Stories for 18 December 2007

07/08 Season

United slump to new low

Tonbridge Angels 1, Oxford Utd 0 United's season suffered a new low as they crashed out of the FA Trophy against the Angels of Tonbridge last night.  more...

Abingdon

Light show marks 1,000 years

ABINGDON'S refurbished Market Place will be lit up tomorrow night with a son et lumiere display and entertainment show as part of the grand finale of Oxfordshire's 1000th birthday celebrations.  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.  more...

Light show marks 1,000 years

ABINGDON'S refurbished Market Place will be lit up tomorrow night with a son et lumiere display and entertainment show as part of the grand finale of Oxfordshire's 1000th birthday celebrations.  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.  more...

Abingdon News

Cabbies will not strike

Cabbies are reassuring customers that they will not be striking during the festive period.  more...

Injured man recovering after smash

A man injured in a crash in Abingdon is recovering at home.  more...

Banbury News

Man charged with theft

A 24-year-old man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.  more...

Cyclists to get bridge after win of £50m

Cyclists in north Oxfordshire will be able to use a new canal bridge, after the county secured its share of a £50m Lottery project.  more...

Cinema

Return of the St Trinian's schoolgirl horrors

Girls just wanna have fun in Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson's revival of the naughty hockey stick-wielding minxes of St Trinian's, immortalised in the cartoons of Ronald Searle. During the 1950s and 1960s, director Frank Launder brought the mischievous heroines to a wider audience with his four films, featuring Alastair Sim as headmistress Miss Fritton.  more...

Closing the Ring, Don't Touch the Axe and El Violin

Richard Attenborough is 84 and Jacques Rivette will be 80 in March. Each has had an incalculable influence on cinema in his respective country and both are still making pictures with an enthusiasm that is enviable in the extreme. But while Rivette continues to explore the boundaries of his medium, Lord Dickie is content to tell tales in an old-fashioned manner that owes more to matinee melodrama than cinematic ingenuity.  more...

Didcot

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Didcot News

Arts centre project name unveiled

The name of Didcot's long-promised arts centre, the jewel in the crown of the town's redevelopment, has finally been chosen.  more...

Food

The Christmas cheese board

There's not much that the award-winning cheesemonger Gill Draycott - of Wells Stores, Peachcroft Farm, Abingdon- doesn't know about cheese, which is why I asked her to put together the perfect cheese board for the festive table.  more...

Enjoying a taste of Christmas past

Seeking the perfect Christmas venue, I found myself comfortably seated in a commodious leather settee besides a roaring log fire in Puesdown Inn, a former coaching inn dating from the 13th century and reputed to be haunted. Thanks to the geniality of the enthusiastic couple who run it, this attractive Cotswolds hostelry links Christmas past with Christmas present perfectly. Puesdown Inn stands back from the A40, midway between Cheltenham and Burford. It takes its name from ancient English and means windy ridge, which is quite apt, given its position 800ft above sea level on the ancient Salt Way. As its name is also an anagram for 'snowed up', it's easy to imagine earlier days when stagecoaches rattled down the turnpike road from Cheltenham to Oxford and people really did get snowed up in the inn.  more...

Football

FOOTBALL: Ace Allen leads way for Swifts

Giles Sports Witney Youth League Josh Allen was the star of the show as Chipping Norton Swifts ran out 8-0 victors at Easington Sports in the Under 10 D League.  more...

FOOTBALL: Brize edge cup thriller

Jack Busby Trophy Division 1 side Brize Norton Res fought all the way to book their place in the last four with a 5-3 win over Division 3 outfit FC Chequers Res.  more...

FOOTBALL: Battling Combe miss out

Fred Ford Cup Division 2 outfit Combe gave Premier Division side Bampton Town a fright before going down 3-2 in the quarter-final.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ducklington win ding-dong clash

County Cup round-up Ducklington needed edged an extraordinary encounter with St Clements 7-6 in the third round of the John Fathers Junior Shield.  more...

FOOTBALL: Hanborough top the tree for Christmas

Witney & District FA Hanborough will top the Premier Division heading into the Christmas break, after they signed off 2007 with a 6-1 thrashing of Spartan Rangers on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.  more...

FOOTBALL: Abba on song to see off Rebels

Abba Athletic continued their rich vain of form in knock-out competitions with 4-2 victory over fellow Division 3A side Dorchester Rebels in the second round of the Autotype UTV League's Devenney Cup, writes Tim Siret.  more...

FOOTBALL: Cholsey cruise into last 16

Cholsey United stormed into the last 16 of the Berks & Bucks Sunday Intermediate Cup with a 6-1 victory over Newbury Sunday League Premier Division side Brimpton.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ace Allen leads way for Swifts

Giles Sports Witney Youth League Josh Allen was the star of the show as Chipping Norton Swifts ran out 8-0 victors at Easington Sports in the Under 10 D League.  more...

FOOTBALL: Carterton are in seventh heaven

Oxford Mail Girls League Carterton kept up their unbeaten run with a 7-1 victory over Tower Hill Vixens in the Under 10 League.  more...

FOOTBALL: Clanfield crash to basement boys

Sport Italia Hellenic League Clanfield produced their worst performance of the season as they crashed 3-2 to bottom-of-the-table Cirencester in Division 1 West.  more...

FOOTBALL: Witney leave it late to steal points

Sport Italia Hellenic League AFC Wallingford 2, Witney Utd 3 Witney had to wait until the ninth minute of stoppage time before sealing the points with a hard-fought victory at struggling Wallingford in the Premier Division on Saturday.  more...

FOOTBALL: North Leigh stay in touch

Sport Italia Hellenic League Bicester Tn 0, North Leigh 5 North Leigh kept up the pressure near the top of the table with this emphatic victory.  more...

FOOTBALL: Brize edge cup thriller

Jack Busby Trophy Division 1 side Brize Norton Res fought all the way to book their place in the last four with a 5-3 win over Division 3 outfit FC Chequers Res.  more...

FOOTBALL: Battling Combe miss out

Fred Ford Cup Division 2 outfit Combe gave Premier Division side Bampton Town a fright before going down 3-2 in the quarter-final.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ducklington win ding-dong clash

County Cup round-up Ducklington needed edged an extraordinary encounter with St Clements 7-6 in the third round of the John Fathers Junior Shield.  more...

FOOTBALL: Hanborough top the tree for Christmas

Witney & District FA Hanborough will top the Premier Division heading into the Christmas break, after they signed off 2007 with a 6-1 thrashing of Spartan Rangers on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.  more...

FOOTBALL: Cholsey cruise into last 16

Cholsey United stormed into the last 16 of the Berks & Bucks Sunday Intermediate Cup with a 6-1 victory over Newbury Sunday League Premier Division side Brimpton.  more...

FOOTBALL: Abba on song to see off Rebels

Abba Athletic continued their rich vain of form in knock-out competitions with 4-2 victory over fellow Division 3A side Dorchester Rebels in the second round of the Autotype UTV League's Devenney Cup, writes Tim Siret.  more...

Headlines

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.  more...

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.  more...

Additional parking before Christmas

SHOPPERS in Witney will have an extra 250 car parking spaces in the days just before Christmas.  more...

Villagers oppose woodland site plan

MORE than 200 people voiced their protest over plans for an activity centre in ancient woodland owned by the Blenheim Estate.  more...

Letters

Law weak on street car sales

In reply to Anita Fisher, of The Slade in Headington, Oxford (Oxford Mail, December 12), I and my fellow councillors, especially Saj Malik, have discussed the problem of cars being left in the road with 'For sale' notices displayed in their windows.  more...

Heavier fines

In your 60 years ago feature on your Memory Lane pages, you report that cyclists were fined between 10 shillings and £1 10s for riding without lights - that's 50p and £1.50 today. I was in the Army then on a wage of £1.05.  more...

Law repealed

I would like to reply to Justin Walden's letter on the recycling scheme (Oxford Mail, November 29).  more...

Farm memories

I would be very sorry to see Cogges Farm Museum close.  more...

Esasential service

Sir - We understand that Oxfordshire County Council is proposing the closure of Cogges Manor Farm Museum, with the potential sale of the site.  more...

Magical site

Sir - It was with shock and amazement when I heard that Cogges Manor Farm Museum is under threat of closure.  more...

Trip back to Victorian Witney

Sir - I am an 11-year-old girl, who has been to Cogges Farm Museum, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  more...

Children love Cogges Manor Farm

Sir - I was very distressed to hear that Oxfordshire County Council is considering closing Cogges Manor Farm. Over the years, I have made many trips there with a growing number of grandchildren. They have been fascinated by the chance to see and touch animals at close quarters and to experience glimpses of the past, which are not possible elsewhere.  more...

Family silver

Sir - It has become clear that Cogges Farm Museum has never had the commitment from the county and district councils, which would have enabled this valued facility to be imaginatively marketed.  more...

Public apathy?

Sir - Have Oxfordshire County Council no more imaginative way of solving their annual financial conundrums than closing Cogges Farm Museum?  more...

History lost

Sir - 'Living history is essential for children' (Letters, December 5) - this is very true.  more...

Join forces

Sir - I would like to thank the Witney Gazette for the opportunity the residents have been given to fight to save Cogges Farm Museum. We mustn't squander this forum.  more...

Top attraction

Sir - I am saddened to hear of Cogges Farm Museum threat of closure.  more...

News

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.  more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.  more...

Estate personalities shine

PEOPLE from the Rose Hill estate in Oxford joined a walking tour of Christmas lights they helped create with local artists over the weekend.  more...

Traders bank on last minute rush

OXFORD city centre traders are upbeat about Christmas trade despite fears over the global credit crunch, stalling house prices and rising debt.  more...

Mosaic marks golden date

A MOSAIC to mark the 50th anniversary of an Oxford estate has been unveiled to the local community that worked so hard on it.  more...

New fitness centre to open

A NEWLY-equipped fitness suite at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre opens tomorrow.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Community magazine to close

A COMMUNITY magazine which is distributed to 3,500 homes is closing down after 32 years.  more...

Light show marks 1,000 years

ABINGDON'S refurbished Market Place will be lit up tomorrow night with a son et lumiere display and entertainment show as part of the grand finale of Oxfordshire's 1000th birthday celebrations.  more...

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.  more...

Update: Police uncover cannabis factory

POLICE have found an estimated 500 cannabis plants in a house in Oxford — making it one of the largest seizures in the city.  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.  more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.  more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.  more...

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.  more...

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.  more...

Two charged over poison gas death

TWO men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a woman from carbon monoxide poisoning.  more...

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.  more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Community magazine to close

A COMMUNITY magazine which is distributed to 3,500 homes is closing down after 32 years.  more...

Light show marks 1,000 years

ABINGDON'S refurbished Market Place will be lit up tomorrow night with a son et lumiere display and entertainment show as part of the grand finale of Oxfordshire's 1000th birthday celebrations.  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.  more...

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.  more...

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Non Leage

FOOTBALL: Didcot game lasts three minutes

Didcot Town's BGB Southern League Division 1 South & West clash with Burnham was abandoned after less than three minutes play at Loop Meadow.  more...

Other News

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.  more...

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.  more...

Other Sport

GREYHOUNDS: Wednesday's Oxford runners

2.18: Carrowkeal Ogie, Sonic Breeze, CROWNVILLE AMBER, Scaldy Nora, Springville Tag 3, Heswoodyslad 2.  more...

WEEKEND RESULTS AND THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES

Click here for a round-up of last weekend's results and the fixtures for this weekend.  more...

POINT-TO-POINT: Sudden Arrival takes plaudits

Reformed character Sudden Arrival, trained by Annabel Hamilton at nearby Wigginton, showed his liking once again for his local Dunthrop course, near Chipping Norton, with victory at the Farmers Bloodhounds Hunt meeting.  more...

MARTIAL ARTS: Shayler scoops titles

Witney black belt, Imogen Shayler, 14, has landed four titles in quick succession.  more...

SWIMMING: WItney end on a high

Witney ended their 2007 programme on a high by landing the Braunstone Crystals Trophy at Leicester.  more...

Oxford News

Flood-hit tenants home for Christmas

Tenants who fled their flats during the summer floods say that returning home is "the best Christmas present ever".  more...

Suspected drug factory raided

Police have raided an Oxford house, suspected of being a cannabis factory.  more...

Hospice children undertake royal duty

A group of children and young adults from an East Oxford hospice are this morning decorating Prince Charles's Christmas tree.  more...

Drugs raid: update

Police have found an estimated 500 cannabis plants in a house in Oxford, making it one of the largest seizures in the city.  more...

A right royal tree-t

Christmas came early for a group of children from Oxford's Helen and Douglas House when they were invited to go and help decorate Prince Charles's Christmas tree.  more...

Two charged over gas poisoning

Two men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a woman from carbon monoxide poisoning.  more...

'Wash your hands, nurse'

NHS staff working in the community across Oxfordshire are among the first in the UK to use the hospital-based Clean Your Hands campaign to combat superbugs.  more...

Chox full of festive cheer

Christmas came early for patients at Oxford's Children's Hospital, thanks to the efforts of pupils at a county comprehensive school.  more...

Caravan chase ends in flames

A stolen caravan was pursued by police across the Oxfordshire countryside before bursting into flames.  more...

Police vans ready to deliver

Five vans which can respond to emergency calls or become mini-police stations have taken to the road in Oxfordshire.  more...

Muslims mark end of Hajj

Muslims can join prayers at Summertown Hall, in Banbury Road, tomorrow to mark the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.  more...

Tune up for carols world record

Thousands of carol singers across the county will burst into song tomorrow night in a bid to break a world record.  more...

Top head says fond farewell

Pupils, parents and teachers at an Oxford primary school have praised their headteacher - who is retiring after 17 years spent transforming its fortunes.  more...

Sailor unfazed by yacht race dangers

An Oxford sailor has spoken of confronting scorching temperatures and monstrous waves on a round-the-world voyage.  more...

Planting roots for the future

Trees planted in East Oxford will provide "a legacy for the future".  more...

'Business as usual' despite photo firm move

The boss of a historic Oxford photography firm insists that it will be business as usual despite its premises being sold.  more...

'Murder' led to Campsfield riot

Detainees rioted at Campsfield House detention centre in Kidlington because they mistakenly believed that one immigrant had been murdered.  more...

£88,000 cannabis haul seized

One of Oxford's biggest hauls of cannabis plants has been discovered in a police raid on a quiet residential street.  more...

Immigrant chefs face large legal bill

Five immigrant chefs were facing a legal bill running into thousands of pounds after losing a High Court test case concerning new rules requiring workers to learn English and "life in the UK".  more...

Rugby

RUGBY UNION: Chippy bounce back with crushing win

Chipping Norton bounced back in style to crush Drifters 67-0 at Greystones in the BB& O Premier Division.  more...

RUGBY UNION: Witney slide to another defeat

Southern Counties North A last-minute try sent Witney to a 17-10 defeat at home to leaders Olney - their fourth defeat in a row.  more...

Saturday Local Football

FOOTBALL: Brize edge cup thriller

Jack Busby Trophy Division 1 side Brize Norton Res fought all the way to book their place in the last four with a 5-3 win over Division 3 outfit FC Chequers Res.  more...

FOOTBALL: Battling Combe miss out

Fred Ford Cup Division 2 outfit Combe gave Premier Division side Bampton Town a fright before going down 3-2 in the quarter-final.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ducklington win ding-dong clash

County Cup round-up Ducklington needed edged an extraordinary encounter with St Clements 7-6 in the third round of the John Fathers Junior Shield.  more...

FOOTBALL: Hanborough top the tree for Christmas

Witney & District FA Hanborough will top the Premier Division heading into the Christmas break, after they signed off 2007 with a 6-1 thrashing of Spartan Rangers on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.  more...

FOOTBALL: Toby hits a trio

Toby Webster was AFC Hinksey's hat-trick hero as they won 6-1 at Fairview to go second in the RT Harris Oxford City FA Premier Division.  more...

FOOTBALL: Arncott snatch a thriller

Arncott saw off Finmere 5-4 in a Banbury District & Lord Jersey FA Premier Division thriller.  more...

FOOTBALL: Stonesfield in shoot-out agony

Stonesfield Sports gave a tremendous account before slipping to a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Hellenic League Premier Division side Carterton in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup second round.  more...

FOOTBALL: Bardwell duo break bones

Two BCS Bardwell Res players suffered broken bones in the 2-0 home win over Fritwell Res in Division 2 of the Oxfordshire Senior League.  more...

FOOTBALL: Rover march on at summit

Rover Cowley marched on at the top of the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division with a 2-0 win at Enstone.  more...

FOOTBALL: Brize edge cup thriller

Jack Busby Trophy Division 1 side Brize Norton Res fought all the way to book their place in the last four with a 5-3 win over Division 3 outfit FC Chequers Res.  more...

FOOTBALL: Battling Combe miss out

Fred Ford Cup Division 2 outfit Combe gave Premier Division side Bampton Town a fright before going down 3-2 in the quarter-final.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ducklington win ding-dong clash

County Cup round-up Ducklington needed edged an extraordinary encounter with St Clements 7-6 in the third round of the John Fathers Junior Shield.  more...

FOOTBALL: Hanborough top the tree for Christmas

Witney & District FA Hanborough will top the Premier Division heading into the Christmas break, after they signed off 2007 with a 6-1 thrashing of Spartan Rangers on Saturday, writes Anthony Barlow.  more...

School Sport

FOOTBALL: Oxon back on track

Oxfordshire kick-started their challenge in the ESFA Premier League Under 16 Inter-County Trophy with a 2-0 win over Hampshire at Milton United.  more...

FOOTBALL: Oxford hammer Slough

Oxford continued their impressive run in the ESFA Under 15 Trophy with an emphatic 4-0 win over Slough in the fourth round at Oxford City.  more...

FOOTBALL: Matthew Arnold are champs

Matthew Arnold (Cumnor) lifted the Oxfordshire Under 16 Girls' Cup with a 4-2 win over John Mason (Abingdon) in the final at Larkmead (Abingdon).  more...

Share Prices

Today's local share prices (AM)

AEA Technology 74.5 BMW 2910 Electrocomponents 206 Nationwide Accident Repair 107.5 Oxford Biomedica 20.25 Oxford Catalyst 148.5 Oxford Instruments 190.5 Reed Elsevier 643 RM 198.5 RPS Group 303.25   more...

Today's local share prices (PM)

AEA Technology 72.25 BMW 2946 Electrocomponents 205.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 106 Oxford Biomedica 21 Oxford Catalyst 148.5 Oxford Instruments 188.75 Reed 639.75 RM 197.5 RPS Group 310.75   more...

Sunday Local Football

FOOTBALL: Jennings sinks old team-mates

David Jennings came back to haunt his former Cold Arbour teammates with the late deciding goal in Oxford Yellows' 3-2 success in the first round of the Marston's Oxford Sunday League Cup. Former Oxford United star Joey Beauchamp and skipper Rocky Whiting put Yellows 2-0 up at the break.  more...

FOOTBALL: Abba on song to see off Rebels

Abba Athletic continued their rich vain of form in knock-out competitions with 4-2 victory over fellow Division 3A side Dorchester Rebels in the second round of the Autotype UTV League's Devenney Cup, writes Tim Siret.  more...

FOOTBALL: Cholsey cruise into last 16

Cholsey United stormed into the last 16 of the Berks & Bucks Sunday Intermediate Cup with a 6-1 victory over Newbury Sunday League Premier Division side Brimpton.  more...

FOOTBALL: Abba on song to see off Rebels

Abba Athletic continued their rich vain of form in knock-out competitions with 4-2 victory over fellow Division 3A side Dorchester Rebels in the second round of the Autotype UTV League's Devenney Cup, writes Tim Siret.  more...

FOOTBALL: Cholsey cruise into last 16

Cholsey United stormed into the last 16 of the Berks & Bucks Sunday Intermediate Cup with a 6-1 victory over Newbury Sunday League Premier Division side Brimpton.  more...

Theatre

Cinderella, the Wycombe Swan

If Cinderella is not everyone's favourite pantomime, it is certainly mine. What a joy it is, then, to see so perfect a production of it this Christmas at the Wycombe Swan. The brilliant Brian Conley (pictured) is its star, and will be the big draw for many of the punters. But this is very far from being a one-man show; there are excellent performances throughout the cast, including a contribution from ventriloquist Dawson Chance, with his tortoise friend Willy, that plays Brian's wise-cracking Buttons a very close second for comedy.  more...

Dick Whittington, Everyman, Cheltenham

Lots of adults enjoy pantomime, but basically it's something you take the kids to see, and so it was illuminating to see the reaction at a matinee composed almost entirely of school parties, aged between six and 12. This production went down a treat, with the children shouting and clapping as prompted, or screaming a warning as the cat was about to drink a dish of drugged milk.They were clearly having a very good time.  more...

Cinderella, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

The magic of pantomime has made a welcome return to Swindon. Last Christmas families were disappointed when the traditional festive offering had to be cancelled because of building works at the Wyvern Theatre. But it has been well worth the wait, as the cast of Cinderella are staging the theatre's best pantomime for a decade - a show of such quality that it could be staged in the West End.  more...

Jack and the Beanstalk, Hexagon, Reading

"Where have you come from, love?" asked the stout, jolly Dame Daisy (Christopher Lillicrap) of a lady sitting near the front, during the usual opening banter. "An agency," she replied, displaying a flash of impromptu wit that was often missing in this good-natured and lively version of the familiar tale, with former flame-haired rock singer Toyah Willcox playing Jack, who ends up swapping the family cow for magic beans that sprout into a ladder to an ogre's castle.  more...

Beauty and the Beast, Corn Exchange, Newbury

This production is in the best tradition of true English pantomime and, in that tradition is, of course, set in rural France. It features excellent performances by professional actors, including the exquisitely attired dame, Monique Malmaison (Mark Stowey), and the wounded, lonely Beast (Keith Anthony Higham, pictured); and those by the local young performers who bring energy, wit and professionalism to the crowd scenes and the beautifully choreographed dance routines.  more...

Aladdin, Milton Keynes Theatre

As this isn't the BBC, there's no problem about having a competition: "Right, who can pull the scariest face?" asks Wishee Washee. Some 1,300 mouths at Milton Keynes Theatre duly oblige. "No, no, that's not nearly scary enough, try again," comes the inevitable reaction from the stage.  more...

U'S News

Time for United to make amends

Boss Darren Patterson has urged his Oxford United players to show some mental toughness and come away with a win in Tuesday night's FA Trophy replay at Tonbridge.  more...

United trailing at the break

Oxford United trailed 1-0 at half-time in tonight's FA Trophy first round replay at Tonbridge Angels.  more...

United crash out

Oxford United crashed out of the FA Trophy after a 1-0 defeat in tonight's first round replay at Tonbridge Angels.  more...

Wallingford

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Community magazine to close

A COMMUNITY magazine which is distributed to 3,500 homes is closing down after 32 years.  more...

Community magazine to close

A COMMUNITY magazine which is distributed to 3,500 homes is closing down after 32 years.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Airman to serve the Queen

A MAN from Didcot has been made an aide de camp (ADC) to the Queen.  more...

Wallingford News

Two businesses broken into

Burglars smashed their way inside two businesses in Faringdon.  more...

New bid to redraw boundaries

A town council has relaunched a bid to redraw its parish boundaries.  more...

Wantage And Grove

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.  more...

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.  more...

Witney News

Early present for pensioners

An Oxfordshire man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.  more...

Tory donations were invalid

Conservative Party leader David Cameron's Witney constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.  more...

Youth Football

FOOTBALL: Bjarnason hits rapid treble

Oxford Mail Girls League Laura Bjarnason hit a hat-trick inside the first six minutes for Summertown Stars - but it took a whirlwind finish to clinch a 6-3 win at Kennington in the Under 11 League.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ace Allen leads way for Swifts

Giles Sports Witney Youth League Josh Allen was the star of the show as Chipping Norton Swifts ran out 8-0 victors at Easington Sports in the Under 10 D League.  more...

FOOTBALL: City fall to champions

OXFORD City Under 18s came away from their Allied Counties League Premier Division game at Hayes & Yeading United with a 2-1 defeat Reigning champions Hayes took the lead with a deflected goal.  more...

FOOTBALL: Ace Allen leads way for Swifts

Giles Sports Witney Youth League Josh Allen was the star of the show as Chipping Norton Swifts ran out 8-0 victors at Easington Sports in the Under 10 D League.  more...

Abingdon Herald News

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.   more...

Brothers given drug orders

TWO brothers with almost 30 previous convictions between them were spared jail after admitting two burglaries.   more...

Helena has a baby girl

  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.   more...

New bid to redraw town boundaries

A TOWN council has relaunched a bid to redraw its parish boundaries.   more...

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.   more...

Banbury Cake News

Beauty day helps charity

  more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.   more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.   more...

Bicester Advertiser News

High-flier

  more...

Chox full of festive cheer

  more...

Oxford Mail News

Man charged with theft

A 24-year-old man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.   more...

Tory donations were invalid

Conservative Party leader David Cameron's Witney constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.   more...

Arts centre project name unveiled

The name of Didcot's long-promised arts centre, the jewel in the crown of the town's redevelopment, has finally been chosen.   more...

Sailor unfazed by yacht race dangers

An Oxford sailor has spoken of confronting scorching temperatures and monstrous waves on a round-the-world voyage.   more...

Planting roots for the future

Trees planted in East Oxford will provide "a legacy for the future".   more...

Drugs raid: update

Police have found an estimated 500 cannabis plants in a house in Oxford, making it one of the largest seizures in the city.   more...

Cyclists to get bridge after win of £50m

Cyclists in north Oxfordshire will be able to use a new canal bridge, after the county secured its share of a £50m Lottery project.   more...

Cabbies will not strike

Cabbies are reassuring customers that they will not be striking during the festive period.   more...

Injured man recovering after smash

A man injured in a crash in Abingdon is recovering at home.   more...

'Business as usual' despite photo firm move

The boss of a historic Oxford photography firm insists that it will be business as usual despite its premises being sold.   more...

Bagpiper refuses to go quietly

Controversial bagpiper Heath Richardson is fighting back against traders who want to ban him from Oxford's main shopping street.   more...

A right royal tree-t

Christmas came early for a group of children from Oxford's Helen and Douglas House when they were invited to go and help decorate Prince Charles's Christmas tree.   more...

'Murder' led to Campsfield riot

Detainees rioted at Campsfield House detention centre in Kidlington because they mistakenly believed that one immigrant had been murdered.   more...

Two charged over gas poisoning

Two men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a woman from carbon monoxide poisoning.   more...

£88,000 cannabis haul seized

One of Oxford's biggest hauls of cannabis plants has been discovered in a police raid on a quiet residential street.   more...

New bid to redraw boundaries

A town council has relaunched a bid to redraw its parish boundaries.   more...

Immigrant chefs face large legal bill

Five immigrant chefs were facing a legal bill running into thousands of pounds after losing a High Court test case concerning new rules requiring workers to learn English and "life in the UK".   more...

'Wash your hands, nurse'

NHS staff working in the community across Oxfordshire are among the first in the UK to use the hospital-based Clean Your Hands campaign to combat superbugs.   more...

Chox full of festive cheer

Christmas came early for patients at Oxford's Children's Hospital, thanks to the efforts of pupils at a county comprehensive school.   more...

Caravan chase ends in flames

A stolen caravan was pursued by police across the Oxfordshire countryside before bursting into flames.   more...

Police vans ready to deliver

Five vans which can respond to emergency calls or become mini-police stations have taken to the road in Oxfordshire.   more...

Muslims mark end of Hajj

Muslims can join prayers at Summertown Hall, in Banbury Road, tomorrow to mark the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.   more...

Tune up for carols world record

Thousands of carol singers across the county will burst into song tomorrow night in a bid to break a world record.   more...

Top head says fond farewell

Pupils, parents and teachers at an Oxford primary school have praised their headteacher - who is retiring after 17 years spent transforming its fortunes.   more...

Suspected drug factory raided

Police have raided an Oxford house, suspected of being a cannabis factory.   more...

Hospice children undertake royal duty

A group of children and young adults from an East Oxford hospice are this morning decorating Prince Charles's Christmas tree.   more...

Two businesses broken into

Burglars smashed their way inside two businesses in Faringdon.   more...

Oxford Mail Sport

GREYHOUNDS: Wednesday's Oxford runners

2.18: Carrowkeal Ogie, Sonic Breeze, CROWNVILLE AMBER, Scaldy Nora, Springville Tag 3, Heswoodyslad 2.   more...

FOOTBALL: Oxford hammer Slough

Oxford continued their impressive run in the ESFA Under 15 Trophy with an emphatic 4-0 win over Slough in the fourth round at Oxford City.   more...

FOOTBALL: Oxon back on track

Oxfordshire kick-started their challenge in the ESFA Premier League Under 16 Inter-County Trophy with a 2-0 win over Hampshire at Milton United.   more...

FOOTBALL: Matthew Arnold are champs

Matthew Arnold (Cumnor) lifted the Oxfordshire Under 16 Girls' Cup with a 4-2 win over John Mason (Abingdon) in the final at Larkmead (Abingdon).   more...

The Oxford Times News

Flood-hit tenants return home

TENANTS who fled their flats during the summer floods are returning home for Christmas.   more...

New fitness centre to open

A NEWLY-equipped fitness suite at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre opens tomorrow.   more...

Crackdown on dodgy presents

POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.   more...

Beauty day helps charity

  more...

High-flier

  more...

Robber used taxi for getaway

  more...

Brothers given drug orders

TWO brothers with almost 30 previous convictions between them were spared jail after admitting two burglaries.   more...

Helena has a baby girl

  more...

Teenager fell from cliffs

AN OPEN verdict has been recorded at an inquest into a Radley College pupil who fell from cliffs on his 17th birthday after a night with friends.   more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.   more...

Two charged over poison gas death

TWO men have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a woman from carbon monoxide poisoning.   more...

Smashing example of car crime

POLICE were taking to the streets of Oxford today to warn of the dangers of leaving valuables inside cars.   more...

New bid to redraw town boundaries

A TOWN council has relaunched a bid to redraw its parish boundaries.   more...

Chox full of festive cheer

  more...

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.   more...

North Oxford traders stage festive fair

TRADERS in a North Oxford street are hoping to put it firmly on the shoppers' map, with a festive street fair.   more...

Man faces van theft charge

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged with stealing a van while on the run from police custody.   more...

Mummers keep up tradition

THE Bampton Mummers are keeping up their festive tradition of performing on Christmas Eve around the village.   more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.   more...

Update: Police uncover cannabis factory

POLICE have found an estimated 500 cannabis plants in a house in Oxford - making it one of the largest seizures in the city.   more...

£2,500 raid on firm

POLICE today appealed for information after a £2,500 raid on a company in Faringdon.   more...

Witney Gazette News

Pensioners win payout

AN OXFORDSHIRE man who has been fighting the last four years to get former workers a payout from their collapsed company pension scheme is relieved the Government is finally coming to their help.   more...

Boilers cause blazes

BOILERS caused fires in two homes in Oxfordshire.   more...

Additional parking before Christmas

SHOPPERS in Witney will have an extra 250 car parking spaces in the days just before Christmas.   more...

Villagers oppose woodland site plan

MORE than 200 people voiced their protest over plans for an activity centre in ancient woodland owned by the Blenheim Estate.   more...

Chox full of festive cheer

  more...

Mummers keep up tradition

THE Bampton Mummers are keeping up their festive tradition of performing on Christmas Eve around the village.   more...

Witney Tories received invalid donations

DAVID Cameron's constituency party has admitted receiving more than £7,000 in invalid donations, it was revealed today.   more...

Witney Gazette Sport

WEEKEND RESULTS AND THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES

FOOTBALL   more...

POINT-TO-POINT: Sudden Arrival takes plaudits

Reformed character Sudden Arrival, trained by Annabel Hamilton at nearby Wigginton, showed his liking once again for his local Dunthrop course, near Chipping Norton, with victory at the Farmers Bloodhounds Hunt meeting.   more...

MARTIAL ARTS: Shayler scoops titles

Witney black belt, Imogen Shayler, 14, has landed four titles in quick succession.   more...

SWIMMING: WItney end on a high

Witney ended their 2007 programme on a high by landing the Braunstone Crystals Trophy at Leicester.   more...

  
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