Greater leys 3 Horspath 1 A great match to watch saw the visitors take an early lead when Max Jones scored after early pressure and Greater leys equalised against the run of play when a Dan Scoble strike fumbled into the back of the net to make it
THE owner of Witney discount store Merlins has been given planning permission to demolish the building and build five news shops on the site. West Oxfordshire District Council’s lowlands area planning sub-committee gave consent to Realis Estates on Monday
MEET the winners of the Oxford Mail Bride and Groom of the Year 2012 competition. Paul Smith and Helen Cross, who live in Headington, were one of 10 engaged couples in the final of our competition to win a wedding package worth more than £5,000
7.45: Ballistic Ruby, Pats Romeo 2, Ballyer Flower, Quderino 3, Call It Paris, SHEDFIELD VIEW. 8.00: Lissycasey Jed 3, Twiglish Whitty, CRASH LEGEND, Greencroft Pearl, Lizzys Bar, Finish High 2. 8.15: Rinkie Rose 2, Rosey Mall, Topuddle Steve 3, Gurteen
MILK supplier Dairy Crest has closed its Witney depot, but maintains that customers in West Oxfordshire will not be affected. The depot, in Oxford Hill, shut on Saturday and milkmen will now travel from Oxford and Swindon to deliver to the district’s
CHILDREN across Oxfordshire have revealed their favourite books of last year. Top of the reading pile are A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness, Gangsta Granny, by David Walliams, and Good Little Wolf, by Nadia Shireen. Kids were invited
THE Oxontime system, which provides real-time departure information at bus stops and online for buses in Oxford and selected routes around the county, has been out of action due to a telecom fault since yesterday. A key part of the communications network
LOCAL politicians say massive housing developments are being “dumped” on Grove to ensure home building targets across the Vale are hit. Up to 900 extra homes have now been earmarked for the north of the village after a review of long-term housing plans
JACQUII John’s father Aubrey died of a heart attack in January, just 17 days after the former Oxford Old Boys rugby player and magistrate underwent successful heart surgery. Now Jacquii has signed up for the British Heart Foundation’s Blenheim
Matthew Parris wrote entertainingly in The Times last week of his recent discovery of the heated outdoor swimming pool in the lovely location of Hathersage in the Peak District. “Go there!” he urged, after describing how he had splashed around in billowing
Saturday’s front pages had been filled with photographs of David Cameron and Aung San Suu Kyi at their ground-breaking meeting in Rangoon. It hardly seemed possible, then, on the evening of the same day to be looking at him across a table in my
It says much for the power of public relations that almost everyone to whom I have mentioned the Little Chef — and my unlikely visit to one — is aware of the recent involvement of Heston Blumenthal in the chain. What lodges it in the mind, no doubt
This is a side dish that will add an extra flavour dimension to any of the curries listed in the main article. Which beer you pair with it is up to you. I served it with Wychwood’s brew — Wychcraft — a pale, straw-coloured, crisp, dry, blonde beer
That must have been a riot of a party. At any rate it caused something of a riot at Christ Church, Oxford. The occasion was the 21st birthday of Sunny, 9th Duke of Marlborough, but the Blenheim Row — as it came to be called — arose as a result
In the past I automatically placed a bottle of wine on the table when I cooked a curry. I usually serve beer now and have great fun pairing the array of curries I’ve cooked with various beers. Sometimes I even turn a curry dinner party into a tasting
A socially awkward fisheries expert reels in a spirited soulmate in Lasse Hallstrom’s unabashedly feel-good confection, based on the novel by Paul Torday. Directed with a light touch, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen wrings every last drop of sentiment
Top classical guitarist Craig Odgen is visiting the Sheldonian Theatre on Friday, April 27, for a concert promoted by Music at Oxford. Read an interview with Craig in The Oxford Times next week. For tickets call 01865 244806 or go to the website (
Dedicated to the patron saint of Oxford City, University, and Dicoese, St Frideswide’s Church in Botley Road was consecrated in April 1872, and is perhaps best known for its Alice Door at north east end of the nave, carved by Alice (in Wonderland) Liddell
Most musicians hope their performances will raise the roof, but Banbury-born pianist Valerie Tryon wants her forthcoming recital at Deddington Parish Church to have the opposite effect. She hopes to raise funds to secure a new metal roof for St
Unlike the house of cards in Chardin’s paintings, Waddesdon Manor is unlikely to collapse; and the events planned for this jubilee year should only increase the popularity of this National Trust property, near Bicester. The exhibition Taking Time was
A curious feature of Shakespeare’s Richard III — unmentioned in the programme for Stratford’s gripping new production — is that its longer (though still not complete) title is The Tragedy of Richard III. Of course, it’s not so much a tragedy for
Liv Lorent founded Newcastle-based BalletLORENT in 2005, and has won many awards for her contemporary choreography. The themes are often adult, but here we see her at the other end of her creative spectrum, in a work created specifically for children
Compton Verney, in Warwickshire, has opened its doors to the 2012 season with exhibitions on Impressionism and Gainsborough landscapes, both of which run until June 10. The larger of the two, Into the Light: French and British painting from Impressionism
This is the latest in David Nixon’s series of full-length story ballets, and both in atmosphere and in spirit it falls into two halves. Nixon has updated the story to the 20th century. His costumes are a hybrid of 1950s debutantes’ dresses for the girls
If you are looking for a something a little different this weekend, then Casa Margarita, an exploration of 20th-century Spanish song, might just fit the bill. This is a pot pourri of songs by the likes of Granados, de Falla and Obradors, carefully selected
We associate the Cotswold Art and Antique Dealers Association (CADA) with mounting impeccable exhibitions and the Thames Valley Antique Dealers Association with running annual fairs to showcase their members’ stock. This April is an exception.
Over the past four years Josh Widdicombe has gathered various awards and earned support slots with the country’s most acclaimed comedy performers. After attending his début tour as it was welcomed to Oxford’s Glee Club, I can confidently foresee
Present-day TV soap scriptwriters owe a great deal to Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. His tragedy Blood Wedding, of 1933, showed them the way, for it contains all the vital ingredients of a typical soap wedding: a bitter family feud,
Stanley Allen, 19, of Blake Road, Bicester, admitted being found in a house in Caversfield for an unlawful purpose on December 11. Given a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £50 compensation.
Martin Alder, 23, of Ablett Close, Oxford, admitted stealing a bag worth £3,720, £500 cash, a mouth organ, keys, photos of the victim as a child, papers about the victim’s birth mother, £160 Evisu jeans and a £20 T-shirt last April. Given a 14-week jail
Students inspired by the Occupy movement have set up outside Oxford Brookes University to protest against fees today. About 25 students erected banners and tents at the university’s Gipsy Lane campus. They are protesting against the
A judge has “taken a chance” on a serial criminal who spat at a bus driver, among a string of offences. Kyle Chadbone was handed a suspended jail sentence in January and breached it three weeks later, but walked free from Oxford Crown Court on Monday
It's the fitness craze that’s swept the nation. With its Latin beats, party atmosphere and high-energy dance workout, Zumba is one of the most popular classes. And now midwives, health experts at Oxford Brookes University and an Zumba
A PROMINENT clock in the centre of Witney will tell the time accurately in the future, after a £1,000 revamp of its mechanism. The Corn Exchange clock had not told the time accurately for years because its mechanism stopped working during power cuts.
A 31-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in Oxford on suspicion of sexual activity with a child under 16 as part of Operation Bullfinch. The man was arrested on Monday and has been bailed until late May, police said today. He is the 16th
STAFF at Wallingford School who took the unusual step of volunteering for a visit from education inspectors were rewarded with a good report. Headteacher Wyll Willis said he was delighted that the gamble of requesting the unofficial inspection
Banbury United’s hopes of lifting the Southern League’s Red Insure Cup were dashed by a 2-1 defeat to Clevedon in the second leg at the Spencer Stadium. It followed a goalless draw in the first leg a fortnight ago. Banbury were soon up against it as
Lisa Freeman scored four goals as Thames Valley Counties Women’s League Division 1 leaders Tower Hill Ladies thrashed Chinnor 6-0 away on Saturday. Jess Witcher and Emma Proctor completed their tally. The next day, Freeman scored a brace as Tower Hill
BURMA’S opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will visit the UK this summer, with a return to the city where she used to live. The pro-democracy figure will conduct a short European tour in June, her first trip outside Burma for 24 years.
North Leigh lifted the Oxfordshire Senior Cup for the second time in four years after thrashing a youthful Oxford City 5-0 in the final at the Kassam Stadium. Back in 2008, the Millers won with a 2-1 victory against Banbury when they were the underdogs
Patrick Starratt grabbed an extra-time winner as Oxfordshire Under 16s retained the Bluefin Cup with a 2-1 win away to Guernsey. With normal time ending 1-1, Starratt bundled home Liam Marshall’s corner in the first period of extra time to give Oxon
AFC Hinksey secured the first leg of a possible treble with a 4-1 win over Kidlington Royals in the Critchleys Upper Thames Valley League's Hedley Toms/Michael Brown Trophy final at Abingdon United, writes TIM SIRET. Hinksey fell behind when Zac McEachran
Two late goals saw The Tree’s hopes of glory dashed with a 3-1 defeat by Reading outfit RG Athletic in the Berks & Bucks Sunday Junior Trophy final at Abingdon United. The two sides were locked together at 1-1 with seven minutes left when Dan Little
BANBURY: Jurors will today try to reach a verdict in the trial of a 57-year-old man accused of engaging in sexual activity with a child last October. Michael Webb, of Prescott Close, Banbury, denies the charge. His trial began at Oxford Crown Court
SCHOOLS' FOOTBALL VALE of White Horse Under 11s equalised twice before going down 4-2 to Newbury in a friendly at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, Thatcham. Calum Sykes and Jamie Masters scored to cancel out Newbury goals, but the hosts netted two more
OXFORD: A plan to build a three-storey block of 74 student rooms behind Mill Street, in West Oxford, will go before a planning inquiry tomorrow. Developer WE Black has appealed against the refusal of planning consent by Oxford City Council last year.
DIDCOT: Wrestling promoters are hoping former Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik, above, will show up at a bout in the town on Friday. Mr Opik caused a stir on Friday at Welshpool, in Wales, when he got into the ring for a tussle with 18-stone wrestler
THE last time Grenville Toomey was in Korea he almost lost his life, after being hit by a dozen bullets. Now the Korean War veteran is to return to the Asian country 60 years on at the invitation of the South Korean government. Mr Toomey
I am trying to contact Tony Foot or Foote (I’m not sure of the spelling). About 20 years ago I indirectly sold a car to Tony, a 1934 Morris Minor, which he was intending to rebuild. At the time he lived in Eynsham and I kept in touch with him there
Why do we have to fight other people’s wars? In 1939, although not threatened by the Germans, we declared war on them, because they had invaded Poland. This resulted in six years of war in which we lost hundreds of thousands of people, both civilians
Bea Bradley (Monday’s Oxford Mail ViewPoints) is correct in asserting that “the 10-year scientific trial at a cost of more than £50m of taxpayers’ money concluded that culling can make no meaningful contribution to the reduction of bovine TB.” Since
RESIDENTS facing heavy rain this morning across Oxfordshire have so far escaped any major flooding incidents. A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire Service said firefighters have not yet received any requests for help following flooding. Drivers faced
Rose Hill lifted the Oxford City FA's County Junior League Cup after a 5-1 success over Nuffield Arms at Barton Village Road. Goals from Jamie McMahon, Michael Bateman, James Ford, David Wall and Liam O'Callaghan sealed the 86-year-old cup for Hill.
GILES SPORTS WITNEY YOUTH LEAGUE GARDEN City clinched the Under 14 A League title with a 2-1 victory over second-placed Deddington. George Young went close for Garden City in the first half, while their keeper Dean Sherlock made a great save. City
THERE may be some squawking about the hosepipe ban, but look at today’s picture of the dried-up pond in West Hagbourne. We get odd reports of people flouting the ban and it is tempting. But this picture shows how serious the drought actually is.
THIEVES broke into a house in Headington and took jewellery and valuables including three cameras and two watches. They stole a gold chain with a crucifix and rings, a Dunhill watch, two Mexican gold coins, a gold Seiko watch and three cameras. The
EACH spring for the past 15 years, a troupe of ducks have made an early morning waddle to a popular West Oxford cafe. The tradition is so regular that cafe owner Mick Harris takes their visit as a sign of summer. And their first appearance this year
DROUGHT-HIT villagers fear Oxfordshire’s lack of rainfall will put a halt to their traditional St George’s Day celebrations. These pictures show how dramatically the dry weather has hit the county. In West Hagbourne, near Didcot, the
Neil Lockhart scored twice as Oxford University Press went top of the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division with a 4-3 victory at Mansfield Road. Their win and Adderbury Park’s 0-0 draw at Slade Farm meant that Press are now one point ahead, but
After reading your feature, ‘Hidden Army’ (Oxford Mail, April 6, I would just like to express my sincere thanks to all those volunteers who work behind the scene to help the repatriations of fallen service personnel to Oxfordshire run smoothly. I could
HAILEY’S Witney & District title celebrations could not be dampened, despite suffering a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of former champions Hanborough on the day they received the trophy, writes ANTHONY BARLOW. A 3-0 midweek win over Witney Royals sealed
When will this coalition Government stop giving away our taxpayers’ hard-earned money? Prime Minister DavidCameron has promised aid to Burma and the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is going to agree another £10bn to the International Monetary
A WOMAN pulled to safety by firefighters after a blaze broke out in a Cowley Road house is now in a stable condition. She was rescued from the house close to The Cape of Good Hope pub at about 6pm on Friday. A police spokesman said that the cause of
WHAT I’M CALLED: Euton Daley. MY AGE IN YEARS: 53 – I was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica in 1958. WHAT I DO: I am the chief executive and artistic director of Pegasus Theatre in Oxford. This means leading the organisation and
DAMIAN Dodds ended Crowmarsh Gifford’s double hopes by scoring the winner in a see-sawing North Berks Cup semi-final for Wootton & Dry Sandford, writes PHIL ANNETS. Wootton made the early running with goals from Dodds and Tom Cooke, but Crowmarsh hit
When I recently visited the ACE Centre in Oxford I was deeply impressed to find a place of recognisable and profound excellence. This centre shines like a beacon nationally and internationally, bringing acclaim from all. Not only has
Easter weekend... I chose to take advantage of the holidays to go on a mini- break to the beach. I chose the Dorset coast, a short jaunt down the motorway with plenty of charm and seaside tat in equal measure. As a last-minute decision (
Chelsea fan Jack Barden, from Aston, near Witney, has won the prize of his young life, thanks to his dad. Seven-year-old Jack has been chosen as one of the 22 mascots for the big Champions League first-leg tie between Chelsea and holders Barcelona
COUNCIL cash could be used to help hospital bosses faced with £53m PFI yearly repayments. Private finance initiatives (PFI), help fund big public sector building projects, such as hospitals, which otherwise it would take years to raise capital
THE plan for councils to ‘help’ Oxford University Hospitals’ Trust out of its burdensome £53m a year debt repayment incurred under the Private Finance Initiative is an intriguing one. But it is not as straightforward as it is being portrayed. PFI was
AN EXHIBITION celebrating 30 years of the Oxfordshire Art Weeks festival has opened at Modern Art Oxford. Simon Murison-Bowie has photographed 30 Oxfordshire artists and craftspeople as they form their pieces. The East Oxford photographer said: “The
OXFORD MAIL GIRLS LEAGUE KIDLINGTON hit back with two goals in the last 90 seconds to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw at Oxford City in their top-of-the-table Under 13 League clash. City looked set for a 3-1 win after Lauren Page (2) and Shelley Knight
STANDING before a Monty Python-inspired backcloth depicting his brain being delicately picked at by many hands, Paul Merton admitted to an impressive 30 years as a stand-up. We, the audience (the New Theatre was full of fans) were of course well acquainted
I am a scooter user and would like to find out if other scooter users are having the same problems as I do on a daily basis. Pavements; accessing buses; rudeness of the public when they see a scooter; being treated like a brain-dead person when seen
"NO" says Mary Clarkson, Catholic Voices: "The reason for opposing same-sex marriage is not about gay rights. It is about what marriage is for and why it is valued by society. Since 2004, gay couples have had the same legal rights as heterosexual
Disabled sailor Geoff Holt officially opened a £500,000 pontoon for the disabled at Farmoor Reservoir yesterday. The facility was launched after 10 years of work and fundraising by Oxford Sailing Club, Oxford Sailability and Thames Water.
A 20-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with a string of car thefts in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Morton Morton, of Stowford Road, Barton, Oxford, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of stealing a Mercedes C270 in The Limes, Crowmarsh
A PROMINENT Abingdon Liberal Democrat has resigned from the party over its role in Government. Angela Lawrence, pictured, has represented the Lib Dems for more than 20 years as Abingdon Northcourt member for Vale of White Horse District Council. But
MORRIS dancers from across Oxfordshire are set to descend on Oxford Castle as part of a Folk Weekend. The festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, includes everything from harp workshops to Elizabethan dance, along with the best in folk music, plus
A fall in the street had catastrophic consequences for Andy Gardiner, which culminated in him driving to a bridge intending to end it all. But high railings and annoyed motorists brought him to his senses and he returned home where life took a new, welcome
LOCKED inside his own paralysed body and only able to communicate using his eyes, it looked as though normal life was over for dad-of-two Dave Bracher. Mr Bracher, from Didcot, was a fit and healthy 44-year-old before he was suddenly rushed to hospital
Thieves stole beehives and bees worth about £2,400 from woods on an East Ilsley private estate. Pc Kirsten Goodfield said: “The eight hives were not visible or accessible by any member of the public.” The theft happened between April 3 and 7 but police
A NEW deal is to be struck to help solve Oxfordshire’s bed-blocking crisis. Latest figures show nearly 200 people are taking up hospital beds in the county when they are medically well enough to go home. The bed-blocking problem is mostly
James Constable bagged a much-needed brace as Oxford United’s reserves cruised to a 4-0 win at Thame United last night. United’s top scorer netted twice in a 15-minute spell in the second half and there were also goals for Simon Heslop and
The trial of a man accused of a double murder is set to start at Oxford Crown Court this morning. Ensar Gol, 22, denies murdering Julia Sahin and Michaela Gol and attempting to murder Casey Wilson in Thame on September 4. Delays have beset
A £6.7m project to revamp the forecourt at Didcot Parkway railway station is back on track after a year of delays. Improvement work, first outlined in 2001, was originally due to start in March last year, but was postponed following safety
JUST a year after it found itself on the street, Oxford homeless charity the Gatehouse Project has secured its future by raising £175,000 for new premises. In March last year, the Gatehouse was rocked when it was given notice to quit its base at Northgate
