Whilst watching Anton Corbijn's stark portrayal of Ian Curtis in Control, I was struck with just how refreshing it was to see a biopic free from the usual saccharine Hollywood clichés. There was no redemption, or religious conversion, no filial reunions
An MP yesterday warned the Government patients are "determined" to maintain services at an Oxfordshire hospital. Tony Baldry, Tory MP for Banbury, accused ministers of ignoring the views of doctors and residents by considering plans to downgrade the
A small American bird that is rarely seen in the UK has been the centre of attention for twitchers at Farmoor Reservoir. The American Buff-Bellied Pipit, stayed two days before flying off on Wednesday. Farmoor ranger Mark Laughray said: "There was
Millions of fans of Radiohead can get the group's new album for as little as 1p, after the Oxford band posted it on the Internet to download and told buyers to pay what they wanted over one penny. And their seventh album In Rainbows is only available
An artist has painted more than 30 pictures for a new exhibition - despite being nearly 100. Dorothy Gibson, from Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, has exhibited new work at the Stables Gallery in Green College, Woodstock Road, Oxford, every summer for
Two soldiers who survived land-mine explosions have spoken of their experiences and their impatience to return to front line action. Cpl Marcus Selvey, a member of the Royal Logistic Corps, based at Abingdon's Dalton Barracks, was travelling in his
Oxford United have signed 17-year-old striker Jordan Rhodes on a month's loan from Ipswich Town. Rhodes has been a regular scorer for Ipswich's youth and reserve sides and is highly-rated by boss Jim Magilton, the former Oxford midfielder. Rhodes
Peroxide Punks, Turncoats and even a Black Mass will over-run Oxford's Town Hall on Thursday, but there's no need to panic. They are just some of more than 130 real ales which will tempt drinkers at the 10th Oxford Beer Festival. About 2,500 people
Cumnor author Philip Pullman will be talking about his books at Woodstock's literary festival at 4pm on Saturday (October 13), at the Marlborough Enterprise Centre, in Hensington Road. Mr Pullman wrote the His Dark Materials trilogy. The first novel
A popular play area damaged by flood water will not reopen until the middle of November. Thousands of pounds will need to be spent on the Mary Green play area, off School Lane, in Grove, to replace and improve the facilities, which have been closed
More than 2,000 people packed a town football ground to watch soap stars battle it out against a local team in a charity football match. The Mersey TV Celebrity team - composed of cast members from Hollyoaks, Grange Hill and Brookside - won 3-2 when
Churchgoers marked the completion of the final phase of improvements to Didcot's Baptist Church with a special opening ceremony. About 200 people turned out for a Thanksgiving service and the official opening of the £48,000 redevelopment of a corridor
Green 'champions' will be visiting residents of flats to encourage them to recycle. A team from support group Environmental Information Exchange will be visiting householders next week asking how they think recycling could be increased. The ecology
A man is calling for the council to tackle blocked drains in his Oxford street, which he says is causing roads to flood. Martin Stemp, of Salegate Lane, Cowley, said Hollow Way flooded in heavy rain because the drains had become blocked with asphalt
A series of child Internet safety workshops for parents is being held in West Oxfordshire. They are being organised by the area's community safety partnership. All sessions are from 7.30pm to 9pm and take place: tonight at Middle Barton Primary School
A free bus pass scheme is so popular it is costing council tax payers in the Vale of White Horse district more than double the amount originally predicted. To save money, changes to the scheme from Monday will mean passengers will have to pay to use
An Oxfordshire cheerleading club is shaking its pom-poms after receiving a boost to their funds. Didcot Spirit, has been able to purchase special uniforms imported from the United States, and additional equipment, to take part in competitions and events
A pedestrian injured after a collision on the M40 remains in hospital with serious head injuries. The man in his 20s was injured in the collision on the motorway between junction seven at Milton Common and junction six at Lewknor at about 2.40am on
While it is possibly unfair to associate right-wingery with cruelty to animals, the fact is I do. There is good reason for this. Aside from such rare exceptions as the Labour-supporting barrister Baroness Mallalieu, most of those satisfying their bloodlust
'This programme contains scenes of a sexual nature." You often hear this warning at the beginning of programmes but it may soon become so common that they'll have to start warning us about programmes that contain no such scenes. Naughty behaviour is now
The first major public presentation of the San Francisco-based artist Trisha Donnelly is now on show at Modern Art Oxford. She's the artist who famously rode into her first New York show in 2002 on a white horse and wearing a Napoleonic uniform. You
The Opera Group has been putting on challenging, yet entertaining, contemporary opera for some years, including Birds, Barks, Bones, by composer Edward Rushton, who also wrote the score for their latest production, The Shops, with a libretto by Dagny
Fo Dolla and Our Heroine - they are not exactly the most memorable short story titles. But they form the basis of South Pacific, one of the most successful musicals ever produced. To lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers added a tune-packed
Tomorrow sees the first concert of the sixth Oxford Lieder Festival, which has now firmly established itself as one of the most significant festivals of song around. The line-up is perhaps the most impressive to date, bringing a broad selection of the
As the resident band were tied up with other musical engagements, Ben Cummings - booked originally as the guest soloist- brought in his own quintet, the Big Beat. As Cummings made clear at the beginning of the evening, this group is an unashamed tribute
An accountancy firm has recruited a record number of trainees, due to the high standard of applicants this year. Wellers Accountants, which has offices in Oxford, Thame and Banbury, has taken on five recruits, who have either studied locally or are
The Oxford Chamber Music Society begins its autumn season on Sunday with a programme of works by Beethoven, Bartok and Debussy, performed by the Chilingirian String Quartet. The Quartet, which was founded in 1971, is considered one of the world's most
Tackling skills shortage The boss of an expanding Oxfordshire recruitment consultancy has promised to help tackle the county's skills shortage. The Susan Hamilton Group has opened a new office at Milton Park, near Didcot, with the aim of matching candidates
Amid all this year's events connected with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, it's worth remembering that the experience of slavery, and hostility towards colonial slave masters, has not been forgotten in many parts of Africa and the Caribbean
The final chapter in Sophocles's Theban trilogy, this tragedy about bloodlines, betrayal and bereavement is literally a dusty old story. The Nottingham Playhouse company have used Seamus Heaney's 2004 translation of Antigone (and employed his title, which
Breastfeeding mothers have lost a vital weekly support group because NHS managers have withdrawn their help. The Didcot Baby Cafe, at Didcot Family Centre, in Newlands Avenue, was launched in 2004 to offer advice to nursing mums. But Oxfordshire NHS
The word 'masterpiece' is overused, but in the case of the computer-animated wizardry of Pixar, no other word will suffice. Since its dazzling 1995 debut with Toy Story, the company founded by John Lasseter has revolutionised attitudes towards animated
Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to former Labour councillor Jean Curran, who has died aged 75. Mrs Curran represented Wood Farm on Oxford City Council from 1996 to 2000. She came to Oxford after spending her early life in South Wales
Colin Peach, who has died aged 55, had a varied career as a motor engineer, DIY enthusiast and poet. He grew up at Old Marston, Oxford, and attended the village schools, St Nicholas and Harlow. After leaving school, he joined Post Office Telephones
Playing at various venues across the capital between October 17 and November 1, the 51st Times London Film Festival showcases 188 features from around the world. As ever, the programme includes numerous titles that will dominate the release schedule over
This recipe comes from Antonio Carluccio's Complete Mushroom Book (Quadrille, £14.99), an excellent publication which covers all aspects of mushroom collecting, preparing and cooking. The dish is an excellent combination of two natural ingredients which
A grandmother who spruced up the overgrown garden at her Oxford sheltered housing complex burst into tears when she discovered thieves had stolen her tools. When pensioner Kaye Ellis, of Russell House, in Greater Leys, moved into her flat almost four
Any day now, a certain earthy smell will permeate the autumn air as you walk through the Oxfordshire countryside. It's the unmistakable aroma of fungi. Although wild mushrooms grow throughout the year, it is now that they are at their most abundant and
Remarkable though it may seem, there are a number of public houses I have not visited during more than three decades of drinking and gormandising across the county. One such is the Star, at the western end of Eynsham. This is partly explained by the village's
A 64-year-old man who was found collapsed on a barge and later died is now believed to have been murdered. Maurice Batts died in hospital yesterday after he was found in his boat on the canal at Southam Road in Banbury with severe injuries in September
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 64-year-old man was found collapsed on a barge and later died. Maurice Batts died in hospital yesterday after he was found in his boat on the canal at Southam Road in Banbury with severe injuries
Two hooded teenagers threatened a man in a street with a penknife in an attempted robbery. A man was walking home from work along an alleyway between Hithercroft Road and Charter Way in Wallingford. The two teenagers threatened him with a pen knife
Talks are to be held to resolve a dispute over placing CCTV cameras on Cowley Road in Oxford. Oxford's police chief Supt Brendan O'Dowda has been pushing for eight permanent cameras along the road, which could cost up to £150,000. Oxford City Council's
Residents in Oxford are being urged to help create an online 'hall of shame' in a bid to clean up the city. Oxford City Council wants people to send in digital pictures of graffiti and abandoned vehicles as part of a photo reporting trial. The pictures
AN "incredibly rare" American bird is the centre of attraction for birdwatchers at Farmoor Reservoir. The American Buff-Bellied Pipit stayed two days before flying off on today. Farmoor ranger Mark Laughray said: "There was a very great deal of interest
A major attraction of this week's touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific is seeing how young Helena Blackman - runner-up in the TV reality show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? - copes in its starring role. Pretty damned
TWO hooded teenagers threatened a man in a street with a pen knife in an attempted robbery. A man was walking home from work along an alleyway between Hithercroft Road and Charter Way in Wallingford. The two teenagers threatened him with a pen knife
A BENEFIT cheat was caught because she was working for a council's waste disposal company. Kate Bradley, from Northcourt Road, Abingdon, has been ordered to do 100 hours' community service after making fraudulent benefit claims totalling more than £5,700
Travellers who set up an illegal camp on an industrial site have been evicted. Four caravans and a mobile home parked at the empty Morrells Brewery warehouse in Ferry Hinksey Road, Osney Mead on Sunday. Police officers issued an eviction notice on
In his 30-odd years on the planet, Marc Evans had never been north of the border. So what did he think of his first foray into Scotland, taking in a weekend in Glasgow and a week on the Isle of Skye? As the other half of oxfordmail.net's Green Goddess
THOSE au fait with social networking site Facebook will doubtless be aware the whole thing is a load of cobblers. In scenes reminiscent of the school playground, people who should have more important things to do spend hours seeing how many 'friends
A new vision for Didcot is on the horizon - with a project to transform its image and provide eye-catching entrances to the town. South Oxfordshire District Council plans to appoint consultants to carry out research into the project, which could include
Comfort. Convenience. Reliability. Three words you might not immediately associate with rail travel in Britain. And it should be pointed out – were it not for my usual train being late into Oxford – I would never have experienced FGW’s newly ‘refreshed
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 64-year-old man was found collapsed on a barge and later died. Maurice Batts died in hospital yesterday after he was found in his boat on the canal at Southam Road in Banbury with severe injuries
POSTAL workers in Oxfordshire returned to work this morning but union leaders are warning it could be Friday before any mail is delivered. Communication Workers Union representative Bob Cullen said there was a backlog of "millions and millions" of letters
Jericho resident Dr Frances Kennett, who withheld council tax to complain about rats infesting her home, is to appear on the BBC's Watchdog programme tonight. Last month Dr Kennett, 62, appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court after she withheld a monthly
Postal workers in Oxfordshire returned to work this morning but union bosses are warning it could be Friday before any mail is delivered. Communication Workers Union representative Bob Cullen said there was a backlog of "millions and millions" of letters
Chief football writer Jon Murray put a series of questions to Nick Merry in the wake of Saturday's dismal defeat at bottom club Droylsden and the fans' unrest over the team's league position. The Oxford United chairman gives forthright answers to questions
It is reassuring for Oxford United chairman Nick Merry to confirm his close friendship with manager Jim Smith will not affect his judgment over rescuing the U's promotion hopes. In no way are we advocating Mr Merry calls time on the Bald Eagle's second
James Gray bagged a brace for Northway as they earned their first Division 1 win of the season in Marston's Oxford League with a 3-1 success against Wychwood Forest. Simon Drewett was their other marksman. Tom Gallant replied for Wychwood.
Cholsey United eased into the second round of the Berks & Bucks Sunday Intermediate Cup with a 2-0 win against WKD. Brad Chalmers beat the WKD keeper at the near post, before Carl Fisher doubled their lead with a header. UTV League side JPs enjoyed
Travellers who set up an illegal camp in an Oxford industrial site in have been served with an eviction notice. Four caravans and a mobile home parked at the empty Morrells Brewery warehouse in Ferry Hinksey Road, Osney Mead on Sunday. Police officers
Abingdon Exiles Exiles chalked up their first Division 2 victory of the season in the Autotype UTV League with a 3-2 win against Goodlake Arms, writes TIM SIRET. Matty Cook, Robbie Lucibello and Daniel Shurmer were on target, with Tom Srawley and James
Ryan Curtin smashed a six-timer for Barton United as they cruised into the second round of the OFA Sam Waters Cup with a 10-0 home win against Wroxton Sports. Strikes from Ben Armstrong, Tyrone Brackett, Liam O'Callaghan and Ollie Bateman completed
Whilst watching Anton Corbijn's stark portrayal of Ian Curtis in Control, I was struck with just how refreshing it was to see a biopic free from the usual saccharine Hollywood clichés. There was no redemption, or religious conversion, no filial
A 25-yard piledriver from Stephen Bateman was enough to earn Berinsfield a 1-0 victory against Sonning in Reading Saturday League Division 2. Berinsfield Res thrashed Newbury 5-1 in Division 4, with a double from Pete Clarke. Jon Welch, Ashley Brind
Marcham turned the formbook upside down as they sent Hellenic League side Shrivenham Res crashing out of the competition in the first round of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup stage with a shock 3-2 extra-time victory. Wes Costar got the winner for
Ardington & Lockinge Res' Oliver O'Hanlon suffered a broken ankle, forcing their Division 3 clash against Blewbury Res to be abandoned, writes ANDY WELLS. A hat-trick from Matthew Searis had put Ardington 3-0 up, before the referee called the game off
Council staff across Oxfordshire are being balloted on whether to walk out on strike over a pay offer of 2.475 per cent. However, the process is being held up by ongoing Royal Mail strikes. Unison is balloting rank-and-file members in Oxfordshire
A STASH of knives have been removed by neighbours from a pile of dumped rubbish because they were worried it would take a fortnight for the council to collect them. Residents living in School Court, Jericho, Oxford, spotted the four knives - one with
Two men and a child were trapped following a collision between a van and a car in Faringdon last night. Firefighters were called to the scene in Coxwell Road at 8.17pm. Two fire crews from Faringdon, one from Bampton, the rescue tender from Kidlington
OXFORDSHIRE'S police force is the second worst in the country, according to a new Government report. Thames Valley Police, which covers Oxfordshire, received two 'Good' grades, one 'Poor' rating and seven 'Fair' reports in the Home Office Police Performance
The reptile manager at Shirley Aquatics in Yarnton, victim of a £3,500 theft of creatures at the weekend, paints an interesting picture. Will anyone shed a tear if one of the stolen snakes, a Western Hognose, decides to give one or more of the thieves
THREE cats have died after being poisoned with what was believed to be anti-freeze. Within six weeks, the pets belonging to Linda Painting, Tina Webb and Natasha Alder, all from Berrycroft in Abingdon, were taken ill and despite the efforts of vets
OXFORD United Football Club chairman Nick Merry said his close friendship with manager Jim Smith did not make Smith unsackable. The under-fire manager and his team have come in for criticism in the wake of United's defeat at part-time Droylsden at the
Insurers accused the Government today of "letting millions of homeowners and businesses" down by failing give enough money to flood defences. The Association of British Insurers warned the shortfall in money announced in yesterday's Comprehensive Spending
Two men and a child were trapped following a collision between a van and a car in Faringdon last night. Firefighters were called to the scene in Coxwell Road at 8.17pm. Two fire crews from Faringdon, one from Bampton, the rescue tender from Kidlington
Jim Smith has said that changing the formation of the U's to 4-4-2 is not the solution to the problems the team is having. United's manager has stuck rigidly to a wingbacks system, although he has sometimes switched late in games to four at the back
7.35: 1 SCATTY ALFIE 6-1, 2 Mill Bank 3-1. (5x3). Trainer: Atkins. Time Rebel (2) 2-1 fav. Time: 28.13. 7.50: 1 DUNBOLG WIZARD 4-1, 2 Bold Lass 5-2. (4x2). Trainer: Hepden. Ocala Come On (3) 9-4 fav. Time: 27.59. 8.05: 1 IVER MICK 3-1, 2 Kingsbrook
2.18: Soldier Ant 2, Scaldy Nora, WITNESS BOX, Son Of The Chief, Dizzy Rascal, Puntes Package 3. 2.37: Dons Rocket 3, YOUR NIMROD, Black Weir, Go Teddy, Alex Honcho 2, Regis Girl. 2.57: Dunbolg Fergie 2, Glenduff Cindy, Mossley Flash, LUBAGHS GIRL,
We have started a poll to see if fans believe Jim Smith can turn around the fortunes of the U's. Click here and register your vote in the editor's choice section.
BURGLARS may have bitten off more than they can chew after raiding a reptile house and stealing a venomous snake and a boa constrictor. Around £3,500 worth of reptiles were stolen from Shirley Aquatics, in Yarnton, on Sunday night. The burglars stole
TALKS are to be held to resolve a dispute over placing CCTV cameras on Cowley Road. Oxford's police chief Supt Brendan O'Dowda has been pushing for eight permanent cameras on the Cowley Road which would could cost the council and taxpayer up to £150,000
Burglars may have bitten off more than they can chew after raiding a reptile house and stealing a venomous snake and a boa constrictor. About £3,500 worth of reptiles were stolen from Shirley Aquatics in Yarnton on Sunday night. The burglars stole up
The widow of a man who died in a head-on crash at an Oxfordshire blackspot said it was a tragedy their one-year-old son would never know his father. An inquest heard yesterday that van driver Paulo Silva Dos Santos died from multiple injuries, including
Knives has been removed by neighbours from a pile of dumped rubbish because they were worried it would take a fortnight for the council to collect them. Residents in School Court, Jericho, Oxford, spotted the four knives - one with an eight-inch blade
