Archive

  • Six Week Check

    I know it's a few weeks since this happened, but I've only just got the nerve to write about it. Turned up for what I thought was the baby's check, to find out it was for both of us. After annoying the hell out of the little one for 10 minutes, the doc

  • Today's local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 99 BMW 2991 Electrocomponents 288 Isoft Group 35.5 Oxford Biomedica 30.5 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 165 Reed Elsevier 590.75 RM 172 RPS 242.5 Torex Retail 45.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Today's local share prices (PM)

    AEA Technology 99 BMW 2991 Electrocomponents 288 Isoft Group 35.5 Oxford Biomedica 30.5 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 165 Reed Elsevier 590.75 RM 172 RPS 242.5 Torex Retail 45.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Biotech bosses in talks over key cancer drug

    Bosses at biotech firm Oxford BioMedica have revealed they are in talks with four companies as they look to commercialise their leading drug. The news came as the company based at the Oxford Science Park started phase three trials of TroVax which is

  • Biotech bosses in talks over key cancer drug

    Bosses at biotech firm Oxford BioMedica have revealed they are in talks with four companies as they look to commercialise their leading drug. The news came as the company based at the Oxford Science Park started Phase III trials of TroVax which is designed

  • Police plea after woman killed

    POLICE today appealed for witnesses after a two-car crash near Bullingdon Prison in which a woman died. The crash happened on the B4011 when a red Volkswagen Polo was involved in a collision with a maroon BMW estate. A woman was declared dead at the

  • Big Brother is watching the city

    Britons are the most watched people on Earth after a surge in the number of security cameras. We decided to see how often reporter Anna Dowdeswell would be watched in just an hour's trip around the city. It is staggering how many sets of electronic

  • On yer bike: Cycle bells - there's so much choice

    I've had a new bell on my bike this week. My old one broke - it had given four years' continuous service so I suppose it didn't have a bad innings. My bell breaking was a real pain, but I did get that frisson of excitement when looking for something

  • NEXT LEADER

    John McDonnell is speaking in Oxford Town Hall at 8pm on Thursday November 9th. He is the only declared candidate so far to state that he will oppose Gordon Brown for the leadership of the Labour Party, when Tony Blair steps down. John McDonnell has

  • Multinational in cost-cutting move

    Multinational company Electrocomponents is to sell its 28,000 sq ft head office in Oxford as part of a cost-cutting exercise. Ian Mason, chief executive of the company, which this week announced £35.6m pre-tax profits, said: "With our expansion overseas

  • Can't touch this

    Workers at an Oxfordshire business park were given a few tips from an expert on how not to motivate their staff. The staff at Milton Park near Didcot, watched dumbstruck as Ricky Gervais lookalike Tim Oliver started the infamous dance routine first

  • Dead man named

    One of two drivers who died following separate crashes in Oxfordshire over the weekend has been named. He was James Franklin, 21, from Monmouth Road in Oxford. He died in the John Radcliffe hospital from injuries he suffered after his car collided

  • Diamon Light almost ready

    Oxfordshire scientists have reached the final milestone of the UK's biggest science project for 30 years. The team at the Diamond Light Source, at the Harwell Campus, have succeeded in focusing the light source into an intensely powerful beam and delivering

  • Today's local share prices (AM)

    AEA Technology 99.5 BMW 2971 Electrocomponents 292 Isoft Group 36.75 Oxford Biomedica 29.25 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 165 Reed Elsevier 588 RM 164.5 RPS 239 Torex Retail 45.5 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon

  • Multinational set for cost-cutting move

    Multinational company Electrocomponents is to sell its 28,000 sq ft head office in Oxford as part of a cost-cutting exercise. Ian Mason, chief executive of the company, which this week announced £35.6m pre-tax profits, said: "With our expansion overseas

  • Can't touch this

    Workers at an Oxfordshire business park were given a few tips from an expert on how not to motivate their staff. The staff at Milton Park near Didcot, watched dumbstruck as Ricky Gervais lookalike Tim Oliver started the infamous dance routine first

  • WEIGHTLIFTING: Middleton shines for South

    Witney weightlifter Dan Middleton was in great form for the South Midlands in an inter-region competition in Derby. The 17-year-old improved his overall personal best by 12kg, his best in the snatch being raised by 7kg to 110kg. In the clean and jerk

  • Diamond Light almost ready

    OXFORDSHIRE scientists have reached the final milestone of the UK's biggest science project for 30 years. The team at the Diamond Light Source, at the Harwell Campus, have succeeded in focusing the light source into an intensely powerful beam and delivering

  • DARTS: Brain power is decisive

    Cowley Community Centre had too much Brain power for Three Tuns B as they ran out 5-4 winners in a thrilling Oxfordshire Super League encounter. Evergreen Percy Brain got the ball rolling for Cowley with a 3-0 win, but Simon Powell couldn't follow up

  • DARTS: County on track for title

    Oxfordshire kept up their bid for the Kaliber Inter Counties League Division 2 crown with a 23-16 win against County Durham at Cowley Community Centre. The result also saw the ladies' A and men's B go top of their respective groups. The ladies' B

  • DARTS: Varney takes centre stage

    All eyes will be on five-times champion Ollie Varney (pictured) at the Oxford and District Darts Association Summer League finals night at Rover Social Club, Romanway on Friday night. Varney takes centre stage yet again as he appears in his 11th singles

  • HOCKEY: Chippy sunk by 15-goal salvo

    City of Oxford went on the rampage away to Chipping Norton in the Under 14 County Boys League, winning 15-0 with goals from Jack Wollner (5), Toby Ogg (4), Guy Dixon (3) and James Weaver (3). A goal from Margeaux Wilson earned City of Oxford a 1-0 win

  • HOCKEY: Hawks in double trouble

    Oxford Hawks remain rooted to the foot of the National South Division table after suffering two defeats in two days in the Slazenger England League. They went down 4-0 to University of Birmingham on Saturday, and then lost 4-2 at Bromley and Beckenham

  • Driver dies in road crash

    Another driver has died on Oxfordshire's roads this morning (Tuesday) bringing the county's death toll to 53 so far this year. The accident happened at 8.10am on the B4011 near Bullingdon Prison in Bicester. Paramedics declared one person dead at the

  • HOCKEY: Beer is four-star hero

    Rover Oxford continued their unbeaten run with an impressive 9-2 victory over Mill Hill in the Southern League MBB&O Regional League - Richard Beer (pictured) leading the way with a four-timer. They started brightly and never looked back after scoring

  • HOCKEY: Brammer sets it up for City

    City of Oxford Ladies were too strong for South Bucks, dominating throughout for a 2-0 victory in Trysports 3 Counties League Premier 1. Kirsty Brammer put them ahead just before the interval and Kim Haynes converted Mary Capon's cross for No 2. Oxford

  • HOCKEY: Rover fall to first defeat

    Rover Oxford suffered their first defeat of the season when they slipped to a 1-0 loss at Harrow on Saturday - to lose top spot in Women's South League. Rover created plenty of chances in the opening period, but the closest they came to finding the

  • FOOTBALL: We must tighten up says Peace

    Manager Stuart Peace says Didcot Town must cut out the sloppy defensive mistakes if they are to beat Chippenham Town in tonight's FA Trophy second qualifying round replay at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium. Peace's side threw away a 2-0 lead at the British

  • FOOTBALL: Sheer relief for Burgess

    Andy Burgess could not hide the great relief that his two-goal salvo had brought him - after being claustrophobically shackled in previous home games. Burgess's goal celebrations were a picture of joy unconfined, but that was hardly surprising after

  • Diseased trees must be felled

    No-one wants to see trees cut down. Not only do they add beauty to any street, they play an important role in absorbing pollution. But when they become dangerous, it is vital they are felled or trimmed promptly. Much as we sympathise with the residents

  • Support arrives

    I wrote to you about our fight to get a better service on the No 16 bus route in Oxford (Oxford Mail, October 20). I said that although people at the Minchery Farm end of the route had had support from their councillors, we had had none. Following the

  • Chance of a lifetime

    Any development in a city such as Oxford poses challenges. It is no surprise that some object to the Westgate development plans or wish to see them changed. However, we have a once in a generation opportunity to bring real improvement to this part of

  • Right of way

    Martin Preston suggests that pedestrians walking on cycle paths should be issued with fixed penalty notices (Oxford Mail, October 30). These views, and the way they are worded, indicate a sheep-like acceptance of county council roads policy. As a pedestrian

  • It's cheaper in the Canaries

    The letter from Jean Fooks, the city council's executive member for a cleaner city, on rubbish collection and recycling (Oxford Mail, October 30) makes one wonder if she and her fellow councillors live in the same world as us mere mortals. I keep a

  • RUGBY UNION: Harwell fall

    HARWELL could not match hosts Bracknell 3rd's pace as they lost 25-5 in BB&O Division 1 South. Mickey King's try made it 5-5 late in the first half, but an indisciplined Harwell fell away after the break. OTHER SCORERS BB&O Premier A: Oxford Harlequins

  • RUGBY UNION: Wallingford rack up century

    LEADERS Wallingford ran in an incredible 22 tries as they annihilated Littlemore 136-0 at The Hithercroft. Full back Henry Pooler bagged seven, while there were four for winger Eliot Simons and three for debutant centre Pete Lloyd. Flanker Pete Holton

  • RUGBY UNION: Witney weather Grove storm

    TWO tries from winger Henry Lamb helped Witney to a comfortable 27-10 derby victory over Grove in Southern Counties North. But they had to endure an early barrage from Grove's big pack before taking control at Hailey Road. Witney conceded a string

  • RUGBY UNION: Chinnor hit for seven!

    CHINNOR shipped 50 points for the third time this season as they lost 52-7 at high-flying Lydney in National 3 South. They only trailed 14-7 midway through the first half after fly half Richard Williams converted a try from full back Ben Hewitt. But

  • RUGBY UNION: Burton bags full house

    MITCH Burton picked up a full house of scores as Henley Hawks ground out a 16-10 victory at Bradford & Bingley in National 2. The fly half maintained his excellent form with two penalties, a drop goal, a try and a conversion to keep Henley in touch

  • Sharp lesson in road safety

    An hour after 18-year-old Jessica Lever said how much she wanted to drive, she was in tears after seeing the latest graphic initative to improve road safety awareness among teenagers. The teenager from Culham was one of more than 500 teenagers left

  • RUGBY UNION: Front rows star for Quins

    PROP Simon Chadbone bagged a brace of tries as Oxford Harlequins kept up their promotion bid by winning 25-10 at Reading Abbey in South West 1. It was a good day for Quins' front row as hooker Dave Needham scored his first try for the club, while flanker

  • 'Protest adds nothing to climate change'

    Wantage and Didcot MP Ed Vaizey has branded last week's Greenpeace protest at Didcot Power Station a stunt that only served to "confuse" the debate on climate change. The protest, pictured right, began at about 5.30am on Thursday and lasted nearly

  • RUGBY UNION: Students stun Tigers

    OXFORD University produced their best performance of the season to stun Leicester 18-17 in the fog at Iffley Road last night. Hundreds of supporters had phoned in concerned the game might have been off due to poor visibility. But those who came in

  • Protests can't save doomed trees

    Families in Oxford yesterday lost their battle to save 12 willow trees. Earlier this month, residents of Osney Island, West Oxford, staged a musical protest against plans to fell the trees, which line the River Thames in East Street. But officials in

  • Cool dinners

    Healthy food seems to have proved a hit in Oxfordshire secondary schools as more pupils sign up for school dinners. Bucking a national drop in pupils taking school dinners, several county secondary schools have reported an increase since they cut out

  • MP condemns racist poem

    Henley MP Boris Johnson, pictured, yesterday distanced himself from a "racist" poem posted on his website. The poem, which was swiftly removed after it was drawn to the MP's attention, describes how a Pakistani migrant comes to Britain "poor and broke

  • 'Murdered'

    A man found dead in his bloodstained flat was glassed and beaten around the head by two friends after a heavy drinking session, a jury heard yesterday. Guy Thomas' body was discovered by another friend, Stephen Hobbs, in the flat in Pound Way, Cowley

  • A royal show

    The cream of the county's young musicians will perform at the Royal Albert Hall - alongside leading scientist Lord Robert Winston. Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra is taking to the stage at the world-renowned venue next week as part of a series of

  • 'Bedsit is no place for newlyweds'

    A married couple living in a one-room bedsit are angry that they have been left on the housing waiting list while a nearby property stands empty. Peter and Elizabeth Collett have been living, sleeping, cooking and eating in one small room in Peat Moors

  • 'Help us block new town plan'

    The spectre of a new town on the edge of Thame first put forward and rejected 20 years ago has raised its head again. Land to the south of Thame between Moreton and Great Haseley has been put forward again by potential developers as a major new housing

  • Club: we won't ignore indy bands

    The new owners of Oxford's premier live music venue, The Zodiac, have vowed to continue supporting local bands, following concerns by artists As revealed exclusively in the Oxford Mail, the Cowley Road venue has been bought by national club chain Academy

  • Ready for a fight

    Councils and the Environment Agency are joining forces for a combined "robust" challenge to plans for a huge new reservoir in the county. It is the latest move in the row over Thames Water's scheme for a 10sq km lake on farmland between Abingdon and

  • Screen test for Lotto cash

    Campaigners for an Oxford community garden will appeal to ITV news viewers to try to win a £50,000 Lottery grant. The Barracks Lane Community Garden project will compete against a Gloucestershire cyber-caf in the People's Millions feature on ITV News

  • Smile! Relax at surgery

    Patients at a Didcot dental practice can now watch films while having a filling - on plasma screens installed on the ceiling. The Smile Dental Practice in Broadway has had a £250,000 refit to make the dreaded trip to the dentist a thing of the past.

  • Graphic film highlights road dangers

    JUST an hour after 18-year-old Jessica Lever said how much she wanted to drive, she was in tears after seeing the latest graphic initative to improve road safety awareness among teenagers. The teenager from Culham was one of more than 500 teenagers

  • Healthy food proves a hit

    HEALTHY food seems to have proved a hit in Oxfordshire secondary schools as more pupils sign up for school dinners. Bucking a national drop in pupils taking school dinners, several county secondary schools have reported an increase since they cut out

  • Jury told of vicious attack

    A MAN found dead in his bloodstained flat was glassed and beaten around the head by two friends after a heavy drinking session, a jury heard. Guy Thomas' body was discovered by another friend, Stephen Hobbs, in the flat in Pound Way, Cowley, Oxford,

  • New town plan reappears

    THE spectre of a new town on the edge of Thame first put forward and rejected 20 years ago has raised its head again. Land to the south of Thame between Moreton and Great Haseley has been put forward again by potential developers as a major new housing

  • Police issue warning on mini motos

    PARENTS have been urged to think carefully before buying mini motorbikes for their children this Christmas. Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire District Council have also promised to come down hard on anyone who is found riding the bikes illegally

  • Young musicians tune up for Royal date

    THE cream of the county's young musicians are hoping to strike the right note when they play a concert at the Royal Albert Hall with leading scientist Lord Robert Winston. Oxfordshire County Youth orchestra is taking to the stage on Tuesday, November

  • Zodiac vows to back local bands

    THE new owners of Oxford's premier live music venue, The Zodiac, have vowed to continue supporting local bands, following concerns by artists. As disclosed last week, the Cowley Road venue has been bought by national club chain Academy Music Group (

  • Reservoir faces 'robust challenge'

    COUNCILS and the Environment Agency are joining forces for a combined "robust" challenge to plans for a huge new reservoir in the county. It is the latest move in the row over Thames Water's scheme for a ten square kilometre lake on farmland between

  • Call for county food composter

    LIBERAL democrats in Oxfordshire are calling on colleagues to introduce a countywide composting campaign for domestic food waste. Zoe Patrick, the leader of the Lib Dems at County Hall, will today table a motion calling for a special plant at which