALL: United lose out in tug-of-war for Dale

Oxford United have missed out on hotshot striker Robbie Dale after a "row" over who really owns him.  more...

FOOTBALL: City count the cost after washout

Oxford City lost several thousand pounds in revenue after a violent thunderstorm caused the postponement of their money-spinning pre-season friendly against Oxford United on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: City celebrate famous centenary

Oxford City may play second fiddle to Oxford United these days, but they were once the area's top dogs.  more...

FOOTBALL : United contest police request

Oxford United have taken the unprecedented step for a Conference club of challenging a police request to switch a match.  more...

FOOTBALL: Milton call off Oxford United friendly

Oxford United's pre-season friendly at Milton United tomorrow has been called of The main pitch at Milton Heights, where United also have their training base, is considered not yet good enough for a competitive match following remedial work carried out on it during the summer.  more...

FOOTBALL: Jones returns to Wantage

Left back Glyn Jones has rejoined Wantage Town from Didcot Town.  more...

FOOTBALL: Parrott flies in for Didcot

A late Andy Parrott header gave Didcot Town a deserved 3-2 win against Banbury United in a pre-season friendly at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: Abingdon Town suffer second friendly defeat

Abingdon Town suffered their second pre-season friendly defeat when they lost 3-0 to Beaconsfield SYCOB at Bisham Abbey on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: Brooks gives United a fright

Former Oxford United Jamie Brooks gave his former teammates a fright before Jim Smith's men exerted control to beat Didcot Town 3-1 in their friendly at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium.  more...

Gardening

Reaching for the sky

Hollyhocks have grown in Britain for at least 500 years, saysVAL BOURNE When I was a small child my uncle had the best job any uncle could possibly have. He was a chocolate salesman and every anniversary, birthday, high day and holiday were celebrated with the arrival of a massive box of chocolates.  more...

Golf

GOLF: Young Tilly is champion

Tilly Holder, who plays off a handicap of five, became Oxford Ladies club champion only 15 months after taking up the game.  more...

GOLF: Oxfordshire face crunch

The bid to bring the 2011 Solheim Cup to Oxfordshire faces a crucial test next week.  more...

Kids Week

Jan Niedojadlo exhibits

Children are given licence to touch, smell and climb inside the giant interactive sculptures in the Jan Niedojadlo exhibition at the Banbury Museum.  more...

Leader

Schools should merge not close

IT would be a crying shame to see any village schools close as part of a review of surplus places in Oxfordshire. Of course, the county council has to ensure we are all getting value for money from the limited resources available for education.  more...

CCTV success

WE welcome the success of CCTV across south Oxfordshire and the Vale. There was a lot of argument before the system was put in place in Wallingford and Didcot, in particular about the cost and who was going to pay for it.  more...

Letters

How we plan to boost recycling

Oxford City Council is setting out to reduce the waste going to landfill and to more than double the proportion of household rubbish that is recycled, from the current 19 per cent to 45 per cent by April 2008.  more...

Enough is enough

Great news permission has been granted for thousands of new homes in Didcot.  more...

Congestion

Sir, Your front page article on July 13 put a fine gloss on the proposal to build over 3,000 houses west of Didcot.  more...

Congestion

Sir, Your front page article on July 13 put a fine gloss on the proposal to build over 3,000 houses west of Didcot.  more...

'Civil war'

Sir, As a Conservative who has defended the Oxford Green Belt, I take exception to the sanctimonious Liberal Democrat attitude evidenced by councillor Patterson's letter of July 21. The question he poses to Conservative councillors as to why some may want to see a revision of the Green Belt boundary could equally well be directed at members of his own party.  more...

Water blunder

Sir, Too much, Thames Water. Re Messrs White and Noble's letters about excessive estimating by Southern Electric when billing. Are the utility companies reading the wrong meters?  more...

Arts centre plea

Sir, By coincidence, Michael Palmer's plea (Herald, July 13) for the music block in St Mary's School, Wantage, to be donated for use by the community was published on the first day of the annual Wantage Music Festival.  more...

Arts centre plea

Sir, By coincidence, Michael Palmer's plea (Herald, July 13) for the music block in St Mary's School, Wantage, to be donated for use by the community was published on the first day of the annual Wantage Music Festival.  more...

Music

CITY OF OXFORD ORCHESTRA, SUMMER BAROQUE, SHELDONIAN

The COO's summer season continued last weekend with a delicious feast of baroque favourites. After yet another day of intense heat, this was the perfect way to wind down and relax, to savour the delights of Vivaldi, Pachelbel and Albinoni, and to enjoy the friendly repartee from harpsichordist Ian Clarke. Exquisite, expressive and joyous handling of the baroque style characterised the playing of the orchestra's chamber ensemble, together with an impressive degree of precision and cohesion.  more...

Beloved Clara

'Surely I am the happiest wife on earth. Should something not be right for you, tell me straight away." Thus wrote Clara Schumann to her composer husband Robert soon after their marriage the couple were sometimes apart as Clara continued her career as an internationally successful concert pianist.  more...

Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson surveyed the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside bathed in evening sunshine from the stage at Ascott and simply could not help himself. The insistence of his fans and Cropredy festival regulars that rain clouds gather where ever he plays has clearly begun to niggle. "I hope this puts paid to stories that I'm a rain-monger, if monger is the right word," he told the crowd. True enough, the great singer/songwriter finished a blistering set on Friday night in balmy conditions. But, boy, hadn't he tempted fate. The next day torrential rain storms forced organisers to abandon the fundraising festival for Oxfordshire Mind.  more...

Friends of All Saints., Wytham, concert

After Saturday's heavy thunderstorms, the sun shone gently on the first concert of the newly formed Friends of All Saints' Church. Sit-down picnicking in the grounds had proved a little too damp after the downpour but people still made the most of exploring the beautiful gardens. As the evening got under way we took our seats inside the attractive old church a perfect setting for the mixed programme of religious and secular music.  more...

La capricciosa corretta, BAMPTON CLASSICAL OPERA

La capricciosa corretta is hardly a name that trips off the tongue. And Martin y Soler is not, I suspect, a composer whose works feature in many music-lovers' CD collections. Yet such is the magnetism of Bampton Classical Opera that the Deanery Garden was full last weekend with eager opera-goers, enjoying a fun-filled piece that fitted perfectly into this idyllic setting.  more...

OXLEY AND D'AGOSTINO CD DOUBLE SINGULAR

Oxford-based guitarists Pete Oxley and Luis D'Agostino, well-known to anyone who goes to the Spin Jazz Club, have brought out their second duo album, to be launched at a special concert on Sunday. Mostly recorded at their concert in December last year at the Holywell Music Room, this is a fine tribute to two musicians who have been working fruitfully together for several years.  more...

News

The car-boot cowboys

DODGY stallholders selling stolen goods or counterfeit gifts are under growing pressure as part of a new investigation into the county's car boot sales and markets.  more...

Threat to Post Office accounts

MORE than 12,000 Oxfordshire pensioners could face difficulties getting money from their pensions after the Government moved one step closer to scrapping a Post Office payment method.  more...

Concessionary scheme soon to allow extended travel

CONCESSIONARY bus pass holders in the Cherwell area will soon be able use them for inter-county travel.  more...

Phew! It's so hot

TEMPERATURES peaked in Oxfordshire last Wednesday at a scorching 34.2C on one of the hottest July days on record.  more...

Official launch for quake appeal

A £100,000 fund has been set up to help pupils in Kashmir, whose school was wrecked by last year's Asian earthquake.  more...

Call to the car fans

YOUNG people who like tinkering with cars are being invited to help renovate a 1961 Mini Cooper.  more...

Golf betting blow

A PUB's golf society is counting the cost of a "bet that never was" after top bookmaker Ladbrokes refused to pay out on a "winner".  more...

Firemen at full stretch

OXFORDSHIRE firefighters had their busiest day of the year last week as a spree of blazes broke out during sweltering temperatures.  more...

Following the path of romance

DAVID Gibbard is planning to follow the romantic footsteps of his grandfather by walking from Greatworth to Duns Tew and back.  more...

MP blasts Peer over hospital services quote

BANBURY MP Tony Baldry has called on health minister Lord Warner to visit Banbury, after the peer hinted in a letter that there could be an increase in services at the Horton Hospital which is under threat of crippling cuts.  more...

More tiers for NHS?

An initiative by consultants at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre to set up a private hospital in Littlemore is causing concern among supporters of the health service While hospitals across the region brace themselves for cuts that threaten to overwhelm the NHS, Oxford's Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre has been quietly embarking on a new path.  more...

Obituaries

Teacher's tireless charity work

A former teacher and archaeologist who spent years volunteering for charities and a day centre in Witney for elderly people has died a week before his 84th birthday.  more...

A foster mother to many generations

Beatrice Ellen Martin, a foster mother to generations of children in Oxfordshire, has died aged 93.  more...

Academic had varied career

Richard Symonds, who has died aged 87, had a varied career as a wartime ambulance driver, academic, United Nations official and writer.  more...

Opinion

TELLING GLIMPSE OF HOW IT USED TO BE

With very good cause, Hugh Trevor-Roper was not a popular man in a large swathe of academic Oxford. Glee was unconcealed when the former Regius Professor of Modern History came a spectacular cropper over his authentication of the 'Hitler Diaries' for his friends and paymasters at the Sunday Times. His reputation, and that of the newspaper, took years to recover from the debacle.  more...

SUPERMAC PROVED A USEFUL PAL

Hugh Trevor-Roper brushed aside newspaper allegations that he landed the job of Oxford's Regius Professor of Modern History in 1957 because of a family connection between him and the Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. In fact, the link was "somewhat tenuous", as the historian noted his sister-in-law's first cousin (Lord Astor) was married to Lady Dorothy Macmillan's niece.  more...

Other Sport

BOWLS: Moon outshines opposition

Banbury Borough's Greg Moon has done it again!  more...

BOWLS: f=85 Helvetica Heavy l=8.5q=lON FORM: Mark Sykes|of=Helvetica s=6Picture: Name Order

Division 2 leaders Thame inflicted a humiliating defeat on bottom side Witney Mills in the Oxford & District Bowls League, sponsored by Yarnton Nurseries Garden Centre.  more...

BOWLS: Thame crush sorry Witney

Division 2 leaders Thame inflicted a humiliating defeat on bottom side Witney Mills in the Oxford & District Bowls League, sponsored by Yarnton Nurseries Garden Centre.  more...

RACING: Bentong back with a bang for Cole

BENTONG, trained by Paul Cole at Whatcombe, near Wantage, put up a classy performance to land the Weatherbys Insurance Summer Sprint at Redcar.  more...

BOWLS: Moon eclipses rivals again

Banbury Borough's Greg Moon has become the first bowler to win through to all four finals in the OBA County Competitions for the second time when he and his teammates made it a clean sweep at Oxford City & County.  more...

SPEEDWAY: Cheetahs secures first bonus point

Oxford Cheetahs went down 50-45 away to Eastbourne in the Sky Sports Elite League on Sunday, but gained revenge in the return at Sandy Lane on Wednesday, running out 50-42 wins to secure their first bonus point of the campaign.  more...

BOWLS: Correction

In last week's Herald, it was reported that John Heapy, of Hagbourne, had won the national Champion of Champions title.  more...

Results: Jul7 27

CRICKET THE OXFORD TIMES CHERWELL LEAGUE Division 4 Challow & Childrey 2nd 67-1 v Chearsley.  more...

FIXTURES: July 27

FIXTURES SATURDAY CRICKET THE OXFORD TIMES CHERWELL LEAGUE Div 1: Challow & C v Oxford 2nd.  more...

RACING: Bentong stars on return

Bentong, trained by Paul Cole at Whatcombe, near Wantage, put up a classy performance to land the Weatherbys Insurance Summer Sprint at Redcar.  more...

BAR BILLIARDS: Fairmile stretch lead

Fairmile Social Club maintained their grip at the top of the Wallingford & District Summer League with a 4-1 victory at Marlborough Club, Didcot.  more...

Oxford News

'I tried to save him'

A toddler who fell into a garden pond died last night as his parents made the agonising decision to switch off his life support machine.  more...

'I tried to save him'

A toddler who fell into a garden pond died last night as his parents made the agonising decision to switch off his life support machine.  more...

Baby girl fights for life

A baby girl was still critically ill with a serious brain injury last night as detectives continued to question a teenager.  more...

Bankrupted for not paying tax

Pensioner David Budhram and his wife Marilyn have become the first people in Oxford to be made bankrupt for not paying their council tax.  more...

Bankrupted for not paying tax

Pensioner David Budhram and his wife Marilyn have become the first people in Oxford to be made bankrupt for not paying their council tax.  more...

'Drugs would help me live longer'

A cancer sufferer fears he will die before he can finish his revolutionary eco-home because he has been refused what he believes is a life-saving drug.  more...

Harry Potter pops into palace

A touch of magic was cast across the grounds of Blenheim Palace as film crews moved in to shoot scenes for the next Harry Potter film this week.  more...

Final curtain for Big Ron

Ronald McDonald, the icon of the American fast food chain, will be the target for a spear-throwing contest at the revived Lammas Games at Braziers Park, near Wallingford.  more...

Arctic role

MP Ed Vaizey will forgo the comforts of the Palace of Westminster when he takes off on a 250-mile trek across the Arctic The Wantage Tory is one of a four-strong team of MPs which will take part in the first 'Westminster Challenge'.  more...

Pigeon power

A pigeon fancier has fulfilled the dream of a lifetime after his 'super' pigeon flew 500 miles to bring him a major racing title.  more...

Man killed pair in jealous rage

A nursery nurse strangled to death by her ex-fiance had warned just days earlier that he would kill her if he discovered she was dating his friend, an inquest was told.  more...

Gang robs woman

A woman was robbed and sexually assaulted by a gang as she walked home.  more...

Manhunt after bottle assault

French police were last night still hunting an Oxford University student who they said may be dangerous after a wealthy banker was attacked with a bottle in a nightclub.  more...

Baby attack suspect released

A teenager arrested on suspicion of assault after a baby was taken to an Oxford hospital with a life threatening brain injury has been released on police bail.  more...

Dispute heads back to court

A man taunted his next door neighbours despite a restraining order banning him from talking to them, a jury heard yesterday.  more...

Dispute heads back to court

A man taunted his next door neighbours despite a restraining order banning him from talking to them, a jury heard yesterday.  more...

Have say over hospital

The people of Abingdon and Wantage will get their say on the future of health care, in the county following fears they could be left out of the debate.  more...

Rescue team

A Didcot sailor has spoken of his pride at helping hundreds of people to safety as part of the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon.  more...

Rescue team

A Didcot sailor has spoken of his pride at helping hundreds of people to safety as part of the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon.  more...

Builders get green deadline

Developers have been told to start thinking green if they want to build homes in Oxford.o Oxford City Council has agreed a checklist for firms to calculate the environmental impact of buildings as part of their planning application.  more...

Builders get green deadline

Developers have been told to start thinking green if they want to build homes in Oxford.o Oxford City Council has agreed a checklist for firms to calculate the environmental impact of buildings as part of their planning application.  more...

Call to stop teen drinkers

People can help stop underage drinking by calling a new telephone hotline designed to clamp down on illegal alcohol sales.  more...

Boxers take to the Thames

Members of an Oxford boxing club are hoping that a trip down the river will help them buy their first fight ring.  more...

Flit to flicks in park

Free outdoor film screenings are taking place in Oxford University Parks as part of a festival Britdoc to promote documentaries.  more...

Pasttimes

The historian who went into battle

Scholar Antony Wood made several enemies at Oxford University in the 17th century, writes CHRIS KOENIG Cantankerousness, even the odd heartfelt hatred, are not qualities totally unknown among Oxford academics, but these days, few, if any, punch each other on the nose whenever they meet up about town.  more...

Recipes

Chilled pea soup

BECAUSE this recipe calls for both peas and their pods, it can only be made during the summer when peas are at the height of their season. Besides, it's a chilled soup, created for those special alfresco parties under the apple trees when a tasty cool starter is called for.  more...

Restaurants

LA CUCINA, ST CLEMENT'S, OXFORD

I noticed La Cucina for the first time as I stood at the bus stop opposite on the last Wednesday of June. "Open later today" said a blackboard notice outside the premises in St Clement's which, before a rebuild, used to house Electric Aids. I last visited in about 1990 to get a part for what I thought was an 'almost new' vacuum cleaner. "Sorry mate; they haven't made those for ten years," the assistant told me. A spot of Araldite and the machine's still going strong today, its longevity explained by how little it's used. There are better things in life than cleaning. Eating is one.  more...

Results

Results July 28

SATURDAY CRICKET MINOR COUNTIES CHAMPIONSHIP Western Division Oxfordshire 120 (J Hewitt 42, A Senneck 4-37, J Hibberd 3-26) & 444-8 dec (C Smith 166, J Hewitt 81, R Williams 62, R Kaufman 49), Wiltshire 284 (L Dawson 54, L Ryan 5-83) & 222-8 (T Morton 61, J Bedbrook 51no).  more...

Rowing

ROWING: Chambers shines in Belgium

Richard Chambers, a third-year architectural student at Oxford Brookes, did his country proud at the World Under 23 Championships in Belgium Chambers, from Northern Ireland, won a World Under 23 silver medal in 2005 in the British lightweight quad scull.  more...

Speedway

SPEEDWAY: Cheetahs roar to first bonus

Oxford Cheetahs enjoyed their best night so far in a difficult year by picking up their first bonus point after beating Eastbourne Eagles 50-42 at Oxford Stadium last night.  more...

Sport

MotoGP success for Banbury team

Team Roberts MotoGP rider Kenny Roberts Jr. was greeted in his pit box by an ovation after almost taking a podium finish on a sweltering day at his home track of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday.  more...

Tennis

TENNIS: Oxon's women off the mark

Oxfordshire's women boosted their hopes of beating the drop from Group 2 with a crucial 5-4 win over Cheshire at Worthing.  more...

TENNIS: Abingdon club seek entries

Abingdon Tennis Club are inviting entries for two popular tournaments next month.  more...

Theatre

Star Quality, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

It's soon after the Second World War, and the scene is a dressing room at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Star Lorraine Barrie is sobbing uncontrollably: nobody understands her, she is all alone in the world apart, that is, from her trusty servant Nora (Sarah Berger) and her pampered dog Bothwell (see picture). Sitting at a safe distance across the room, director Ray Malcolm is not impressed by Lorraine's performance caused by his decision to sack a member of the cast without consulting her.  more...

Star Quality, Everyman, Cheltenham

It's soon after the Second World War, and the scene is a dressing room at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Star Lorraine Barrie is sobbing uncontrollably: nobody understands her, she is all alone in the world apart, that is, from her trusty servant Nora (Sarah Berger) and her pampered dog Bothwell (see picture). Sitting at a safe distance across the room, director Ray Malcolm is not impressed by Lorraine's performance caused by his decision to sack a member of the cast without consulting her.  more...

Robin Hood, Creation Theatre Company, Headington Hill Park

When the smoothly villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Scott Brooksbank) tells us he can't stand violence, we suspect that he has about as much respect for the truth as for the well-being of the people labouring under his corrupt rule. Later, as he swashes a buckle to match any of the Sherwood Forest freedom fighters, he reiterates his point: "I hate violence but it doesn't mean I am not good at it."  more...

Robin Hood, Creation Theatre Company, Headington Hill Park

When the smoothly villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Scott Brooksbank) tells us he can't stand violence, we suspect that he has about as much respect for the truth as for the well-being of the people labouring under his corrupt rule. Later, as he swashes a buckle to match any of the Sherwood Forest freedom fighters, he reiterates his point: "I hate violence but it doesn't mean I am not good at it."  more...

Robin Hood, Creation Theatre Company, Headington Hill Park

When the smoothly villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Scott Brooksbank) tells us he can't stand violence, we suspect that he has about as much respect for the truth as for the well-being of the people labouring under his corrupt rule. Later, as he swashes a buckle to match any of the Sherwood Forest freedom fighters, he reiterates his point: "I hate violence but it doesn't mean I am not good at it."  more...

Robin Hood. Creation Theatre Company. Headington Hill Park

When the smoothly villainous Sheriff of Nottingham (Scott Brooksbank) tells us he can't stand violence, we suspect that he has about as much respect for the truth as for the well-being of the people labouring under his corrupt rule. Later, as he swashes a buckle to match any of the Sherwood Forest freedom fighters, he reiterates his point: "I hate violence but it doesn't mean I am not good at it."  more...

Importance of Being Earnest, Wadham College, Oxford Shakespeare Company

On a balmy night at the end of a blistering day, I sat in Wadham College's beautiful garden in the evening sunshine a glass of chilled white wine in my hand enjoying what is perhaps the funniest play in the language. Perfection? Not far from it, for here was Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, his classic celebration of the inconsequential, expertly and confidently presented to exploit every comic possibility of the script sometimes in ways that its creator could not have envisaged. My occasional uncontrollable guffaws were matched in the merriment of all those around me, many of whom I judged to have been experiencing the play for the first time.  more...

ROCK 'N' ROLL, ROYAL COURT THEATRE

Well. Of all the memorable theatrical evenings I've enjoyed courtesy of Tom Stoppard, this was the most extraordinary. So this piece may consist of introductions and footnotes, many supplied by Stoppard himself, in the text so admirably sold at the Royal Court instead of the usual ad-strewn programme.  more...

Robin Hood can be found in woods near you

NICOLA LISLE looks forward to Creation Theatre's spectacular production of Robin Hood which boasts an original score If you go down to Headington Hill Park today, you could be in for a big surprise. For this normally tranquil oasis in Oxford's city centre has been transformed into Sherwood Forest, and, for the next couple of months, will be playing host to a procession of colourful characters as Creation Theatre brings the tale of Robin Hood vividly to life.  more...

Travel

Please yourselves for Frankie tributes

NIGEL LINCOLN says Frankie Howerd's home is the setting for regular day-long fun tributes to the comedian's memory 'Ooohh, no . . . missus . . . behave . . . no, er . . . liss-un. Oh, please yourselves then." Frankie Howerd is one of our most loved and admired comedians, unforgettable for his Royal Variety Performances, his Carry On films and, perhaps, especially as Lurcio in the brilliant Up Pompeii! television comedy.  more...

Travel Features

It's alive with adventure

Despite his preconceptions, Jeremy Smith discovers that there's more to Austria than a certain film featuring Julie Andrews, some nuns and a load of Nazis: It was the last thing I expected and the one thing I needed most. But of all the places in all the world to deliver such a much needed shot-in-the-arm, I never expected it to be Austria.  more...

It's alive with adventure

Despite his preconceptions, Jeremy Smith discovers that there's more to Austria than a certain film featuring Julie Andrews, some nuns and a load of Nazis: It was the last thing I expected and the one thing I needed most. But of all the places in all the world to deliver such a much needed shot-in-the-arm, I never expected it to be Austria.  more...

Wallingford

Home prices set to soar

AVERAGE house prices in Oxfordshire are forecast to break the £300,000 barrier in the next two years.  more...

Next step towards the action groups

BENSON will be the focus of the next public consultation to bring in neighbourhood policing.  more...

Police 'more remote' fumes Rotary president

THAMES Valley Police has defended its policy of crime victims having to telephone a central office to report incidents rather than speak to officers at their local police station.  more...

Community street fair during Bunkfest

A COMMUNITY street fair in Wallingford town centre is the latest innovation for the town's annual Bunkfest.  more...

Schools face closure in county review

SCHOOLS in Oxfordshire could be merged or closed as the county's education chiefs undertake a major review of primary education.  more...

Post Office battle stepped up

MORE than 12,000 Oxfordshire pensioners could face difficulties getting money from their pensions after the Government moved a step closer to scrapping a Post Office payment method.  more...

Storm strikes county after heatwave

BAKED, grilled and swamped the people of Oxfordshire sweltered through one of the craziest weather periods in the county's history last week.  more...

Storm strikes county after heatwave

BAKED, grilled and swamped the people of Oxfordshire sweltered through one of the craziest weather periods in the county's history last week.  more...

Ed's chilly challenge

FORGET the luxuries of Westminster life Wantage MP Ed Vaizey will ditch all that when he takes off on a 400km trek across the Arctic.  more...

'Outrageous' as petrol hits £1 a litre

UNLEADED petrol in at least five of Oxfordshire's 70 petrol stations this week rose to above £1 a litre.  more...

'Outrageous' as petrol hits £1 a litre

UNLEADED petrol in at least five of Oxfordshire's 70 petrol stations this week rose to above £1 a litre.  more...

CCTV aids 100 arrests

CCTV SYSTEMS in Didcot and Wallingford are paying dividends but calls have been made for increased investment in the scheme.  more...

Town calls meeting on hospitals' future

A TRUCE has been called in the battle over local hospitals to give health professionals chance to explain in detail what they want for local health care.  more...

All ends well for town's Fun Day

THE Wallingford Fun Day that almost never happened turned out to be the best yet last weekend.  more...

Wantage And Grove

Home prices set to soar

AVERAGE house prices in Oxfordshire are forecast to break the £300,000 barrier in the next two years.  more...

Schools face closure in county review

SCHOOLS in Oxfordshire could be merged or closed as the county's education chiefs undertake a major review of primary education.  more...

Knife raiders hit service stations

WITH their faces hidden by sinister home-made masks, two robbers were caught on camera holding up two service stations at knifepoint.  more...

Sasha, 8, passes on gifts to new hospital

EIGHT-year-old Sasha Parker-Smith donated money from his first holy communion to raise money for Oxford children's hospital after his baby cousin died from meningitis.  more...

Post Office battle stepped up

MORE than 12,000 Oxfordshire pensioners could face difficulties getting money from their pensions after the Government moved a step closer to scrapping a Post Office payment method.  more...

Storm strikes county after heatwave

BAKED, grilled and swamped the people of Oxfordshire sweltered through one of the craziest weather periods in the county's history last week.  more...

Ed's chilly challenge

FORGET the luxuries of Westminster life Wantage MP Ed Vaizey will ditch all that when he takes off on a 400km trek across the Arctic.  more...

Festival fun despite rain

THUNDER, lightning and torrential rain failed to dampen the spirits of 4,500 music lovers at Steventon's ninth annual Truck Festival.  more...

'Outrageous' as petrol hits £1 a litre

UNLEADED petrol in at least five of Oxfordshire's 70 petrol stations this week rose to above £1 a litre.  more...

Public get say on health plans

THE people of Abingdon and Wantage will get their say on the future of healthcare in the district following fears they could be left out of talks.  more...

Sewage day of horror

A WANTAGE man watched in horror as black sewage flowed out of his toilet after floods swamped the town.  more...

More than a fare deal

A CABBIE gave his passenger more than a fare deal when he turned off the meter to help retrieve her lost mobile phone.  more...

  
Restrict search to 27 July 2006