The number of postponed operations at Oxfordshire's major hospitals is the highest for at least two years, it was revealed today. More patients are being forced to wait more than a month to have their surgical treatment rescheduled. The high numbers in
Youngsters are believed to be behind a school break-in. Crisps and drinks were stolen in the burglary at King Alfred's Community and Sports College, Wantage, on Monday afternoon. Police are appealing for witnesses.
The programme for a choir's 50th anniversary was chosen by a poll of its members. Singers in the Goring Chamber Choir chose Handel's Dixit Dominus and Mozart's Coronation Mass. The event will be held at the Chapel of the Oratory School, Woodcote, on May
A new direct bus service between Wallingford and the Oracle shopping centre in Reading will start on Monday. The 132 service will be operated by Thames Travel and will take just over an hour using buses designed to take buggies and wheelchairs. Dr Chris
A post woman was knocked off her bicycle in an accident in Borough Avenue yesterday morning. Della Shears, of East Hagbourne, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, suffering from slight head and hip injuries. Mrs Shears is a casual worker
A charity shop is celebrating its 12th anniversary by launching a new range of fashionable gifts. The Imperial Cancer Research Fund has set out to attract more customers to its shop in Wantage by offering new-look home and garden products. Since opening
The man behind a successful mask-making company has scooped an award. Chris Isitt, pictured, the general manager of Wallingford-based Rubie's Masquerade Company, has received a Personal Achievement Award for his contribution over the last year to the
An astonishing 45-yard goal by Nick McCrae earned Banbury a draw in their Dr Martens League Eastern Division derby with Witney at the Stadium last night. Witney were leading 1-0 in the 79th minute, when McCrae sent over a cross from the right touchline
Youngsters in Witney and Enstone enjoyed action-packed days of fun. Up to 80 young people aged between eight and 13 were given a chance to try their hand at a range of activities at the Oxfordshire Association for Young People's Easter Holiday Roadshow
The case of a man accused of unlawfully killing a father of four has been committed by Bicester magistrates to Oxford Crown Court for trial. Timothy Deasy, 26, formerly of Tangmere Close, Bicester, but now living in Thame, was charged after the death
Youngsters are believed to be behind a school break-in. Crisps and drinks were stolen in the burglary at King Alfred's Community and Sports College, Wantage, on Monday afternoon. Police are appealing for witnesses.
Part of the town centre will be closed off to motorists on Saturday, May 5, for the Wantage Fair. Access to Alfred Street and the southern part of the Market Place will be allowed only for the emergency services and residents living within the closure
A vicar has raised almost £1,800 for South African street children after persuading his parishioners to give up luxuries for Lent. Fr Tony Hogg, vicar of Hanney, Denchworth and East Challow, near Wantage, asked worshippers to sacrifice one pleasure, and
Volunteers at a village museum have used the latest computer technology to help unravel the mysteries of a local landmark. Villagers in Uffington, near Wantage, mastered computer skills to create a CD ROM presentation exploring the history of the famous
A new town centre beat officer has taken to two wheels to fight crime and anti-social behaviour. Pc Tony Leach is the new beat officer Pc Tony Leach, the new beat officer for central Wantage, pledged to work with local people to tackle the town's problems
An astonishing 45-yard goal by Nick McCrae earned Banbury a draw in their Dr Martens League Eastern Division derby with Witney at the Stadium last night. Witney were leading 1-0 in the 79th minute, when McCrae sent over a cross from the right touchline
Oxford City's junior captain Stewart Hamilton caused quite a shock when he lifted the Berks, Bucks and Oxon junior winter medal matchplay title by beating England international Steven Lewton on his home course at Woburn. Lewton, with a plus one handicap
The final fixtures of the Oxford & District League season saw players hoping to hang on to their unbea- ten individual records. In Division 2, Crown House B's Mark Newns almost came unstuck at the final hurdle. Glenn Stiffle Playing against Kevin
Malcolm Bayer warmed up for Sunday's Flora London Marathon by setting a Headington Roadrunners club record in the Thames Towpath 10-mile race. His time of 59mins 31secs in finishing 13th overall and fourth veteran eclipsed the club's 60.05 veterans' record
A newly wed Oxfordshire man sets out on a seven-year expedition to re-trace the footsteps of earliest man. James Tremayne and wife Louise James Tremayne, 27, a marine biologist from Charlton-on-Otmoor, said his goodbyes at the Travellers' Club in Pall
In a remarkable story of dedication and resolve, Paul Bryant has become the professional at Waterstock Golf Club - six years after joining them as a 15-handicap shop assistant. "I did not then envisage turning professional, because I didn't think I had
A newly wed Oxfordshire man sets out on a seven-year expedition to re-trace the footsteps of earliest man. James Tremayne, 27, a marine biologist from Charlton-on-Otmoor, said his goodbyes at the Travellers' Club in Pall Mall, London, as he left for Capetown
Plans for a two-way cycle lane in a narrow street have been denounced as "barmy". Sustrans, the charity creating cross-country cycle routes, wants to make Bicester town centre part of its Oxford to Winslow trail. And to achieve this it has suggested that
In A dress rehearsal for the Autotype UTV League Devenney Cup final at the end of the month, East Hendred thrashed Chilton 7-1 in Division 1 of the Autotype UTV League. Barry Fisher, left, of East Hendred is blocked out by the Chilton defence Hendred
A farmer whose farm has been under a cloud of suspicion throughout the foot and mouth crisis has spoken of his "nightmare". Frank Shouler, of Elm Tree Farm, Wendlebury, said people assumed that his farm - to the east of the confirmed outbreak in Little
Northway reached the Under 15 Cup final after a hard-earned 2-1 win over Barton who hit the post on two occasions. Northway went ahead in the first half through Hallett, who also snatched their winner after Barton had equalised through Boyes. In the Under
Malcolm Bayer warmed up for Sunday's Flora London Marathon by setting a Headington Roadrunners club record in the Thames Towpath 10-mile race. His time of 59mins 31secs in finishing 13th overall and fourth veteran eclipsed the club's 60.05 veterans' record
Tim Henman continued his impressive clay court form by breezing into the third round of the Masters Series in Monte Carlo yesterday by beat Argentinian Gaston Gaudio 6-4, 6-2. It is the first time Henman has reached the third round of this tournament
Launton Ladies thrashed Bracknell 7-0 in the Southern Region Premier Division despite being without seven regulars. Sam Godfrey led the way with a sparkling hat-trick, while their other goals came from Angie Harriott, Gail Langan, Tina Gilmore and Anita
A newly wed Oxfordshire man sets out on a seven-year expedition to re-trace the footsteps of earliest man. James Tremayne, 27, a marine biologist from Charlton-on-Otmoor, said his goodbyes at the Travellers' Club in Pall Mall, London, as he left for Capetown
A busy medical practice in Oxford is back in business today after workmen toiled around the clock to reconnect its power supply. The Marston Medical Centre lost access to thousands of patients' records for more than 24 hours following a cable fault outside
Drivers are being warned the M40 will be closed in both directions while essential roadworks are carried out. Both carriageways between junctions nine at Bicester and ten at Banbury will close between 11pm and 3am on Saturday, April 28. Traffic will be
The man behind a successful mask-making company has scooped an award. Chris Isitt, pictured, the general manager of Wallingford-based Rubie's Masquerade Company, has received a Personal Achievement Award for his contribution over the last year to the
The Chipping Norton Society and conservation group Earthwatch will launch a photographic competition in the town hall on Wednesday at 7.30pm. Craig Blackwell, who won an Earthwatch award to study dolphins in South Africa, will give an illustrated talk
A Pioneering CCTV scheme has notched up its 1,500th arrest days after its sixth birthday. An operator of the 25-camera system, which is based at Banbury police station, spotted a security guard stopping an alleged shoplifter outside the OneStop Dillons
Rover (Cowley) BC are hoping to attract new members at an open day on Sunday, April 29 at 3.30pm. More details from Jim Warland (tel 01865 765914). OXFORD CITY SHORT MAT LEAGUE Kennington 2, Hanborough A 6; Harlequins 2, Morris Motors A 6; Hanborough
Launton Ladies thrashed Bracknell 7-0 in the Southern Region Premier Division despite being without seven regulars. Sam Godfrey led the way with a sparkling hat-trick, while their other goals came from Angie Harriott, Gail Langan, Tina Gilmore and Anita
Oxfordshire players made their mark at the BDO Easter Inter-County Knockout tournament at Southport. Claire Bywaters won the ladies' singles title, beating England internationals Mandy Solomons, Apylee Jones and Tricia Wright. In the semi-final, she saw
This year's Oxford League Turner Cup was won by Witney's John Hume at Eynsham Sports and Social Club. In an entertaining final, he beat Alan Mander of New Club, who turned out to be the 'dark horse' of this event. Predominantly a snoo- ker player, he
Oxford Universities CCE's three-day match with Middlesex ended in a predictable draw in The Parks yesterday - but not before Simon Cook caused a few palpitations in the home camp. Oxford's target of 269 in 85 minutes and 20 overs was academic, but when
Oxfordshire players made their mark at the BDO Easter Inter-County Knockout tournament at Southport. Claire Bywaters won the ladies' singles title, beating England internationals Mandy Solomons, Apylee Jones and Tricia Wright. In the semi-final, she saw
Oxfordshire golf results BICESTER Terry Bird Trophy: 1 F Arthur nett 68, 2 D Green 71, 3 P Donnelly 72. __________________ NORTH OXFORD Lombard Trophy: 1 R Poore 74-10=64, 2 SH Smith 71-5=66 (cb), 3 J Bound 75-9=66. Midweek Medal: 1 L Harris 87-18=69,
The programme for a choir's 50th anniversary was chosen by a poll of its members. Singers in the Goring Chamber Choir chose Handel's Dixit Dominus and Mozart's Coronation Mass. The event will be held at the Chapel of the Oratory School, Woodcote, on May
Legendary guitarist Midge Ure returns to The Mill, Banbury, on Thursday. Mr Ure was one of the brains behind the Band Aid charity and co-wrote Do They Know It's Christmas with Bob Geldof. Record sales of the song in the 1980s raised £8m for starving people
Runners from across Oxfordshire are gearing up for Sunday's London Marathon. Army welfare officer Susan Whittington is running as a tribute to her father who died from leukaemia. Mrs Whittington, 31, of Blandy Avenue, Southmoor, near Abingdon, will raise
A new town centre beat officer has taken to two wheels to fight crime and anti-social behaviour. Pc Tony Leach is the new beat officer Pc Tony Leach, the new beat officer for central Wantage, pledged to work with local people to tackle the town's problems
A support group for the families of people with drug problems has been set up on the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford. The group was the brainchild of Carmel Ryan, whose 19-year-old daughter is battling heroin addiction. Carmel Ryan outside Holy Family
A meeting to discuss the future of the Oxford Prison and Castle site has been brought forward. Plans for a 74-bedroom hotel, museum, restaurants, shops and leisure centre, have now been submitted to the city council by developer The Osborne group and
Opponents of a planned McDonald's restaurant in Oxford will be holding a demonstration on Sunday. Protesters leading a 'McNo!' campaign against the burger chain's plans for the former Carpenters Arms in Botley Road will be handing out pens and paper,
The manager of Kidlington Health Centre is looking for funds to protect the building from vandals. The centre, in Exeter Close, has been targeted by youngsters who hang around its front door at night. Windows have been smashed, graffiti sprayed on walls
Crimestoppers has proved a major success in the Thames Valley with 140 people arrested and charged as a result of calls to the Kidlington centre last year. Members of the public made 1,062 calls to the centre, a big rise on the previous year, when 870
A fundraiser whose parents died from cancer has criticised thieves who steal charity collection boxes. Andrew Holding, 29, of Church Close, South Hinksey, near Oxford, devotes his spare time to collecting for Marie Curie Cancer Care, which funds research
Oxford's busiest roundabout is a "ghastly wilderness" that is too dangerous for workers to tidy up. City council officers say Headington roundabout needs a complete overhaul to welcome visitors arriving in Oxford from the M40. Green Road roundabout in
An astonishing 45-yard goal by Nick McCrae earned Banbury a draw in their Dr Martens League Eastern Division derby with Witney at the Stadium last night. Witney were leading 1-0 in the 79th minute, when McCrae sent over a cross from the right touchline
A support group for the families of people with drug problems has been set up on the Blackbird Leys estate in Oxford. The group was the brainchild of Carmel Ryan, whose 19-year-old daughter is battling heroin addiction. Carmel Ryan outside Holy Family
Former boss Andy Lyne gave his backing to Witney Town supporters' attempts to save the club, by helping to carry the coffin they displayed before last night's Dr Martens Eastern Division clash at Banbury United. Lyne was one of between 30-40 people who
Two stars of the soap EastEnders will appear live on stage at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Park End Street. Michael Greco, who plays Beppe Di Marco, will help launch the new Thursday night 'Live at the Rock' season next Thursday. On Thursday, May 10, Craig
The hunt is on for talented young singers from the region whose professional careers could benefit from a boost. The Oxfordshire Youth Music Trust is offering help and support through the 2001 Thames Valley Young Musicians' Platform, launched yesterday
Thousands of people are expected to flock to outdoor events this summer as part of the Oxford Mail-sponsored Fun in the Parks 2001 programme. The Mail is backing several high-profile events staged in parks around Oxford by Oxford City Council. On May
People are being offered the chance to have their wills drawn up for free by a cancer charity. The Cancer Research Campaign is linking up with legal firms throughout Oxfordshire to offer the service between now and the end of March next year. The offer
Drivers are being warned the M40 will be closed in both directions while essential roadworks are carried out. Both carriageways between junctions nine at Bicester and ten at Banbury will close between 11pm and 3am on Saturday, April 28. Traffic will be
Parts of the county had unexpected snow showers yesterday as temperatures dipped to -2C overnight. Snow was reported in Banbury, Bicester and Abingdon - and the Met Office said the cold snap would continue into the weekend. A spokesman said: "We had reports
The hunt is on for talented young singers from the region whose professional careers could benefit from a boost. The Oxfordshire Youth Music Trust is offering help and support through the 2001 Thames Valley Young Musicians' Platform, launched yesterday
An Oxfordshire support group has issued a leaflet which offers help and advice to farmers suffering during the foot and mouth crisis. The Oxfordshire Rural Support Group, part of the Rural Stress Information Network, launched the third edition of its
An Oxfordshire support group has issued a leaflet which offers help and advice to farmers suffering during the foot and mouth crisis. The Oxfordshire Rural Support Group, part of the Rural Stress Information Network, launched the third edition of its
The Great Round Oxfordshire Walk, which aimed to raise £500,000 for a children's charity, has been postponed again because of the foot and mouth crisis. The sponsored walk for the NSPCC was called off at short notice in September because of the fuel protests
A farmer whose farm has been under a cloud of suspicion throughout the foot and mouth crisis has spoken of his "nightmare". Frank Shouler, of Elm Tree Farm, Wendlebury, said people assumed that his farm - to the east of the confirmed outbreak in Little
Glowing praise has been heaped on a nursery school by a team of inspectors. Grandpont Nursery School, in Whitehouse Road, Oxford, has no weaknesses, according to the team from Ofsted. Standards in all areas of learning are well above average, teaching
A 13-year-old boy had his mobile phone and mountain bike stolen by three youths. They attacked him on a towpath near Caldecott Road at 9.50pm on Tuesday. The boy suffered bruising. Anyone with information about the attack should contact Abingdon police
The annual Abingdon Arts Festival has been praised by the town's mayor. The festival came to an end at the Easter weekend after five weeks of drama, music, films, poetry and arts. It attracted thousands of people from all over Oxfordshire and plans are
Army driver Jemma Gray allowed her car to be set alight in an insurance fraud, a court heard. Gray, 19, a lorry driver at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, faced charges of arson and attempting to obtain property by deception in the trial at Oxford Crown Court
A playgroup can buy more safety mats for a climbing frame thanks to a £100 grant from the Oxfordshire Community Foundation. The St John's Centre, in Carterton, needs the mats to allow children to play on the climbing frame while their mothers take a break
More than150 workers were evacuated from premises on the Hithercroft industrial estate in Wallingford after a major gas leak. Police and firefighters sealed off part of the estate after workers on a nearby housing development damaged a plastic gas pipe
Roy Tudor Hughes, the Oxfordshire county councillor planning to be the oldest Brit ever to climb Everest, is preparing himself for the final assault on the summit. He has been at base camp at 17,000 feet for two weeks since setting off from Oxfordshire
In A dress rehearsal for the Autotype UTV League Devenney Cup final at the end of the month, East Hendred thrashed Chilton 7-1 in Division 1 of the Autotype UTV League. Barry Fisher, left, of East Hendred is blocked out by the Chilton defence Hendred
Plans have been lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council to build 70 houses off Carterton Road as part of the new development to the north of the town.
Town councillors say they regret the loss of a corner shop which has closed after more than 50 years. But members of Thame Town Council accepted the shop, at 1 Queens Road, had been losing business for some time. They said a new shop at a nearby garage
The last remaining tickets are selling fast for a concert organised by Wantage police to raise money for charities. The Waterloo Band of the Royal Green Jackets and The Royal Rifles will perform at a musical evening for all the family. Funds raised will
A club that allows business people to share experiences over breakfast, has been hailed as a success. The Wantage and District Business Breakfast Club was launched in February as a forum for traders, entrepreneurs and other professional people to discuss
Wantage Liberal Democrats claim the party's "sensational" success in a town council by-election is proof of its increasing importance to politics in the area. The group, which controls Wantage Town Council, said they were ecstatic with the result, despite
The future of Oxfordshire table tennis is looking good, if the county junior closed tournament at Didcot is anything to go by. The standard of play was encouraging in all three age groups, highlighted by a memorable match between Oxford's Greg Boone and
The case of a man accused of unlawfully killing a father of four has been committed by Bicester magistrates to Oxford Crown Court for trial. Timothy Deasy, 26, formerly of Tangmere Close, Bicester, but now living in Thame, was charged after the death
It comes as no surprise that Leigh Adams has been casting an eye over the Dryml brothers, Ales and Lukas, and Andrew Appleton - and long may it continue. To ask young Lukas Dryml to ride in heat 15 alongside Adams against Belle Vue on Friday was a master
A building society has given £2,000 to help a playgroup replace a temporary building destroyed by arsonists. The burnt-out hut following the arson attack last year The Coventry Building Society has handed over the cash to the Rainbow Playgroup. Arsonists
It proved a perfect Easter for the promoters and fans as JT/FOX Oxford Cheetahs maintained their position at the top of the Sky Sports Elite League. The Good Friday feast against Belle Vue was just what the doctor ordered for the promoters with a best-ever
Division 5 side AFC Blackbirds shocked high-flying Star Royal from the Morrells Oxford Sunday League Premier Division with a 2-1 victory in their midweek League Cup encounter. Star paid the penalty for a lack-lustre performance, despite taking the lead
Rover (Cowley) BC are hoping to attract new members at an open day on Sunday, April 29 at 3.30pm. More details from Jim Warland (tel 01865 765914). OXFORD CITY SHORT MAT LEAGUE Kennington 2, Hanborough A 6; Harlequins 2, Morris Motors A 6; Hanborough
Watermans' Ian Moquet showed all his fighting qualities as he reached the Morrells Oxford League men's individual final at Vikings. In the quarter-finals, Moquet saw off Pete Ewins, while Demos' Brian Jones brilliantly knocked out favourite Gary Johnson
Oxford Universities CCE's three-day match with Middlesex ended in a predictable draw in The Parks yesterday - but not before Simon Cook caused a few palpitations in the home camp. Oxford's target of 269 in 85 minutes and 20 overs was academic, but when
Mike Hawes and Barbara Graham both smashed straight shots down the fairway for the traditional captain's drive-in at the Springs GC, Wallingford. Mike, from Shillingford, and Barbara, who lives in Upper Basildon, are both founder members of the club and
Parts of the county had unexpected snow showers yesterday as temperatures dipped to -2C overnight. Snow was reported in Banbury, Bicester and Abingdon - and the Met Office said the cold snap would continue into the weekend. A spokesman said: "We had reports
More than150 workers were evacuated from premises on the Hithercroft industrial estate in Wallingford after a major gas leak. Police and firefighters sealed off part of the estate after workers on a nearby housing development damaged a plastic gas pipe
Army driver Jemma Gray allowed her car to be set alight in an insurance fraud, a court heard. Gray, 19, a lorry driver at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, faced charges of arson and attempting to obtain property by deception in the trial at Oxford Crown Court
Roy Tudor Hughes, the Oxfordshire county councillor planning to be the oldest Brit ever to climb Everest, is preparing himself for the final assault on the summit. He has been at base camp at 17,000 feet for two weeks since setting off from Oxfordshire
Compost expert Fay Dashper is touring garden centres to encourage people to play their part in improving the environment. Fay, a graduate in countryside management, is working for Oxfordshire County Council on a one-year pilot scheme to encourage householders
Legendary guitarist Midge Ure returns to The Mill, Banbury, tonight. Mr Ure was one of the brains behind the Band Aid charity and co-wrote Do They Know It's Christmas with Bob Geldof. Record sales of the song in the 1980s raised £8m for starving people
Northway reached the Under 15 Cup final after a hard-earned 2-1 win over Barton who hit the post on two occasions. Northway went ahead in the first half through Hallett, who also snatched their winner after Barton had equalised through Boyes. In the Under
Watermans' Ian Moquet showed all his fighting qualities as he reached the Morrells Oxford League men's individual final at Vikings. In the quarter-finals, Moquet saw off Pete Ewins, while Demos' Brian Jones brilliantly knocked out favourite Gary Johnson
Engineering group TWR, based at Leafield, near Witney, has taken over the UK technical centre of Korean car giant Daewoo for an undisclosed sum. All staff at the site in Worthing, West Sussex will transfer to the new owners. The workforce was cut back
Volunteers at a village museum have used the latest computer technology to help unravel the mysteries of a local landmark. Villagers in Uffington, near Wantage, mastered computer skills to create a CD ROM presentation exploring the history of the famous
A fundraiser whose parents died from cancer has criticised thieves who steal charity collection boxes. Andrew Holding, 29, of Church Close, South Hinksey, near Oxford, devotes his spare time to collecting for Marie Curie Cancer Care, which funds research
Oxford's busiest roundabout is a "ghastly wilderness" that is too dangerous for workers to tidy up. City council officers say Headington roundabout needs a complete overhaul to welcome visitors arriving in Oxford from the M40. Green Road roundabout in
A building society has given £2,000 to help a playgroup replace a temporary building destroyed by arsonists. The burnt-out hut following the arson attack last year The Coventry Building Society has handed over the cash to the Rainbow Playgroup. Arsonists
A house has been slightly damaged after a car was set alight in Oxford. Firefighters were called to the blaze yesterday in Nowell Road, Rose Hill, Oxford. A fire service spokesman said it was believed to have been started deliberately. Firefighters from
A support group for epileptics is facing a new struggle less than a year after it re-opened following cash cuts. Oxfordshire Epilepsy Support Group is moving from Oxford United Supporters Club, where it meets once a month, because the football club is
A busy medical practice in Oxford is back in business today after workmen toiled around the clock to reconnect its power supply. The Marston Medical Centre lost access to thousands of patients' records for more than 24 hours following a cable fault outside
Former boss Andy Lyne gave his backing to Witney Town supporters' attempts to save the club, by helping to carry the coffin they displayed before last night's Dr Martens Eastern Division clash at Banbury United. Lyne was one of between 30-40 people who
Opponents of a planned McDonald's restaurant in Oxford will be holding a demonstration on Sunday. Protesters leading a 'McNo!' campaign against the burger chain's plans for the former Carpenters Arms in Botley Road will be handing out pens and paper,
Thame United's Ryman League Division 1 promotions ambitions suffered a major setback when they went down to rivals Braintree Town at Cressing Road Stadium last night. Thame made a disastrous start when Mark Jones's driven cross was turned past debutant
I envy the person who has put a red sticker on Ben Hope's oil on canvas entitled Violin, one of 65 works by members of the Oxford Art Society, writes Helen Peacocke. It is a superb piece, and as the title suggests, features a violin. But it's not just
