Problems in recruiting teachers have prevented the rise in standards from satisfactory to good at Fitzharrys School in Abingdon, according to Ofsted inspectors. The inspectors found the mixed secondary school provided a satisfactory standard of education
A woman indecently assaulted by her stepfather when she was a teenager has spoken of her disgust at a court's decision not to send him to prison. Michelle Lord, of Burnley, Lancashire, was assaulted by Keith Lewis three times at his home in Main Avenue
Teachers at two schools for vulnerable children that are threatened with closure are campaigning for them to be saved. Executive members of Oxfordshire County Council were deciding on December 10 whether to press ahead with plans to close Iffley Mead
Support services group Amey suffered another blow on December 9, after warning that a string of one-off costs would dent final profits. Shares slid seven per cent on the news, to 28p. A year ago Amey, based at Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, was worth
An appeal for St Helen's Church in Abingdon moves to Oxford this week when a Victorian Music Hall night is staged. Unable to find a suitable location in Abingdon because of Christmas music commitments, the St Helen's team has booked Oxford's Holywell
The funeral of one of Britain's top scientists, Dr Derek Robinson, who led nuclear fusion research at Culham Science Centre in recent years, takes place on December 14 in his home village of Appleford, near Abingdon. Dr Derek Robinson Dr Robinson, who
Ron Marshall, a manager of Abingdon Marina who had twice retired before going back to work, has collapsed and died in his office at the age of 67. Ron Marshall Former seaman Mr Marshall, 67, of East Street, Didcot, was responsible for security and the
Listed building planning consent has been granted for repairs and renovations at Tamesis House, in St Mary's Street, Wallingford.
A man accused of raping a woman with cancer said evidence found in his bedroom had been planted. Richard Day, of Greenmere, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, near Wallingford, denies two counts of rape. A forensic scientist confirmed that a condom found on Day's
Henley MP Boris Johnson has warned the Government to ensure new tax rules do not impede the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (Toe). "Don't step on Toe," was his message as guest speaker at the non-profit-making company's fourth annual general meeting
S Counties League North: Wallingford took another step towards the relegation trapdoor, losing 69-10 to Aylesbury at The Hithercroft. Wallingford hooker Leon Bowd is caught by Aylesbury Centre Jonny Collett scored a try and Ollie Henderson landed a penalty
National League 2: Launceston took a six-try lashing as leaders Henley Hawks produced some devastating finishing to romp home 43-13 at Dry Leas. Centre Ric Van Zyl broke the deadlock when he shot through close to the scrum. Barry Reeves added the conversion
South West 2 East: Oxford Harlequins lost their long unbeaten record when they crashed 31-18 away to their nearest rivals, Maidenhead. Not only was it Quins' first loss of the season, but the result also ended their remarkable record of 13 successive
South West 2 East: Grove succumbed 36-31 at Salisbury in a game of contrasting fortunes. Salisbury scored five tries, four conversions and a penalty in a one-sided first half. Seventeen of those points came when Grove No 8 Ben Nicholl was in the sin-bin
The Tollgate Inn at Kingham has been granted a public entertainments licence by West Oxfordshire District Council.
An antiques and collectors fair will be held at Highlands, Burford Road, Chipping Norton, on December 15, from 10.30am to 4pm.
More rail passengers on a major Oxfordshire commuter line are leaving the car at home and going to the station by bus. Continued growth is being reported in the bus link services on the Cotswold Line at Charlbury and Kingham. A further move to wean travellers
Fox-hunting enthusiasts from Scotland joined an Oxfordshire hunt in a show of solidarity against moves to restrict hunting in England. The Duke of Buccleuch's Hunt, from south-west Scotland, spent December 9 hunting near Chipping Norton with the Heythrop
Two people were taken to hospital after a collision involving two cars and a van in Thame. Emergency services were called at about 5.50pm on December 9 to Cromwell Avenue. Firefighters cut one victim from the wreckage. Paramedics took one person to the
Firefighters attended a blaze at a single-storey building, used as an office near Thame, on December 10. Crews had to cut away part of a pitched roof on fire at Village Farm, off the Thame to Chinnor road. Firefighters from Thame and Wheatley were called
Fire crews were called to a two-car collision on the A338, between Garford and East Hanney, on December 8 at 2.47pm. Firefighters used cutting equipment to release one person. An appliance from Wantage and a rescue tender from Kidlington attended.
Cherwell District Council is making a grant of £2,971 to Bicester Town Council towards the cost of restoring the King's End conservation area, off Shakespeare Drive.
South League: City of Oxford were unlucky not to take the points from High Wycombe in the MBBO Regional league as they went down 3-2. City conceded early in the first half to a well-worked free hit from just outside the circle, and High Wycombe extended
South League: Rover Oxford made light of losing skipper Toby Langdon to a mystery virus hours before the game by crushing Aylesbury 7-0 in Division 1. A slick move involving Matt Fisher and Drew Vermeulen released Danny Bleach after five minutes and he
English League: Oxford Hawks suffered their second successive Division 2 defeat when they went down 6-2 at second-placed Nottingham. Craig Perks Hawks got off to a flying start, opening the scoring in the second minute with Simon Dawson finishing off
Pub regulars turned out to welcome former Olympic boxing champion Terry Spinks. Mr Spinks was at the George and Dragon pub, East Street, Fritwell, near Bicester, to visit landlord Tony Ward and sign copies of his biography. Mr Ward said: "It was a marvellous
Women's English League & HEL Cup round-up: Rover Oxford experienced mixed fortunes in their league and cup double-header away to Leyland. They went down 4-2 in the Division 2 clash on Saturday, but bounced back 24 hours later to gain revenge in the
Soldiers worked for more than seven hours to lift the shell of a Tornado jet into its final resting place. The Tornado is put in place The main road through Arncott was closed as a 140-tonne crane lifted the aircraft in three parts to pride of place outside
Leading international physicist, Sir William 'Bill' Mitchell, has died at the age of 77. Mr Mitchell left Devon in 1943 to study physics at Sheffield and, after a spell with Metropolitan Vickers, was seconded to Bristol University, where he completed
Firefighters from The Slade and Rewley Road, Oxford, were called to a suspected arson attack at a house in Ridgefield Road, east Oxford, on December 8. A fire was discovered in a ground-floor room. Although no-one was injured, police were informed of
The Mini is on target to reach worldwide sales of 140,000 this year. Parent company BMW said the landmark figure was within tangible grasp, with 134,000 cars delivered in the 11 months to the end of November. The target has been raised several times during
firefighters were called out following reports of a loud bang and flames coming from a manhole in eastern Oxford. Crews were sent to Kiln Lane, in Risinghurst, at 2.20am on December 10, but the fire was out by the time they arrived. The manhole was cordoned
A man has been charged with wounding with intent to prevent arrest, after a police officer was injured in a fight in Oxford early on Sunday. Steven Haines, 21, of Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, appeared before Oxford magistrates on December 9, charged
Missing North Oxford pensioner Greta Verdin may have been shopping in Summertown. Detectives investigating her disappearance have received a report of a possible sighting of Mrs Verdin. A woman matching her description was seen in Somerfield supermarket
Oxford's Shopmobility scheme has received an early Christmas present. Father Christmas has presented a scooter to the scheme's co-ordinator, Robin Brooks. The presentation was made on behalf of the LaSalle Investment Group, managers of the Westgate Shopping
Banbury Cross Players' pantomime this year will be a tribute to founder-member Martin Blinkhorn, who died in June. The players are rehearsing Cinderella -- a version written by Mr Blinkhorn -- as a tribute. It will be the group's biggest production for
An off-duty paramedic who raced to offer help during a life-threatening medical emergency in Banbury had his car radio stolen. Thieves tried to steal the emergency blue light from the roof of Steve Young's car as he was treating a woman suffering chest
A firm of chartered surveyors is merging with a rival to increase its hold on the lucrative market in the Midlands. Clayson Haselwood, based in Banbury, is joining forces with Fisher German, which has six offices across Leicestershire, Worcestershire
Directors at software retailer Dream Direct are setting their sights on a profitable 2003 after a period of major growth. In its first set of figures since floating on the alternative investment market, turnover at the Bicester-based firm rose by 96 per
A motorist and the driver of an articulated lorry had lucky escapes when their vehicles veered off a dual-carriageway and down an embankment. Didcot firefighters worked closely with a paramedic ambulance crew for nearly two hours to free the motorist.
People have been testing their rock and pop knowledge to raise money for the Oxford Children's Hospital appeal. Quiz buffs collect the cup Six teams took part in the first Oxford Mail Rock and Pop Quiz on December 8, and helped raise £100 for the fund
Police funding for next year will not be as low as feared, but Thames Valley Police could still struggle without extra grants. The force is to get a three per cent increase in its Government grant for 2003-04. Ministers said this would be sufficient to
The Oxfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes could face funding problems after plans to convert its Oxford headquarters into student housing were quashed. A planning application to redevelop the WI building in Middle Way, Summertown, into three-storey
The Oxfordshire Federation of Women's Institutes could face funding problems after plans to convert its Oxford headquarters into student housing were quashed. A planning application to redevelop the WI building in Middle Way, Summertown, into three-storey
An evening of table dancing at an Oxford bar has been hailed as a success by the manager. Martin Forde, manager of Baby in Cowley Road, said more than 100 people turned up on Sunday to see 10 scantily clad women and and two men perform table dances. He
Directors at an old-established Oxfordshire building company are celebrating after landing contracts worth more than £50m. Kingerlee, based at Kidlington, is working on projects across the county ranging from private homes to the redevelopment of Oxford's
The power of mathematics to unlock secret codes was the theme of a talk at Gosford Hill School, Kidlington. Simon Singh with pupil Callie Cook Author Simon Singh, who wrote the bestseller Fermat's Last Theorem, brought one of the few remaining World War
Banbury schoolchildren will be watching themselves on the big screen when their own movie is premiered in the town. Harry Prior behind the camera The 90 pupils from Frank Wise Special School in Hornbeam Close are starring in their own film, Frankie Wise
The opening of a classroom at a primary school was marked by the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire ringing a 19th century school bell. Ringing the changes The new foundation class at Harwell Primary School was opened by Hugo Brunner, pictured watching former
The Enstone-based Mild Seven Renault Formula1 team will unveil their 2003 world championship challenger at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre, in Switzerland, on January 20. The track launch will follow at the Paul Ricard circuit, in the south
Residents living in Oxford have been warned that a guided busway system could harm the environment. The Guided Transport Express (GTE) would link Oxford railway station with the Redbridge and Peartree park-and-ride sites, using specially constructed concrete
Former Arrows driver Enrique Bernoldi could be snapped up by Formula 1 team Minardi as their No 1 driver for next season. The Brazilian, who missed the final five races of last season because of the Leafield-based outfit's cash problems, would bring in
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart is confident that his team will be on the grid next season as Formula 1 faces a campaign with just ten teams. The Australian is determined the team will not go the same way as rivals Leafield-based Arrows, whose long-term future
Four men from Medisense in Abingdon braved beauty treatment at the Curl up and Dye Hair Studio, in Grove Street, in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation. The volunteers dressed up as the Spice Girls to have their legs and chests waxed for the charity, which
Ron Marshall, a manager of Abingdon Marina who had twice retired before going back to work, has collapsed and died in his office at the age of 67. Ron Marshall Former seaman Mr Marshall, 67, of East Street, Didcot, was responsible for security and the
Primary schoolchildren in Abingdon met a Scary Guy on December 9, but left with smiles on their faces. The self-styled Scary Guy and his wife Julie Kaufmann spoke to about 300 pupils from Thameside, Carswell and Caldecott schools about tackling racism
Southern Electricity has denied claims that a lack of capital investment is leading to power cuts in parts of south Abingdon and neighbouring villages. Nearly a thousand homes and businesses were without power for between two and six hours on December
More than 500 mourners attended the funeral of Caroline Delfosse, wife of Didcot GP Dr John Delfosse. Mrs Delfosse, who was 44, died at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, on November 23 from a malignant brain tumour which Dr Delfosse said was only diagnosed
S Counties League North: Witney overturned a 13-3 deficit to win 25-20 at Beaconsfield. The home side crossed for two tries to lead by ten points at half-time, Nathan Phillips landing a penalty for Witney. The second period saw Witney draw level with
South West 1: Chinnor brought Christmas forward by three weeks as they gift-wrapped two tries for Reading, who hung on for a 17-12 victory at Kingsey Road. Reading took a 14-point lead inside the first 12 minutes before a brace of penalties by Conor Begley
Midland 2 East: Banbury Bulls won their first away league match since March 2001 as they hammered Nottingham Moderns 41-8 to move clear of the relegation zone. The forwards established their authority from the start, skipper Will Brooks causing havoc
S Counties League North: Bicester brought themselves back into the promotion picture with a gutsy 29-21 victory over second-placed Slough, thanks mainly to a massive effort from the pack at Oxford Road. Led by hooker Nick Evans, who returned to the side
Berks Bucks & Oxon League round-up reports on the Gosford All Blacks, Abingdon, Chipping Norton, Henley Wanderers and Oxford GOSFORD All Blacks went top of Division 2 as they ended Chesham's unbeaten record with a convincing 28-6 victory at Stratfield
Show flats at McCarthy and Stone Norton Green Court retirement development, in Chipping Norton, have opened for viewing.
Lee Thacker, 29, a former student at Abingdon and Witney College, has become a part-time tutor at the college after winning the Institute of Credit Management's Credit Services Association Prize. Mr Thacker, who works in the finance department of Lafarge
Scouts in Minster Lovell have received a helping hand from buildings material company Hanson. The Scouts are refurbishing their headquarters, which is on the edge of the village. The site suffers badly from weeds and ragwort, which they have been clearing
Carterton's police inspector is to take command of Witney next year. Insp Arthur Saville Inspector Arthur Saville will take charge of both towns from January 6. Insp Saville, who has been in the police for 28 years, will be taking over from Insp John
Area unites for funding Businesses, organisations and councils from Carterton and the surrounding villages are working together to attract funding to improve the vitality of the area. Twenty-seven groups have signed up to take part in the Carterton Check
Pupils at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Primary School in Witney have entered the controversial debate on the future of the town's former football pitch at Marriotts Close. Supermarket giant Asda has ditched plans to build a superstore on the edge
Four men from Medisense in Abingdon braved beauty treatment at the Curl up and Dye Hair Studio, in Grove Street, Wantage, in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation. The volunteers dressed up as the Spice Girls to have their legs and chests waxed for the charity
Music teaching of children in rural areas is set to suffer after Oxfordshire County Music Service announced it was seeking to make cuts to balance its budget. The failure of a drive to teach more children has prompted the action, which will involve jobs
More than 100 clients of Bicester Day Centre in Launton Road, Bicester, are being given a seasonal box containing a Christmas pudding, pack of custard, a mince pie, Christmas card and a newsletter from the centre's user group called Everybody Deserves
South League: Abingdon stay top of Division 2 after recording their biggest win of the season - an 8-0 thrashing of Enfield at Tilsley Park. After a shaky start, Abingdon went in at half-time 3-0 up, courtesy of a first-half hat-trick from captain Will
Jeweller Sarah Tomlin put her latest designs on show and sold them as Christmas presents. Sarah Tomlin She moved in as artist in residence at The Courtyard Youth and Arts Centre in Launton Road, Bicester, in April and held her first exhibition on December
Emergency services were called after a lorry carrying 100 litres of diesel sprang a leak in its fuel pipe on the southbound A34. Firefighters used special absorbent granules to contain the leak, in a lay-by between junction nine of the M40 and the Weston-on-the-Green
Bicester's Salvation Army is looking for volunteers and donations to help with its annual Christmas day party. Every year the group organises Christmas dinner for people who would otherwise be alone. Drivers are needed to pick up guests and drop them
Oxfordshire arrived an hour late for their Inter-counties Championship match at Gloucester when the coach broke down - and they never recovered. Trailing 10-8 after Saturday's B matches, they eventually went down 22-14 overall. The ladies B team, which
Directors at Bicester-based software retailer Dream Direct are setting their sights on a profitable 2003 after a period of major growth. In its first set of figures since floating on the alternative investment market, turnover at the Bicester-based firm
Oxford City's ex-Aston Villa striker Stuart Lewis is set to lead their attack in Tuesday's home game with Barking in Ryman League Division 1 North. Lewis scored on his debut in Saturday's 1-1 derby draw with Thame United, having netted in his two appearances
The impact of turning a cul-de-sac in Bicester into a through road is being assessed. Members of Oxfordshire County Council's environmental committee visited Wessex Way, which is under consideration to become a one-way road to help plans to further pedestrianise
Witney's Simon Possee was in sparkling form as he helped his team to third place at the festive gala hosted by Newport Pagnell at Stantonbury Leisure Centre. Possee took victory for the under 11 boys breaststroke in a new best time, and thoroughly deserved
Residents living near a train station say commuters are using their street as a free car park. Les Sibley and Baz Gazey with a note left on a parked car in Woodfield Road People using Bicester North Station, Buckingham Road, have been parking their cars
Drug development firm Evotec, based in Abingdon, has signed an extension to its discovery chemistry agreement, started in May, with Oxford-based Avidex which is developing treatments for cancer.
A cyclist suffered a head injury after he came off his bike near the police station in St Aldate's at about 9.45pm on December 7. Paramedics treated the 30-year-old man in the road before taking him to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
A man charged with kidnapping a 26-year-old woman has appeared at Oxford Crown Court. Colin Davey, 37, of Croft Road, Marston, Oxford, is accused of abducting the woman from Blackbird Leys and dumping her naked in the centre of Abingdon on Thursday, November
Banbury schoolchildren will be watching themselves on the big screen when their own movie is premiered in the town. Harry Prior behind the camera The 90 pupils from Frank Wise Special School in Hornbeam Close are starring in their own film, Frankie Wise
The offices of Bicester Town Council at The Garth, in Launton Road, will close on Christmas Eve, re-opening on January 2.
Thame United boss Andy Sinnott is looking for a better performance when they host Wembley on Tuesday (Dec 10). Sinnott said: "I was disappointed by the way we played at Oxford City. "I thought the goal we had disallowed was the turning point in the game
Banbury United will be aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 games when they travel to Tonbridge Angels in Dr Martens League Eastern Division on Tuesday (Dec 10). Banbury, who can regain top spot if results go right for them tonight, are boosted
Drug development firm Evotec has signed an extension to its discovery chemistry agreement, started in May, with Oxford-based Avidex which is developing treatments for cancer.
The Tube and Bracket Company, which supplies supply specialist racking equipment to the automotive industry, will sub-let property at Canada Close, Banbury. Agents Lambert Smith Hampton have two remaining industrial units at the development offering a
Lee Thacker, 29, a former student at Abingdon and Witney College, has become a part-time tutor at the college after winning the Institute of Credit Management's Credit Services Association Prize. Mr Thacker, who works in the finance department of Lafarge
Support services group Amey suffered another blow on December 9, after warning that a string of one-off costs would dent final profits. Shares slid seven per cent on the news, to 28p. A year ago Amey, based at Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon, was worth
Terry Sexon, of AEAT Nuclear Science, won a £50 first prize in the company's Safety Week quiz. The prize was presented by Dr Allen Edwards, director of Harwell safety operations.
The Atomic Energy Authority has replaced the Harwell Laboratory site fire engine and ambulance with a Water Tender Ladder type B. The ambulance has also been updated to meet special emergency needs. The former fire engine and ambulance were almost 15
The pantomime Little Miss Muffet is being performed by Didcot Phoenix Drama Group at the Civic Hall fromJanuary 23 until January 25, at 7.30pm, plus matinees on the Saturday at 11am and 1.20pm. Tickets priced £5 and £3 concessions are on sale at the Civic
Progress on a key study to improve the outdated road pattern in Didcot and surrounding villages will be outlined at an area forum. Because of plans for the redevelopment of Didcot town centre and the large-scale expansion of housing on the western edge
All the homes in Vicarage Road are officially set for Christmas. For the fifth year running householders in Vicarage Road and Petre Place, Kidlington, have decorated the outside of their homes and had an Christmas light switch-on party. One of the organisers
Residents living near a ballast dump in Hinksey Sidings, Oxford, are continuing to suffer. City councillors were told on December 9 that noise and light from the operation was still upsetting residents in the Abingdon Road area. Railtrack developed the
An off-duty paramedic who raced to offer help during a life-threatening medical emergency in Banbury had his car radio stolen. Thieves tried to steal the emergency blue light from the roof of Steve Young's car as he was treating a woman suffering chest
William Straw, Oxford University's Students' Union president, has won the support of the city council in his battle against top-up fees. Mr Straw is one the authors of a critical report from the Aldwych group, representing students from Britain's 18 leading
Oxford United fans have been praised by the police and the football club after the FA Cup clash with arch-rivals Swindon passed without trouble on December 8. Police hailed the derby game as a great success for the way fans conducted themselves, and said
The headteacher of Oxford's top state secondary school described the job he has held for the past 22 years as "the best in English education". Martin Roberts, who helped introduce a two-tier education system Martin Roberts is to step down as head of Cherwell
Oxford United Reserves went down 2-0 to Northampton Town Res in Monday's behind-closed-doors friendly. Although the main plus was Lee Steele continuing his comeback with another 90 minutes, coach Mike Ford was disappointed with the performance. "We were
Ian Atkins has modestly refused to take the credit for "finding" Oxford United's cup hero Jefferson Louis. Jefferson LouisThe U's boss said the one who should take the plaudits is the club's youth development officer, Les Taylor, who had insisted the
Directors at an old-established Oxfordshire building company are celebrating after landing contracts worth more than £50m. Kingerlee, based at Kidlington, is working on projects across the county ranging from private homes to the redevelopment of Oxford's
