Oxfordshire's business of the year is making 150 people redundant after demand slowed for one of its key products. Fibre-optic components maker Bookham Technology said 100 jobs would go at its Milton Park, near Abingdon, headquarters, while another 50
A new safety group has been established to provide closer links between the community, schools and police in tackling problems in Didcot. After the group's second meeting, police will now crack down on truants and parents' bad driving and parking when
Youngsters were introduced to a new style of netball, called 'high fives'. A Netball Skills Award Day, taken by sixth-form students at Didcot Girls' School, was for the benefit of girls from the town's primary schools. It was part of an initiative to
Manager Brian Hughes has told his Witney Town players they are playing for their futures at the club. And Town's boss has been encouraged by Witney's improved form - and in particular the displays of youngsters Harry Burnley and Neil Maskell. He said:
Quarryman Terry Jones, above, is starting a well-earned retirement after completing 50 years in the industry. Mr Jones, 65, of Church View, Freeland, has stepped down as operations manager at the Stanton Harcourt offices of Hanson Aggregates. "I followed
While Chinnor, who lead South West 2 East, seem set on a promotion course, several other of Oxfordshire's leading clubs are looking anxiously downwards, rather than expectantly upwards. These include Henley, who although in seventh place in National League
Swimming pool firm Certikin International has launched the world's first "instant" swimming pool. The Witney-based firm, which is the country's largest manufacturer, distributor and exporter of swimming pools, displayed the Dutch-built glass-fibre Monoblock
The Pirates of Penzance will get the full Broadway treatment when it is staged next month. The favourite Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is being presented by Chinnor Operatic Society. Professional sword-fighting tutors are being called in. The Society
A farming couple fear 480 pregnant ewes could die because foot and mouth regulations prevent them being moved. Rachel Matheson, 48, and her husband, David, 49, own Tawneys Farm, at Stanton Harcourt, near Eynsham, where they farm 1,100 ewes. The 480 pregnant
The 2001 Oxonian/Oxford City time trial season started on the freezing slopes of Brill where the overall winner was Steve Shellard, who turned in a superb time 45.18. Chris Edginton was second, more than four minutes slower, while third place went to
Manager Brian Hughes has told his Witney Town players they are playing for their futures at the club. And Town's boss has been encouraged by Witney's improved form - and in particular the displays of youngsters Harry Burnley and Neil Maskell. He said:
A series of courses to boost interest in fly fishing are planned in Oxfordshire. The scheme, which is a joint venture between the Farmoor Fly Fishing Club and Thames Water Utilities, will run for one evening a week for six weeks later this year and will
Oxfordshire 3rd captured the Inter-County Championship Division 5B title with a 10-5 win in their final match of the season. They beat Lincolnshire at Spalding with singles wins from Natalie Wilsker (Witney), Vicky Tait (Banbury) and Dave Stepney (Abingdon
A supermarket chain was granted permission to expand one of its stores - but only after it threatened to take the matter to the High Court. Tesco lodged an application for a judicial review after Cherwell District Council refused to allow its Pingle Drive
This is the story of Roz, who committed the unforgiveable sin (for a woman) of walking out on her children. Ten years on she is writing a cartoon strip for a magazine, leading a comfortably shambolic life, though completely ostracised by her family. The
Wolpert's depression was, sadly, not unusual. For a prolonged period, he felt utterly hopeless and suicidal. What is unusual is that he is first and foremost a scientist, and this book is his attempt to make sense of what happened to him. He looks at
Waris Dirie began life as a Somalian nomad, born into a family who followed the ancient custom of female circumcision. She survived the operation at the age of five, but it killed her sister and two cousins. At 12, Waris's father wanted to sell her into
Oxford University, fresh from their 3-1 Varsity Match defeat by Cambridge on Tuesday, will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on derby rivals Oxford Hawks in their English League Division 2 clash at Banbury Road North tomorrow (1.30
A new safety group has been established to provide closer links between the community, schools and police in tackling problems in Didcot. After the group's second meeting, police will now crack down on truants and parents' bad driving and parking when
The people of Berinsfield are faced with the best kind of problem - how to spend £1m on the area. The money has been earmarked by South Oxfordshire District Council for an environmental development scheme. The village was originally designed for 297 houses
By Julian Dancer Firms on two Banbury industrial estates are being urged to join a crime prevention scheme. The project has the backing of Banbury police and Cherwell District Council and aims to reduce thefts from and of vehicles. More than 100 firms
British kick-boxing and karate champion John Shiels will be going for gold when he fights in Greece next month. Shiels, who runs the Dojo Gym in Banbury, has been chosen to represent Britain in the world full contact kick-boxing championships in Athens
The coarse fishing season on rivers is going out with a whimper as the foot and mouth outbreak tightens its grip on angling. Virtually all river and canal fishing has been halted as a precaution against the disease. Just a handful of stillwaters are still
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 1: Waterloo v Henley. _______________________ ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Midlands Div 1: Banbury v Broad Street. South West Div 2 East: Chinnor v Stow-on-the Wold, Witney v
All Sunday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides MORRELLS OXFORD SUNDAY LEAGUE Premier Div: Star Wands v Star Royal, Wheatley v Blackbird Sunday, Six Bells Kidlington v Mansfield Rd, Highfield v Oxford Supps, Mason Arms v Rose Hill. Div 1: AFC Vikings
Dave McManus looks at online banking, hushmail, and an out-of-this-world screensaver According to a recent report, we Brits lag some way behind our European counterparts when it comes to online banking. Internet monitoring firm, NetValue, have figures
By David Duffy A revolutionary scientific development could lead to the creation of 100 new jobs in Oxfordshire. A Banbury firm has won the licence to use a process, which puts a super-hard surface called Keronite on to lightweight materials, for the
Oxfordshire's business of the year is making 150 people redundant after demand slowed for one of its key products. Fibre-optic components maker Bookham Technology said 100 jobs would go at its Milton Park, near Abingdon, headquarters, while another 50
The Bodleian Library's plan to create a new entrance for paying visitors will meet fierce opposition from Oxford city council planning committee. Councillors say they have been taken aback by the University's desire to close off the historic Bodleian
A new home vet service has been launched to aid animal owners unable to take their pets to the surgery. Oxford Animal Hospital in Cowley Road has started a new scheme called 'Vet to Pet'. Keeley Foley, 26, veterinary director and owner, said: "The main
Paramedics on 999 calls in Oxfordshire will ignore measures put in place to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease. Ambulance drivers travelling to emergencies in the county's rural areas have been told to put patients' safety first before worrying
Police say the death of a man in his 50s in Home Close, Wolvercote, is not being treated as suspicious. Officers forced their way into the house after being alerted that the man had not been seen for some time.
An ambitious plan to illuminate historic buildings and open spaces in Oxford is being pushed forward by the Lord Mayor, Maureen Christian. She is appealing to University colleges and businesses to back her initiative to try and give a new night-time grandeur
A new crossing over the River Thames near Oxford could be resurrected - after a gap of almost 60 years. Villagers at Cumnor are keen to have a new footbridge built to replace one destroyed by fire towards the end of the Second World War. The old crossing
Two elderly people were led to safety from a block of flats in Oxford after thick smoke spread through the building. One was found slumped in the hallway of his second-floor flat suffering from smoke inhalation as fire crews searched the building in Barton
The people of Berinsfield are faced with the best kind of problem - how to spend £1m on the area. The money has been earmarked by South Oxfordshire District Council for an environmental development scheme. The village was originally designed for 297 houses
Carterton Town have a new signing in goal as they bid for a place in the third round of the Cherry Red Records Hellenic League Complete Music Cup when they travel to Division 1 West outfit Cirencester United. Regular first-choice Nick Heritage is serving
An ambitious plan to illuminate historic buildings and open spaces in Oxford is being pushed forward by the Lord Mayor, Maureen Christian. She is appealing to University colleges and businesses to back her initiative to try and give a new night-time grandeur
Striker Jefferson Louis could be set for a surprise return to Thame United. The powerful centre forward left the Ryman League Division 1 leaders before Christmas to join his home town club Aylesbury United. But Louis is understood to be unsettled at the
More than 1,000 schoolchildren have risen to the challenge to be their best through dance in the Oxford heats of a national competition. The Rock Challenge 2001 event is a performing arts competition for 11- to 18-year-olds, which aims to show youngsters
More than 1,000 schoolchildren have risen to the challenge to be their best through dance in the Oxford heats of a national competition. The Rock Challenge 2001 event is a performing arts competition for 11- to 18-year-olds, which aims to show youngsters
Abingdon United report a clean bill of health for their Cherry Red Records Hellenic League match at home to Highworth and are at full strength. TOMORROW'S LINE-UPS: Abingdon Utd (v Highworth Tn, home): from G Morton, Riley, W Morton, Hooper, Larman, Parsons
Abingdon's Paul Loyd is gearing up for his first campaign in the top flight of British mountain bike racing. The 24-year-old, who represents Didcot Phoenix, finished ninth in the expert class order of merit in last year's National Points Championship.
Striker Jefferson Louis could be set for a surprise return to Thame United. The powerful centre forward left the Ryman League Division 1 leaders before Christmas to join his home town club Aylesbury United. But Louis is understood to be unsettled at the
Barmaid Hilary Hammans was celebrating victory today after a tribunal ruled that she had been unfairly sacked - by her husband. Mrs Hammans lost her job at the Fox Inn, at Steventon, near Abingdon, pictured below, when she told her husband Larry, the
A police helicopter swooped on five anglers who had caught fish by stunning them with electric current, a court heard. Dennis Abbott was with four other men on the banks of a Thames backwater in Abingdon during the closed season when they were caught.
The Reading Phoenix Choir will give a concert in aid of The Prostate Cancer Support Association at St Mary's Church, Wallingford on March 31, at 7.30pm. The concert is being organised by the Rotary Club of Wallingford. Tickets priced £7, to include light
Council taxpayers in south Oxfordshire will pay at least £1 a week extra on their homes during the coming year. The Liberal Democrat and Labour coalition that runs the district council approved a £12.2m budget. The tax rate for an average home, in Band
British kick-boxing and karate champion John Shiels will be going for gold when he fights in Greece next month. Shiels, who runs the Dojo Gym in Banbury, has been chosen to represent Britain in the world full contact kick-boxing championships in Athens
The Cotswold Children's Choir will make its debut in Witney at 7.15pm on Saturday, March 31, with a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The evening, in the High Street Methodist Church, will also include English folksongs and
A farming couple fear 480 pregnant ewes could die because foot and mouth regulations prevent them being moved. Rachel Matheson, 48, and her husband, David, 49, own Tawneys Farm, at Stanton Harcourt, near Eynsham, where they farm 1,100 ewes. The 480 pregnant
Council taxpayers in south Oxfordshire will pay at least £1 a week extra on their homes during the coming year. The Liberal Democrat and Labour coalition that runs the district council approved a £12.2m budget. The tax rate for an average home, in Band
A 22-year-old man who dragged a boy around with a belt looped around his neck because he thought he had stolen his friend's car has been jailed for nine months for false imprisonment. Philip Eaves, of Rosebay Crescent, Grove, denied 16-year-old Benjamin
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 1: Waterloo v Henley. _______________________ ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Midlands Div 1: Banbury v Broad Street. South West Div 2 East: Chinnor v Stow-on-the Wold, Witney v
Top young sports and arts performers now have the chance to be rewarded for their achievements. The deadline for applications for cash from West Oxfordshire District Council is fast approaching. The awards are designed to help talented individuals across
Striker Jefferson Louis could be set for a surprise return to Thame United. The powerful centre forward left the Ryman League Division 1 leaders before Christmas to join his home town club Aylesbury United. But Louis is understood to be unsettled at the
While Chinnor, who lead South West 2 East, seem set on a promotion course, several other of Oxfordshire's leading clubs are looking anxiously downwards, rather than expectantly upwards. These include Henley, who although in seventh place in National League
All Sunday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides MORRELLS OXFORD SUNDAY LEAGUE Premier Div: Star Wands v Star Royal, Wheatley v Blackbird Sunday, Six Bells Kidlington v Mansfield Rd, Highfield v Oxford Supps, Mason Arms v Rose Hill. Div 1: AFC Vikings
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides NATIONWIDE LEAGUE Div 2: Oxford Utd v Swindon Tn. _______________________ RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1: Barton Rov v Oxford C, Thame Utd v Whyteleafe. Div 3: Arlesey Tn v Abingdon Tn. _______________________ DR
Sofia is a lap dancer, single, occasionally shagging her ex, and pretty happy. Then the Angel Gabriel appears to tell her that she is pregnant. She falls out with her ex and falls in love with Gabriel. It sounds unbelievable, but Duffy fans will lap it
Psychological thriller about a man obsessed by a power-crazed love that draws him to his victims. There is teacher Zoe, who believes she is self-sufficient, cosy and with good friends; Jenny, who is hungry for affection; and finally Nadia -- brave, intelligent
Adamson, editor of the New Internationalist, who splits his time between Oxford and Tuscany, has used his love of Italy and art to good effect in this novel about a fictional young artist, Tullio d'Attore. He cannot make a living from painting, so his
Shields's quirky humour and love of oddballs shines through in the title story, when X slips into his wife's lace-trimmed nightgown and waltzes around his bedroom; Tamara puts on a yellow skirt and is transformed from a dull receptionist into a stunning
Striker Jefferson Louis could be set for a surprise return to Thame United. The powerful centre forward left the Ryman League Division 1 leaders before Christmas to join his home town club Aylesbury United. But Louis is understood to be unsettled at the
While Chinnor, who lead South West 2 East, seem set on a promotion course, several other of Oxfordshire's leading clubs are looking anxiously downwards, rather than expectantly upwards. These include Henley, who although in seventh place in National League
AFC Wallingford, whose run of 17 successive victories came to an end in midweek, bid to regain winning ways at home to Raynes Park Vale in the Courage Combined Counties League Premier Division tomorrow. AFC Wallingford: from Rutherford, Primmer, Campbell
While Chinnor, who lead South West 2 East, seem set on a promotion course, several other of Oxfordshire's leading clubs are looking anxiously downwards, rather than expectantly upwards. These include Henley, who although in seventh place in National League
National Blood Service nurses will be working with donors, at The Conservative Club, Foxhall Road, Didcot on Thursday, March 29, from 2pm to 3.55pm, and 5pm and 6.45pm.
American students and teachers spent a day in the classroom at Didcot Girls' School. Meanwhile, secretarial staff from a school in Philadelphia, USA, 'shadowed' secretaries and administrative staff. A party of 15 students, aged from 14 to 19, along with
Oxford University, fresh from their 3-1 Varsity Match defeat by Cambridge on Tuesday, will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on derby rivals Oxford Hawks in their English League Division 2 clash at Banbury Road North tomorrow (1.30
Top young sports and arts performers now have the chance to be rewarded for their achievements. The deadline for applications for cash from West Oxfordshire District Council is fast approaching. The awards are designed to help talented individuals across
Oxfordshire 3rd captured the Inter-County Championship Division 5B title with a 10-5 win in their final match of the season. They beat Lincolnshire at Spalding with singles wins from Natalie Wilsker (Witney), Vicky Tait (Banbury) and Dave Stepney (Abingdon
All Saturday fixtures involving Oxfordshire sides NATIONWIDE LEAGUE Div 2: Oxford Utd v Swindon Tn. _______________________ RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1: Barton Rov v Oxford C, Thame Utd v Whyteleafe. Div 3: Arlesey Tn v Abingdon Tn. _______________________ DR
By David Duffy Swimming pool firm Certikin International has launched the world's first "instant" swimming pool. The Witney-based firm, which is the country's largest manufacturer, distributor and exporter of swimming pools, displayed the Dutch-built
By Julian Dancer Firms on two Banbury industrial estates are being urged to join a crime prevention scheme. The project has the backing of Banbury police and Cherwell District Council and aims to reduce thefts from and of vehicles. More than 100 firms
By David Duffy Convenience store chain Spar is looking to recruit new stores in Oxfordshire to boost its national expansion. The drive is being led by Spar's wholesaler Capper & Co, whose territory extends from Oxford to north-east London, the Midlands
Winter will turn to summer, thanks to a new postage stamp launched in Oxford. It is the first heat-sensitive stamp and Oxford postal workers were among the first to try it out. The new stamp is printed with special ink that reacts to heat. Rich in colour
A farming couple fear 480 pregnant ewes could die because foot and mouth regulations prevent them being moved. Rachel Matheson, 48, and her husband, David, 49, own Tawneys Farm, at Stanton Harcourt, near Eynsham, where they farm 1,100 ewes. The 480 pregnant
The Bodleian Library's plan to create a new entrance for paying visitors will meet fierce opposition from Oxford city council planning committee. Councillors say they have been taken aback by the University's desire to close off the historic Bodleian
Two women were robbed by men posing as water board officials. Police are not sure whether the crimes are connected. Two men called on an 87-year-old woman in Bicester Road, Kidlington. One kept her talking while the other stole cash. Det Con Mark Rudman
Winter will turn to summer, thanks to a new postage stamp launched in Oxford. It is the first heat-sensitive stamp and Oxford postal workers were among the first to try it out. The new stamp is printed with special ink that reacts to heat. Rich in colour
Manager Brian Hughes has told his Witney Town players they are playing for their futures at the club. And Town's boss has been encouraged by Witney's improved form - and in particular the displays of youngsters Harry Burnley and Neil Maskell. He said:
A man who walked into an unlocked house and subjected the woman living there to a serious indecent assault has been jailed for six years. Norman Ogg, 42, came across the middle-aged woman, who lived alone, after he had wandered into the house in the Cowley
A new home vet service has been launched to aid animal owners unable to take their pets to the surgery. Oxford Animal Hospital in Cowley Road has started a new scheme called 'Vet to Pet'. Keeley Foley, 26, veterinary director and owner, said: "The main
Oxford United have been dealt a blow on the eve of tomorrow's final Manor Ground derby with Swindon Town, with striker Andy Scott ruled out. The £100,000 capture from Brentford was hopeful of recovering from being hit in the face at Wrexham on Tuesday
While Chinnor, who lead South West 2 East, seem set on a promotion course, several other of Oxfordshire's leading clubs are looking anxiously downwards, rather than expectantly upwards. These include Henley, who although in seventh place in National League
The Cotswold Children's Choir will make its debut in Witney at 7.15pm on Saturday, March 31, with a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The evening, in the High Street Methodist Church, will also include English folksongs and
Oxford's biggest theatre is celebrating a major increase in funding. Southern Arts is giving the Oxford Playhouse in Beaumont Street an additional £100,000 in 2002-2003, rising to £200,000 in 2003-2004. The funding is conditional on The Playhouse maintaining
Walkers are still ignoring the ban on venturing on to footpaths in the countryside - despite clear warnings of the risk of spreading foot and mouth disease. Oxfordshire Council Council trading standards officers, who are responsible for coordinating local
Paramedics on 999 calls in Oxfordshire will ignore measures put in place to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease. Ambulance drivers travelling to emergencies in the county's rural areas have been told to put patients' safety first before worrying
