OXFORDSHIRE County Council has used so-called “snooping” powers 12 times in nine months under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), a council report revealed. The council’s use of the act is detailed in a report to the Safer and Stronger
LIBRARY users in Oxford have hit out at Oxfordshire County Council for failing to provide better access to the building. People who visit Headington Library have to walk up steep steps to access it, which makes it difficult for disabled people or those
CHILDREN got up close to lambs, piglets and Hungarian woolly pigs when a farm in Oxfordshire opened its gates for the day. Callow Farm, at Stonesfield in west Oxfordshire, took part in Open Farm Sunday yesterday, giving people a chance to look behind
ALMOST half of the people who suffered a fall at home over the past year were not taken to hospital, ambulance service statistics have revealed. Instead they were treated by a specialist team set up to deal with such accidents. The ambulance service
CYCLISTS were out in force to boost their South Oxfordshire village. Upton’s third annual Uptonogood cycle ride aims to raise £10,000, which will go towards a cycle track and a donation to Blewbury School. Plans have been drawn up to build a track next
MEDITATION, masterclasses in healthy living and the calming strains of sitars and flutes will greet festival-goers arriving at Peace in the Park next week. The Nuneham Courtenay festival is returning for a second year after the debut event proved a hit
GREAT-GREAT grandmother Doris Hyde has spent every one of her 102 years living in Abingdon. Mrs Hyde was born in Thames Street in 1910 and celebrated her latest birthday over a century later alongside more than 20 friends and family at the Old Station
LISA Cherry had a tough start in life. She was born in a home for unmarried mothers in Wrexham and spent her teenage years switching from one foster home to another. After beating alcoholism at the age of 20, she started to turn her life around.
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A BICESTER volunteer has been rewarded for seven years’ hard work by winning a charity’s top accolade. Alex Benjafield has won the British Heart Foundation (BHF) retail volunteer of the year award for his work in the charity’s shop in Sheep Street, Bicester
CYCLIST Chris Gullick, 45, completed an 80-mile challenge in seven hours in memory of his father. The Banbury resident cycled 60 miles through London for Parkinson’s UK Nightrider challenge. He set off at 2am on Sunday, June 10, finished at 6am, and
Scouts were given a helping hand to ensure they were ready for the camping season. Bicester Round Table and Ladies Circle jointly donated £1,250 to 7th Bicester Scout Group to buy a new trailer for transporting equipment. Pictured are the Scouts and
DESPITE never having met the family of Amber Phillpott, Flo Stoermer is to run a gruelling 38-mile endurance challenge in her memory. Amber, from Abingdon, died aged 18 months last year after contracting rare disease acute myelogenous leukaemia. Mr
THE top boss of a successful telecommunications company was today adjusting to his new role as Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year. Brendon Cross, managing director of Witney-based STL Communications, landed the individual prize sponsored by finance
These girls had good reason to be pleased with themselves. The sixth-formers were among the prize-winners at the annual Speech Day at St Juliana’s Convent School at Begbroke. They are, left to right, Tania Shoucair, Jane Jordan, Barbara Hainsworth
Who remembers Mal Ryder and the Spirits? They were one of Oxford’s top pop groups in the 1960s, entertaining fans throughout the country. We were reminded of them when reader David Brown sent in a page from the December 1963 edition
What a difference in two years! The football team at St Christopher’s School at Cowley, Oxford, had no kit in 1932 and had to play in their daytime clothes. But two years later, they were as smart as any team – and had also won a major trophy. The
The Titanic captured the recent headlines, but the loss of another ship caused greater devastation to Oxfordshire families. The Cataraqui, a British barque sailing ship, sank in Australian waters on August 4, 1845, claiming 400 lives. Ninety-two people
People convicted of offences at magistrates courts in Oxfordshire recently: Julia Forbes-Wilson, 45, of Merganser Drive, Bicester, admitted drink-driving on the M40 near Junction 9 services on April 4. Had 79 micrograms of
Pupils at Peers School set up a shop called Bits ‘n’ Bobs selling stationery, gifts and soft toys as part of their studies in 1988 and Sainsbury’s supermarket at Heyford Hill gave them a cash till. Customer service manager Dot Horne is seen in the top
DISCO divas, glitter balls and loud music saw Thame Carnival begin in style. Despite poor weather, about 4,000 people turned out for the event. Organiser Mark Green said: “It went really well, apart from the weather. “Our theme was disco fever and
A SMALL village primary school has been heavily criticised by the education watchdog. St Nicholas CofE School in East Challow, near Wantage, was rated ‘inadequate’ across the board by inspectors from Ofsted after a two-day visit in April. It has now
These smartly dressed men were heading for a day out by charabanc. Leaving their wives behind, they were looking forward to a day somewhere in the countryside. We don’t know the date or their destination, but everyone looked in happy mood as they
AEA Technology 0.2 BMW 4602 Electrocomponents 204.8 Nationwide Accident Repair 63.5 Oxford Biomedica 2.45 Oxford Catalysts 53 Oxford Instruments 1195.5 Reed Elsevier 481.3 RM 78.9 RPS Group 206.3 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
The top boss of a successful telecommunications company was today adjusting to his new role as Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year. Brendon Cross, managing director of Witney-based STL Communications, landed the individual prize sponsored
OXFORD Bike Week got under way with a women’s group ride through North Oxford in pursuit of tea and cake. The Isis cycle ride saw a group pedal from Broad Street on Saturday through the city and along the cycle route behind Mansfield Road before
Oxford Mail reporters will go to any length for a story, even if it involves a 100ft drop, a hard hat and a harness. And so yesterday fearless fundraisers taking on the John Radcliffe Hospital abseil challenge were led by a three-strong team
LOUD and proud, Oxford’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community took to the city’s streets to celebrate their sexuality. A rainbow wave of banners and flags swept through Cornmarket Street and on to Oxpens Fields after parading
A mobile phone mast will be built next to an Oxford secondary school after an appeal inspector ruled out health concerns. The 12.5-metre mast on the Eastern Bypass next to Oxford Academy, Littlemore, was rejected by Oxford City Council last year. The
I’ve never worn a wig voluntarily. But the first time I remember being told I had to, I was five years old and, because my birthday is on Hallow’een, my parents were dressing me up as a werewolf. Indeed, because of that date, I was subsequently dressed
Jewellery, computers and £2,200 cash was snatched in a burglary in West Hawthorn Road, Ambrosden. The break-in happened between 6.30pm and 9.30pm last Wednesday. Anyone with information should call police on 101.
A 31-year-old man has admitted burglary and arson. Rafal Matwiejczyk, of Hailey Road, Chipping Norton, took a laptop and bag from a home in Lords Piece, Chipping Norton, in February. A fire was started at the property.
IN time-honoured fashion, Abingdon’s new mock mayor is carried through the streets. Roger Cox was re-elected for the sixth year running as The Mayor of Ock Street, and also the Squire of Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. Mr Cox beat
The 17th man to be arrested in the Operation Bullfinch investigation into suspected child exploitation has been released on bail. The 33-year-old man from Oxford was arrested yesterday on suspicion of sexual activity with a child.
POLICE have earmarked £500,000 for private medical treatment for injured officers, because NHS waiting times are too long. Thames Valley Police – which is cutting frontline staff numbers – hopes the cash can help up to 60 invalid officers back to work
TODAY, it’s my birthday. The Middle One also celebrates his birthday in June, and with the anniversaries of both his arrival and his survival from newborn meningitis, I reflected upon the preciousness of life and the child happily ensconced in
A DEVASTATING spell of bowling by Aston Rowant skipper Wesley Morrick sent Division 2 West Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League hosts Harefield crashing to a meagre 39 all out on Saturday. Morrick returned the amazing figures of 6-7
WHAT I’M CALLED: My name is Timmy Mallett. With two Ms, two Ls and two Ts. WHAT I DO: I’ve discovered recently that I’m an adverb and adjective and a noun and probably various other bits of grammar too. “He did a Timmy Mallett!”, ”I’m feeling all
IT HAS recently come to my attention that Oxford is a city of animal suffering. The fact that thousands of animals are being abused and killed within the city by Oxford University every year is simply appalling and unjustifiable. I am therefore writing
I would like to thank the people of Didcot and surrounding area for their fantastic support during this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal. We raised almost £1,500 from our collections at Tesco and Sainsbury’s in the Orchard Centre, and from the daffodil
MARTIN Roberts’ point (Wednesday’s Oxford Mail ViewPoints) about what would happen if teachers ‘forgot’ a pupil or two on a school outing is well-made. It might also be worth recalling how many families in Oxford, and beyond, are currently subsisting
DOES this Government know how silly they look what will all these u-turns – from hot pasties to static caravans and now charities. If each of these things was subject to more taxation, each would contribute to the revenue to the tune of £40m, so that
SO COUNCILLOR John Tanner is concerned about graffiti on the Olympic Torch route in Oxford (Oxford Mail, June 7, right). I doubt people will even notice it – they will be looking at the Torch carriers. But what Mr Tanner should really be worrying about
The council plans to revamp Botley Road in the hope that any changes will improve the traffic problems. While that has got to be welcomed, drivers will continue to abuse the park-and-ride lane as they try to cut journey times. It is my true pet hate.
WHY do paedophile rings work for so long? Secrecy. Some years ago, I dealt with a paedophile. He was a school teacher. Each time complaints were made to the school, he was moved to another school. When I caught him and he was convicted, he was allowed
TWO Mondays ago, I took a short walk from my present address to the Alexandra Road street party, where I lived for 40 years before moving here nine years ago, crossing over the long, long Botley Road. It seems that this was the only street party locally
YOU have recently carried a number of stories about dangerous cyclists. How about some balance? Here goes: on Wednesday morning, in Kennington, a pedestrian walked straight across the road without looking. I just managed to swerve and nearly fell
Abingdon Hydro’s project to generate hydroelectricity from the River Thames weir now has an Environment Agency licence. At local events, most recently Fun in the Parks, we have been pleased to find strong support. It will be environmentally benign
A bus and van have collided on the A417 in West Hendred, causing delays around the area. Police were called to the accident between a Vauxhall Vivaro van and single-decker bus shortly after 7.45am. The collision caused minor damage and no one was
Two rivers in Oxfordshire were still on flood alert yesterday despite the weekend sunshine. The River Ray and its tributaries from Shipton Lee to Islip and the River Thame and Chalgrove Brook stayed on the Environment Agency’s alert list last night.
KIDLINGTON: A 20-year-old man who joined in an attack that left a teenager with a split ear has been handed a suspended sentence. Grant Lindsey, of Croxford Gardens, admitted affray after punching and kicking a 16-year-old in Kidlington. He was given
OXFORD suffered another blow in their rain-affected Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 1 derby draw at Banbury on Saturday, when striker bowler Stuart Hole retired with a back injury. The visitors, already bottom of the Premier Division
An Oxfordshire woman has scooped £1.3m playing online bingo. The winner - who has been named as 33-year-old Lisa Potter from Witney - logged on to Ladbrokes Bingo out of “boredom” and placed a £5 bet. She said: “I had a spare minute and wanted to get
A serving prisoner has had his sentence extended after he admitted another offence. Jack Titcomb, 23, who was jailed on June 6 for 16 months for a robbery, was given an additional six months at Oxford Crown Court on Friday after he admitted possessing
THAME Town were cursing the rain after their Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 West derby clash at Shipton-under-Wychwood was called off, with the visitors in sight of victory. Replying to Thame’s total of 186, Shipton were struggling
THE Duchess of Cambridge has been taken to the hearts of people in this city. She wowed us with her charm on a visit earlier this year and the magic was still there when Spires pupils met her in London. Kate may be a Duchess, but she is
The soldier killed in Afghanistan on Friday has been named as Corporal Alex Guy of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. The 37-year-old from Cambridgeshire was killed in an insurgent ambush in Helmand province. His repatriation to RAF Brize Norton
A GANG of three men robbed a newsagent in a raid at an Oxford shop, making off with cash and the shopkeeper’s gold ring. At about 6.10am on Friday, three men burst into the Daudhar News shop, in Horspath Road, demanding money before grabbing the shopkeeper
Oxfordshire rock band Radiohead cancelled a concert after the stage collapsed, killing a British sound technician. The stage at the gig in Toronto, Canada, collapsed about an hour before the band, who met while at Abingdon School, were about to perform
OXFORD United open their npower League Two campaign with a trip to Bristol Rovers after the fixtures were released this morning. And it's a repeat of last season in the fact that the U's start and finish their campaign on the road, and are
A motorcyclist was airlifted to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital after a crash on the A420. The accident happened at about 5pm last night and the road was closed both ways at the junction with Stanford Road in Faringdon to allow the helicopter to land
MILLIONS has been pumped into Oxfordshire firms through contracts for the London Olympics, organisers have revealed. Some 57 county firms have won contracts to ensure the summer games run smoothly. The work, ranging from bus travel to
A MAN who robbed a 13-year-old boy in a lengthy drunken attack is facing jail. Cameron Evans, 19, repeatedly struck the boy and stole his mobile phone, cash and headphones. The incident, which lasted 23 minutes according to CCTV evidence
FIFTY Oxford Spires Academy students were among those invited to an enchanting secret performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge in London. They were warmly welcomed by Kate, who recognised the East
GREAT & Little Tew booked their place in the first national round of the Yorkshire Tea Village Cup for the first time since 1985 after a thrilling six-run victory at Oxford Downs in yesterday’s Oxfordshire final. Tew had posted 200-6, but when Downs
JEREMY Clarkson is to auction off the chance to appear in the next thriller by best-selling crime writer Mark Billingham. The dubious honour is just one of an array of promises being sold to the highest bidder on Friday, July 13, in aid of Chipping Norton
GIVEN the cynicism surrounding some commercial elements of the Olympic build-up in recent weeks, we are happy to see Oxfordshire companies at the heart of making the games happen. The Olympic Games are about sport first and foremost, but also
BRADLEY Smith recorded his best result of the season in yesterday’s British MotoGP at Silverstone – but wants to find more improvement to consistently challenge the top riders. The Oxfordshire Moto2 ace, who has endured a frustrating season
A BANGLADESHI boat race drew crowds to Donnington Bridge as rowers battled it out on the River Thames. Organiser Mohammed Mannan, from Cowley, hailed yesterday’s Falcon Rowing Club race a success. He said: “It went very well and it was very well attended
FAITH and friendship will be celebrated in Oxford tomorrow as people from all religions join a peace walk through the city centre. The annual friendship walk, which sees hundreds of worshippers from more than nine different faiths taking to the streets
PRIMARY schools hoping to get a cash boost now have an extra week to get their applications in. For the fourth year running the Oxford Mail has teamed up with Abingdon-based construction company Leadbitter to offer £7,500 to go towards improvements to
