COMMUTERS are facing delays on trains between Oxford and Banbury after a freight train broke down at Heyford. First Great Western has already confirmed it is providing taxis for passengers at smaller stations along the route such as Tackley, Heyford
EIGHTEEN years ago a luminous thumbs-up logo filled our TV screens and proclaimed: “It could be you!” Lottery-mania was upon us and the very first National Lottery draw, hosted by Noel Edmonds, attracted a staggering 48 million entries. Since
A CELEBRATED house has been saved, with a scheme for 21 new homes rejected by a planning inspector. But an alternative scheme has already been submitted with plans for 15 properties on the site which residents say is an “historical asset”. Bewley
Oxford's Jason Plato is one of five drivers in contention to win the MSA British Touring Car Championship Motor in this weekend’s eagerly-anticipated final three rounds at Brands Hatch. But things must go spectacularly right for MG driver Plato
THE leader of Vale of White Horse District Council has promised it will not sell its current premises despite almost half of its staff moving out next year. About 80 Vale and South Oxfordshire District Council employees will move out of Abingdon
THE plan to build 2,500 homes on Grove Airfield is to be decided at a special meeting. The announcement comes after a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman about the delay in discussing the estate. The Airfield plan was approved in principle
A SPORTS trust set up 80 years ago should grab a “golden opportunity” and pay for the final stage of Bicester’s sport village. Land has been set aside at the new Kingsmere estate for pitches, a club house, athletics track, astro-turf pitch and
Bob Marley's old band get crowd singing with legendary reggae The Wailers O2 Academy Oxford October 2 It may be early on a nondescript Wednesday evening, but inside a packed O2 Academy Oxford the crowd are already
IT’S not often that gig-goers can go out, listen to some great bands, have a drink or two, and know we are doing it all for a great cause. This Saturday, however, Oxford hosts an event which allows us to do precisely that. Called the Oxjam Oxford Takeover
FIVE friends who clubbed together to save their village pub are moving into the second phase of their plan to keep it running. The group are hoping to get planning permission to build houses in the garden of the Greyhound, in Letcombe Regis, near
DEBATE is hotting up over EU suggestions of introducing technology into cars that will prevent drivers breaking speed limits. While some express outrage at the loss of ‘freedom’, the simple truth is that most modern cars are absolutely rammed with
Our pick of Oxfordshire's best gigs Country CHARLIE DORE AND OXFORD GIRLS’ CHOIR St Michael’s Church, Lonsdale Road, Oxford Sunday Tickets £10/£12 from charliedoreontour@bigcartel.com Best known
Clare Teal sings standards by Fitzgerald and Garland with style. Tim Hughes is all ears She is one of our best-loved jazz singers, but Clare Teal only discovered her vocal talents by happy accident. As a budding clarinetest, she turned up for
INGENIOUS Jack Childs put all his might into getting his green handmade pizza box car to whizz across the finish line at a school eco-friendly demonstration for youngsters. Jack, 10, left, was one of eight Wolvercote Primary School children to
THE theft of a family’s beloved one-year-old puppy has left a “a big hole” in their home they say. Topsy, a female white and tan Jack Russell, was taken on Monday at about 5.30pm from the Allen’s house – Winterbrook Farm at Blewbury near Didcot
THE quaintly named Edith Mary Lee won the best narrowboat prize during the day when more than 20,000 people helped celebrate this year’s Banbury Canal Day. People enjoyed the sunshine along the Oxford Canal around Castle Quay shopping centre for
WOLFSON college is celebrating 50 years of arts and drama at Pegasus Theatre. Oxford photographer David Fischer is showing a collection of his pictures of performers on stage at the theatre in Magdalen Road, East Oxford. College events and
MOST people use their iPad to read a book, play games or perhaps check up on the latest news and social networking sites. But artist Martin Beek has used his to ‘paint’ Oxfordshire landscapes. The 55-year-old, who lives with wife Alison in
Nicola Lisle talks to the man in charge of Garsington Opera about what the future holds With another successful Garsington Opera season done and dusted, and plans for next year’s 25th anniversary season recently revealed, Douglas Boyd cheerfully
Nick Dent-Robinson talks to songwriter Guy Fletcher about his years in the music industry Wantage-based Guy Fletcher has been one of the UK’s most prolific songwriters since the Sixties. Ever since his early days with legendary record producer
SEAMUS PERRY on the magic of Oxford college open days The academic life is full of recurrent auguries. We’ve just had one, an unmistakable herald of the new academic year: the open day. Young people come from across the land — increasingly, from
Jonathan Hudson kicked two penalties as Oxford University beat Trinity College Dublin 6-3 in poor conditions at Iffley Road last night. The visitors replied with a penalty of their own. The game was one of two home matches they face in five
WOOD Farm youngsters are bridging a 6,000-mile gap by recording a song with pupils at a South African school. Fifteen Year Five and Six children at Wood Farm Primary School are going to a Blackbird Leys studio today to record their teacher’s song
Why solar may not be the solution to our energy crisis It was with great interest that I read reports about the proposed solar farm near Witney, which said that the complex “could power 40,000 homes”. Although the reports did correctly state
With the entertainment scene hotting up for autumn, we present our pick of the week's best music, celeb and theatre features Alexei Sayle returns to stand-up Francesca Martinez says 'don't call me normal!' Singer Nadine
Despite possessing two left feet Marc West has a great time getting down with the Oxford Lindy Hoppers You might well ask exactly what Lindy Hop is – I know I did. Originating in 1920s New York, the African-American partner dance was introduced
BBC Oxford's James Luxford on the London Film Festival To misquote Russell Crowe in Gladiator, the time for honouring myself is at an end. I’ve been married a month, had a terrific honeymoon, and turned 30 in style (a surprise party followed
Roger Jenking on the new October comedy season THE experienced comedy observer might well be able to guess the season by the number of comedy dates in the county. And the stand-up gods have declared it to be officially autumn! This applies
Cowley Road favourite serves the full monty Saturday morning, 11am and the place was heaving. We squeezed in, gratefully grabbed the last free table and perused the joint. Café CoCo in Cowley Road is a hip and popular spot. It boasts a lively
THIS stunning mosaic of a seaside scene was made entirely by amateur artists over the age of 70 over the course of a year. The visitors to Abingdon Health and Wellbeing Centre worked on the piece on Tuesday and Friday mornings. None of them
PATIENT safety must not be compromised by NHS and social care budget cuts, says the new chairman of Oxfordshire’s official care watchdog. New Yorker Larry Sanders warned of the “horrors” of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where
LORD May of Oxford has criticised the Government’s badger culling trial. In the House of Lords on Wednesday, independent crossbench peer Robert May said scientific opinion had been against the cull and the people in charge of it had not even been
* HEART-warming drama, classic operas and naked women are all some of the theatrical treats in store this month. * First up is Dancing at Lughnasa by the Sinodun Players, which is being performed at 7.45pm from October 23-26 in Wallingford Corn
A burglar has avoided jail after a judge gave him a chance to try and kick his £100-a-day crack cocaine habit. Raul Ascensao, 40, of Barns Road, Cowley, carried out two break-ins on student houses on June 21 and 22. He first struck in Hurst
The Goodbridge Million What would you do if you inherited a million pounds? Buy a new home? Settle your debts? Or spend it on an 80-foot scarecrow? Only one of those three options will be explored in any depth in the latest comedy from Witney Dramatic
Two women were taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital yesterday following two separate crashes. The first involved a collision between a BMW and a moped in Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, near the junction with Addison Crescent, at around 5pm.
OXFORDSHIRE'S hospital boss prepared for the flu season yesterday by getting his annual jab. Sir Jonathan Michael, chief executive of Oxford University Hospitals, was publicising the trust’s staff flu jab campaign. The organisation launched
IT appears there has not been a large uptake by passengers of the new bus services from park and ride sites into the hospitals and Oxford Brookes’ campus in Headington. But this is very much early days. The target passengers will be commuters
Saturday FOOTBALL SKY BET LEAGUE TWO Oxford Utd v Northampton Tn. FA CUP 3rd qual round: Didcot Tn v Shortwood Utd, Eastleigh v Oxford City. CALOR LEAGUE Premier Div: Banbury Utd v Truro City. Div 1 South & West:
Barney Cashman is a man on a quest to experience the sexual revolution of the ‘60s before it’s too late. But the greatest risk to his chances of success is his own sense of morality – raised with a strict Jewish upbringing and having been faithful
* Gooseberry gin, raspberry vodka and elderflower vinegar are a few of the quirky liquids available at the new liquid deli at 20 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford. As the first Demijohn liquid deli to open in the south of England (it all began in
NEW buses in Headington are running nearly empty and failing to slash congestion, it has been claimed. The £1.5m scheme – which includes £1.2m of taxpayers’ money and £300,000 from operator Stagecoach – extends services and adds two more routes
*SING–A–LONG–A–WICKER-MAN! Hard to imagine I know but it’s coming to The Ultimate Picture Palace in Cowley Road tonight (Fri) as part of the film’s 40th anniversary celebrations. So dust down your best Scottish accent, dress up as your favourite
Oxfordshire's live music news... * BEST known for her 1979 hit Pilot of the Airwaves, Charlie Dore is one of those talented singer-songwriters who deserve to be better known. Perhaps her problem is that most of her songs have been recorded by other
The man accused of holding police at bay during a 12-hour siege is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court today. Daniel Rodriguez, 38, of Morton Avenue, Kidlington, has been charged with two counts of possession of an imitation firearm, using an imitation
LIFE through a lens was explored at an event aimed at promoting eye health in Oxfordshire. The Oxfordshire Association for the Blind hosted an “eye bus” event in Kidlington yesterday. Visitors were able to try goggles and glasses which replicated
WE WANT Oxford City Council to do its utmost to upgrade its tower blocks simultaneously rather than one after the other. There is a danger the council may decide to do each one separately for practical reasons but that would ignore the pressing
SURVEYS on Oxford’s five tower blocks have started, ahead of a £15m refurbishment programme. Oxford City Council staff have begun assessing the condition of the buildings to establish exactly what repair work needs to be undertaken. And they
THE public are being given the chance go behind the scenes and discover more about the county’s archaelogical finds. Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service will hold an open day at its resource centre in Standlake on Sunday. There will
A 37-year-old man suffocated himself to death a week after receiving confirmation of his divorce, an inquest heard. Choudhry Tahir Imtiaz, of Evenlode, Banbury, was found dead in his bedroom on July 7 by firefighters. The inquest at Oxfordshire
A 77-year-old woman died following surgery at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, an inquest heard. Mary Newitt, of Wadard’s Meadow, Witney, was admitted to hospital with abdominal pains on April 18 and had surgery to remove gallstones from her bile
ABOUT 20,000 people took part in a month-long table tennis festival across Oxford. Throughout August, a total of 18 temporary ping pong tables were placed across the city in iconic, high profile and unusual public locations including the railway
Education secretary Michael Gove was greeted by protesters at Oxford Spires Academy yesterday. The Conservative politician visited the academy to observe its progress, but was faced with protesters when he arrived. According to the anti-austerity
Tony Booker is set to make his debut in Abingdon United’s Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division home clash with Flackwell Heath after signing from local rivals Abingdon Town. United gained their first league points of the season in midweek
A Headington Quarry Reunion will take place on November 20, 2013, at 7.30pm in the, Masons Arms Function Room. Further information will be given later. If you have any photographs or memorabilia and would be prepared to loan them for display, please
I write both as a long-term resident of Botley and as an urban designer. I am utterly dismayed at the proposals put forward by Doric Properties for the redevelopment of the West Way shopping centre, above. Doric’s scheme has very little, if any
I wholly agree with Paul Hornby’s letter (October 7) that there should be an urgent judicial review on the proposed Science Oxford building overshadowing our beautiful ancient Mound (or motte) at our castle, pictured. How much more of our ancient
Mosese Latu will increase Oxford Harlequins’ Tongan contingent to four tomorrow when he makes his debut at Towcestrians. Full back Latu joins fellow countrymen, centres Keni Fisilau and Tavita Manumna, and No 8 Seisoni Tupou in Quins’ line-up.
Chinnor head coach Matt Goode has called for a “massive, massive improvement” from his side when they host Hartpury College in National 2 South tomorrow. After winning their opening four matches, Chinnor slipped up 20-13 at Canterbury last week
Ben Coomber and Dave Tuck led Oxford Sports to a 7-1 victory at Thame in the Thames Valley Winter League’s Men’s Premier Division. But it proved tight, with Coomber and Tuck beating opposing first pair Joel Morris and Nigel King 7-6, 7-6. Virgin
CONCERNS have been raised about proposals to build homes and businesses on Oxford’s Green Belt. Development of land in Begbroke, north of the city, is one of the key recommendations in a major study setting out how Oxfordshire can generate an extra
Didcot Town are hoping that the FA Cup can continue to provide a welcome distraction as they host fellow Calor League Division 1 South & West side Shortwood United tomorrow, writes Matthew Bruce. The tournament has been a small bright spot
North Leigh boss Mark Gee is backing his side to continue their Calor League winning run at Mangotsfield United tomorrow. The Millers won their seventh successive league match with a 1-0 victory over Thatcham on Tuesday to stay top of Division
SHE looked no more than 14-years-old, a frightened schoolgirl hiding behind her spectacles in a corner of Cornmarket Street’s Macdonald’s. She had been crying. Perhaps she wanted to be alone, but I find it difficult to ignore anyone in distress
I’M currently searching for my father Albert Spencer (best friend’s name is Tom), believed to have lived in Dorchester-on-Thames in the late 50s/early 60s. If anyone knows of their whereabouts, please could they contact me (e-mail liz@strong226
I THOUGHT you might be interested in the attached response from the Oxford Bus Company following a complaint about one of their services running early which caused me to miss it and incur the cost of a taxi fare to get home. They freely admit they
I COMPLETELY agree with Mr Smith’s letter (October 7). My parents, who are now in their 80s, find it very hazardous walking to the shops in north Oxford during the autumn months. This is due in part to fallen leaves blocking drains and remaining
The current crisis of energy supply goes back to a European directive that requires governments to reduce carbon emissions from power stations by 20 per cent in the year 2020. The last Labour Government decided to achieve this target by building
Andy Whing is desperate to make up for lost time as the midfielder returns from suspension to line up for Oxford United against Northampton Town tomorrow. The 29-year-old has missed the last three games after being dismissed for a rash challenge
MARY Berry gave away no secrets about who wins The Great British Bake Off when she visited Oxford yesterday. But she did reveal her secret to staying slim while tasting the hundreds of cakes as a judge and presenter on the prime-time TV show.
HIS Royal Highness the Duke of Kent visited Oxford yesterday to attend a service in memory of Lord Nuffield on his birthday. The service was held at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in High Street to celebrate the life of William Morris
Formula 1 reserve racing driver Maria De Villota has been found dead in a hotel room in Seville, Spain. No cause of death has yet been released for the 33-year-old Spaniard, who lost her right eye in a crash while testing for the Banbury-based
THE most straightforward solution to a problem is also often the best one, which is why Oxford United boss Chris Wilder believes old-fashioned graft is the route to turning around results at the Kassam Stadium. The U’s boss rightly says statistics
AS A flying winger, Ryan Williams does not like to do anything slowly. It means a quiet start to life on loan at Oxford United has not come easily to the Australian teenager, but after flashes of promise in recent games he is open to extending
AIDY Boothroyd has warned his Northampton Town side to expect Oxford United to be fired up when they meet tomorrow. The U’s have struggled for results at the Kassam Stadium, while the Cobblers have shown signs of a revival following a wretched
THE millionaire looking to bring greyhound racing back to Oxford Stadium says he is ready to stump up £1.2m to snap up the site. The news comes as it was revealed last night that a stumbling block that would have stopped the owners flattening the
HIGHLY-RATED Oxford United women’s goalkeeper Demi Lambourne has been selected for England under 19s for the first time. The 17-year-old from Bicester is one of only two keepers in the squad, which will meet at St George’s Park in Burton on October
TRAFFIC is building up on Woodstock Road after a supermarket lorry broke down and blocked one lane southbound. The incident, which happened at around 8am between the A34 at the Peartree Interchange and A40 Northern by-pass, is causing slow traffic
Roads have reopened after a two-car crash on the M40 southbound near Bicester. The smash at 8.05am between junction nine for Bicester and junction 10 for Brackley blocked two lanes. But police have confirmed the debris has been cleared away
TWO men have been prosecuted for fly-tipping and ordered to pay more than £1,000 each in fines and costs. Prosecuted by Vale of White Horse District Council for not having a commercial waste carriers licence, Steve McMahon, 35, of Marines Drive, Faringdon
OXFORD Brookes University is seeking permission to serve alcohol at the campus bar in its showpiece new building in Headington. The licence is for the student union bar, as well as the union hall, union square and open forum – which could all be used
CAMPAIGNERS hope more funding will be secured to help preserve a decaying swing bridge after it was listed on English Heritage’s Risk Register. The Rewley Road swing bridge over Sheepwash Channel and the Church of St Edburg – the oldest building in
A Wantage man has been given an award for his contribution to the success of a male a capella group, Oxford Harmony. John Carter, of Truelocks Way, was presented with the annual Phil Lang award given to “an individual who has made an exceptional
A man is due to be sentenced today at Oxford Magistrates' Court for pouring lighter fluid on his girlfriend. Odin Perryman, 36, assaulted his girlfriend at her home in Havers Avenue, Milton, and she told police she feared she was to be set alight
Fascinating Aida musical show actress Dillie Keane, right, is appealing for help to find her beloved Jack Russell dog Chips. The Stratton Audley-based singer/songwriter had been in London rehearsing, and her partner was is in Ireland when the 12
WITH just weeks to go lines are being learned, voices tuned and scenery painted. Members of Bicester Choral & Operatic Society are putting the finishing touches to their latest show Hello, Dolly! The musical will be staged at Cooper School,
FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with a leaking container found on the M40. The container was discovered lying on the hard shoulder of the M40 southbound between junctions 10 and 9, and appeared to be leaking an unknown liquid. Oxfordshire
Oxford City manager Mike Ford is confident his side can pull off an upset as they travel to Skrill South leaders Eastleigh in the FA Cup third qualifying round tomorrow, writes Matthew Bruce. City have won their last two matches and Ford says they
