Italian Wines, today I went to London with Agustin my sommelier to taste Italian Fine Wines. I entered Agustin in the National Wine Waiter of the Year competition, so I am training him to taste as many wines as we can before the final, he is currently
Jim Smith believes that modern journalism and modern technology are contributing to the downfall of football managers. Speaking about the departure of Martin Jol at Tottenham, and the pressure that managers are under to bring success, the Oxford United
A 79-year-old woman died today following a crash between a car and a van on a sharp bend near Stanford in the Vale. The accident happened at 9.40am on the B4508, at the junction with Bow Road, about a mile from Stanford in the Vale. The crash site
A 79-year-old woman driver died this morning following a crash between a car and a van on a sharp bend outside a village near Wantage. The accident happened at 9.40am on the B4508, at the junction with Bow Road, about a mile from Stanford in the Vale
Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves used industrial cutting equipment to break in to premises in an Oxfordshire village. Police believe both crimes, which took place in Bletchingdon, near Kidlington, last weekend, are linked. The first
A PLAN for the redevelopment of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College's Oxpens Road site has been welcomed by the city council. The college wants to redevelop the site, selling off about a third of the land for housing. The cost of the new college
PEOPLE at a cricket club leapt into action after a passer-by spotted fire tearing through a storage shed. Arsonists are believed to be behind the incident at Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, near Wantage, yesterday evening. The blaze caused thousands
Drinkers at a cricket club leapt into action after a passer-by spotted fire tearing through a storage shed. Arsonists are believed to be behind the incident at Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, near Wantage, yesterday evening. The blaze caused thousands
A masterplan for the redevelopment of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College's Oxpens Road site has been welcomed by the city council. The college wants to redevelop the site, selling off about a third of the land for housing. The cost of the new college
A teenage tearaway has admitted unlawful wounding, handling stolen goods and breaching his antisocial behaviour order (Asbo). Luke Williams, of Preacher's Lane, in St Ebbes, Oxford, hit 21-year-old Jimmy Wu over the head 10 times, before stealing his
Rail passengers travelling from Oxford to London this morning suffered major delays to their journey. City-based travellers were among 20,000 passengers in the South hit by chaos on the tracks. The delays were caused after Network Rail, carrying out
More than 300 workers will lose their jobs when an aluminium processing factory closes. Bosses at Sapa Profiles, in Southam Road, Banbury, said the plant could not compete against cheaper Far East manufacturers. The firm will concentrate production
QUEUES built up on the A40 after a lorry caught fire between Witney and Eynsham this afternoon. Police said traffic built up after the road was closed between the two roads that head into Barnard Gate. A diversion was set up through Barnard Gate.
Oxfordshire beat leaders West Sussex 22-14 at Grove to go top of Premier Group 4 in the English Short Mat Association Inter County Competition. The 195-161 victory on shots sees Oxon head the section by seven points. Oxon started well with Trevor
Tadmarton Heath secured the Shaw Gibbs Oxfordshire Foursomes League Section 1 title after a 3-0 victory at Oxford City. But they didn't have it all their own way on a dramatic final day. Tadmarton's top pair of Ian Manning and Spencer Hallam defeated
RESULTS Section 1 Oxford City 0 (0pts), Tadmarton Heath 3 (4) (Oxford City first): M Hall & G Hoult lost to O King & M Hughes 1 hole, J Faruq & C Marriott lost to M Walton & G Sambrook 1 hole, N Strange & D Wiggins lost to I Manning & S Hallam 7 & 5
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two incidents in Bletchingdon which are believed to be linked. Thieves broke into the yard at the sewage works in Islip Road using oxyacetylene cutting equipment and entered some secure cabins within the yard
The Ladies English Open will be played at The Oxfordshire from July 4 to 6 next year. For the past three years Chart Hills in Kent, which is also owned by the Leaderboard Group, has hosted the event. A Leaderboard spokesman said: "The Oxfordshire's
Cricketers' Barry Townsend was crowned singles champion for the first time with a 2-0 win over White House's Mick Berry at the Greene King Oxford & District League finals night at Rover Cowley Sports & Social Club, writes ANDY BEAL. With both players
CHIPPING NORTON Senior Men's Stableford Div 1: 1 T Garrett 38, 2 R Walker 37, 3 M Painting. Div 2: P Ford 41, 2 D Williams 39, 3 D Jackson 38. Ladies LGU Medal: 1 M Wotherspoon 69, 2 S Taylor 73 (cb), 3 J Williamson 73. Ladies Stableford: 1 K Jordan
Vicky Cartmel landed the Bathwick Tyres Lady Jockeys' Championship with a thrilling victory on Rehearsed at Newbury - and the prize of a holiday to any destination in the world. Cartmel brought the four-year-old, trained by her boss Hughie Morrison
Parents on an Oxford estate can expect more support following the 'graduation' of a group of model mums. More than a dozen women living in and around Rose Hill have completed a certificate in Parenting in the Community. The three-month course trained
A cleaner has admitted breaking into a house where he worked while the owners were away, and stealing £1,000 cash. Martin Leach, 28, of Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to burglary. Didcot magistrates heard the self-employed cleaner
New Zealand flanker Zane Winslade says the All Blacks could learn from how Chinnor close out victory. Winslade rejoined Chinnor three weeks ago after playing for Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup - his country's top professional competition. The 24
Oxford University captain Joe Roff is taking every step to ensure he peaks for the Lehman Brothers Varsity Match. The 32-year-old former Australian international has already sat out two of the Dark Blues home fixtures this season - against Kanto Gakuin
Bicester back row forward Martin Linstrom came close to being blinded following an eye gouging incident against Broadmoor Staff. Broadmoor fly half Shaun Franklin was sent off for the attack near the end of Bicester's 26-19 victory in the BB&O Premier
UGANDAN refugees trying to boost their incomes by making ornaments to sell in Oxford are being let down by Royal Mail, according to one customer. Kerri Hamberg, 35, of Hayes Close, Marston, was stunned when a stranger knocked at her door holding a
When reading the letters page in the Oxford Mail (Oxford Mail, October 10), I was astounded by a letter from Bea Bradley in which there was no reference to hunting or fox. This has to be a record. ALLAN BUSBY Abingdon Road Marcham
I hear that money is to be spent on improving the railway between Basingstoke and Reading so that more freight trains can run between Southampton and the Midlands through Didcot, Oxford and Banbury. This will be good news for drivers on the A34 if fewer
Tony Anchors, of Didcot, bless him, does make me laugh (Oxford Mail, October 26). If all the smokers gave up smoking, they could then go inside the pub, sit by the fire and have their convivial pint and conversation, thus saving the great British public
SADLY, this will be the last time I write about Oxford speedway. After 27 years of covering Oxford Cheetahs, I have decided to bring the curtain down on my reporting career. It's been a long journey, but the 80s must be the highlight. It was the
Brian Edwards (Oxford Mail, October 15) reminds Roger Lee that the English don't allow dictators to walk over us. How does he, therefore, counter the argument that we are now ruled by Scottish dictators to the advantage of Scots living north of the border
THE final meeting of the season at Oxford fell to the weather on Sunday. But it failed to dampen promoter Allen Trump's spirits as he looked back on a highly successful first season, or rather half-season, at Cowley. Trump, alongside director of speedway
IF you want to see top quality speedway, then get along to Oxford Stadium every week - that's the rallying call from promoter Allen Trump. The Oxford Cheetahs promoter may find out this week whether his bid for Premier League speedway has been successful
THE man who transformed Oxford Prison into an award-winning hotel is believed to be in the running to redevelop Abingdon's Old Gaol. The Oxford Mail understands that Trevor Osborne is on the shortlist of bidders vying to buy and redevelop the 200-year-old
Your article on cycling danger spots (Oxford Mail, October 29) contained a serious error. In the 'Botley Road' box, it says cyclists "should always remember to cycle along the inside of an HGV". That statement is extremely dangerous. Cyclists should
With regard to your article, It's the limit (Oxford Mail, October 4), Pc Mark Pilling must be naive to seriously believe that it is most unsporting of motorists to flash their lights to warn others of the presence of the police. This has been going on
Staying true to her working class roots, city councillor Jane Lacey has just returned from a trip to the Big Apple. And she must have clocked up some air miles - it was her second trip to New York this year. But this latest trip was something of a
Headington Roadrunner Steve Kimber will bid for a third successive Oxford Mail Cross Country League title as the new season gets under way at Ascott-under-Wychwood on Sunday. Kimber has beaten all-comers for the overall and senior men's titles for the
Ugandan refugees trying to boost their incomes by making ornaments to sell in Oxford are being let down by Royal Mail, according to one customer. Kerri Hamberg, 35, of Hayes Close, Marston, was stunned when a stranger knocked at her door holding a parcel
Witney Roadrunner Nicola Gomm won the vet 45 ladies' category at the Great South Run in Portsmouth on Sunday. Gomm led home her teammates in the 10-mile race, clocking an impressive 1hr 4mins 50secs. David Leigh (1.21.27) and Liz Leigh (1.24.36) also
Abingdon Amblers' senior men's team won first prize in the annual Eric Andrews Memorial cross country at Banbury. They were led home by Steve Copley, who won the race in 35mins 35secs. He was backed up by Paul Fernandez, who was third in 36.33, and
David Cameron's plans to slash immigration have come in for support - and criticism - in Oxfordshire. On Monday, the Witney MP and Tory leader said limits on immigration were needed to protect public services, the environment and communities from a
Brightwell-cum-Sotwell are seeking new players for their junior section for next season. The club are forming an under 11 side, and will also hold coaching sessions for under 9 kwik cricket on Saturday mornings. The under 11s begin winter nets in
The Nelson, from Cowley, Oxford, were crowned the national team champions after a nailbiting final at Reading. Steven Sheard sealed victory against Berkshire champions Caversham Working Men's Club in a match that looked to be slipping away. The final
Masons A saw off clubmates Masons B 3-2 in Section 1 of the Buildbase Oxford & District League. Chris Webb put the B side in front with a 5,620-4,020 win against Dave Rose. Mick Murphy (3,950) and Martin Wood (5,880) put the A side ahead, but Ernie
Oxford City Stars scored three times in the dying minutes to wrap up a comfortable 5-1 home victory over Coventry Blaze in the English National League Cup. Leading 2-1 going into the final period, Stars netted three times in the last three minutes as
Oxford City Stars head coach Darryl Morvan believes his team can still improve, despite their 5-1 cup win over Coventry in the English National League Cup. He said: "This was a satisfying result against a well drilled team. "I think it's fair to say
A van driver has been arrested after a woman pensioner died in a collision this morning. The incident happened at 9.45am on the B4508 at Stanford in the Vale, near Wantage. A blue Renault Master van travelling towards Gainfield from Hatford, and a
This lovely cat is Tilly a nine-year-old domestic short haired cat, she came into the centre due to a marriage break-up and is now looking for a loving new home. Tilly is an affectionate cat who loves fuss and attention, however it is on her own terms
It can be difficult even on holiday to let go of all the little things that stress you out. A simple trip to the beach can end up being a shopping list of things you are liable to forget - suncream, insect repellent, towel, cash, camera... But in
UP to 300 jobs will be lost in Banbury after aluminium producer Sapa Profiles today said it was closing its plant. The firm said a total of 337 jobs could go, blaming a downturn in demand thanks to low-cost competition from countries such as China and
Friends and relatives of a long-serving British Legion fundraiser have urged people to donate to the Poppy Appeal in her honour. In 26 years of service between 1980 and 2006, Emily Quarterman collected £12,562 by selling poppies. She used to collect
An Oxford learning disabilities charity got out the red carpet to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Instead of booking a conference room for its annual meeting, on Tuesday, the group My Life, My Choice - which helps people with learning disabilities speak
HOUSEHOLDERS are being warned not to respond to any letters informing them they have won a prize in the Spanish Sweepstake Lottery. A Bicester resident received a claim form through the post requesting their bank details, so that they could receive
Up to 300 jobs will be lost in Banbury after aluminium producer Sapa Profiles today revealed it was closing its plant. The firm said a total of 337 jobs could go, blaming a downturn in demand thanks to low-cost competition from countries such as China
Householders are being warned not to respond to any letters informing them they have won a prize in the Spanish Sweepstake Lottery. A Bicester resident received a claim form through the post requesting their bank details, so that they could receive
Film student David Whitehead went back to his old school to use it as a backdrop to his latest movie - and picked two of its pupils to take on the parts of the main characters. Mr Whitehead, 23, returned to the Marlborough School, Woodstock, to shoot
Up to 300 jobs will be lost in Banbury after aluminium producer Sapa Profiles today revealed it was closing its plant. The firm said a total of 337 jobs could go, blaming a downturn in demand due to low-cost competition from countries such as China
Well, there was a chance it would happen, and it has. Littl'un took her first three steps on Tuesday - at nursery. Him indoors is gutted. He wanted to be the first to get her to walk, as he had done when she crawled for the first time. Me, I don't feel
AEA Technology 120.5 BMW 3203 Electrocomponents 249.5 Nationwide Accident Repair 151.5 Oxford Biomedica 31.25 Oxford Catalysts 164 Oxford Instruments 225 Reed Elsevier 623 RM 204 RPS Group 392.5 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
Arsonists are thought to have set fire to a shed at Challow Cricket Club near Wantage last night. Firefighters were called at 6.25pm to the club in Vicarage Road, East Challow, and found a 5m by 5m shed well alight. The blaze spread to the roof of
A TALK on the elusive dormouse will be given by Dr Amanda Lloyd at tonight's annual general meeting of the Friends of Wychwood, which is being held at Chadlington village hall, starting at 7.30pm.
Rail passengers commuting from Oxford to London were among 20,000 passengers from across the South West hit by chaos on the tracks this morning. Network Rail carried out some overnight engineering work on the track at Pangbourne, between Didcot and
RAIL passengers commuting from Oxford to London were among 20,000 passengers from across the South West hit by chaos on the tracks this morning. Network Rail carried out some overnight engineering work on the track at Pangbourne, between Didcot and
A DRIVER died today following an accident involving two cars near Stanford in the Vale. The accident happened at 9.40am on the B4508, about a mile from the village. A spokesman for South Central Ambulance service said: "The accident involved two vehicles
A driver died this morning following an accident involving two cars outside a village near Wantage. The accident happened at 9.40am on the B4508, about a mile from Stanford in the Vale. A spokesman for South Central Ambulance service said: "The accident
Rehearsals progress well and judging by last night’s efforts the lines are coming along well. The basic set is up and most of the cast were in their stage clothes looking good. Tickets are on sale from 01865 820605 and various outlets round the village
Arsonists are thought to have torched a shed at Challow Cricket Club near Wantage last night. Firefighters were called at 6.25pm to the club in Vicarage Road, East Challow, and found a 5m by 5m shed well alight. The blaze spread to the roof of a large
The Highways Agency is hosting a public exhibition on Friday and Saturday to show the latest proposals for replacing the Wolvercote Viaduct on the A34 at Oxford. The existing viaduct, constructed during 1960-61, needs major maintenance work to ensure
Rail passengers travelling between Oxford and London Paddington faced major delays this morning. Network Rail had been carrying out track work between Didcot and Reading during the night, but the project over ran. Passengers have been told by Network
Paramedics were called to the A34 during the early hours this morning following a crash involving two lorries. The accident happened shortly after 2am on the northbound carriageway, between the Milton and Chilton interchanges near Didcot. A spokesman
A MAN stabbed a dog to death with a Samurai sword after going "completely out of control" in a Didcot street. Santi Taboada, 25, killed the black and grey terrier, named Molly, after the dog's owner refused to let him stay at his house. Taboada,
Yemi Odubade has become the latest player to join Oxford United's injury list - with manager Jim Smith unsure whether the striker will be fit to face Rushden & Diamonds tomorrow night. Odubade is troubled by a hip problem, and has not trained this week
A WOMAN can arrange to have you buried in a cardboard box while reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and playing an Abba hit. A self-proclaimed "poor man's vicar", Fiona Sloman, 50, is the woman to see if you want to be sent off with an increasingly
AN Oxford-based group that helps grieving parents is planning to expand after being awarded charitable status. In January 2002, following the death of their 20-month-old son Matthew, Mark Roberts and wife Sarah set up the Matthew Roberts Memorial Fund
A MONTH of music dedicated to raising money and awareness for Oxford-based charity Oxfam is set to come to a close in a spectacular fashion. The organisers of Oxjam are throwing a party in the city to celebrate the end of thousands of different music
TODAY is D-Day for regeneration in Rose Hill as city planners finally decide whether to demolish 97 crumbling Orlit houses. If given the go-ahead, developers will knock down the Orlits in the new year to make way for 254 new homes in a scheme that
THE centre of Broad Street on a bustling weekday is probably one of Oxford's least frightening places. But beneath the sandwich shops and tourist attractions lies a blood-curdling past - the public execution of three of England's leading clergymen.
ALMOST one car every minute is speeding on Oxford's Eastern Bypass. A speed check carried out by our reporters clocked 54 motorists breaking the 50mph limit in just 60 minutes - including two cars that were doing 84mph. Mobile speed cameras were first
DR Jonathan McWilliam, has been appointed Oxfordshire County Council's new equality tsar. Dr McWilliam, the director of public health for the county's NHS primary care trust, will work to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in Oxfordshire, particularly
HENRY Hand admits he was bewitched when he met his future wife Linda on the dance floor 65 years ago. And to prove the point, the couple got married on Halloween in 1942. Mr Hand, 85, of Faringdon Road in Shippon, near Abingdon, said: "What a day
WANDER into the John Bunyan Baptist Church in Cowley on any weekday and you'll probably find a few things you're not expecting. For the church, which nestles behind the not-so-appealing multi-storey car park, will probably have young musicians in its
THE North East Abingdon Community Centre in Lindsay Drive, Abingdon, has plans to improve an overgrown garden and disused bin store to create a new garden. It is planned to cover over the garden with a retractable awning.
A PLAN to convert a house in Rose Hill into flats has been rejected by councillors. The owner of the house in Mayfair Road wanted to build a two-storey rear extension and then convert the property into four flats. Oxford City Council's south east
POLICE are bracing themselves for the busiest night of the year to make sure Halloween does not become a nightmare for the city's elderly residents. Calls to police from frightened residents rocket by 50 per cent in Oxford when youngsters go out "Trick
Almost one car every minute is speeding on Oxford's Eastern Bypass. An Oxford Mail speed check clocked 54 motorists breaking the 50mph limit in just 60 minutes - including two cars that were doing 84mph. Mobile speed cameras were first used on the
Banbury Utd 0, Halesowen Tn 0 Banbury United made it four games unbeaten in the British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division with a goalless draw at the Spencer Stadium. Returning striker Andy Baird saw a header excellently saved by Mark
Oxford City 3, Didcot Tn 4 After sharing six goals with Oxford City on Saturday, Didcot went one better in the Errea Cup second round at Court Place Farm last night. Their 3-3 league draw at the Loop Meadow Stadium had been dramatic enough, but this
