THE economy faces a tough time ahead during the second half of 1998 when the manufacturing sector will fall to the brink of recession, according to the latest report from Oxford Economic Forecasting, writes Chris Koenig But they predict the economy as
A POT-bellied pig called Charlotte has been causing a bit of a stir in her village. The unusual pet recently escaped from her owner's house and roamed around a few gardens before a neighbour raised the alarmbrought her back. But owner Mary Bonner says
OXFORD United goalkeeper Phil Whitehead is set to sign a new two-year contract. The 28-year-old keeper was put on the transfer list last October, along with Nigel Jemson, after the pair turned down new contracts. Jemson was later sold to Bury for £100,000
SHEFFIELD United are eyeing Malcolm Shotton as a possible replacement for Nigel Spack-man. Reports from the north suggest Shotton, who has been Oxford United boss for just six weeks, may have been "sounded out" by a Blades go-between. Sheffield United
EUAN Aitken thought it was a huge joke when he found he was a finalist in a national competition - the Landlady of the Year contest. "It looks as though I'll have to buy myself a new dress for the big day," he quipped. The former Marks & Spencer executive
THE Museum of Oxford's basement could become the 'World of Alice in Wonderland' to attract more visitors. The idea, raised by consultants and involving more than £1m of investment, is one of several options being considered by councillors looking to secure
PSYCHIC Uri Geller has met dying mum Tobi Mills in an attempt to cure her of cancer. The world-famous spoonbender read about Tobi and stepped in to invite her and her twins to his luxury mansion in Sonning-on-Thames, near Henley. He told the Oxford Mail
HOSPITAL manager Carl Powell has been suspended from his Oxford job after staff accused him of being a bully. Estates manager Mr Powell, who lives in the city, is in charge of land and buildings at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospital sites in Headington
AN ABORTED touch down at Heathrow Airport brought a family's dream holiday to a dramatic end. The jumbo jet was forced to take off again after its wheels had touched the runway. The Calnan family from Cumnor were among the horrified passengers to hear
CIRCUS worker Nigel Wesson, who had part of his arm bitten off by a tiger at Chipperfield's training centre in Chipping Norton, said he feels as if the missing limb is still there. The 32-year-old lion tamer was attacked a week ago as he fed the Bengal
BREWERY worker Steve McCormack had just one thing to say to the part-time fireman who saved him when his foot was crushed in a grinding machine: thanks a lot! Steve, 26, of Cotswold Meadow, Witney, told brave Arron Hyatt: "Thanks a lot for everything.
RAPE case paramedic Gordon Thompson left court a free man today after being cleared of all nine charges against him. He was found not guilty of six charges of rape and three of indecent assault against patients he befriended. A jury at Oxford Crown Court
