One of the two pilots who died when their plane crashed into the Firth of Forth shortly after take off came from Abingdon, it has been revealed. The bodies of Russell Dixon, 29, of Welford Gardens, Abingdon, and Karl Mason, 58, of Bellevue Crescent, Ayr
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize, writes Madeleine Pennell. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at
Carl Howard bagged a brace as Yarnton twice came from behind to post a 3-2 home win over Charlton United and move out of the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division relegation zone. Charlton took the lead through Mark James, but Howard levelled for
Goalkeeper Vic Armstrong's heroics helped AFC Jericho pip Blackbird Leys 2-0 after extra time in the RT Harris Oxford City FA Premier Cup semi-final at Sandy Lane. It was thanks mainly to Armstrong's saves that full time ended with the game still goalless
The Bourton-on-the-Water 10K race saw Headington Roadrunners scoop the women's team prize for the second year running, despite an improvement in the class of the women's race on the previous year. Jude Craft, Allison Hirst and Phillippa Jones all recorded
It was honours even as Oxford City and local rivals Thame United battled out a Ryman League Division 1 stalemate at Court Place Farm last night, writes Russell Smith. Both sides could be content with a point City because their resources were badly stretched
The wraps came off Rover's first compact-executive estate car at the Geneva Motor Show, writes David Duffy. The Rover 75 Tourer will lead a series of new product unveilings from the company's Rover and MG brands. The new Rover 75 Tourer will lead the
The case of a man accused of unlawfully killing a father-of-four was adjourned. Timothy Deasy, 26, formerly of Tangmere Close, Bicester, but now living in Churchill Crescent, Thame, was charged following the death of Ernest Berry. Mr Berry, of Longlands
West Oxfordshire is gearing up to lead the way with the first new Cabinet-style local council in the county. The district council will be moving over to the new way of running its affairs at the annual meeting on April 25. Decision-making will be in the
The Consumers' Association has held crucial talks with the European Commission in its campaign for lower car prices in Britain. The consumer watchdog met car manufacturers and EC representatives in Brussels in an attempt to thrash out a better deal for
The cost of taking a driving test is set to rise from May. Under Driving Standards Agency proposals, the cost of the theory test will rise from 15.50 to 16 while the practical car driving test will go up from 36.75 to 38. The practical motorcycle test
The bad habits of Britain's company car drivers could be costing the economy 200m a year. Vehicles are returned in such a state that one fleet service company spends 24 hours a day refurbishing cars. As well as being in a mess, cars returned at the end
The bad habits of Britain's company car drivers could be costing the economy 200m a year. Vehicles are returned in such a state that one fleet service company spends 24 hours a day refurbishing cars. As well as being in a mess, cars returned at the end
Teachers are probably better drivers than most other people in Britain, according to a new survey. Even priests and vicars were more likely to be involved in a pile-up than teachers, says Cardiff-based insurer Bell Direct. While 23 per cent of all British
Toyota's all-new people carrier, the Avensis Verso, makes its world debut this weekat the Geneva International Motor Show. Based on an all-new platform, the Avensis Verso combines the interior space and luggage capacity of a mid-size multi-purpose vehicle
Luxury car-maker Lexus will show three additions to its range, the IS300 saloon, the IS300 SportCross and the SC430 at the Geneva Motor Show, writes David Duffy. The SC430 is the production version of the concept car, which was one of the stars of last
Buyers are returning to the UK car market after a disastrous year that saw customer confidence hit an all-time low, says car dealership Pendragon. The company, based in Annesley, Nottingham, said last year's rows over the cost of UK cars compared with
As foot and mouth disease continues to sweep across Britain, George Frew looks back at how Oxfordshire coped with the last major outbreak Livestock farmers in Oxfordshire who coped with the foot and mouth outbreak more than 30 years ago had hoped they'd
Motorcycle racer Matthew Ford Dunn is gearing up for the first round of the MRO 125cc Championship at Donnington racetrack in just over two weeks. Independent removal company Bishop's Move has sponsored 27-year-old Mat for the past four seasons. Gearing
If you've noticed the distinctive roar of the Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine locally, that's no surprise. Thames Valley Harley-Davidson - the dealer that looks after Oxfordshire - registered record sales in 2000, helped by 21 motorcycle sales through its
The scene met my eyes after I had scaled a spiral staircase to emerge in a two-wheeled Aladdin's cave almost hidden away in the £1.2 million purpose-built HQ that makes up The Engine Room in Buckingham Road, Bicester. My test ride was to be the space-age
Brian Tufano, director of photography for the award-winning British film Billy Elliot, is to talk about his work after a screening of the film in Wallingford. Mr Tufano, who lives in Rothwells Close, Cholsey, was nominated for a Bafta - British Academy
Small firms have been warned that trading watchdogs will clamp down on cartels, however small the companies involved. Simon Nichols, of law firm Morgan Cole, said most businesses had heard of the Competition Act, even if they had not addressed its implications
A leading hi-tech firm is taking part in the space race to Mars. The first European spacecraft to land on another planet will operate in some of the harshest conditions encountered in space exploration. AEA Technology at Harwell is using its expertise
Eileen Ashmore, of Reading, reviews The Bush Tree & Me at The Bullingdon Arms, Cowley, on February 15 . . . Did anyone else enjoy this gig as much as I did? Did anyone else enjoy this gig as much as I did? The Bush Tree & Me I thought were terrific
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize, writes Madeleine Pennell. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at
Wantage Liberal Democrats have called on MP Robert Jackson to back demands for free long-term nursing care. Neil Fawcett, the party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the area, called on the constituency's MP to sign an Early Day Motion in the
An elderly couple are being targeted by egg-throwing vandals in what police describe as motiveless attacks. Bloxham village beat officer Pc Pat McDonald is asking parents to quiz children in a bid to find the culprits. The elderly couple, both in their
Model and singer Caprice visited Oxford's Virgin Megastore, in Cornmarket Street, to promote her new single Once Around The Sun. Martin meets Caprice She took time out on Tuesday evening for a chat with the winner of the Oxford Mail/Virgin store competition
Pop legend Michael Jackson has broken his foot just days before he is due to speak at the Oxford Union. But the Thriller superstar promised fans the injury would not stop him making his speech on child welfare at the union on Tuesday, March 6. More than
Two men and a woman were further remanded on charges including burglary and stealing thousands of pounds of jewellery and other property from houses across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. At Didcot Court, Armarnie Souch, 28, of McKenzie Avenue, Milton Heights
An Oxford college is facing calls to return money given by an American financier who was wanted by the FBI. In 1987 Wadham College, in Parks Road, was offered a donation of between £100,000 and £1m from Mark Rich, who had fled America for Switzerland
Schoolchildren are off on a world trip - without even leaving their classrooms. As part of National Book Week, youngsters at Great Milton Primary School have been set a reading challenge in ten stages each comprising several hundred pages of a book. As
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at Iffley Turn, at a ceremony
Didcot weightlifter Michael Causer has become British junior champion. The Under 18 lifter, a member of the Morris Motors Weightlifting Club, took first place in his weight group - 69/u kg - at the British Junior Championships in Derby. A snatch of 95kg
Neil Falkner and Garry Williams starred with four goals apiece in Heyford Athletic's crushing 11-2 win over Islip in the Lord Jersey FA Mid Oxon Cup semi-final, writes David Gregory. Kevin Hicks (2) and Paul Gellatly completed the rout as Heyford hit
When Oxford Harlequins conceded 50 points at Windsor earlier this season, they laid the blame at a colour clash between the two teams. Kitted out: Oxford Harlequins in their new strip "I reckon the clash caused us to concede about four tries,' explained
Brize Norton made it ten wins out of ten in the Witney & District FA Premier Division by crushing Enstone 5-1. Terry Moss, Ricky King, Pete O'Reilly, Colin Tyrell and Adie Godwin netted for the leaders, with Paul Allen providing Enstone's lone strike
Gary Harris of Headington Roadrunners was Oxfordshire's leading runner among the senior men at the National Cross-Country Championships at Durham on Saturday. Harris achieved a fine 111th place out of more than 1,200 finishers, just ahead of Pete Wilson
Oracle climbed off the bottom of the Oxford League Division 1 table with a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers New Club. Lee Stopps (+70) won the opening game for reigning champions Oracle, beating George Washington (+80) 150-102, and then Jack Woods (+80)
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize, writes Madeleine Pennell. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at
The greatest galaxy of rugby stars ever seen in Henley gather at Dry Leas on Sunday for the Willie Phillips Testimonial match, when his Invitation XV take on the International Classics XV (2.30 pm), writes Michael Knox. Heading the cast, in honour of
Record sales of car insurance policies, particularly to women, boosted profits last year at finance and insurance company Provident Financial. The group saw sales up 20 per cent to 30.5m, lifting pre-tax profits by 6.9 per cent to 160.2m. Chief executive
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize, writes Madeleine Pennell. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at
Volkswagen has reintroduced a special edition of the Lupo, the SE, priced at 7,195 on the road. The SE was introduced in spring last year for a limited period and proved so popular that it is back again, available to drivers buying before April 1. It
Truancy-busting measures including telephoning the parents of absent pupils have helped an Oxford school win a national prize, writes Madeleine Pennell. Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today congratulating St Augustine of Canterbury Upper School at
Motorists faced with the decision of whether to buy something smart for town use or spend their money on a rugged off-roader should turn their faces to the East for the answer to their prayers. Korean car-maker Hyundai is offering two stylish value-for-money
Alchester Running Club members stepped up their long-distance running training in preparation for the London Marathon in April by competing at the popular Sussex Beacon Half Marathon event in Brighton on Sunday. The weather conditions were cool and crisp
Despite a wet and cold January, people are so fed up with the country's creaking public transport that they are turning to alternative means. "Motorcycles and mopeds are proving to be the winner," said Kevin Kelly, the Retail Motor Industry Federation's
Three west Oxfordshire galleries are embarking on an new project to run workshops together. Workshops on calligraphy and printmaking will take place in March at The Theatre, Chipping Norton, The Oxfordshire Museum, in Woodstock, and West Ox Arts, in Bampton
Publisher Reed Elsevier reported sales up nine per cent and promised to deliver higher growth by next year. Its full-year results showed growth ahead of City analysts' expectations, with sales up to £3.8bn from £3.4bn, with adjusted profit down three
Biking businessman Matthew LeFevre is launching Oxford's first door-to-door cycle messenger service. The marketing and advertising executive reckons bicycles will outpace the Royal Mail and traditional couriers around the city. To your door: Matthew LeFevre
New TV band Hear'Say visited Fox FM to promote their new single, Pure and Simple. Only the night before the group had performed their new song at the star-studded Brit Awards, shown last night on ITV. Popping by: Members of the band meet fans in Cowley
A 21-year-old man was given probation when he admitted having sex with a special needs woman after she gave birth. He hid the still-born baby in a shoebox in his work locker. Mark Wigley, of Nowell Road, Rose Hill, Oxford, admitted a serious sexual offence
More than 70 British Telecom workers face an uncertain future after a shake-up of jobs. Staff at the BT call centre in Paradise Street, Oxford, which will move to a new building in the Oxford Business Park at the end of June this year, have been told
A scientist swindled thousands of pounds meant for research at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, a court heard. Prof Peter Rolfe, 55, and his assistant Carol Benmakroha, 39, siphoned more than £12,000 from a trust fund at the Headington hospital when
Racehorse trainers in Oxfordshire have backed the decision to suspend racing for a week due to the foot and mouth crisis. Wantage trainer David Gandolfo said: "I think it is exactly right because basically I have the utmost confidence in the Ministry
