Stories for 31 March 2006

Abingdon

Charity cyclist escapes cyclone

MARATHON charity cyclist narrrowly steered clear from Oxford has described how he narrowly escaped being caught up in Cyclone Larry, which hit the town of Innisfail, on the north east Australian coast, on Monday. A FORMER Abingdon teacher narrowly steered clear of a destructive cyclone in Australia on his marathon charity trek.  more...

Police on child alert

A LIFE-SAVING scheme to quickly find kidnapped children has been launched by Thames Valley Police.  more...

Abingdon News

School marks anniversary

One of the oldest schools in the country Abingdon School has celebrated its 750th birthday.  more...

Bicester News

Sky-diving ban sparks fun day

A determined 13-year-old girl told she was too young to do a charity skydive has channelled her energy into organising a fundraising family fun day instead.  more...

Books

Oxford Literary festival

Oxford Literary Festival Colin Dexter, author of the Inspector Morse novels, was at the Newman Rooms in St Aldate's last week to talk about '5 Inspiring Books', writes Martin Vaux.  more...

Oxford Literary festival

Oxford Literary Festival Colin Dexter, author of the Inspector Morse novels, was at the Newman Rooms in St Aldate's last week to talk about '5 Inspiring Books', writes Martin Vaux.  more...

Children's book that dampens the eyes

This is listed as a Junior Library Guild Selection, so why did I a member of the silver brigade keep turning the pages and why were my eyes moist when I reached the last page?  more...

People watcher turns spotlight on himself

Desmond Morris has written 50 books, so it would be surprising if the renowned Oxford zoologist's autobiography was badly written, and I am relieved to inform you that it is very readable.As well as the many extraordinary animals he encounters, there are entertaining meetings with Diana Dors, Dylan Thomas, Miro, Yoko Ono, Stanley Kubrick and Marlon Brando.  more...

The unreal life of a Westminster wife

Like many wives of politicians, Edna Healey spent a long time in the shadow of her husband Denis, the former Labour Chancellor who was often known as Denis the Menace during his political heyday in the 1970s.  more...

The unreal life of a Westminster wife

Like many wives of politicians, Edna Healey spent a long time in the shadow of her husband Denis, the former Labour Chancellor who was often known as Denis the Menace during his political heyday in the 1970s.  more...

The unreal life of a Westminster wife

Like many wives of politicians, Edna Healey spent a long time in the shadow of her husband Denis, the former Labour Chancellor who was often known as Denis the Menace during his political heyday in the 1970s.  more...

Local author

Oxford economist Andrew Glyn made his name in the 1970s by explaining how British workers were paying the price of capitalism's 'profit squeeze'. In his latest book, Capitalism Unleashed: Finance, Globalization and Welfare (Oxford, £16.99), he looks at whether there is an alternative to our headlong rush for economic growth  more...

Local author

Oxford economist Andrew Glyn made his name in the 1970s by explaining how British workers were paying the price of capitalism's 'profit squeeze'. In his latest book, Capitalism Unleashed: Finance, Globalization and Welfare (Oxford, £16.99), he looks at whether there is an alternative to our headlong rush for economic growth.  more...

Bookings

April 1:Pitt Stop: Make pop-up and fold-out books on bark or on skin. Explore the world where we record our memories, and make your own pop-up museum. 1-4pm, free, no need to book. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. Tel 01865 270927.  more...

Bookings

April 1: Pitt Stop: Make pop-up and fold-out books on bark or on skin. Explore the world where we record our memories, and make your own pop-up museum. 1-4pm, free, no need to book. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. Tel 01865 270927.  more...

History

The Musketeers and the Iron Mask Roger Macdonald (Constable, £16.99) History has been kind to the Man in the Iron Mask theatre and films have given him both tragic and heroic status. He was a real person, but there is an intrigue about him that will never die. Macdonald has, with great verve, pursued his quarry across France in a quest to unveil his identity. In so doing he has challenged the novelist Alexandre Dumas's denial over the role of the musketeers, including that of D'Artagnan and the famous fight with Richelieu's guards. Macdonald's constant burrowing is a delight for anyone who has rooted for the secret prisoner with an iron face. As the Oxford researcher duels with history, he brings to life one of Europe's most exciting periods.  more...

History

The Musketeers and the Iron Mask Roger Macdonald (Constable, £16.99) History has been kind to the Man in the Iron Mask theatre and films have given him both tragic and heroic status. He was a real person, but there is an intrigue about him that will never die. Macdonald has, with great verve, pursued his quarry across France in a quest to unveil his identity. In so doing he has challenged the novelist Alexandre Dumas's denial over the role of the musketeers, including that of D'Artagnan and the famous fight with Richelieu's guards. Macdonald's constant burrowing is a delight for anyone who has rooted for the secret prisoner with an iron face. As the Oxford researcher duels with history, he brings to life one of Europe's most exciting periods.  more...

Chox News

Squid 'jump' on at night

He has not seen any sign of life for six weeks but yachtsman Adrian Flanagan has found plenty to entertain him out at sea.  more...

Bike euro tour to deliver cash

A man whose grandson died during heart surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital is biking 3,500 miles across Europe to boost funds for the children's hospital.  more...

Cimena

Basic Instinct 2 (18)

Sex sells, as the original Basic Instinct proved only too well in 1992, grossing more than $350m worldwide.  more...

Cinema

Basic Instinct (18)

Sex sells, as Basic Instinct proved only too well in 1992, grossing more than $350m worldwide. Paul Verhoeven's glossy erotic thriller, penned by Joe Eszterhas, was exploitative and lurid lead actress Sharon Stone famously claimed that the director tricked her into removing her underwear for the infamous interrogation scene. No doubt, the various awards and heightened media attention that followed were of considerable comfort.  more...

Columns

Cabbages and Kings: March 31

ONLY the soulless would be unmoved by the magnificence of Christ Church dining hall. The small woman with immaculate white hair, wearing a classic black dress and rows of pearls, was not of that ilk.  more...

Cricket

CRICKET: Cherwell League call special meeting

Clubs in The Oxford Times Cherwell League have been called to an extraordinary general meeting at Bicester & North Oxford CC on Thursday, April 27 (7.30).  more...

CRICKET: Cherwell League call special meeting

Clubs in The Oxford Times Cherwell League have been called to an extraordinary general meeting at Bicester & North Oxford CC on Thursday, April 27 (7.30).  more...

Didcot

Company picks up export honour

AN OXFORD University spin-off company, which makes a revolutionary tuberculosis test, has won Oxfordshire's first Passport to Export award.  more...

Editorial Comment

A suitable case for treatment

Our health service finances are in a God awful mess and nobody seems to know what to do about it.  more...

Food

A feast of flavours from sunny Italy

If you can't get away for a holiday just yet, but rather fancied a couple of weeks in Italy enjoying all those glorious Mediterranean foods the antipasto, the salads, those celebrated risottos, and dishes of fresh pasta swimming in delicious sauces laced with basil and garlic help is at hand.  more...

A feast of flavours from sunny Italy

If you can't get away for a holiday just yet, but rather fancied a couple of weeks in Italy enjoying all those glorious Mediterranean foods the antipasto, the salads, those celebrated risottos, and dishes of fresh pasta swimming in delicious sauces laced with basil and garlic help is at hand.  more...

Football

FOOTBALL: Banbury play-off bid dented

BANBURY'S play-off aspirations were washed away as the heavens opened ten minutes before the start on Saturday's Southern League Premier Division clash.  more...

FOOTBALL: Banbury play-off bid dented

BANBURY'S play-off aspirations were washed away as the heavens opened ten minutes before the start on Saturday's Southern League Premier Division clash.  more...

FOOTBALL: Thame ready to accept drop

Thame United joint manager Richard Searl says his team are resigned to the drop, which will be confirmed tomorrow if they fail to beat Sutton Coldfield Town, but he remains proud of the youngsters.  more...

FOOTBALL: Thame ready to accept drop

Thame United joint manager Richard Searl says his team are resigned to the drop, which will be confirmed tomorrow if they fail to beat Sutton Coldfield Town, but he remains proud of the youngsters.  more...

FOOTBALL: Quartet back to boost City

Oxford City are boosted by the return of four key players as they seek to get their Premier Division title challenge back on track against Tring Athletic at Court Place Farm tomorrow.  more...

FOOTBALL: Quartet back to boost City

Oxford City are boosted by the return of four key players as they seek to get their Premier Division title challenge back on track against Tring Athletic at Court Place Farm tomorrow.  more...

FOOTBALL: Peace out to end Wantage hoodoo

Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace is desperate to finally put one over his former side as his Premier Division title-chasers take on Wantage Town at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: Peace out to end Wantage hoodoo

Didcot Town boss Stuart Peace is desperate to finally put one over his former side as his Premier Division title-chasers take on Wantage Town at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: Banbury play-off bid dented

BANBURY'S play-off aspirations were washed away as the heavens opened ten minutes before the start on Saturday's Southern League Premier Division clash.  more...

FOOTBALL: Banbury play-off bid dented

BANBURY'S play-off aspirations were washed away as the heavens opened ten minutes before the start on Saturday's Southern League Premier Division clash.  more...

Headlines

Boost for local communities

BOOKS, cushions, winter coats, and stage lighting are some of the things that can be bought by groups in Oxfordshire thanks to a community grant.  more...

Charlbury pub wins top CAMRA award

THE Rose and Crown, in Charlbury, has been named North Oxfordshire Pub of the Year for the third time by the Campaign for Real Ale.  more...

Two men in hospital after car park attack

AN ATTACK on two men during the early hours of the morning left both requiring hospital treatment.  more...

District schools lead the county

WEST Oxfordshire's 14-year-olds are continuing to outperform the national average in Key Stage Three tests, according to Government league tables published last Thursday.  more...

VIP welcome for gold hero

SWIMMER Alex Scotcher hasn't come down from the high of winning gold at the Commonwealth Games and he'll be on cloud nine a little longer after receiving a hero's welcome when he returned home.  more...

Leader

A good platform

This week's publication of Key Stage 3 results makes encouraging reading for Oxfordshire schools. Results from the county's 14-year-olds are improving. They now outperform the national average and, importantly, Oxfordshire is making up ground on authorities that it really ought to be up with.  more...

Pensions mess

We do have sympathy with the local government workers who are fighting to retain a pension age of 60. It is what they have always been promised and it is hard to argue that they should not get the same concessions won by civil servants and teachers shortly before the last election.  more...

Letters

Litter culture change needed

I was heartened to read the letters of Barrie Tollerson, of Cowley, and Michael Everett, of Kennington, about rubbish on their road verges, one comparing this to the 'Third World'.  more...

Circus suffering

I saw a copy of your paper while staying with my friend in Oxford, and was disappointed to see a picture of a tethered circus camel featured prominently in the 'Events Listings' section.  more...

Community heroes

Sir I was delighted to see the Barton Pool in finished form last week, on budget and on time to boot. It's a fantastic tribute to what can be achieved if people stick to their guns. No one councillor can take the credit for this. The real heroes are the people in the community who have campaigned for many years (longer than I have been alive!) and the credit should go to them. So congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make a dream become a reality.  more...

Community heroes

Sir I was delighted to see the Barton Pool in finished form last week, on budget and on time to boot. It's a fantastic tribute to what can be achieved if people stick to their guns. No one councillor can take the credit for this. The real heroes are the people in the community who have campaigned for many years (longer than I have been alive!) and the credit should go to them. So congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make a dream become a reality.  more...

Telling remarks

Sir I hold no particular brief for Anne Diamond and thought her appointment to Radio Oxford was a mistake, but Christopher Gray's comments (Gray Matter, March 24) were just plain cruel. They told me as much about him as about her and I didn't like what I was told.  more...

Good luck Anne

Sir A few months ago I used your pages to berate Christopher Gray's culinary reviewing tactics. However credit where credit is due, his article about Anne Diamond and her departure from Radio Oxford in last week's Weekend section was so brilliantly accurate I felt I had to write to you. Anne seems a lovely lady but she is no radio presenter. She seemed uncomfortable from the start and clearly didn't respond well to early morning starts, often struggling to recall her words and having difficulty telling us the time! She does have a "lofty" way about her and I'd often cringe at the way she cut across fellow presenters. with a voice that excitably increased in frequency to a point that only the canine population could respond to! In fairness to Anne, I have seen her on TV recently, notably on The Wright Stuff, and she operates much better in that medium. Anne, you tried it, it didn't work out, we wish you well. Good luck for the future.  more...

Gentle beams

Sir I write in reply to the letters published on March 24 about architectural lighting.  more...

Cranmer's persecution was repugnant

Sir Four hundred and fifty years is a long time: long enough for forgiveness and reconciliation. It was, therefore, sad that no representative of the Roman Catholic Church was officially present at either of the services held in Oxford last week to commemorate the death of Archbishop Cranmer.  more...

Balancing act

Sir Councillor Wise is wrong (Letters, March 24). There is no £10m deficit in the adult care budget and it is grossly irresponsible and alarmist of him to suggest otherwise.  more...

Severe reduction

Sir As the public consultation period gets under way for proposals with regard to the "reconfiguration" of Oxfordshire's Mental Health Services, I would like to make clear what the proposals would mean with regard to the proposal for the closure of the Barnes Unit at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. Barnes Unit staff provide a specialised psychiatric service to Oxfordshire's main acute hospitals for patients who have attempted suicide or self-harmed. They can be some of the most vulnerable individuals who present at A&E.  more...

Appalling loss of NHS services needs public opposition

Sir What has happened to the voices of professionals in some of our most valued public services? As politicians of both main parties set about destruction of existing structures, little is reported in press or radio of what the specialists (teachers, doctors, nurses) feel about the outrageous changes both in our education and health services, as the Government hands them over to big business interests.  more...

Leave sleeping beauties alone

Sir Julieanne Porter (Letters, March 24) makes an excellent point about the sad state of Oxfordshire's roadside verges and central reservations. What are mostly rubbish-strewn eyesores could be transformed at very little cost into hundreds of acres (as a combined total) of beautiful and desperately-needed mini wildlife habitats.  more...

Uncontrollable leak

Sir Thames Water has now told us officially that it plans to renege on its responsibilities by forbidding us to use the water, which it sells to us, for wasteful distribution on the garden by hosepipe. Will its directors object if I forbid them to use the money which I supply to them for wasteful distribution of profits to shareholders? My money is in short supply, and leaks away uncontrollably, just like their water.  more...

Nothing new

Sir May I as a mature lady inform the obviously youthful Christopher Gray that, although the Lord Chancellor may have limited what might be performed on stage, nothing either depicted or referred to in Losing Louis (Weekend, March 24) was unknown or unpractised in those unenlightened 1950s or, I suspect, in the cave-age!  more...

Save the lakes

Sir RWE npower have been very subtle with their renewed submission to destroy the lakes at Radley by filling with pulverized fuel ash (PFA). By making a slight variation not filling the small lake F all previous objections have been invalidated and must be resubmitted.  more...

Not-so-merry traveller

Sir My dissatisfaction with Mr Nick Merry could hardly have been more immediate!  more...

Testing limits

Sir Margery Dent (Letters, March 24) unfairly quotes Stewart Lee out of context. In 2004, he was attacking the Government's unnecessarily wide Bill that would have curbed any lampooning of religion. As he went on to explain: "It's the duty of comedians to attack religious belief, because you test the elastic limit of a thing by probing it, and belief systems based on faith rather than facts need to be tested."  more...

Aesthetic bickering

Sir What a wonder Oxford is! My letter about the need for a boathouse in East Oxford (Letters, March 10) results not in a debate about disparity of sports provision in the city, but about the O'Shea brothers' rude carvings on the University Museum.  more...

Only customers

Sir Having bought The Oxford Times today, I turned to page seven and to my amazement under item Reprieve for North Oxford bus route it clearly states that the number 16 route (Oxford City to Minchery Farm) will also remain unchanged. I and I'm sure many other residents of Minchery Farm wish that this was true.  more...

Ticket trouble

Sir For the last two weeks the New Theatre has advertised in your paper for Mother's Day tickets for the Birmingham Royal Ballet at £20.  more...

We will not make promises we cannot keep

Sir From April 1, pensioners will be able to travel free on the bus within Oxford city, and in two years' time the Government will be allowing pensioners to travel for free on all local buses across the country.  more...

Motoring News

Roadtest: SEAT fizzes with fun

Drivers who like a sporty edge to their car will feel instantly at home in the new SEAT Leon.  more...

Roadtest: SEAT fizzes with fun

Drivers who like a sporty edge to their car will feel instantly at home in the new SEAT Leon.  more...

Motors

Roadtest: SEAT fizzes with fun

Drivers who like a sporty edge to their car will feel instantly at home in the new SEAT Leon.  more...

Roadtest: SEAT fizzes with fun

Drivers who like a sporty edge to their car will feel instantly at home in the new SEAT Leon.  more...

Chrysler launches 300C Touring

Chrysler will launch the estate version of its 300C in the UK next month with prices starting from £27,250.  more...

A6 allroad kicks up the dust

Audi is launching the new A6 Avant allroad quattro, which it says is more spacious, luxurious, striking and versatile than its predecessor.  more...

Chevrolet newcomer aims to capture off-roader sales

Chevrolet will launch its new Captiva sports utility vehicle in the UK in September in five- or seven-seat versions and front- or all-wheel-drive.  more...

Alfa saloon takes on German opposition

With Alfa Romeo's new 159 poised for launch, it's an important start to the year here in the UK for the legendary Italian firm.  more...

Guide says Kia Picanto is UK's best value car

SAVVY Kia owners prove they know a thing or two when it comes to buying cars as research shows that no car in the UK offers better value than the Kia Picanto.  more...

Bike industry raps tax moves

THE Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has criticised the Chancellor's Budget changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) the road tax for ignoring the environmental credentials of motorcycle use.  more...

Motorists face tougher testing

ROAD licensing managers are looking at how to tighten up procedures around ageing motorists and those with medical conditions that could impair their driving.  more...

Motoring briefs

Chrysler's sleek high-performance coupe, the Chrysler Crossfire, will come with Trafficmaster's Smartnav advanced satellite navigation free of charge until todaymar 31 and it will enable Crossfire drivers to avoid traffic jams and get to their destination stress free. Crossfire customers will also benefit from Smartnav's optional services that include Safe Speed, a safety camera warning service and RAC Trackstar for stolen vehicle tracking. All customers will receive 30 days free use of Safe Speed and Trackstar with a 12-month free subscription to the navigation service.  more...

Roadtest: SEAT fizzes with fun

Drivers who like a sporty edge to their car will feel instantly at home in the new SEAT Leon.  more...

Motorsport

Button is top racer

Jenson Button left Albert Park complaining after being induced into a rare mistake, despite being the fastest race driver in practice for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.  more...

Button is top racer

Jenson Button left Albert Park complaining after being induced into a rare mistake, despite being the fastest race driver in practice for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.  more...

Music

Hare-raising fun on stage

Their front man sounds a bit like Jim Morrison, they play evocative 80s-style guitar rock, and they are named after a mutilated piece of wildlife.  more...

News

Donor session

NURSES from the National Blood Service will be holding a donor session at the Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Road, Bicester, on Thursday, April 6, at 12.45-3pm and 4.15-6.45pm.  more...

A34 lane closures

DRIVERS are advised to allow extra time or take a different route when travelling on the A34 near Oxford this weekend.  more...

Canal raid

THIEVES broke into workshops at the British Waterways canal yard in Thrupp, near Kidlington, and stole more than £1,000 worth of tools.  more...

M40 crash

FIRE crews were called to the M40 early today after a car crashed into a ditch.  more...

Whiplash injuries

A WOMAN driver suffered whiplash injuries following a collision with a lorry in Bicester on Thursday.  more...

M40 closures

A STRETCH of the M40 at Bicester will be shut overnight at weekends.  more...

Opinion

With Big Ron at the big game

Was there anyone apart from me among the 7,456 crowd at the Kassam (hiss!) Stadium last Saturday who would have found some satisfaction whether victory went to Oxford United or to their rivals from Peterborough? Indeed, there was and he was sitting right beside me. I refer to the football legend Ron Atkinson Big Ron, as he was known to the football world during his career as a top-flight manager (Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and elsewhere), but always thought of by older fans of the U's as The Tank. In his playing days here between 1959 and 1970, he turned out for 560 first team games a club record and, during a long spell as team captain, saw Oxford progress from non-league status to become a member of the First Division.  more...

Ot News

Fears 'new town' will be built within city

FEARS of a 'new town' being built in Headington have been sparked by a masterplan proposing thousands of new homes on two NHS sites.  more...

Narnia inspiration 'being destroyed' by wildlife trust

A WILDLIFE trust has come under fire for cutting down trees in the woodland that helped inspire CS Lewis to write The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  more...

County gets £51m for affordable homes

OXFORDSHIRE'S housing crisis has been helped with a £51m cash investment from the Government.  more...

Guilty vandal leaves money to church

A VANDAL who broke a church window in Eynsham felt guilty enough to leave behind £50 to pay for a replacement.  more...

Oxford canal basin campaign launched

A CAMPAIGN to press for the restoration of the Oxford Canal Basin has been launched.  more...

Warning of job losses at hospitals

SEVERE cuts in services at Oxford hospitals could be "imminent" as part of a fresh wave of cost cutting in the NHS, according to a campaign group.  more...

Job cuts likely as NHS managers warn of £82m deficit

JOB cuts are likely at Oxfordshire's major hospitals, according to NHS managers who have warned that they face an £82m deficit next year without massive savings.  more...

Job cuts likely as NHS managers warn of £82m deficit

JOB cuts are likely at Oxfordshire's major hospitals, according to NHS managers who have warned that they face an £82m deficit next year without massive savings.  more...

Brookes bids for college site

OXFORD Brookes University has revealed it was planning to submit a sealed bid for the £4.85m Plater College site by Friday's noon deadline.  more...

Robber held tennis racquet to throat

A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy was left frightened and shaken after a youth held a tennis racquet to his throat and robbed him.  more...

Tributes to dead girls

KIRSTY McHARDY and Danielle Mooney were two girls united in a long and close friendship. Today their families are united in grief.  more...

Other Sport

CYCLING: Lively Lloyd off to good start

Didcot Phoenix rider Paul Lloyd showed good early form to lead the way for his clubmates in the first time trial of the season.  more...

CYCLING: Lively Lloyd off to good start

Didcot Phoenix rider Paul Lloyd showed good early form to lead the way for his clubmates in the first time trial of the season.  more...

BADMINTON: Gibbins leads Oxon to victory

Chris Gibbins led Oxfordshire to their third win of the season in Division 1B of the Inter-County Championship.  more...

BADMINTON: Gibbins leads Oxon to victory

Chris Gibbins led Oxfordshire to their third win of the season in Division 1B of the Inter-County Championship.  more...

BOAT RACE: Oxford are lighter Blues!

OXFORD will concede a slight weight advantage to Cambridge in the 152nd University Boat Race on Sunday (4.35pm).  more...

BOAT RACE: Oxford are lighter Blues!

OXFORD will concede a slight weight advantage to Cambridge in the 152nd University Boat Race on Sunday (4.35pm).  more...

Oxford News

TA changes for closer links with army

Ten years ago, it was unheard of for Territorial Army soldiers to go into battle. But now the part-time soldiers are being used in a way which has not been seen since the Second World War so changes are being made to bring them more closely in line with the regular Army.  more...

£82m deficit means hospital jobs at risk

Job cuts are likely at Oxfordshire's major hospitals, according to NHS managers who have warned that they face an £82m deficit next year without massive savings.  more...

Tributes paid to crash girls

Kirsty McHardy and Danielle Mooney were two girls united in a long and close friendship. Today their families are united in grief.  more...

Tributes paid to crash girls

Kirsty McHardy and Danielle Mooney were two girls united in a long and close friendship. Today their families are united in grief.  more...

Tributes paid to crash girls

Kirsty McHardy and Danielle Mooney were two girls united in a long and close friendship. Today their families are united in grief.  more...

Hurricane man marks his 103rd

An engineer who fixed Spitfires and Hurricanes in the Second World War is celebrating his 103rd birthday today.  more...

RAF veterans meet 63 years on

In 1943, teenagers Bill Ayres, Bill McLay and Roy Miller left their families and homes and reported to a makeshift RAF reception centre at Lord's cricket ground in London.  more...

Thief halts biking medic

An Oxford GP who tries to set a good example to patients by cycling to work has had his mountain bike stolen.  more...

'Narnia under threat'

A wildlife trust has come under fire for cutting down trees in the woodland that helped inspire CS Lewis to write The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  more...

Victim of abuse not a priority

A homeless woman fleeing an abusive boyfriend has failed in a Court of Appeal challenge against Oxford City Council's decision that she was not in priority need of accommodation.  more...

2006 is literally the best festival

More than 28,000 people attended the Oxford Literary Festival, making it another record year for the event.  more...

Mums' plea: 'don't let babies die'

Plans to leave some premature babies to die are facing increasing rebellion from Oxfordshire parents.  more...

Springer show sparks outcry

Oxford's New Theatre is bracing itself for a storm of protest as the 'blasphemous' show, Jerry Springer: The Opera, rolls into town next week.  more...

Scandal doctor needs approval

Suspended plastic surgeon Henk Giele will today find out whether he can return to work at Oxford's hospitals.  more...

No solution to death mystery

The death of a talented Oxford musician more than two years ago remains an 'unsolvable mystery'.  more...

Homes bid for hospital land

Fears of a new town emerging in an Oxford suburb have been sparked by a masterplan proposing thousands of new homes.  more...

Avoiding A34 advised

Drivers are advised to allow extra time or take a different route when travelling on the A34 near Oxford this weekend (April 1 and 2).  more...

Ban put on more speed cameras

There will be no more speed cameras installed on Oxfordshire's roads this year.  more...

Restaurant Reviews

Ribs 'Xylophone' poses challenge

A relative newcomer to village life in the Vale of the White Horse, I am however, steadily working my way through the many little pubs in my immediate vicinity.  more...

Restaurants

The Greyhound, Rotherfield Peppard

Celebrity is a very useful thing, nowhere more so perhaps than in the restaurant business. Just look what the name of Antony Worrall Thompson has done for the fortunes of two public houses he's running within a few miles of his South Oxfordshire home. And if you're not in the mood for travel today, don't worry; I'll do the looking for you . . .  more...

Results And Fixtures

Fixtures week starting April 1

SATURDAY FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Mansfield Tn v Oxford Utd.  more...

Fixtures week starting April 1

SATURDAY FOOTBALL COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO Mansfield Tn v Oxford Utd.  more...

Rugby

RUGBY: Noyce delivers Witney warning

Oxford Harlequins captain Andy Noyce has warned his players not to underestimate Witney in Saturday's county cup final at Iffley Road (3.30).  more...

RUGBY: Noyce delivers Witney warning

Oxford Harlequins captain Andy Noyce has warned his players not to underestimate Witney in Saturday's county cup final at Iffley Road (3.30).  more...

Wallingford looking for one better

Wallingford hope to go one better than last year when they face Gosford All Blacks in the Oxford Shield final at Iffley Road on Saturday (12).  more...

RUGBY: Bicester coach set to quit

Bicester coach Stuart Hamilton is to quit the club at the end of the season after securing a new job in Somerset.  more...

RUGBY: Bicester coach set to quit

Bicester coach Stuart Hamilton is to quit the club at the end of the season after securing a new job in Somerset.  more...

Sport

Button is top racer

Jenson Button left Albert Park complaining after being induced into a rare mistake, despite being the fastest race driver in practice for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.  more...

Button is top racer

Jenson Button left Albert Park complaining after being induced into a rare mistake, despite being the fastest race driver in practice for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.  more...

Wantage And Grove

Girls' families united in grief

KIRSTY McHARDY and Danielle Mooney were two girls united in a long and close friendship. Today their families are united in grief.  more...

Crossing safety plea

PARENTS in Wantage are concerned about the safety of their children because of a rush hour rat-run.  more...

Wantage News

Station plan 'not in sidings'

Oxfordshire's transport chief has insisted he is still keen to see a railway station for commuters in Wantage and Grove.  more...

  
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