3 august 2017 the oxford paper

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Thursday, August 3, 2017 No.51

day

TV guide

60p

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New season kicks off

Oxford band up for Mercury Prize

NEWS Pages 14&15

PICTURE Pages 28&29

Weekly leisure guide for in & around Oxford

Out& About

THE OXFORD PAPER Family-friendly festival back with something for everyone!

I see KT and many more at Towersey Your guide for your leisure time in & around Oxfordshire

Latest film review > p26

Bollywood love story >

p30

Hooked on The Fishes

> p33

Trauma unit to be relocated after cladding risk assessment

HOSPITAL: WE HAD TO MOVE PATIENTS

Eva Astreinidou: Reporter

HEALTH chiefs had ‘no alternative’ but to move patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital after a safety review it ordered identified the trauma unit as a fire risk.

Fifty-two beds will be moved tomorrow to other wards after independent experts pinpointed ‘serious and embedded fire safety issues’ in the building, which was opened 15 years ago.

These included problems with cladding, inadequate fire breaks between floors and the difficulties in evacuating patients.

The NHS trust that runs the hospital is planning to replace the cladding, and address other safety concerns – all of which could take up to 12 months to carry out, according to a spokesperson.

An extraordinary board meeting of the Oxford University Hospital Foundation Trust decided last Thursday to move the beds after it received the results of the safety assessment from Bicester-based Trenton Fire in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

It said the 52 beds would not be moved within the hospital until August 4 to allow enough time to prepare ‘new locations appropriately’ and work to identify beds in the community for patients to help free up beds at the hospital.

Meantime it put in place measures

to ensure the safety of trauma unit patients, such as regular patrols by fire wardens.

Rosalind Pearce, executive director at the watchdog group Healthwatch Oxfordshire, praised the trust for its actions.

She said: “I am pleased that OUH have reacted so quickly.

“What we don’t need is patients [feeling] scared. What we need is to know that a high standard of care will continue.”

Asked if the move would cause delays for patients awaiting routine surgery, she said the trust could be looking to open up a ward that was previously not being used.

She said the main issue is the ‘fasttracking’ of patients on to community beds, adding: “Is there enough capacity in the community to take those patients? And will they have appropriate care?”

Dr Prit Buttar, chair of Oxfordshire Local Medical Committee which represents GPs and practices in the county, said: “The problem would be if there is an overall reduction of beds and capacity. We are not in a position to confirm this either way.”

But he added: “What would be the alternative? To recognize there is a fire

A sight for saw eyes!

THERE will certainly be a buzz around Blenheim Palace over the next few days when BBC Countryfile Live comes to Woodstock.

As well as the usual countryside pursuits and foodie delights, 16 of the UK’s top timbersport athletes will be competing with their axes and chainsaws in the lumberjack competition.

Among them is Witney’s Darryn Reilly, pictured here, sawing a log, one of the disciplines.

■ For more on BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace including traffic information, see page 3

Continues on page 2

KICK-START YOUR CAREER For everything from summer jobs to management roles Join us on Pingle Field, located next to Bicester Village (access via the bridge from Bicester Village) on Wednesday 9 August, from 10 am to 4 pm.

SOFIA S A L E S A S S I S TA N T

Are you a talented person with a passion for luxury retail? Bring your enthusiasm to a role at Bicester Village. Come to the Talent Day to discover the perfect role, with more than 40 brands offering managerial and non managerial positions.

For more information and to register, visit Careers.BicesterVillage.com © Bicester Village 2017

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Four buildings to be closed From front page

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safety risk but say ‘we are not able to deal with this’? You have to deal with it.”

Speaking after the news, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran said the announcement is ‘deeply concerning’, especially at a time when the number of beds is falling due to cutbacks in the NHS. Dr Bruno Holthof, chief executive of OUH said: “Our highest priority is the patients in our care and our staff who are dedicated in their care for

those patients. We will implement any changes necessary to ensure that our patients are safe.”

In the days after the Grenfell Tower disaster on June 14, the trust was asked

by NHS bosses to assess risks to buildings on four main sites in Oxfordshire, giving priority to buildings that housed inpatients.

The trust identified four buildings that needed closer examination, including the trauma unit and office areas occupied by staff within the John Rad-

cliffe as well as the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) and the Pet/CT Crick Building at the Churchill Hospital.

There is no requirement to provide additional fire safety measures for the two buildings on the Churchill site.

The office areas at the John Radcliffe will require new cladding to be put on the roof, but they have been deemed relatively low risk and are safe for workers to remain while the work is carried out.

Expert advice to help encourage more people to get on their bikes OXFORD will be joining forces with cycling experts and its ‘growth corridor’ partners to get more people to ‘choose two wheels over four’.

Local authorities from Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes are to be given expert advice on how to prioritise cycling as a mode of transport.

Andrew Gilligan, former cycling commissioner for London, will look at what infrastructure can be delivered, as well as what funding would be required if changes were to be made.

His findings will be published later this year.

Councillor Louise Upton, champion for cycling for Oxford City Council, said: “Oxford is a medieval city with

a 21st century economy, and 21st century problems of pollution, traffic congestion and unhealthy levels of inactivity. We desperately need to increase cycling rates to tackle all these problems.”

Oxford is second nationally in the number of residents that travel by bike, with 19 per cent of commuters choosing to travel this way but there is relatively limited infrastructure designed for bikes.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Councillor Ian Hudspeth said: “We look forward to sharing with Andrew how we are making cycling accessible to everyone in Oxfordshire, regardless of age, background or cycling experience.”

Councillor Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Oxford is already a renowned cycling city, but we have aspirations to significantly increase the number of people commuting to work by bike.”

Last month, new signs were installed on all 11 roads entering the city centre as part of a vision to be a city that ‘truly welcomes cyclists’.

The city council has also made cycling a focal point in the draft Vision 2050, a document outlining the priorities for the growing city, which include creating safe and accessible cycling routes and keeping parts of the centre traffic free for large parts of the day.

‘Very small village’ fights against dangerous plans CAMPAIGNERS in a small village are calling on supporters to fight against ‘dangerous’ plans to build more than 70 new homes across from a school.

The application for land adjacent to the Village Hall Main Road in East Hagbourne was submitted in July and is now under consultation.

Now, campaign group ‘Red Light Greenlight’ is calling to supporters to join its cause and comment on the 74-home plans by August 16.

The group also launched a petition, collecting more than 250 signatures, and campaigned outside the school earlier this week to raise awareness.

They are calling for the plan submitted by Greenlight Developments to be halted until an independent traffic safety survey is carried out to evaluate the danger caused by increased traffic across from the village primary and pre-school.

Campaigner Susan Pring said the influx of cars would create increased unsafe levels of traffic.

She said: “Our village is classified as very small so a development like this would not be in keeping with its size.”

She added the group will be presenting the petition to South Oxfordshire District Council and Oxfordshire County Council by the end of the week, and are hoping there will be enough time for a traffic survey.

Commenting on the application, a spokesperson from East Hagbourne

Susan Pring is joined by fellow campaigners in the fight against plans for 74 homes across the road from the village school parish council said: “The disproportionate size of this proposed development would amount to a 15 per cent increase in the number of houses in the village and would have a significant and damaging effect on the village community and infrastructure.

“The proposal is a massive overdevelopment completely out of proportion to the village and the village environment. [It] is unsustainable, intrusive, and dangerous and should be rejected.”

SJ Barksfield, a village resident, said: “Pedestrian safety would be

compromised with children crossing to get to and from the school, as well as pedestrians trying to walk along Main Road and along the unclassified road out of the village.

“The increased traffic from this development (and the building work) would only make driving through the village more difficult with the potential for serious accidents.”

Greenlight Developers had not commented as we went to press.

To view and comment on the application, visit https://tinyurl.com/ ya3wlqzh.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 3

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NEWS

Missing man: Man stabbed appeal for help in gang attack

Darryn Reilly is just one of the contestants taking part in the lumberjack competition

Get a real buzz at Countryfile Live THOUSANDS are expected to head to BBC Countryfi le Live this weekend to enjoy talks on the countryside, join in adventures, and watch a nail biting lumberjack competition.

The event is returning to Blenheim Palace for its second year from Thursday to Sunday.

The event will have something for everyone, including conversations on the countryside, foodie delights, as well as Stihl Timbersports, a nerve wracking international lumberjack competition, on Saturday.

The thrill-seeking event sees the top 16 UK Timbersports athletes compete across six axe and chainsaw contests.

Witney man Darryn Reilly, 44, is one of the athletes taking part.

Speaking of the upcoming event, he said: “I am very nervous – I have

only just learned to do the last two challenges.”

He added: “Whenever I compete I am absolutely buzzing afterwards, especially if I win.”

He said he has just trained once in the event called ‘hot saw’, where, using extremely powerful chainsaws, the aim is to cut three sections of a specified thickness from a horizontally positioned trunk as quickly as possible.

Less extreme entertainment on offer over the weekend includes a chance to sample and buy food from tenant producers and watch TV chefs in the farmyard cookery theatre.

Families can also enjoy a ‘mini adventure’ in the magical 50 things woodland play area.

Temporary road restrictions will be in place throughout the event-packed

weekend as well as a new 2,000-space car park.

Stagecoach have also announced they will be running two shuttle buses from Oxford & Hanborough station direct to Blenheim Palace.

A new traffic system will also see Upper Campsfield Road closed southbound towards Bladon roundabout from 8am to noon on all four days.

Park Lane northwards of Bladon Road will also be closed from 6am to 10pm each day with access only for residents and event vehicles.

A 30mph speed limit will be in place on the A44 from Sandy Lane roundabout to Woodstock from 6am today to 11pm on Sunday.

Drivers will not be able to turn right on the A44 northbound carriageway into Begbroke Science Park or at the Langford Lane signalised junction.

Humza Hussain has been missing since July 27 POLICE are appealing for information about a 21-year-old man who was last seen on Friday July 27.

Humza Hussain is known to frequent Oxford and Bicester and also has connections with Wembley.

He was last seen in the Cowley area of Oxford around 6pm that day.

He is described as Asian, around 5ft 6ins tall, of broad build, with short black hair, brown eyes and has a beard.

He is thought to be driving a black Volkswagen Golf with the registration number YG04 MKN. Investigating officer Detective Inspector Jim Holmes, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Humza.

“We would appeal for anyone with information as to his whereabouts to come forward.”

If you have any information, contact police on 101.

A MAN is in hospital after he was stabbed following an attack by a number of offenders.

Officers were called by the ambulance service following reports that a man had been stabbed in Crowberry Road in Blackbird Leys on Monday at 9.55pm.

Police attended the scene where the victim, a 31-year-old man, had sustained serious injuries to his arm and leg.

It is believed that he was attacked by a number of offenders.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains at this time.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryan Groves, said officers were in the area conducting a thorough investigation on Tuesday.

If you have any information, call police on 101.

Submit claim for compensation IN the story last week about Oxford railway station not being open when passengers tried to enter on Sunday July 23 we wrongly stated Great Western Railway did not comment on compensation.

GWR did in fact urge customers affected to contact them for any compensation claims to be considered.

Passengers who thinks they may be entitled to a refund should contact GWR at www.gwr.com/ help-and-support/refunds-andcompensation We apologise for the error.

Calls to overturn bus ban amid fears of congestion George Welch: Reporter NATIONAL passenger groups are lobbying the government to overturn a ban on buses in Queen Street, criticising the county council for ‘creating more congestion and pollution’.

Bus Users UK has written to the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling urging him to overturn the ban in time for the opening of the Westgate in October.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) decided to go ahead with an 18-month experimental ban on buses and taxis in the Oxford street at a cabinet meeting last month.

After the county council and bus operators reached an impasse regarding the proposed closure in the heart of the city, its fate is now in the hands of Mr Grayling’s department.

Bus Users, which campaigns for

better services and works to protect the interests of bus/coach users, has now written to Mr Grayling challenging the county council’s decision.

Chief executive Claire Walters said: “What particularly concerns us is that bus passengers will be paying more, as operators seek to recover some of their costs, on journeys that will actually be taking longer.

“This will put people off using the bus and encourage those who can drive to use their cars, which will simply add to the congestion and pollution already being created.”

She added: “There is no evidence whatsoever to support this decision and we are urging Oxford County Council to overturn the ban.”

In the letter, which has also been sent to DfT under-secretary Jesse Norman, the organisation raised concerns that the ban would make journey times longer, adding 149,000

unnecessary miles to bus routes and creating pollution and congestion elsewhere.

A total of 48 per cent of respondents to a survey on the plan, which closed in June, opposed the ban. A third supported it.

And Bus Users has the support of Confederation of Passenger Transport, which claims to be “recognised by government as the voice of the bus and coach industry”.

Its chief executive, Simon Posner, said: “Anything which makes bus travel less attractive, and which deters passengers from using local services, will increase congestion and be detrimental to the local environment.”

OCC leader Ian Hudspeth said Queen Street should be closed when the Westgate shopping centre reopens on October 24 due to health and safety concerns on the street.

TEL. 01865 777 303 UNIT 5, 16 A PONY ROAD, HORSPATH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, COWLEY OXFORD OX4 2RD MONDAY - FRIDAY 8.30AM - 5.30PM SATURDAY 10AM-1PM WWW.OXFORDSTONECRAFTSMANSHIP.CO.UK

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NEWS

Westgate and Crisis ask people to think What If?

The hoardings on display in St Ebbes Street

WESTGATE Oxford is offering a unique perspective on homelessness with new hoardings uncovered yesterday.

The partnership with Crisis Skylight Oxford features artwork created

by Crisis clients in the city.

The What If? project on St Ebbes Street is part of the wider Art in Crisis initiative.

Brendan Hattam, general manager at Westgate, said they are looking to support the community as the development edges towards its opening on October 24.

He said: “We’re continuously looking for ways to support the local community and surrounding areas, and homelessness is a key focus for us.

“We’re really proud to be working with Crisis Skylight Oxford on this thought-provoking project and supporting the brilliant work they do.”

Kate Cocker, director of Crisis Skylight Oxford, said the project has

helped give Crisis clients the confidence and motivation they often feel without when homeless.

She said: “Tapping into creativity builds the self-esteem needed to move into education, volunteering or employment and the results speak for themselves.

“Last year 96 per cent of the people who participated in Crisis’ art activities increased their motivation. Whether in photography, dance, music, painting or drama, art can spark a sense of self, producing focus and a clear outlook on the future.

Art in Crisis is the perfect way to celebrate the amazing work our clients produce.”

Oxford Crisis client Justin said: “Learning photography at Crisis has improved my focus and perception… not just with a camera but in life.”

For more information about Crisis Skylight Oxford, visit their website at: www.crisis.org.uk/get-help/oxford/

Accident highlights usage of seatbelts WORRIED members of the west Oxfordshire public rushed to the aid of the occupants of a flipped car in Chipping Norton.

The white hatchback completely overturned in an incident on London Road on Tuesday last week shortly after 10am.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and

South Central Ambulance Service crews were called to the scene.

Two fire engines from Chipping Norton and Hook Norton attended.

The occupants of the car were able to release themselves and were being treated by members of the public prior to the emergency services arrival.

There were no serious injuries.

Incident commander, crew manager Lewis Sigsworth said: “On this occasion the occupiers were very fortunate to only suffer minor injuries due to them wearing seatbelts.

“This highlights the importance of wearing your seatbelt at all times.”

Drug dealer must repay £1m or face 14 years jail George Welch: Reporter A CRIMINAL mastermind behind a drug ring that distributed illegal substances across the south of England has been ordered to pay back £1million.

Neil Wadley, formerly of Pound Lane, Upton near Didcot, was the kingpin in a gang which supplied class A and B substances to users in Didcot, Oxford, Reading, Swindon and further afield to Avon and Somerset.

The 49-year-old has been ordered to pay the £1m within three months and has been sentenced to 14 years behind bars if the order is not paid.

If he fails to pay up, the sentence will be added to the 17 years he is already serving, which relate to dealings in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas between 2014 and 2015.

Wadley, who was served the confiscation order at Oxford Crown Court on July 21, based himself in the Oxfordshire area, from where the organised crime group operated.

During police investigations, officers seized around 9kg of cocaine, 1kg of MDMA powder, nearly 5,000 MDMA tablets, 4kg of amphetamine powder, 3kg of Methoxetamine and 18kg of cannabis resin. The combined street value was around £1.3m.

Following a seizure of a large amount of cocaine from an address

Neil Wadley was supplying drugs to users in Oxfordshire, Reading and Swindon in Newbury in January 2015, part of the organised crime group was partially dismantled.

Wadley fled to Spain, leaving others in control of the operation, but was arrested by Spanish police two months later and returned to the UK to face justice.

He and nine other gang members were jailed for more than 90 years in January 2016.

This triggered confiscation proceedings against Wadley, who was deemed to have benefited from his criminal activity, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The legislation allows the police to deprive criminals of what has been obtained from their crimes on top of any sentences imposed by the courts.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) applied for and were granted a Serious Crime Prevention Order against Wadley, placing restrictions when he is released on his communication devices, possession of cash, bank accounts, association and travel, which will be monitored for five years.

As part of the fi nancial investigations the CPS and police have further secured confiscation orders against some of the others convicted in the conspiracy.

This includes £57,078.44 from Arthur DeSousa, 49, from Reading in May and £8,515 from Vasil Rica, 37, from Southend-On-Sea, Essex in September 2016.

Detective Inspector Gavin Tyrrell, head of Thames Valley Police Economic Crime Unit said: “The defendant [Wadley] had clearly benefited as a result of his ‘criminal lifestyle’, during this conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

“This another great success for our Stronghold campaign which tackles organised crime in the Thames Valley.

“Cash is the lifeblood of crime and cutting off supply not only removes the profits from crime but also stops the reinvestment into criminal enterprises.”

Thursday, August 3, 2017 5

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NEWS

Threats to park staff after wolf shot dead Eva Astreinidou: Reporter STAFF at a wildlife park have received threats after they had to shoot a wolf that had escaped from the premises.

According to representatives from Cotswold Wildlife Park, the wolf managed to get out of the enclosure where her partner and five cubs were kept, and was shot by staff after she was found out of reach of a tranquiliser gun on July 21.

One week after the incident, a spokesperson said police received reports of threats made against staff via voicemail and email.

They added: “Uniformed patrols have been taking place in the area as part of the investigation, and to provide reassurance.”

In the outcome of the park’s investigation, staff said no access had been left unlocked or open, but that there was a low reading on the voltage of the fence around the wolf enclosure.

Further tests on-site proved that

Staff had to take action after Ember escaped from her enclosure Picture: Jackie Thomas the fence energiser had developed a fault, which is now being investigated by the manufacturers.

In a statement, managing director Reggie Heyworth said: “At no point during this incident were any of our

visitors in any danger. The safety and wellbeing of all our visitors is our fi rst priority.

“We are confident that this incident was an isolated case and that the replacement equipment, combined with an even more intensive electric fence-testing regime, will ensure that our wolf enclosure will provide a safe and secure home for our wolves.”

Earlier this year Ember had her fi rst litter of cubs, the fi rst to be born at the park in its 47-year history.

Mr Heyworth added: “Ash, our male wolf, is displaying encouraging ‘natural’ behaviour as a single parent to his 10-week-old cubs, who are close to being fully weaned.

“We remain confident that the cubs will continue to grow from strength to strength, that Ember’s genetic heritage will endure, and that her life, though short, will have been worthwhile.”

After the shooting last month, a representative from the park said they were left ‘devastated’ after ‘a very difficult time’.

Row, eat, sleep, repeat Lesley completes 1,800-mile round Britain challenge Matthew Brown: Reporter ‘EVERYTHING she imagined it would be and much more’ is how intrepid rower Lesley Foden has described her round Britain challenge.

Setting out from Burnham-onCrouch in Essex on June 3, the crew of five rowed 1,800 miles clockwise around Britain, and had to contend with high winds and 25-metre waves as well as enjoying stunning sunsets and sunrises and having dolphins for company.

Lesley, who trained at Abingdon Rowing Club, finished back in Essex on July 29.

“I would have to say it was absolutely everything I had imagined it would be and probably a lot more as well.

“It was jolly, jolly very hard work and strangely, the things that were hard work weren’t necessarily the physical bits,” the 60-year-old said.

“It was really the psychological part of it which I found hard as well.”

The married mother-of-one said

Thames Valley Police dog handlers will showcase their skills

Learn all about ruff justice THAMES Valley Police hold their annual open day at their Sulhamstead training centre on Saturday.

Highlights include arena displays showcasing the specialist dog, horse and public order teams, a chance to see the force helicopter up close, and a name a police puppy competition.

For the fi rst time, visitors will also be able to become a detective for the day, working with the Forensic Invesigation Unit to uncover how Mr Money Bags met his unfortunate demise.

The theme for the open day is ‘children and young people’, and there will be a dedicated kids’ zone featuring the cadets and Mini Police recruits, as well as children’s fancy

dress with a parade and prizes for the best outfits.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “I am looking forward to welcoming the families and residents from across the Thames Valley to our 11th annual open day.

“This is a great opportunity to come and see the diverse range of policing services we deliver, in collaboration with our partners, to keep the region safe and secure.

“With over 40 exhibitors on site ranging from Crimestoppers to the South Central Ambulance Service, there is something for everyone.”

The open day is running from 10am to 4pm. The postcode for the training centre is RG7 4DX.

Lesley Foden enjoyed some well-earned champagne back in Essex having sailed round St Ives among other places Pictures: Mark Foden there were many highlights to the row: “We saw dolphins everyday and they were just beautiful. One day we had 20 or 30 of them around the boat and flipping in the air and it was just fantastic, the birds too, I think we saw a whale, jelly fish and fish, just wonderful, wonderful wildlife.

“There were some amazing sights, seeing the whole coastline of Britain from the outside looking in isn’t something that you normally do and it was fantastic.”

However, there were some hairy moments along the way and none more so than during the last week when they were trying to get into Hartlepool Harbour at midnight with strong winds and 25-metre waves, at the end of a tough day.

“We couldn’t get in [to the harbour] and they [the waves] were really up above us, they were crashing into the boat, that was a real capsize moment, we got there and stayed upright, by the time we got there, I was so exhausted,” Lesley explained.

Living on the eight-metre boat was also “very tough and brutal” with Lesley surviving on a diet of oatcakes, baby-bell cheese, nuts, raisins and water, she added: “It was row, eat, sleep, repeat.”

Not to mention the bruises from being thrown about in rough seas.

The crew usually rowed in pairs in two-hour shifts, day and night with these were arduous as Lesley explained: “I would say we had no more than 40 hours of wind behind us for the whole journey so for 54 days, we went straight through the headwind and that just meant we were rowing so hard all of the time.”

Lesley who lives in East Woodhay has already raised £3,500 for the RNLI and said her marvellous achievement had not quite sunk in.

“When I finished, I just felt overwhelmingly calm,” she said.

“I still feel quite numb, I keep thinking about it but I haven’t had that little moment where I’ve thought ‘woah, I’ve done it.’”

R ALU C A STO RE MANAGER

KICK-START YOUR CAREER For everything from summer jobs to management roles Join us on Pingle Field, located next to Bicester Village (access via the bridge from Bicester Village) on Wednesday 9 August, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Are you a talented person with a passion for luxury retail?

Bring your enthusiasm to a role at Bicester Village. Come to the Talent Day to discover the perfect role, with more than 40 brands offering managerial and non managerial positions.

For more information and to register, visit Careers.BicesterVillage.com

© Bicester Village 2017

07/17

4553

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NEWS

A34 funding comes as homes approved Eva Astreinidou: Reporter PLANS to build 950 new homes in Abingdon were unanimously approved the same day vital funding was promised for major A34 improvements nearby.

The plans for the new homes north of Dunmore Road and Twelve Acre Drive were approved last Wednesday by the Vale of White Horse District Council.

The decision came hours after £9million of funding was promised by the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, in order to deliver two new south-facing slip roads at the A34 Lodge Hill interchange.

The go-ahead for the application by developers CEG will help to secure further funding of more than £3.3m through developer contributions.

The road works will help alleviate congestion in the area, and help accommodate the influx of new homes.

Council leader Matthew Barber

said: “With the go-ahead for this planning application, [the] significant improvement scheme for the A34 is taking a step forward, which is important for future housing and economic growth.

“We will now be continuing to work to get the best possible agreements with developers to ensure high quality community facilities and supporting infrastructure is in place.”

Although many local politicians were relieved at the funding decision for road improvements, saying that it would provide the infrastructure needed for the homes, others were still sceptical the funding would come in good time.

After the decision to approve the development, Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran, tweeted: “Lodge Hill money promised. But scepticism among community [is] strong. I’ll be chasing to make sure it happens.”

Cllr Roger Cox, district council cabinet member for planning,

said there are conditions to the approval, including a legal agreement that no more than 150 homes can be occupied before confi rmation of the phasing of payments towards the Lodge Hill scheme.

“Further to that, there would be no more than 400 homes occupied before a contract is agreed to build the slip roads,” he added.

The 950-home development will include more than 330 affordable homes, 50 retirement homes, a new school, an 80-bed care home and community facilities, subject to conditions stated.

The funding secured by the government will be made over four years towards the scheme, with the fi rst payment likely to be made in September.

Plans to upgrade the A34 Lodge Hill junction were cast into doubt in February when the government allocated just £24.16m of a £382m bid for road projects in Oxfordshire. The cash was not enough to cover the construction at Lodge Hill, expected to cost around £18m.

Father and son drug dealers jailed A FATHER and his three sons have been sentenced to a total of more than 20 years in prison for drug offences.

The men, all from Hurst Street, Oxford, were sentenced at the city’s crown court last Wednesday after pleading guilty to offences that took place between August 2016 and January 2017.

The father, Din Ahmed, 76, was sentenced to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply heroin and one count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.

Arshad Ahmed, 40, was also sentenced to four years after admitting the same offences.

Waseem Ahmed, 32, was sentenced to six years and eight months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply heroin, one count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and one count of acquiring or possessing criminal property.

The conspiracy offences took place between August 2016 and January 2017, the count of acquiring or possession of criminal prop-

Din Ahmed, top left, and sons Arshad, Nadeem and Waseem erty took place on January 24.

Nadeem Ahmed, 34, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply heroin and one count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.

All of the men were arrested on January 24 after officers executed

a warrant.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Jones said: “The Ahmeds have sought fit to live out a life of supplying drugs on a large scale, and had a detrimental effect on the community around them.

“I hope that local people will see the benefits of these men being behind bars.”

New food map pinpoints help at hand AN online database of food banks promises to help tackle the rising problem of food poverty in Oxford.

The service will let users search for local facilities and whether they are open access or require a referral. Oxford City Council, Feeding the Gaps, and Good Food Oxford joined forces to create a map and database of services providing free or subsidised food within Oxford.

This comes after research showed an increase in demand

for emergency food aid in the city and that people do not always know where to go for help.

Cllr Dee Sinclair, board member for culture and communities, said: “Not only will [the map] make it easier for people to access the food services they need but it will also help us to monitor the take up of services and identify any gaps.”

Along with the map, there will be a database of information for other services such as support groups

and computer services.

Jade Neville, project coordinator at Feeding the Gaps, said: “From community cupboards, to food banks to low cost cafes, there are so many brilliant projects helping people eat affordably in Oxford.

But it’s easy for people to miss out.

The support we’ve received from Oxford City Council has enabled us to address this need.”

Visit www.oxford.gov.uk/foodservicemap

Thursday, August 3, 2017 7

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

NEWS

Comedian stands up to blisters to finish trek COMEDIAN Bill Bailey battled blisters and the British summer elements to raise £10,000 for a cancer charity.

Pouring rain, strong winds and plummeting temperatures failed to deter the funnyman as he trekked 100 miles along the Ridgeway last week.

It all went to plan – apart from having to walk a day barefoot due to blisters – as the 53-year-old completed the journey and has, so far, raised £10,140 for Stand Up To Cancer.

Bill had a loyal band of supporters along the way and, although comedian Jo Brand was ill and Lee Mack couldn’t join the quest, Sean Lock and Martin Trenaman did show their faces in support.

There for the trek in its entirety was Bill’s wife Kris and friends from different parts of the world, including Denmark, Australia and Japan, who had flown in especially to join him.

Bill, who lost his mum to cancer, took on the six-day challenge back to front.

He said: “I love the route. It’s just stunning – a beautiful bit of old England which is surprisingly remote.”

Going east-to-west instead, Bill

began his walk at the crack of dawn on Monday last week just before the start of the Ridgeway on Dunstable Downs.

The comic and his team of supporters arrived in Watlington last Tuesday before continuing to Streatley the following day.

The adventure ended at Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire on Saturday.

Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK, said: “Bill and his team did brilliantly well, making it through 100 miles of rain, wind, aching muscles and blisters.

“They have raised a huge sum for Stand Up To Cancer which will make a significant contribution to helping to get game-changing new treatments to patients faster.

“We hope others will now follow Bill’s lead and get active – not necessarily walking 100 miles but choosing their own way to help beat cancer sooner.”

Fundraising money is still mounting up and to offer support, text BILL5 to donate £5 to 70404, BILL10 to donate £10 to 70404, or donate online at tinyurl. com/y82ky8ss

Health trust ‘getting better’ but more to do A HEALTH trust that took responsibility for the death of an Oxford teen in its care is learning from past mistakes – but more still needs to be done to protect patients, according to a health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is getting better at investigating serious incidents and deaths.

But the report, published on Friday, added there was still much to do, citing delays in providing special mattresses and beds for patients approaching the end of their lives and problems providing and repairing wheelchairs.

Issues at the trust, which is currently facing two separate prosecutions, came to light after 18-year-old Connor Sparrowhawk drowned in a bath at the trust’s Slade House in Headington in 2013.

The CQC said patients demanded ‘swifter action’ in making improvements.

Paul Lelliott, deputy chief inspector of hospitals at the CQC, said: “Some patients and families did express concerns that things hadn’t changed enough and they would like to see swifter action with more effective communications when things

Connor Sparrowhawk drowned in a bath, while under Southern Health care go wrong. The majority of staff we met told us that they believed that the interim chair and interim chief executive were making a positive difference in changing the culture.

“The trust is certainly moving in the right direction and we hope this progress will continue under the new leadership team.”

A MAN has been charged with robbery after stealing from and causing injuries to an elderly man in a busy area of Oxford.

Police are looking for witnesses following the incident on July 19 at approximately 12.10pm in New Road, near the Malmaison Hotel.

A man approached the elderly man from behind and grabbed hold of the victim’s bag, in an attempt to steal it.

The victim held onto the bag while the suspect pulled at the bag forcefully causing the pensioner to fall over. The victim ended up in the middle of the road with injuries to her face, wrist and feet and had to go to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

He has since been discharged.

The offender ran off with the bag that contained a large sum of money, and ran towards Malmaison Hotel. If you have any information, call 101.

Tell councils about changes TWO councils are currently carrying out checks to ensure council tax payers are not claiming discounts they are no longer entitled to.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse district councils are asking anyone receiving 25 per cent off their bill as a single person but whose circumstances may have changed to get in touch.

If you now have anyone else living with you and are not entitled to the single person discount get in touch with SODC at 0345 302 2313 or Vale 0345 302 2315.

Comedian Bill Bailey strides out across the Ridgeway where he was joined by funnyman Sean Lock, right, and accompanied by his wife Kris, far right

George Welch: Reporter

OAP injured as bag snatched

Southern Health welcomed the CQC’s latest fi ndings. Julie Dawes, interim chief executive, said: “This report gives us additional confidence that we are taking the right approach to improving our services.

“We are not complacent and fully accept that we have more work to do. We have clear plans in place to improve each area that the CQC has highlighted.”

The report still rates the trust as ‘requires improvement’, following March’s inspection of 44 trust locations.

The Health and Safety Executive is prosecuting the trust following an investigation into the death of Connor.

The teenager suffered an epileptic seizure and drowned while taking a bath in the trust’s care.

Despite initially claiming he died of natural causes, the trust eventually accepted responsibility for Connor’s death in June last year and offered the his family compensation.

It is also being prosecuted by the CQC over safety after an unnamed patient suffered serious injuries during a fall from a low roof at the trust’s Melbury Lodge site in Hampshire.

Visit tinyurl.com/y9ss7mlc for the full report.

8 Thursday, August 3, 2017

News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

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Thursday, August 3, 2017 9

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

NEWS Michael Linton and wife Gillian with the world-record artwork

Three million pieces of history A WORLD-RECORD mosaic made of three million tiny pieces of steel is on tour in Oxfordshire to remember a turning point in the history of England.

Michael Linton, 63, a retired steel knitter, is exhibiting the piece until August 30 at the exhibition at Burford School in Burford.

The 350kg medieval mosaic holds the Guinness World Record as the largest steel mosaic and depicts the ‘untold stories’ of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The masterpiece took Michael over three decades to complete, with help from his daughter Rachael.

Speaking to the Oxford Paper, Rachael said: “My father took 33 years creating this incredible piece of art and I feel it deserves to be

exhibited so that as many people can see and enjoy it.

“It’s a stunning visual reference for anyone interested in learning about 11th century medieval history, our history of England. I feel very happy to be able to provide a resource like that.

“We would like to keep it perpetually on tour so that people can enjoy the art and history of the piece.”

Michael began making the mosaic in 1979, and in 2001 he and his daughter researched and drew the scenes from 1066 on to the steel pieces.

Their eight-metre ‘finale’ depicts events leading up to the crowning of William the Conqueror and Christmas Day in 1066.

A further 22-metre section which

took eight years to complete, tells the stories of the Battle of Fulford and the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Speaking of the choice of the subject matter, Gillian, Michael’s wife, said: “History has always been something we have been fascinated by.”

She added: “It’s been a part of our lives for so long – but it is from people’s responses to it that we realise what a really amazing legacy it would leave behind.”

The piece, which was shipped from New Zealand, where the couple were living prior to the tour, will be travelling to Oxford in early September and the family hope the tour will continue across the UK until 2020.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Michael Linton proudly shows off his work Picture: Justin Lycett

Man’s face cut in street robbery A MAN was threatened with a knife and cut on the face before having money stolen near a supermarket in Banbury.

Police are looking for witnesses following the robbery on July 17 at 11.10pm.

The victim, a 31-year-old, was walking past the entrance of Morrisons supermarket on Swan Close Road, when he saw a man walking on the road towards him from the direction of Tramway Industrial Estate.

As the man approached the victim, he pulled a light brown wooden handle, which appeared to be a knife, from either his waistband or sleeve.

The offender grabbed the victim and threatened him. The victim offered his MP3 player and other items but the offender continued to threaten him and then cut the victim’s face, leaving four cuts on his chin and jaw bone.

The offender then took the victim’s wallet and removed cash from it, before walking off towards Upper Windsor Street.

The offender is described as a white man in his twenties, thin, about 6ft tall, with a ‘pasty complexion’ and marks on his face.

He was believed to have been wearing a grey top, and dark trousers worn over the top of work-style boots which had rounded toe caps.

The upper part of his top was pulled up over his face across his nose.

If you have any information, call police on 101.

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More action needed to fight air pollution

Eva Astreinidou: Reporter OXFORD city’s leader has joined forces with leaders across the country to criticise the government’s air quality plan, warning it is not going far enough.

Local councillors joined leaders from Leeds, Birmingham, Leicester and Southampton, as well as the Mayor of Liverpool to urge the secretary of state to deal with the public health crisis caused by polluting vehicles and dirty air.

This comes after Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the government’s clear air plan last week, confirming that the sale of all diesel and petrol vehicles will be banned by 2040, but that authorities would have a choice on whether or not to implement the ‘scrappage’ policy.

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said the plans are ‘weak’ and do not provide enough support for the introduction of electric, hydrogen or bio gas powered vehicles, warning that Oxford ‘cannot wait until 2040 for clean air’.

Councillor John Tanner, executive board member for a Clean and Green Oxford, said: “We need urgent action now. We are leading on tackling air quality in Oxford, but we are anxious to work with the government to tackle this public health emergency more strategically.”

Mr Gove also announced a £255m fund to help councils tackle harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel vehicles.

Mr Gove said he wanted local councils to come up with solutions using the new funds.

Cllr Tanner added: “The government’s decision to abdicate

its responsibilities and push responsibility for air quality to local authorities risks a patchwork approach across the UK.” Last month, the city council said cycling and walking routes have formed a key part of the city’s draft Vision 2050 as well as keeping parts of the centre traffic free for large parts of the day, to help improve air quality.

New electric vehicle charging stations have also been installed in residential streets and for taxis.

A low emission zone was also introduced in the city centre in 2014, cutting air pollution by 36.9 per cent across the city in the last decade.

Cllr Tanner added: “We are looking to introduce a zero emission zone in the city centre by 2020, and we would like to see the government supporting us in this endeavour.”

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NEWS

Chlorine fumes force family out of their home A FAMILY of five and their pets had a lucky escape after they were overcome by chemical fumes in their house.

Fire crews were called to reports of a chemical smell at a house in Red Kite Way, Didcot on Thursday last week shortly after midnight.

When they arrived, three young children, a man and a woman, had evacuated the house.

The man was given oxygen and the family were taken to hospital for further checks and monitoring.

Firefighters entered the property to rescue the family’s two dogs and administered oxygen before calling for a vet.

Both pets are expected to make a full recovery.

The chemical smell was due to chlorine tablets stored in an open container under the sink with other products.

The crews were at the scene until about 4.30am until the chemicals were safely collected by a specialist company.

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Estate agent’s feet help to raise £26k for Footsteps Eva Astreinidou: Reporter A MAN from Oxford has raised £26,000 for a children’s disability charity after two years of fundraising.

Estate agent James Gesner collected the funds for Footsteps Foundation by organising golf tournaments at Hadden Hill in Didcot and by running the London Marathon.

He set himself the challenge of organising the long fundraising campaign after visiting the specialist children’s physiotherapy centre in Dorchester-on-Thames.

On running the London Marathon this year James said: “At over £400 per mile I knew I had to keep on going – I just thought of the kids I have met at Footsteps – some of them are really severely disabled but they are really brave, they always have a smile on their faces despite life’s difficulties.”

Footsteps Foundation manager Maggie Davies said: “James is an inspiration. With four children of his own and running his own successful estate agency, he still fi nds time to put in a huge amount of effort for our small charity. We get no funding from the government or the NHS and rely

on amazing supporters like James.”

Around 12 years ago, the founder of the charity, Pip Hoyer Millar, found specialist therapy equipment known as spider in Poland and took her daughter Minty, who has cerebral palsy, for treatment.

After Minty became much more mobile, Pip decided to trial this therapy in the UK. Footsteps Foundation was set up

James Gesner with a cheque he gave to Footsteps last year; above, the golf day at Hadden Hill and having completed the marathon to help fund the therapy for those on lower incomes. Footsteps has been helping disabled children improve their strength and mobility and has provided over 80,000 hours of specialist therapy for disabled kids.

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Thursday, August 3, 2017 11

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

NEWS

Williams drives development of electric battery

Williams Advanced Engineering supplies batteries for all Formula E cars, including for Oxford’s DS Virgin Racing reserve driver Alex Lynn, pictured. Picture: DS Virgin Racing

George Welch: Reporter AN Oxfordshire Formula 1 team has backed a government pledge to make the UK a world leader in electric battery development.

Grove-based Williams has welcomed the drive to invest nearly £250million in battery technology that the government says will power its industrial strategy.

Williams Advanced Engineering, the engineering and technology business that focuses on transferring F1 expertise outside of motorsport, has urged industry bosses to exploit local knowledge in the face of competition from Asia and the US. It urged the government to utilise ‘Motorsport Valley’ – the area home to a number of leading motor racing teams based around Oxfordshire and the Midlands – to lead the battery revolution.

Craig Wilson, managing direc-

tor of Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “We have the opportunity to be at the heart of the clean energy revolution over the next 50 years.

“Already we have seen rapid growth in our battery customer base in the past few years, not just in automotive but beyond, so I’m delighted to hear the government’s new plan to stimulate battery technology development for manufacturers, businesses and consumers.”

The group has invested in electric battery capability since its launch in 2010, developing batteries for the likes of Formula E and Aston Martin.

In its latest venture in battery technology, Williams has led a consortium of companies in a bid to build a ‘high performance, flexible’ battery manufacturing facility called the H1PERBAT project.

The project will be the largest independent battery manufac-

More homes set to add to community Eva Astreinidou: Reporter HUNDREDS more homes and a new school have been approved in the next phase of the 2,450-home development at Kingsmere.

Infrastructure work is due to start early next year after plans by developer Countryside Properties, to include the creation of 663 homes and community facilities, were approved last week.

The number given the go ahead for the estate on the south-western edge of Bicester could rise to 709 if an extra care facility is added on the site.

Amenities will include a secondary school, two primary schools, a village centre with shops, community and youth centre, a sports village due to open this autumn, several parks and open spaces and a retail park.

Leader of Cherwell District Council, Barry Wood, welcomed the news.

He said: “As a councillor, and local resident, I have watched with excitement the creation of this fabulous new community. Bicester was in great need of new homes and Kingsmere has been a welcome addition to our community.

“I look forward to seeing this second phase, particularly the second primary school – as the fi rst one has

turer in the UK, making batteries for Aston Martin’s fi rst fully electric model, the RapidE. In its fi rst major move to support the battery revolution, the government will set up a ‘battery institute’ to award £246m to companies on the brink of major research and development breakthroughs.

“We have accumulated a lot of experience in batteries and battery management systems in motorsport and automotive, so with funding support and collaboration we can make it the next manufacturing growth engine,” Mr Wilson added.

Business Secretary Greg Clark, who made the announcement last week, said the investment “will – quite literally – power the automotive and energy revolution where, already, the UK is leading the world”.

Williams is part of the Motorsport Valley, which also consists of fellow Oxfordshire F1 teams Haas Oxfordshire’s Specialist Podiatric Medical & Minor Surgical Clinic (Banbury) and Renault (Enstone), as well as Mercedes (Brackley), Red Bull (Milton Keynes) and Force India (Silverstone).

The Hartland Podiatry Clinic

Mums-to-be to be asked to join trial PREGNANT women will be asked to take part in drug trials after decades of research into fi nding a cure for serious viral infection in babies.

Patients in the women’s centre at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital could help in the quest for a vaccine to protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which kills 200,000 children around the world every year.

The virus causes infections in the lungs and breathing passages in infants, children and adults, and despite 50 years of research, a cure has not been found yet.

The study, which is being carried out by Oxford University and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been welcomed by the Abingdon-based Norris family, who experienced the effects of the disease fi rsthand after their four-month-old son Sebastian was hospitalised in October last year.

Sebastian was admitted to a children’s ward with bronchiolitis and six hours later transferred to children’s intensive care, where he

Pregnant women at Oxford’s JR will be asked if they are willing to trial the vaccine remained on breathing support for three days.

Mum Claire said: “It was the worst week of my life. Through your pregnancy and even now, you think about big things like meningitis, you never think something as simple as a respiratory infection can be so damaging.”

The numbers of children admitted to UK hospitals with RSV continues to rise year on year.

been such a resounding success.”

Kingsmere is already home to around 800 families.

A new hotel and family restaurant have already opened at Kingsmere along with the fi rst of the two primary schools, St Edburg’s.

Andrew Carrington, director of Countryside Properties (Bicester), said: “Our vision is to create a soughtafter place to live, fully supported by new schools and community facilities on site with easy access to good transport connections.

“This new phase will continue to set the tone and ambience for the development by delivering a wide range of beautifully designed properties surrounded by extensive landscaping that will help link the development to its wider environment.”

As part of the planning permission for phase 2, the developer will also provide land for the future provision of a country park and the expansion of the existing park and ride site.

Kingsmere is just 12 miles from Oxford and is commutable to London and Birmingham within the hour.

As part of the scheme, the developers are also investing in infrastructure improvements in and around Bicester including public transport, education, library services and highway improvements.

Globally, RSV is second only to malaria as a killer of children aged one to 12 months, mostly in lower income countries.

Symptoms start with a runny rose and cough, and in the long term can lead to wheezing or even asthma.

Chief investigator Dr Matthew Snape, said: “An effective RSV vaccine given to pregnant women could prevent thousands of babies a year having to be admitted to hospital in the UK and around the world and has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives.”

The investigational vaccine is designed to generate antibodies that then pass to the baby in the womb.

The antibodies will alert the immune system and attempt to destroy them or stop them from replicating.

Healthy pregnant women from Oxfordshire due to give birth between September and December will be asked if they want to take part, as babies born at these times are at higher risk of RSV infection.

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t’s been ten years since I regularly graced TV screens helping transform people’s living spaces with MDF and stripped floorboards. Recently it’s been more “celebrity muck out” than “celebrity make-over” as I took up the challenge of owning my own Wildlife Zoo in Tenby. In this time I’ve learnt quiet a lot about fences and having researched the various options for my own benefit I thought I would share my knowledge with a wider audience.

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Thursday, August 3, 2017 13

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

NEWS

Praise for dementia care but A&E times need to be improved ‘...ambitious in wanting to tackle the challenges we face’ George Welch: Reporter NHS bosses have rated the health body that organises the delivery of medical services in Oxfordshire as ‘good’.

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG), which buys local healthcare services on behalf of everyone living in the county, was assessed by NHS England.

It found the OCCG had made improvements on early intervention for people with severe mental issues during 2016/17 but must improve A&E waiting times.

The OCCG was congratulated on reducing waiting times for tests and diagnosis and for its cancer twoweek wait and 31 day first treatment policies.

Oxfordshire has a lso been rated in the top 10 in the south of England for the diagnosis of and care for people with dementia.

However, NHS England, which sets the priorities and direction of the health service, has also advised on a number of improvements.

The OCCG must improve A&E waiting times and the time some patients have to wait before they start certain treatments.

It must also urgently address delayed transfers of care and continuing problems around people – usually frail and elderly – who are stranded in hospital when they no longer need to be there.

OCCG chief executive David Smith said the group is pleased with the assessment following a “particularly challenging year” which has

included a controversial upheaval of Oxfordshire’s NHS. He said: “We know there is a lot of work still to do and we are mindful of the improvements we must make.

“However, we are ambitious in wanting to tackle the many challenges we face in the coming year and into the future.”

NHS England assesses commissioners across the country on how they are contributing to the five year forward view – a vision of how health services can change, improve and work in the future.

Rachel Pearce, director of commissioning operations at NHS England, said clinical commissioning groups in the south central area produced “continued improvement” on 2015/16.

Assessments for diabetes, learning disabilities and maternity are expected to follow later in the year.

Decisions on plans to transform healthcare in the county will be made at OCCG’s board meeting on August 10.

For more information on the proposals, visit tinyurl.com/ycar2eyt

Firefighters rescued the driver after the car went into a house in Wheatley

Driver cut free from crashed car A DRIVER had a lucky escape after crashing head on into a house.

Fire services found the driver trapped in the car after it crashed into a house in High Street, Wheatley at 12.45pm on Wednesday last week.

The driver was taken to hospital for treatment after firefighters used specialist equipment to remove the

Homes protected as anti-flood work finishes FLOOD prevention work protecting 110 homes in Northway and Marston has been completed.

Work on the £2.2million alleviation scheme began in November last year and the fi nishing touches on temporary flood water storage areas, channel realignment and natural embankments were applied last week.

Northway and Marston have been struck by flash flooding in the past due to their close proximity to Peasmoor Brook and the Headington Hill Tributary – previously it only took as little as half an hour of torrential rain to cause flooding.

But now, in the event of torrential rain, water will be channelled into three temporary flood water storage areas, and then released into the drainage system and waterways at a pace they can cope with.

Councillor John Tanner, board member for a Clean and Green Oxford, thanked residents for their patience and said: “We know how horrendous it is having your home under water and now it is much less likely that homes in Northway and Marston will suffer from flash flooding.”

Oxford City Council secured £600,000

roof and pull them out.

Fire crews worked closely with police officers to assess the damage to the house, using equipment to support the wall that had been damaged, to prevent it from further collapsing.

A portion of the damaged front door was cut away by firefighters to check there was nobody inside.

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Flooding at Stockleys Road in Northway in 2012 of funding from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) growth fund as well as £1.6 from the Environmental Agency to deliver the northeast Oxford project.

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of OxLEP, which has allocated £25.85m to flood management schemes in the county, said: “Locally, this investment is significant and – across the rest of Oxfordshire – OxLEP is committed to funding projects that mitigate against flood risk, potentially

affecting businesses and homes in the county.”

Protective fencing at Northway Community Field and Court Place Farm Recreation Ground will remain in place until the end of August to allow new grass seeds and wildflower seeds to establish.

Trees and shrubs will then be planted across both sites in the autumn.

The new FA-compliant and full-size football pitch in Northway Community Field will open in January.

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Take your first steps to stardom with theatre workshops YOUNGSTERS can make the most of their summer break through theatre workshops.

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shops for kids to exercise their acting skills.

The workshops are split into age groups starting from six months to three years, five to seven years, eight to 12 years, and age 13 and up, ranging from £70 to £155.

For those aged eight and over, there will be an opportunity to work with professional directors and choreographers to develop and perform a new piece.

Visit www.chippingnortontheatre.com

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Woman in house as jewels stolen A LARGE amount of jewellery was stolen through a bedroom window as an elderly woman was still in the property.

Police are appealing for witnesses to trace the belongings stolen from the property in Faringdon Road in Longworth near Abingdon on Thursday July 20 between 7pm and 9.50pm.

A large amount of jewellery was stolen from a bedside tray and a jewellery box while the victim, an 83-year-old woman was in the property.

The jewellery was stolen through an open bedroom window on the ground floor.

The items stolen from the bedside tray include a pearl cluster necklace made from 18 carat yellow gold with a cultured pearl pendant, as well as an 18-carat ring with sapphires, a diamond solitaire ring with a D-shape shank, and a SKAGEN watch.

In the jewellery box were between 20 and 30 pairs of earrings including eight pairs of gold earrings, sapphire earrings, a pair or round yellow gold earrings with diamonds, a smoky quartz dress ring and a nine-carat chain necklace.

If you have any information, contact 101.

Have your say on local healthcare IF you are a member of the public and interested in the running of the NHS, you could have a chance in joining a health watchdog committee.

The Oxfordshire joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee has a vacancy for someone who has a good knowledge of the local health system and the challenges local services face.

The committee consists of 12 councillors and three members of the public chosen for a two-year term.

Chairman of the committee, county councillor Arash Fatemian,

said: “The roles are non-party political and advisory and they actively contribute to the committee’s discussion without having voting rights.

I look forward to welcoming a new member in time for our September 14 meeting.”

To apply for the post, provide a short covering letter setting out why you wish to be a member of the committee and the contribution you could make.

For more information contact Katie Read on 07584 909530 or Julie Dean on 07393 001089.

of the day – The Fishes offers Out&About Catch the perfect spot for a Sunday lunch

Oxford band up for Mercury Prize alongside Ed Sheeran and Stormzy OXFORD band Glass Animals are in the running for the prestigious Mercury Prize.

The indie rock foursome, who grew up in the city, have been nominated for their second album How To Be A Human Being.

Glass Animals took to Twitter to say that they were ‘speechless’ to have made the shortlist and thanked supporters for helping them get where they are today.

The quartet shot to fame with their debut album Zaba in 2014.

They are up against stiff opposition, with other shortlisted acts including Ed Sheeran, Alt-J, The XX and Stormzy.

Fellow Oxfordshire-based acts Radiohead, Supergrass and Foals have been nominated for the Mercury Prize in the past – but Glass Animals would be the first from the county to win the award.

Abingdon-formed Radiohead have been nominated four times (1997, 2001, 2003, 2008), making them the most-shortlisted band in

Picture: Alterna2 / Gabri Guerrero

the Mercury Prize’s history.

Supergrass were beaten by Portishead after being nominated in 1995 while Foals were pipped to the award by The XX in 2010 and James Blake in 2013.

Led by lead singer Dave Bayley,

Glass Animals have performed at global festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury, Reading/ Leeds and Lollapalooza.

Their latest album peaked at number 23 in the charts following its release in August last year.

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High Sheriff’s support for vital service for disabled THE High Sheriff of Oxfordshire paid a visit to users of a service devoted to supporting disabled jobseekers across the county.

Jane Cranston enjoyed a tea party involving games, sports and music at Wolvercote Young People’s Club as employment and wellbeing service OxForward marked UK Employability Day. The county’s High Sheriff, who spoke highly of the service, met with some of the service’s disabled users at the special event on July 14.

She said: “It is a real pleasure to see people with disabilities having such a good time.

“The work done at OxForward is clearly much valued by the participants

many of whom have made a considerable effort to get to Wolvercote from all over Oxford to be part of such a cheerful and entertaining event.”

OxForward is run by employment specialists Kennedy Scott in partnership with The Royal Mencap Society and Oxfordshire Sport and Physical Activity.

Around 400 people use OxForward, a service that offers support to disabled jobseekers, including help with CV writing, activities to increase wellbeing and clubs to help avoid isolation.

Attendees were able to see fi rst-hand the support OxForward, commissioned by the county council, provides to local people.

Kennedy Scott, CEO at Teresa Scott, said: “The day proved to be very popular.

The aim of the day was to demonstrate the fantastic work that OxForward is doing in the local area, celebrate the hard work of our service users and encourage even more people to sign up to the project, which we are happy to say we achieved.”

Angela Barnett, quality and contracts officer at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The day was a thorough success.

It was a great event for people to come together, have fun and learn about an important service.”

Thursday, August 3, 2017 15

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

NEWS

Homeless facing fines over sleeping bags in doorways Eva Astreinidou: Reporter

Mercury Prize nominees 2017 Alt-J – Relaxer Blossoms – Blossoms Dinosaur – Together, As One Ed Sheeran – Divide Glass Animals – How To Be A Human Being J Hus – Common Sense Kate Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos Loyle Carner – Yesterday’s Gone Sampha – Process Stormzy – Gang Signs and Prayer The Big Moon – Love in The 4th Dimension The XX – I See You Glass Animals received their radio debut on BBC Radio Oxford’s music show BBC Introducing in 2010.

The winner of the prestigious accolade will be announced at an awards show on September 14.

HOMELESS people have been told they could face fines of £2,500 for leaving their belongings on the streets.

Rough sleepers found legal notices on their bags outside of a shop front in Cornmarket Street, Oxford last week prompting them to remove their belongings due to ‘fire safety’.

The notices warned they could be prosecuted by Oxford City Council for breaching anti-social behaviour laws.

Neo, a homeless man who has chosen to live on the streets for the past 26 years, said the latest move is ‘harassment’.

He said the lack of daytime storage options for homeless people has been on the radar for the council for some time.

He said: “I had a meeting two weeks before Christmas to resolve [the issue] and I thought it was a successful meeting but [instead] this is the response.”

Previously, Neo has led the way for a petition to reopen Lucy Faithful hostel, a night shelter for homeless people, which was closed due to budget cuts.

Leader of Oxford City Council’s Green group, David Thomas said that using anti-social legislation against rough sleepers is ‘unreasonable’.

He added: “This is a long-term game of cat and mouse. The council have been in effect chasing them around the city but are not able to offer them something better.

“Imagine living on the streets and having a threat of a fine slapped on to your belongings. It is pretty heavy handed.”

According to a spokesperson for the

city council, the council was asked by the building company to assist in the removal of the bags because they were blocking fire exit routes.

He said no one was fined as a result of the latest action.

He added: “We take this national homelessness tragedy that is playing out on the streets of our city very seriously; we are very aware of the circumstances of the people on the streets of Oxford, and work very hard with our partners so that no one should have to be homeless.”

They said the council spend £1.4million on homeless services every year, in addition to winning £790,000 of government funding to support vulnerable single homeless adults in Oxfordshire, and have contributed £15million to purchasing properties to house homeless Oxford families.

Rough sleepers have been told they face fines of £2,500 for leaving their belongings on the street

Bucket collectors needed to help keep Bunkfest going WALLINGFORD’S free family festival is looking for volunteer bucket collectors to make sure the event keeps going for ‘as many years as possible’.

An appeal has been launched to fi nd more than 50 collectors to help raise money for the event which runs from September 1 to 3.

The event typically costs more

than £100,000 to put on which includes beer, bands, toilets, barriers and security.

Collectors are needed to help out from Friday lunchtime through to

Sunday evening.

To apply, contact john.jenkins999@ btinternet.com as soon as possible.

To volunteer during the event, contact volunteers@bunkfest.co.uk.

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Police plea on CCTV images THAMES Valley Police have released CCTV images of two people they would like to speak to in connection with their inquiries.

The fi rst is of a man, top, and relates to a sexual assault in Banbury on June 25.

An 18-year-old woman was walking in Church Passage at about 10.50pm when a man touched her inappropriately before fleeing.

The second image is of a woman, below, who police believe has vital information about a theft in Witney on July 3. It happened at a cash machine at the Witan Way Sainsbury’s.

A 50-year-old man was distracted when withdrawing cash and forgot to take his money from the machine.

Another person then walked up to the cash machine, took the money and did not hand it in.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.

Delight as charity looks to outstrip fundraising target George Welch: Reporter PLAY2GIVE (P2G) is on course to smash its ‘£10k in 10’ appeal target – with five months of the year remaining.

The Didcot-based fundraising group – our charity of the year – has raised £9,500 in the last seven months, meaning it needs just £500 to reach its fundraising target of £10,000 as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Founder of the group, 29-year-old Andy Baker, is delighted to have closed in on the target so soon in such a ‘special year’ – but he’s now after another target.

The record fundraising effort for P2G came in 2015 when it raised £13,500.

At the same stage in that year, the group hadn’t even raised £7,000.

Andy said: “We are going to smash the target. It gives me the motivation to keep going and try and get even more than that.

“It’s amazing. We will increase the target – it gets more and more incredible. Who knows what we might get by the end of the year.

“We want to make this year especially special. People are more

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St Birinus School pupils enjoy the It’s a Knockout event and, right, Andy Baker inspired [this year]…and there’s still more to come.”

One of the latest donations to be made to the P2G appeal was from an It’s a Knockout event held at Andy’s former school, St Birinus School.

He returned to the Didcot school – where his fundraising for the Oxford Children’s Hospital began 15 years ago – to see hundreds of Year 7-9 pupils and members of staff take part in the end of school celebration last month.

Pupils got soaked, jumped, crawled, climbed, slid and got very hot as they tackled a giant inflatable assault course as they ducked, dived and threw themselves into a fun end of the summer term.

Andy began raising money as a 14-year-old Year 10 schoolboy at the Mereland Road school in 2003, when he encouraged pupils and teachers to help him fundraise towards the children’s hospital at the John Radcliffe, which opened in 2007.

St Birinus School has been a huge supporter of P2G over the past year and has helped raise around £2,000.

The total raised from the It’s a Knockout event hasn’t been confi rmed.

Head teacher John Marston said: “The amount Andy has raised for his charities is nothing short of astonishing – our current students describe him as an inspiration and this is certainly the case.

THE OXFORD PAPER and

Charity of the year 2017

GROUP

Play2Give “As a school community, we are all exceptionally proud of Andy and his achievements and we look forward to furthering our support as we are only too happy to continue to help such a wonderful cause.”

Cowley’s last Montego goes on display OXFORD’S largest indoor shopping centre will celebrate the city’s car history through an exhibition of locally built classic cars this month.

Templars Square in Cowley is displaying a collection of nine cars, including a Montego, between August 6 and 12.

The free exhibition will include a 1948 Morris Minor which is the third oldest known in existence, a 1963 Morris Mini and a 1978 Morris Marina Pickup.

The centrepiece of the collection will be a white Montego, which was last off the line at Cowley and covered with nearly 1,000 signatures by the factory workers who helped build it.

The Montego is on loan from the British Motor Museum for a limited time only and will be able to be seen between August 8 and 10.

Stephen Laing, curator at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust,

The last Montego off the line at Cowley

said: “For a decade the Montego was one of Cowley’s core products. The British Motor Museum’s last Montego, covered with signatures of the people who made it, attests to the workforce’s pride for every model that left the factory.”

Owen Acland, centre manager at Templars Square, said: “The automotive industry is an important part

of our heritage and we are delighted to bring this to the forefront of the community.”

The display of cars has been organised every year since 2014 by resident and car enthusiast Tanya Field. She said: “I am delighted to be able to bring another display of Cowley built cars to Templars Square and to the people who worked at the factory.”

New district bin collection days come into force AROUND 33,000 households will be impacted by new waste and recycling collection days in north Oxfordshire.

The changes introduced

by Cherwell District Council, which began on Tuesday, aim to streamline services in response to an increasing population.

A new round is being

introduced and areas such as Banbury, Kidlington and Bicester will all see changes in collection days as will a number of surrounding villages.

Details of the new days can be found at tinyurl.com/ ybp2pwma.

Bins will continue to be emptied on alternate weeks.

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Work starts on new junction at Barton Park George Welch: Reporter MOTORISTS have been advised to take extra care now work on a new access junction to Barton Park has begun.

Construction work started last week at the junction of Barton Village Road and Fettiplace Road to create the new access to the housing development off Barton Village Road.

The project, which includes drainage, services and some landscape modifications, will take up to six weeks to complete.

Residents likely to be impacted should have been informed of the works and told to expect minor traffic restrictions during construction as well as the use of temporary threeway traffic signals.

However, the disruption is expected to be limited to Barton Village Road and Fettiplace Road.

CA Blackwell Contracts Ltd, which

is responsible for delivering the infrastructure works for the Barton Park development, will notify residents of any temporary re-routing of traffic to accommodate the construction work.

Project manager Philip Koen said: “We’re advising motorists to use extra caution when driving through the area.

“Pedestrian access and public rights of way will be maintained during construction, and works are scheduled to take place between 7.30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.

“However, some work may need to take place outside of these hours, but this work will be coordinated with Oxford City Council and notice will be provided to residents.”

Barton Park will provide up to 885 new homes, 40 per cent of which will be affordable.

Construction of the fi rst 237 homes in phase one of the development is already under way.

Oxford United team photo for 2017/18 season >> See centre pages

Chairman Darryl Eales (third right) opened the new store with players Kane Hemmings and Josh Ashby and shop staff

U’s launch new store for new season HUNDREDS of fans descended on the new Oxford United store as the Covered Market shop was officially opened last week.

Chairman Darryl Eales and players Kane Hemmings and Josh Ashby did the honours as the new shop opened its doors in the heart of the city on Wednesday last week.

Mr Eales said: “It is a terrific thing for the club and great to be in the centre of Oxford.

“There was a good crowd there [for the opening] and I think it will go from strength to strength.”

The new shop is part of the Market Barbers in the Covered Market – easily accessible from the High Street entrances to the market.

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As part of the move, season ticket holders can pick up a 20 per cent discount at the barbers.

The store will stock replica kit, leisure wear, scarves, hats, gloves and gifts and will also be selling match tickets.

Opening hours are MondayFriday 10am–5pm with the view to also then open on Saturdays.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 19

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

NEWS

Infrastructure key to success of new homes George Welch: Reporter DIGGERS will roll into west Witney later this year with construction work on 1,000 new homes set to begin before Christmas – but concerns over infrastructure continue to linger.

A consortium of housebuilders behind the Windrush Place housing development will invest nearly £11million in affordable housing, transport and infrastructure, education and community contributions.

The new development, planned by Barton Willmore, will contain shops, a primary school, community facilities, a business park and open spaces.

But a Witney councillor has warned the infrastructure needs to be right, especially following the closure of Deer Park Medical Centre in March.

Witney town and county councillor Laura Price said: “With big developments such as this, the infrastructure needs to be right.

“I have concerns about health provision following the closure of Deer Park as people are now being dispersed around four GPs.” Developers have legally acquired the land between Downs Road and Deer Park Road after the district council approved the project in April.

The site set for 1,000 new homes in west Witney Multiple planning applications for separate parts of the site will be submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council over the coming months.

Cllr Price added: “I welcome house building but I hope that a significant number of these houses will go to people who want to get onto the property ladder and not a step onto the buy to let market.

“It’s about getting the big things right like roads, schools and healthcare but also the smaller things such as joined up cycle paths, well-lit footpaths and also bus routes – we need to think about people who don’t have or want to use a car.”

The development forms part of west Oxfordshire’s local plan for housing in the district and is set to become the largest housing development in the town since Madley Park.

Richard Briggs, managing director for developer Persimmon Homes Wessex, said the scheme would will bring much-needed homes to the area.

He said: “We want to create a vibrant community that best suits the future needs of Witney, while being sympathetic to the surrounding area.”

The developers added that Windrush Place will ‘respect and reflect’ the character of the local area and the plans have been developed in collaboration with the local community and other stakeholders.

“It’s about getting the big things right like roads, schools and healthcare but also the smaller things such as joined up cycle paths, well-lit footpaths and also bus routes”

Witney councillor Laura Price

From left VWHDC Cabinet Member for Planning Cllr Roger Cox; chairman St Helen Without Parish Council Cllr Madeleine Russell; chairman Wootton Parish Council Cllr Andrew Ludlow and chairman of the neighbourhood plan steering group Carole Page

Parishes join forces for the future TWO parishes north of Abingdon have “We are very lucky to already have joined forces to influence future devel- a very capable group and I would opments for their areas and are ask- love to encourage more people to ing people to get involved. get involved.”

The parishes of Wootton and St Madeleine Russell, chair of St Helen Without got the green light to Helen Without Parish Council, said produce a joint neighbourhood plan villages and hamlets such as Shippon, by the Vale of White Horse District Whitecross, Cothill, Dry Sandford and Council on July 19. parts of Boars Hill and Gozzards Ford The neighbourhood plan will can now influence a ‘future vision for include Dalton Barracks, ring fenced their community’. for 1,200 homes.

The chair of Wootton Parish CounThe two parish councils have set cil, Andrew Ludlow, said: “I believe up a steering group to drive the plan. we have a great opportunity to ensure The chair of the steering group, our area is one of the most attractive Carole Page, said: “This provides a to dwell, create employment and give great opportunity for our communi- our people the best leisure facilities ties to have more influence on how our and activities for their well-being.

“By joining with St Helen Without area will change over time to create a vibrant and sustainable place to live, we gain considerably through our Oxfordand Times ad 2 punt productions 114x160mm PR-AW.pdf 1 02/05/2017 14:18 work play. jointv1strengths.”

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Rhiannon is pictured, front, with from left, husband Leon, Neil Clennell, director of conservation & education Oxfordshire for the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, Jenny Carr, partnerships and engagement for Oxford Green Week, and Oxford City councillor John Tanner, a board member for Clean and Green Oxford

Research pays off for treasure hunters A HYDROGEN researcher at Oxford University has won a Brompton bike in Oxford’s Big Green Treasure Hunt.

Rhiannon Evans, working with her husband Leon, successfully

identified all 12 clues scattered across Oxford to win the foldup bike.

She investigates how bacteria use hydrogen as fuel at Oxford University and the bike will be a

gift for Leon so he can commute to work in east Oxford.

The treasure hunt was part of Oxford’s Green Week that aims to make Oxford clean and green.

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Corn Exchange revamp tops list of projects sharing £432k member for grants at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This funding achieves our goals to make a real difference in our communities across south Oxfordshire, helping ensure existing facilities are upgraded and that new ones become available for residents to use.”

The next round of grant funding is now open for applications and the council has still got more than £105,000 available.

Groups with a project that will benefit the local community are urged to contact the district council’s grants team on 01235 422644.

They have until September 6 to apply for a minimum of £1,000. Visit southoxon.gov.uk/grants for more information.

George Welch: Reporter FIVE south Oxfordshire play areas are to be refurbished as part of a £423,000 boost for community facilities.

The district council has awarded grants to 13 projects to benefit local residents with play areas in Benson, Berinsfield, Hagbourne, Long Wittenham and Little Milton all receiving funding.

Grants have also been awarded for a replacement pavilion in Ewelme but topping the list is a grant of £170,000 towards replacing the roof at the historic Wallingford Corn Exchange.

The grade II listed Victorian building also needs improvements to the auditorium heating and ventilation system as well as new stage facilities and the volunteer-run facility launched an appeal in January to help fund the works.

The new £170,000 grant brings the total raised to £500,000 and means work can begin on the roof repairs.

The latest district council grants will also help pay for replacement facilities at clubs and village halls in Lewknor, Benson, Peppard, Stoke Row, Sandford on Thames, Wallingford and Watlington.

Cllr Elizabeth Gillespie, cabinet

The full awards were: ■ Benson Parish Council – £6,050 for play area improvements ■ Berinsfield Parish Council – £33,922 for play area improvements ■ Corn Exchange Wallingford Ltd and Sinodun Players – £170,000 towards a replacement roof and heating system ■ Ewelme Parish Council – £75,000 for the rebuilding of Ewelme Pavilion

The 23-strong squad celebrate their graduation and, inset, Crawford Chalmers

Hats off Work gets underway on refurbishments at Wallingford Corn Exchange ■ Hagbourne Village Hall – £10,000 for village hall play area improvements ■ Lewknor Village Hall – £4,585 for replacement doors ■ Long Wittenham Parish Council – £7,291 for play area improvements ■ Little Milton Parish Council – £50,000 for play area improvements ■ Sandford on Thames Village Hall – £1,799 for a storage shed

A BRAND NEW RIOTOUS COMEDY FEATURING THE GREATEST DETECTIVE IN HISTORY The Theatre Chipping Norton presents

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OXFORD United’s head of football operations and the club’s former manager have been awarded the world’s fi rst master of sports directorship degree.

Kitted out in mortar boards and red and blue hooded academic gowns, Crawford Chalmers and Michael Appleton were two of a 23-strong squad that lined up with 150 fellow students at a packed graduation ceremony last Wednesday.

The pair received their awards from Manchester Metropolitan Uni-

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NEWS

Recruitment begins at new primary school Eva Astreinidou: Reporter

to new directors versity’s faculty of business and law at the city’s Bridgewater Hall.

They were joined by high profi le students, including cricketer Ashley Giles, football scout David Moss and David Moyes’s former right-hand man Steve Round.

The course prepares sports people and other professionals for the role of sporting director, which is becoming increasingly prominent for sports organisations in the UK, as it has been

by European clubs for several years.

Dr Sara Ward, programme director

for the university, said: “It’s fantastic to see our fi rst group of MSD students graduate and it’s testament to their hard work and ambition that they have all succeeded on a course that is academically rigorous as well as being extremely practical.

“The sporting director role is becoming seen as essential in football clubs – as well as in a huge range of other sporting organisations – as the importance of sound governance and commercial leadership in sport continues to spark debate.”

SCHOOL places are soon to open and recruitment is underway for a new primary school on Great Western Park in Didcot.

The Aureus Primary School, formerly Chalkhill Primary School, will be located within the Southern Neigbourhood at GWP and is due to open in September 2018.

The building work, fi nanced by Oxfordshire County Council and undertaken by Kier, got under way in June, while admissions for the school will open in September.

The school will host up to 450 pupils aged three to 11. If there is sufficient local demand there will be a consultation with the county council on opening a Year 1 class too.

GWP will also be home to the Aureus Secondary School, which is due to open its doors this September.

The secondary school will accommodate a maximum of 1,200 pupils.

County councillor for Didcot West, Alan Thompson, said: “Children will have a wider range of schools to go to and it will bring more choice to an expanding town.”

Both primary and secondary schools are owned by the GLF Trust.

An artist’s impression of the new Aureus Primary School

David Blackmore, GLF’s schools spokesman, said: “Work on the new Aureus Primary School is going well and we look forward to welcoming pupils for the fi rst time.

“We understand the importance of knowing the local community and ensuring our school is at its heart from day one.

“We are also looking forward to working with other primary schools in the area to enhance relationships and assist with the transition process for everyone involved.”

Recruitment for leadership roles at the school is in progress already.

The school is seeking a senior leader to work alongside the executive headteacher, as well as early years

educators and teaching assistants.

In a statement released on the Aureus school web page, staff said they are looking for ‘brilliant, ambitious’ aspiring teachers who want to begin their career and ‘grow, learn and flourish’ at the school.

GWP is set to provide 3,300 homes, divided into three ‘neighbourhoods’ – the Southern Neighbourhood which will host the new Aureus primary school, will be made up of 311 homes.

When completed in 2022, GWP will also provide a university technical college, a pub, community centre, a shopping centre, sports pitches and a children’s day nursery.

Admissions for the new primary school will close on January 15, 2018.

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NEWS

County’s Mr Defib in running for top award

A youngster plucks up courage to pat the nice dinosaur at the Oxford Museum of Natural History

Eva Astreinidou: Reporter A PARAMEDIC from Witney is up for an ‘everyday hero’ award after campaigning to give people access to life-saving machines.

Dick Tracey, otherwise known as Oxfordshire’s Mr Defribillator, is nominated in the annual St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes awards that will be presented in London on September 28.

The 61-year-old is one of five fi nalists in the Yours Community First Aid Champion category thanks to his community defibrillator campaign.

Speaking about his nomination, he said: “I feel rather overwhelmed to be a finalist in these awards. It’s been such a privilege to work with such wonderful people who are thinking about the wellbeing of the wider community.”

Mr Tracey retired after 23 years of service as a paramedic manager with South Central Ambulance Service in May. He pitched the idea to introduce volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) to the ambulance trust’s board of directors 16 years ago.

Three years ago, Mr Tracey decided to get more involved with local com-

Volunteer Dick Tracey has taught 10,000 residents to use defibrillators munities and launched the public access defibrillator scheme.

Since then, he has shown around 10,000 Oxfordshire residents how to do CPR and use defibrillators.

He said: “Looking back, I do get a sense of pride from everything I’ve achieved so far, but I think there’s a lot more to do.

“The cardiac arrest survival rates are now above the national average in Oxfordshire, but I’d like to see them improve even further.

“Having public access defibrillators

available in communities is key to this, and I get a real kick out of planting the seed of an idea, and seeing the local group or community take hold of it, and bring that project to life.”

Mr Tracey also trained 3,000 school children in CPR and how to use a defibrillator in the last year alone.

The Everyday Heroes awards, to be hosted by TV presenter Katie Piper, celebrate and honour community heroes, organisations and members of the public who have used fi rst aid to help others.

George Welch: Reporter VISITORS to two Oxfordshire museums could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into Jurassic Park last week as they got up close and personal with two terrifying dinosaurs.

A Segnosaurus and baby Triceratops, which are two of the stars of the Dinosaur World show, went for a walk-

about at The Oxfordshire Museum, in Woodstock, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, in Parks Road last Tuesday.

The impressive beasts were on display ahead of their performance at the New Theatre in Oxford this month.

During the morning, the Segnosaurus visited the dinosaur garden at The Oxfordshire Museum, where it found Jurassic plants and 168-millionyear-old dinosaur footprints exca-

Performing arts school takes bow

Members of Stagecoach Faringdon celebrate its first birthday and, below, a class in progress

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A PERFORMING arts school that encourages students to ‘blossom’ in Broadway and West End classics is celebrating an award-winning and showstopping debut year.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Faringdon is celebrating its first year of success and is expanding to meet increasing demand.

Not only has the school gone from strength to strength but the owner, James Barker, has been presented with a national award for best newcomer for 2017, receiving praise for his and his team’s work and for giving ‘each student the chance to shine’.

Speaking of the school’s successes, Mr Barker, said: “It was a big risk and worry at first as I was unsure how it would do but I’m delighted to see the success of all of the hard work

put in both from the students, myself and the team.

“It’s wonderful to be able to deliver educational yet fun and inspiring classes to the talented children of Faringdon and the surrounding community and see their confidence blossom through the arts.”

The school is now looking forward to a Mamma Mia workshop hosted by a West End star and their biggest performance yet at Disneyland Paris’ prestig-

ious pre-parade in 2018.

Mr Barker established the school in Faringdon after 21 years in the entertainment business.

The main school was opened with two early stage classes, for children aged four to six, and was expanded to include a second main school class, for those aged six to 18, and another early stage class within a matter of months.

In September, it is due to open a fourth early stage class.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 23

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NEWS

Student’s uni career gets off to flying start

Jurassic beasts spring monster surprise vated from Ardley Quarry in Oxfordshire, and a life-size Megalosaurus.

Carol Anderson, museums service manager, said the visiting families were delighted and surprised to encounter a dinosaur having come to see the dinosaur footprints.

She said: “The families thoroughly enjoyed seeing two dinosaurs come face-to-face.”

The puppet dinos then stomped to the Oxford University Museum of

Natural History, where they found skeletons of their ancestors, including the towering T-rex and a Triceratops skull. Carly Smith-Huggins, the museum’s family education officer, said the event had been brilliant for those exploring the exhibits.

“It was a nice surprise for our visitors – the baby Triceratops meeting our Triceratops was great,” she said.

Dinosaur World will show at New Theatre from August 24-26.

Romany Cavalla displays her work A student from Banbury who is about to make her foray into university has been presented with a prestigious award from an arts society.

Romany Cavalla, 19, picked up the prize for the most outstanding foundation student at Royal Leamington Spa College for her special fusion of fi ne art, illustration, graphics and textiles.

She was presented with an initial bursary of £300 by the president of the Royal Leamington Spa decorative and fi ne arts society, Felicity Furber.

Having completed the UAL Foundation diploma in art and design, Romany will be moving on to a BA in illustration at Brighton, where she will be granted a further £150 for each year of her degree.

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Out & About Your guide for your leisure time in & around Oxfordshire

Family-friendly festival back with something for everyone!

I see KT and many more at Towersey Latest ďŹ lm review > p26

Bollywood love story > p30

Hooked on The Fishes > p33

26 Thursday, August 3, 2017

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ENTERTAINMENT

At the cinema with Laurie Bailey Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (PG)

Delirious space opera looks great, falls flat!

Cara Delevingne as Laureline and Dane DeHaan as Valerian in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Picture: Courtesy of Lionsgate In an interview with deadline.com back in May, director Luc Besson revealed that sci-fi action epic Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is not a bolt from the blue, but a dream he has treasured for over 20 years, waiting for visual effects to catch up and the right opportunity to appear.

With a reported $175 million budget - making it one of the most expensive independent productions of all time, and the most expensive French production on record - clearly, Besson and his many backers believe the moment has arrived to take a very high-risk plunge.

Based on what I’ve just watched, whoever had the job of saying “look before you leap” took too many days off.

Adapted by Besson from a beloved 1960s French comic series, Valerian centres on two young special agents in a distant, space-faring future - Valerian himself (a rakish Dane DeHaan), and his trusted partner Laureline (confident relative newcomer Cara Delevingne).

When a deadly radioactive zone is discovered growing deep within the ‘city of a thousand planets’

Laurie’s rating

The script is laughable; performances unbalanced; narrative confused; humour terribly leaden

(formerly the international space station, now home to a vast array of alien representatives), Valerian and Laureline must solve its mystery before it causes a galaxy-wide diplomatic incident.

This simple plot acts as the thinnest of threads holding together a patchwork of bizarre sci-fi spectacles: Tribal aliens extremely reminiscent of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ species fumble with space pearls; Valerian and Laureline foil a dodgy trade in an inter-dimensional marketplace; kidnappers are pursued through the space station’s vivid artificial environments; a brainsucking jellyfish is extracted from the back of a giant space whale; and Ethan Hawke prances about as owner of a shape-shifting brothel.

Festival with something for everyone!

The Spooky Men’s Chorale

Samantha McGregor: Reporter TICKETS are still available for Oxfordshire’s Towersey Festival taking place later this month.

Organisers say 85 per cent of weekend tickets have been sold for the festival at Thame Showground, which runs for four-days over the bank holiday, from August 25 to 28.

Towersey Festival features headline appearances from singersongwriter KT Tunstall, troubadour Newton Faulkner, former Bellow-

head frontman Jon Boden whose fi rst instrument is the fiddle, Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band, the chart-topping Blockheads, and Show Of Hands.

Joining them are Newcastle folk rock legends Lindisfarne, Ed Sheeran’s co-writer Foy Vance, and comedian Rob Deering, while The Gary Stewart Band perform their acclaimed tribute to Paul Simon’s seminal Graceland album.

With the full programme now released, Towersey boasts 12 stages which are set to host more than 150

Each of these spectacles is genuinely spectacular, with superlative special effects and a rich score from veteran Alexandre Desplat - but there is nothing beneath the veneer. The script is laughable; performances unbalanced; narrative confused; humour terribly leaden. Put simply: you won’t watch many films where it’s considered acceptable for a vomit-in-the-face gag to precede a pseudo-erotic pole dance by Rihanna.

It is extremely disheartening to see a plucky underdog like this tripping over its own ambitions; this was a huge chance to dazzle audiences with the possibilities of big budget cinema without big studio constraints.

Marvel, Disney et al will hardly be quaking in their boots.

Laurie is an Oxford-based film critic, movie podcast host and BBC Radio Oxford film contributor. He lives locally with his wife, daughter and son. See more of his film reviews at lauriebailey.co.uk

Lindisfarne

Thursday, August 3, 2017 27

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

ENTERTAINMENT

Eliza Carthy and The Wayward Band

Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra

Rob Deering

Until 3rd September

Newton Faulkner events across four days and nights.

Towersey Festival director Joe Heap said: “We’ve been really bowled over by the speed in which tickets have been flying out this year. We believe it’s down to a combination of elements.

“These include the strength of our programming across the board – from the big names like KT Tunstall and our extensive range of workshops, to late night dances and popular activities for younger festival-goers – but also

our commitment to improving site infrastructure and considering the importance of the entire festival experience.

“We spend a great deal of time on what many may consider the fi ner details, from ensuring visitors are welcomed and ease of access, to sourcing local independent breweries for our wellstocked bars and making sure there’s plenty of room on the campsites for everyone.

“And we’re always trying to improve what we do.”

Alongside the music, the festival will include street theatre, yoga, the Towersey Choir, All About Children, fi lms, folk club sessions, Ceilidh dances and more.

Billed as one of the UK’s longest-running independent music festivals, Towersey has been running since 1965, regularly attracting between 7,000 and 10,000 people.

For more information and ticket details go to towerseyfestival.com

This is your 2for1 TICKET for the 2 DAY (9.30am-5pm) & Friday 4 August Antiques& Antiques & Newbury CollectorsFair Saturday 5 August (9am-4pm) SHOWGR

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At the Newbury Showground (M4 Jct 13) Newbury, Berkshire RG18 9QZ THIS TICKET WILL ADMIT 2 ADULTS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 TO ONE FAIR.

Price per person without this ticket is £5 (Accompanied under 16’s admitted FREE)

This offer is subject to all details completed below. Admission may be refused if these are not completed. For your convenience please complete before handing in at kiosk.

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SPORT

Oxford Uni

Back: Jon Obika, Shandon Baptiste, Josh Ruffels, James Henry, Marvin Johnson, Dwight Tie

Middle: Jasmine Campbell (Academy Nutritionist), Liam McCormack (Sports Scientist), Dan Bond (Performanc Manny Agboola, Simon Eastwood, Scott Shearer, Jack Stevens, Mike Williamson, Aaron Mar Andrew Proctor (Head of Sports Science & Medicine), Mark Thomas (Head of Recruit

Front: Malachi Napa, Joe Rothwell, Ryan Ledson, Charlie Raglan, Chris Allen (Assistant Head Coac Curtis Nelson (Captain), Kane H Picture: Steve Daniels

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 29

SPORT

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endalli, Canice Carroll, Sam Long, Josh Ashby, James Roberts, Wes Thomas, Xemi Fernandez

ce Analysis), Scott Daley (Lead Sports Scientist), Mark Jarrett (Kit Manager), Christian Ribeiro, Fiacre Kelleher, rtin, Crawford Chalmers (Head of Football Operations), Wayne Brown (Goalkeeping Coach), tment and Performance Analysis), Amy Cranston (Head of Academy Sports Therapist)

ch), Darryl Eales (Chairman), Pep Clotet (Head Coach), Derek Fazackerley (Assistant Head Coach), Hemmings, Rob Hall, Jack Payne

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bollywood but with a twist...

Samantha McGregor: Reporter GET set for love, comedy and sensational Bollywood dancing in a new show at the Oxford Playhouse.

Bring on the Bollywood, where new and old collide, takes a love story inspired by real life, fi lters it through classical comedies from Goldsmith to Shakespeare and infuses it with all the energy of a great Bollywood musical.

Join Katrina, the headstrong heroine, as she returns to her parents’ home to attend her brother’s wedding.

Here she fi nds a meddling mother, a line of suitors and, possibly, true love.

Bring on the Bollywood takes to the Playhouse stage from August 15 to 19.

With a dynamic cast of celebrated British Asian performers and young rising stars, the comedic musical of East meets West is set to bring the explosive colour, vibrancy and beauty of classic Bollywood to the stage.

The fiery heroine Dr Katrina Pawar is played by newcomer Nisha Aaliya, who was selected from hundreds of hopefuls and was discovered in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Director Samir Bhamra said: “Andrew Lloyd Webber has rightly slammed the lack of diversity in musical theatre but, for me, the lack of opportunities for young British Asian performers goes much deeper.

“I discovered our perfect heroine, Nisha, by chance when she attended our auditions as a choreographic assistant. By urging her to audition herself,

we have unearthed an exceptional acting talent.

“However, like the majority of young South Asian performers, her only outlets for professional showcasing have been the Bollywood dance competi-

tions. Without clearly defi ned pathways, formal training, and a diversity of roles, such talents can surely only rely on the chance few musicals that focus on Asian culture for a route into the West End.”

Anthony Sahota – a fi nalist on Gary Barlow’s Let It Shine, which aired on BBC One, will play the part of Katrina’s mischievous, betrothed brother.

Tickets from £11.50, are available from oxfordplayhouse.com

You can never have Too Many T’s HIP-hop duo Too Many T’s have announced a UK tour to launch their debut album this autumn.

Too Many T’s have built up a strong fan base with their electric performances and positive vibes stage shows by touring all over the UK in the last four years.

The pair have supported some of hip-hop’s greats including Snoop Dogg, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul and Public Enemy.

But it’s now time for the T’s to step forward and take centre stage.

Next month Too Many T’s release their long-awaited debut album, which has been produced alongside Flux Pavilion and Odjbox.

Called South City, the T’s say its

high-energy sound will appeal to music lovers around the globe.

Fans will be able to catch a live performance featuring songs from the album at The Bullingdon, in Oxford, on November 3.

Leon Rhymes from Too Many T’s, said: “For us, this just feels like the beginning. To work for over two years on the album and for everything to fi nally come together, we couldn’t be more hyped to get out there and show people what we’ve been cooking.”

What started out as holiday trip to Marrakesh in 2011, has taken the two friends on a crazy journey into the hip-hop world.

After quitting their office jobs and touring open-mic nights to gain a following, Too Many T’s were quickly given a stage by Rob da Bank, of Bestival and BBC fame, and before long, they were touring the UK and Europe and being repeatedly labelled as ‘Britain’s answer to the Beastie Boys’.

Fast forward to 2016 and the pair went to a resort to pen some songs - the result is the new album.

The debut single from the forthcoming album, Diamonds/Gold, was released last month.’

For more information and tickets view toomanyts.com

Don't miss...

Crimson Cobbles hold the clues for Sherlock CHIPPING Norton Theatre is to stage the premiere of a new Sherlock Holmes caper.

Sherlock Holmes & The Crimson Cobbles will be delivered at breakneck pace in what is described as ‘a hilarious, deeply daft theatrical explosion for adults and family audiences’.

Holmes and Watson are called upon to investigate the Whitechapel murders that are send-

ing shockwaves through London.

But when the evidence points to only one possible and inconceivable conclusion about the identity of Jack the Ripper, is our super sleuth prepared to believe the unbelievable?

From the playwright behind the theatre’s 2014 production of Around the World in 80 Days, this witty, laugh-a-minute production of Conan Doyle’s investigative pair is

On stage Go wild at weekend Wilderness Festival THIS weekend sees Wilderness Festival return for its seventh summer with a string of headline acts.

Two Door Cinema Club open the festival at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, as headliners tomorrow, while Grace Jones heads up Saturday.

And Bonobo takes centre stage on Sunday playing tracks from his acclaimed 2017 album Migration.

The Wilderness Main Stage, this year with BBC Music, will host an international selection of musical talents, including Swedish sibling duo First Aid Kit, BRIT-nominated Londoner Michael Kiwanuka, BBC Sound of 2017 winner Ray Blk, rocksteady and reggae icons Toots & The Maytals and Aurora.

Wilderness claims to have pioneered the shift in festival dining, welcoming big names from the culinary world to create a feast for festival goers.

This year’s line-up includes Yotam Ottolenghi, Nuno Mendes and Thomasina Miers.

As ever there’s a host of activities from art and craft workshops, children’s theatre, a well-being area, forest bike adventures, wild swimming, archery and nature walks.

For details and ticket details go to wildernessfestival.com

Delve canal secrets Banbury Museum is to host a Water World Day on Tuesday.

Children can join the fun and make a junk model canal boat or a piece of canal art.

Visitors can travel back in time to become a boatman or use their detective skills to uncover the watery secrets in the museum trail.

There’s even as chance to hear stories about the pirates who sailed the Oxford Canal.

For more information view banburymuseum.org.

Awfully good show A stage adaptation of David Walliams favourite Awful Aunt comes to Oxford’s New Theatre from October 11 to 14.

It tells the story of Stella, who set off for London with her parents – Lord and Lady Saxby – only to wake up three months later and only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what happened.

Flying visit to station

a fast-paced, physical and raucous night at the theatre from September 19 to 24.

Suitable for age 12 and up, tickets start at £5. For details go to chippingnortontheatre.com

Steam buffs can watch in amazement as not one but two Gresley locomotives roll up at Didcot Railway Centre over the August bank holiday weekend.

Not only will the most famous Flying Scotsman be there but it will be joined

by Union of South Africa on August 27 and 28.

For more details and tickets www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 31

SOFIA S A L E S A S S I S TA N T

KICK-START YOUR CAREER For everything from summer jobs to management roles Join us on Pingle Field, located next to Bicester Village (access via the bridge from Bicester Village) on Wednesday 9 August, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Are you a talented person with a passion for luxury retail? Bring your enthusiasm to a role at Bicester Village. Come to the Talent Day to discover the perfect role, with more than 40 brands offering managerial and non managerial positions.

For more information and to register, visit Careers.BicesterVillage.com

Š Bicester Village 2017

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FEATURE

You’ll be Bitten by street food market

In the garden Lets get out for the count and plant more butterfly friendly plants The Big Butterfly Count runs until August 6 Over the last few years, we have seen a significant decline in butterfly numbers. In fact, more than three quarters of the UK’s butterflies have declined in the last 40 years, with numbers falling quicker in towns and cities, experts say. National treasure, Sir David Attenborough is president of Butterfly Conservation and has said that despite a warm summer last year, species like the small tortoiseshell, peacock, meadow brown and gatekeeper had seen numbers fall due to a warm winter and a subsequent cold spring.

If you are looking for something entertaining to do this summer, why not take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count that runs until Sunday. Launched in 2010, this nationwide survey is aimed at helping the organisation assess the health of our environment. It has rapidly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies and over 36,000 people took part in 2016, counting almost 400,000 individual butterflies and day-flying moths across the UK! To take part, simply head to www.bigbutterflycount.org and download their butterfly chart or App to identify and record the butterflies you spot. Choose your place you want to spot your butterflies from, it could be the park or your back garden and then submit your sightings.

Butterflies are fantastic little creatures and sadly, they are in trouble. To see the decline of the butterfly is worrying and along with the honey bee, the numbers are not looking good.

Like the honey bee, they pollinate our plants without even knowing it. The elegant creature goes about their business from one flower to the other and without them; the world wouldn’t be as pretty. I certainly would miss seeing their colourful wings and watching them flutter from one flower to another.

Tom Nicholas founded the gardening company Me, My Spade & I. Tom will share his adventures, experiences and advice on what needs doing in the garden and how to do it.

In order to encourage the humble butterfly in to your garden and to help them in their plight you may want to consider planting the following plants: Buddleia - The Buddleia is known as the butterfly bush and I find a spot in all of my gardens to include a Buddleia. I remember my childhood days of chasing butterflies around the huge buddleia in my parent’s garden, now we barely get a peep from the silent winged beauty.

Echinacea- The Echinacea is a large daisy looking plant which is a perfect landing pad for a butterfly to land on and often known as the cone plant. Any cone plant will be perfect to encourage butterflies in to the garden, however, the Echinacea plant is the choice for me.

Holly bush - Not the obvious choice to see here but the holly flower attracts a very rare type of butterfly, the “holly blue” Butterfly. Not an easy plant to get to flower but when it does it can attract this stunning, tiny blue little friend.

Do share your butterfly sightings with me as I would love to see which species you see, you can tweet me @MEMYSPADEANDI Tom Nicholas, runs Me, My Spade and I, in Harwell. From homes to commercial sites which includes full garden design, plant selection, landscaping and installation. “Each season brings different life to the garden and it is my job to bring natural beauty to all of my client’s gardens. I am truly passionate about what I do and this resonates in all my work.” www.memyspadeandi.com

Saturday gives you the opportunity to fi nd out for yourself why Bitten Street has been named one of the best street food markets in the country.

For the second time the monthly Oxford market which started in October 2014 has been honoured.

Writing for Culture Trip, the author states: “Bitten Street is Oxford’s number one street food market. Based in Oxford’s Castle Quarter, the lively market is packed with local traders as well as some of the country’s best street food vendors, all hand-picked for their incredible food and distinctive vans, trucks or stalls. Throw in music, drinks and a friendly crowd into the mix and you’ve got the recipe (excuse the pun) for an excellent Saturday.”

Bitten Street was previously listed as one of the UK’s best street food markets in The Telegraph.

Having met lots of great street food crews at various local food festivals, Jacqui Thorndyke and Becca Chaplin were frustrated their food wasn’t available anywhere in Oxford.

Hearing that traders just didn’t have an event to appear at, Jacqui and Becca decided to organise one themselves. And so Bitten Street

Brisket and pickled chillies from SmokeYard Kitchen and below, Bitten Street regular Clicking Oinks with their buttermilk fried chicken Pictures: Bernard Galewski was born.

Bitten Street launched as a street food festival at Oxford Castle and quickly gained a strong follower base, and now runs on the fi rst Saturday of the month from March to September at Oxford Castle Quarter, from 11am to 3pm.

Each event is different, with the

very best local street food traders as regulars, alongside exciting guest traders from London and the Midlands. The market now features seating, a Bitten Bar serving local craft beers, and a resident DJ.

FOOD LINEUP FOR AUGUST Clucking Oinks Happy Cakes Harissa & Lemon Libertine Burger Nibbles Corner Smoke Yard Kitchen Stay Grounded Coffee Van The Souvlaki Brothers Toro Poco Trailer Trash BITTEN BAR LAMBrewing XT Brewing Loose Cannon Bitten ‘Gin Garden’ featuring some special pairings

Turning on the style at hairdressing awards A salon in Oxford is celebrating two of its hairdressers being recognised as among the cream of the crop.

Anne Veck and Emmanuel Esteban from Anne Veck Salons are finalists for Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year in HJ’s 2017 British Hairdressing Awards.

Industry experts, hairdressers, session stylists and creative leaders, viewed the UK’s biggest photographic awards exhibition to ecide on the finalists.

The awards seek to celebrate the most diverse and creative talents in hairdressing.

Avant Garde hairdressing pushes creativity to the extreme and demonstrates that there are no limits to what you can do with hair, with the right creative vision and plenty of technical ability.

Hairdressers Journal International’s executive director, Jayne Lewis Orr says: “The awards remain true to the original objective - to promote the professionalism and leading vision of British hairdressing, and importantly to celebrate its contribution to the wider world.

“This year more than ever, we encouraged entrants to produce work that’s aspirational and wearable, to really unify the bonds between creative hairdressing and the fact that this industry contributes £7bn to the national economy and employs 500,000 nationwide. Now that’s something amazing to celebrate!”

The winners of this and 15 other categories including the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year title are all to be announced at The

Anne Veck is in the running for Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year British Hairdressing Awards which takes place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London in November.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 33

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

FEATURE

The Fishes, North Hinksey Village, OX2 0NA www.fishesoxford.co.uk

One meal and you’ll be hooked by The Fishes Can there be anything more English than enjoying lunch at a delightful riverside pub in the summer?

Ok, the weather may have missed its invitation when we visited The Fishes in North Hinksey but everything else certainly made up for the lack of sunshine to accompany our Sunday lunch.

The Fishes is just a short stroll from Oxford city centre but is well worth travelling from further afield for.

We may not have been able to make the most of the great outdoors while we dined it’s easy to see why The Fishes hooks so many.

There are plenty of spots to sit and soak up some rays or linger under the shade of one of the many trees leading down to Seacourt Stream as you relax over a few glasses of crisp rosé or a long G&T. We admired the garden from the comfort of the conservatory, joining a roomful of other diners all eagerly tucking into their roasts.

Sipping our crisp well-chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, we nibbled at some freshly-baked bread with garlic bread while we browsed the menu.

While the emphasis is firmly on the traditional Sunday roast - and why ever would it not be - there are other options on offer. But when in Rome...

I decided to start with that day’s soup choice, a light leek and potato (I didn’t want anything to get in the way of the roast which I’d already spied

was substantial to say the least) and was glad I did. It was definitely the right choice, unlike a thick heartier winter version of this classic it was light and refreshing and a good way to start.

My husband opted for the Devon crab cocktail, avocado and ciabatta croutes - he’s a sucker for any seafood - and while I didn’t try it as I usually would, judging by the enthusiasm with which he devoured it, it was good. Nodding of the head confirmed this.

To the main event - it had to be the roast despite being tempted by the Thai-spiced sea trout fishcake and the pan-fried sea bream - I opted for the dry-aged rump of beef and was impressed to be offered a choice of either pink or well-done.

Having chosen pink I did have to

ask for a sharper knife but that may have just been me. It’s worth adding here that service overall was excellent, attentive without being overbearing and always with a smile and a cheery greeting.

My husband had chosen the leg of pork and crackling but sadly it was already sold out, such was its popularity but was equally as happy with the belly pork from the specials menu which much to his delight also came with crackling.

A huge light fluffy Yorkshire pud accompanied the generous portion of meat and it’s worth noting if you’re a Yorkshire fan - and who isn’t?- that it’s offered with every meat and not just the beef.

Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside roast potatoes with carrots and parsnips and a deep rich gravy

Chance to help out at Upton House Interested in volunteering with the National Trust? Upton House is holding Discover Volunteering Drop-In Days where you can fi nd out how you can get involved and how rewarding it is to help out.

Chat to current volunteers to fi nd out more about what volunteering is really like, and visit different areas of the property to discover more about the wide range of roles you could be involved with.

Volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and chat through all the

different forms volunteering can take at Upton. You’ll then be able to set the wheels in motion by applying for any roles that take your interest.

It’s a very exciting time to join the Upton team following the launch of the new project ‘A Made to Measure Home’ in March.

Upton has more than 300 volunteers including Anne-Marie who volunteers as a catering host and a house host.

She said: “For anyone thinking of volunteering at Upton I would say

– give it a go, you won’t regret it, you’ll meet new people, make new friends and feel appreciated.”

All sorts of roles are available, from helping out in the garden to being a room guide or running our new tearoom.

If you’re after something more specific, let them know and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.

The drop-in days will take place on Wednesday 23 and Friday 25 August from 12pm to 3.30pm.

All are welcome and no experience is necessary.

also decorated the plate while sides of green veg, cauliflower cheese and stuffing ensured that we weren’t going to be leaving feeling like Charles Dickens’s Oliver.

Extra roast potatoes arrived at our table and at several others, I valiantly ate one more but could manage no more.

It really was a delicious, filling, tasty, excellently cooked meal and judging by all the other empty plates being taken back to the kitchen our fellow diners agreed.

There’s always that moment afterwards when you debate whether you have room for a pud - the answer is nearly always yes but it seems polite to have the conversation with yourself if nothing else.

Two lighter choices that oozed summer leapt off the menu - a

raspberry Martini iced parfait with strawberries and a coconut cream, mango and passion fruit Eton Mess - not only did they look great but had the taste to match.

They were indeed everything we’d expected - summer on a plate and right on cue the sun came out in time for us to take a stroll around the garden.

You couldn’t miss the Tipi adorned with lights in the centre which can be booked for parties and also the Rocket Bar, an American style aluminium trailer so you can enjoy the whole outdoor experience.

This coming Saturday there’s a summer garden party with live music and a BBQ so what better time to catch what The Fishes has to offer.

Karen Neville

34 Thursday, August 3, 2017

News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CODEWORD Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

Cryptic Clues: Across

Down

1. Insinuated we’d perish this way (9) 8. Operation of some household gadgets (3) 9. Intelligent grasp that the sea can be seen (4,7) 11. An abstainer may ride around dressed like this (7) 12. Settled direction of singer (5) 13. Misers can be You have 10 mins to find as many words as possible so careless (6) using the letters in the wheel. Each must use the hub letter and at least 3 others. Letters may be used 15. Lame support (6) only once. You cannot use plurals, foreign words or proper nouns. There is at least one 9-letter word to 17. Eat away, be found. using some of the rodent’s teeth (5) 18. A bit of the harbour charge (7) 20. Be that as it may, everybody is in good health (3,4,4) 22. Harvest organ?

(3) 23. Again How you rate: hand over 10 words, average; 15 words, good; communist 20 words, very good; 25 or more, and get abuse excellent. back (9)

WORDWHEEL

S

C

A I

R

H

I

V T

CLOCKWORD

12

1 2

10

D

9

3

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

5

6

Protective device Sewing strand Embrace Looked at Happy Large number

3

4

5

1

2. Possess (3)

weapon (9) 8. Regret (3)

4. Worshipped (6)

9. Embody (11)

5. Grain store (7)

11. Rival (7) 12. Desecrate (5)

6. Probable (11)

13. Quick (6)

7. Moderate (9)

15. Near-sightedness

10. Trite (11)

(6)

11. Zodiac sign (9)

17. Drive (5)

14. Conference (7)

18. Procure (7)

16. Lodestone (6)

20. Promotion (11)

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

22. Fabulous bird (3)

19. Suppress (5)

23. Avenge (9)

21. Capture (3)

11

15

9

6

6

THE CLUES: 7114899 gives a malady; 5798298 gives a malady; 43698 gives a health worker.

7

8

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

O

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 7 Runway; 8 Miller; 10 Grenade; 11 Comus; 12 Dais; 13 Scree; 17 Break; 18 Mare; 22 Asian; 23 Tollage; 24 Talent; 25 Attend.

Down: 1 Tragedy; 2 Angelic; 3 Salad; 4 Pitcher; 5 Llama; 6 Crush; 9 Merchants; 14 Ironing; 15 Damages; 16 Defends; 19 Fasts; 20 Rifle; 21 Slate.

Quick: Across: 7 Manual; 8 Fiddle; 10 Stirrup; 11 Tulle; 12 Emus; 13 Stork; 17 Mimic; 18 Soda; 22 Paint; 23 Hotfoot; 24 Raging; 25 Volume.

Down: 1 Smashed; 2 Envious; 3 Tarry; 4 Mixture; 5 Adult; 6 Never; 9 Spotlight; 14 Distend; 15 Coconut; 16 Canteen; 19 Spark; 20 Tinge; 21 Strop.

SUDOKU:

CODEWORD: 1=L, 2=X, 3=J, 4=R, 5=Y, 6=I, 7=G, 8=S, 9=V, 10=M, 11=E, 12=U, 13=A, 14=T, 15=P, 16=B, 17=C, 18=O, 19=D, 20=K, 21=N, 22=Q, 23=H, 24=Z, 25=F, 26=W. WORD WHEEL: WITHSTOOD.

14

8

2

45

11

27

21

11

5 14 8

8

23

19

13

3 5 3 7 9

4

16

11

3 1

6

7 1 8 4

14 4

6 2 9 5

1

29 6 8

7

5

10

12

9 5 3 1

6

21

13

7

7

12 16

11

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

9

13

Frank Lined up New Ran away to marry Left Came close

L

14

3. Weird (5)

28 14

10

SUDOKU: CLOCKWORD: 1 Method, 2 Impend, 3 Needed, 4 Nudged, 5 Itched, 6 Expand, 7 Demand, 8 Rotund, 9 Island, 10 Varied, 11 Ensued, 12 Regard.

6

11

8

13

CELEBRITY: Minnie Driver.

SPLIT DECISION

Each number from 1 to 9 represents a different letter.

Solve the clues and insert the letters in the appropriate squares to discover a word which uses all nine letters.

2

1. Australian

8

NINER 1

Down

SUDOKU

No number may be used more than once in any one block.

4

8 7

Across

Fill in the white squares with the numbers 1 to 9.

Each horizontal block of squares must add up to the number in the shaded square to its left, and each vertical block must add up to the number in the shaded square above it.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Quick Clues:

KAKURO

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all six-letter words ending with the letter D in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a late Hollywood actor.

11

2. Colour that may go with cry (3) 3. Earlier religious leader (5) 4. Deer is to live here (6) 5. Sirius tops the canine bill (3,4) 6. Match not working?

(3,2,6) 7. Arch in use by marine creature (3,6) 10. Formerly transient, now off the cuff (11) 11. For corresponding landlord in flight? (3,6) 14. Sell art of the stars (7) 16. Add a very soft finish (6) 19. Rising nonprofessional or sovereign (5) 21. Obviously not an upright statement (3)

9

Cross out one of the two letters in each divided square to reveal a completed crossword grid.

C C O T R

S H U I S

F

P

T

R

X

A

E R E N E

D V O T T

G

T

J

E

R

I

T I O N S

NINER: TINDERBOX.

P O A L O

SPLIT DECISION:

KAKURO: 1 2 8 3 8 9 4 2 1 2 8 9 5 4 7 8 5 3 2 9 8 1 7 9 4 6

S 4 1 2 3 7 8 5 2 7 3 7 5 1 3 2 6 6 1 7 9 3 9 8

9 3 1 6

7 9 3 6 2

H

T O

R

L N

U T

A I

A O

E A

N

P N T

K

S

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 35

36 Thursday, August 3, 2017

Enjoy our beer garden.

Summers not over yet.

SUNDAY ROAST STILL £8.95 Real ales • Two bars* • BT Sport Three Star Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Parties and functions catered for * Opening hours for bar, every day, 12 noon to 11pm

Lunchtime Meals 12 – 2.30pm† Evenings Meals 6–9pm† Sunday Roast 12–3pm † No food served Sunday Evenings or Monday Lunchtimes

Book through our new website or phone to talk to Pauline or Lisa THE RAILWAY INN, STATION ROAD, CULHAM OX14 3BT

Tel: 01235 528046

info@railwayinnculham.co.uk

www.railwayinnculham.co.uk

News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

Thursday, August 3, 2017 37

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

11/12/13 AUGUST 2017

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38 Thursday, August 3, 2017

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School’s Out

Make a splash this summer Visit the Oxford Aqua Park this summer for an experience like no other! The brand new inflatable water park, located at Queensford Lake Watersports Centre, Burcot Lane in Berinsfield opened its doors on the 1st of July and has been bustling with adults, kids, families, friends and work colleagues since.

With inflatable obstacles including Tunnels, Ringo Rides, Big Balls, Huge Slides & more, the aqua park is guaranteed to bring fits of giggles and lots of fun to your summer.

The 60 acre picturesque lake also

offers Wake Boarding & Water Skiing facilities and the onsite BBQ and Ice Cream counter means that you can enjoy a few hours at the lake with your family and friends.

Ages 6 and above can join, prices from just £15 per person for a 50 minute session, and although the water is not as cold as you would think, wetsuits are available to hire for an extra £5.

So what are you waiting for? Book today!

Oxford Aqua Park - 07376 976734 | Burcot Lane, Berinsfield ...

THEOXFORDPAPER.CO.UK

Thursday, August 3, 2017 39

Summer

SALE

40 Thursday, August 3, 2017

STARTERS

Charred Asparagus V GF

Asparagus Puree, Shaved Old Winchester

Duck Liver Parfait GF

Fig & Apple Chutney, Radish & Watercress Salad, Toast

Scottish Smoked Salmon GF

Homemade Irish Soda Bread & Butter, Watercress & Radish Salad

MAINS Confit Rabbit Leg & Smoked Panchetta Pappardelle Pasta Tarragon, Baby Spinach & Shaved Old Winchester

Charred Broccoli & Feta Salad V GF Vegan Chilli & Ginger Dressing, Toasted Nuts & Seeds

Aubrey Allen Onglet Steak GF

Skin on Fries, Radish & Watercress Salad, Garlic Butter (£2.50 supplement)

Fish & Chips

Tartar Sauce & Smashy Peas

DESSERTS Spiced Apple Crumble with Double Cream Strawberry Eton Mess GF Westcombe Cheddar, Chutney & Crackers GF

News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 41

Airport & Sea Port Transfers

Looking for a personal chauffeur with high quality vehicles?

A driver who goes that extra mile for their clients?

Someone who can provide impeccable service, time and time again, at only the most competitive prices!

Then look no further!

We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Call: 07770 993577 Email: mike@mbexecutivetravel.com

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42 Thursday, August 3, 2017

Special Events

Looking for a personal chauffeur with high quality vehicles?

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theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 43

Corporate Transfers & Events

Looking for a personal chauffeur with high quality vehicles?

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44 Thursday, August 3, 2017

Sports Trips

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News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

Thursday, August 3, 2017 45

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Business

New MD sets an example with degree

Jonathan Walton, the new managing director of Whitley Stimpson Ltd, one of the largest accountancy and business advisers in the area, is leading the company’s policy of continuous training by completing a two year part-time MSc degree in taxation at Oxford University in the faculty of law.

Jonathan, who has 20 years’ experience as a company director, has taken over the managing directorship from Malcolm Higgs, who became chairman.

He said: “Our whole ethos is based on focused customer support and as one of the 100 leading practices in the country we encourage every member of staff to gain further qualifications.

These include personal leadership development courses, technical expertise as well as external mentoring.”

Jonathan, already an Oxford University graduate also holds an MBA from Reading University and an MA in leadership studies from Exeter University.

Whitley Stimpson Ltd has offices in Banbury, Bicester, High Wycombe and Witney after successfully taking over and merging accountancy practices to create a network of four regional offices, providing the company with new opportunities for growth.

Jonathan will be supported by Martin Anson, who takes over responsibility as fi nance director, and added: “Our focus will be to continue to attract new talent, nurturing them through their professional examinations and anticipating their future development needs so that they stay with us.

“As we continue to grow we want to maintain and deliver excellence and consistency. We want to continue to enhance our already excellent value to our clients as well as creating a great place for people to work.”

Contact Alex Iszatt with your business news and stories at alex@theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Stagecoach drivers strike gold again to be the best

Oxfordshire’s Stagecoach bus drivers have beaten 18 Stagecoach regions to retain The Christopher Ball Memorial Award for a third consecutive year after employees’ demonstrated consistently strong driving performance over the past year.

Christopher Ball, Stagecoach Ecodriver Project Manager, worked tirelessly to roll out the GreenRoad ecodriving technology to Stagecoach’s bus companies across the UK and was a respected and well-liked employee.

Following his passing in 2014 the company paid tribute to Christopher with an awards scheme in his memory.

The GreenRoad system is installed on all Stagecoach vehicles and uses a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard which gives drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

Every ‘event’ such as harsh braking or excessive speed is recorded and the driver produces a score. To achieve fleet elite status drivers must have driven at least 500 hours and had a score of five or under throughout the year.

Almost half (46%) of Stagecoach in Oxfordshire drivers were awarded Fleet Elite status and, of those, more than a fifth (21%) achieved the ‘Super Gold’ badge for consistently maintaining the highest driving standard for four consecutive years.

Martin Sutton, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire Managing Director, said: “This is a huge accolade for the team and I am delighted that our drivers’ commitment to delivering safe, smooth and fuel efficient driving for our customers has been recognised again.

“To be awarded as the best for a third consecutive year is a great achievement and I would personally

Representatives from Stagecoach in Oxfordshire receiving the Christopher Ball Memorial Award, from left are Richard York from GreenRoad, Mike Watson, Phil Lillywhite, Phil Pointer, Zsolt Noggy, Tim Fuller, Viv Dix, Paul Green, John Ball, George Irvine and Bill Benson like to thank all of our drivers for their hard work.”

Christopher Ball’s father John was once again involved in presenting the awards. He added: “I would like to congratulate the winners of these awards.

It’s a real testament to them that we are awarding the same winners as last year.

“It is good to know that Christopher’s hard work is being continued and he would have been delighted that the GreenRoad system is helping to deliver such high standards of driving

across Stagecoach.”

Richard Hemming, GreenRoad Vice President of Customer Success, said: “GreenRoad is delighted to be partnering with Stagecoach again to deliver the Christopher Ball Memorial Awards in 2017. Christopher Ball was an integral person in rolling out GreenRoad within Stagecoach and this creation of a culture of safer driving is now firmly embedded in the Stagecoach business benefitting passengers and employees alike.

“Stagecoach has some of the highest

driving standards within GreenRoad’s client portfolio. Congratulations to the winners; the standard to achieve such a win in Stagecoach in 2017 is very high.”

It was revealed earlier this year that Stagecoach bus employees again topped a global eco-driver performance scheme which measures fuelefficient driving.

More than 4,800 Stagecoach drivers across the UK were awarded Fleet Elite status under the programme managed by GreenRoad.

Witney-based company storms to victory in internet awards An internet company in Witney has scooped two leading industry awards.

Storm Internet based in Eynsham Road, has been awarded Best Host 2017 and Best Cloud Service 2017 at the 19th annual UK Internet Industry Awards, hosted by the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA).

Storm Internet was short-listed for four categories – Best Business Customer Service, Security Award, Best Host and Best Cloud Service – having won the latter two which were some of the most hotly contested and prestigious of all of the night’s awards.

For the Best Host award, the judges were particularly impressed

by Storm Internet’s customer escalation, encryption and sustainability through offsetting carbon emissions.

They sighted offering value for money with innovative pricing, free content distribution network and a modern virtualisation policy as the deciding factors that won the Best Cloud Ser-

vice award, which Storm Internet now retains for a second year running.

Salim Benadel, CEO and founder of Storm Internet said: “As a small company up against some of the leading industry giants, this is testament to our focus on innovation and genuine desire to offer the most comprehensive yet flexible hosting and cloud solutions for our customers.

“We view every customer’s requirements as unique and shape a solution around their needs. This is what makes us different and we’re absolutely delighted and honoured to be recognised for our work by the ISP industry through these two prestigious award.”

The ISPA Awards are a celebration of the diversity of the sector and provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year, including the passing of the Investigatory Powers Act, increased investment in broadband networks and rollout, high profile cyber-attacks,

The team from Storm Internet won two awards at the Cafe de Paris in London on July 3

46 Thursday, August 3, 2017

News/Advertising Call 01235 511700

Property Agents working to engage with public more online Giosg, which helps clients do better business by engaging more successfully with their online visitors, analysed data from around 2.8 million visitors to UK property companies’ websites. As well as delivering raw data, it also suggests that companies could do more to be in synch with the needs and demands of their online visitors.

Giosg already works with eight property companies including Knight Frank, Connells and Savills, and analysed the visits of 2,710,592 individuals looking for properties across these eight websites in a period of one month (May 2017). The busiest company website accounted for over 40% of all these visitors.

“What’s interesting, is that once visitors arrive at the estate agent’s website, more often than not via a click through from a property portal site such as Zoopla, they are very loyal to that estate agent’s website.

Just 4.6% of the visitors we monitored go on to browse other estate agents’ websites,” says Ville Rissanen, CEO at Giosg.

On average, visitors view 8.8 pages during a browsing session, although results vary between the best performing site which generated 14.9 page views per visit and the worst with only 2.8. This demonstrates that the best site is performing more than four times better than the worst.

“Implementing live chat can be a timely and effective solution as it gives visitors a channel to ask for help with navigation and to fi nd what they are looking for. It’s also a popular

route with estate agencies who are looking to engage more with their visitors to gain stronger insights into what they want and which aspects of the customer experience could be improved,” Rissanen continues.

Property companies have most online visitors during the working week between 6am and 7pm, although their chat operators (the average is three per company on a weekday, although the range is from one to 15) are most online between 9am and 6pm.

Rissanen said: “This means there are three hours a day which accounts for 720,000 unique visitors and indicates that a significant amount of potential additional business is currently just ‘walking away’”.

Chat conversations, which have become an increasingly common feature on property websites - combined the eight property companies have over 1,000 chat conversations per month - were about: booking a valuation, 30%; property enquiry, 28%; general enquiry, 20%; technical issues and site content, 5%; branch contact, 2%; recruitment, 1%; other, 14% Weekend online visits accounted for approximately 850,000 visitors in the month. Whilst weekend visits fall (perhaps because people are actually out visiting properties) by 30% on Saturdays and 34% on Sundays, the number of chat operators ‘on call’ drops by an even bigger 51% and 69% respectively, and by 73% for one of the companies. Five out of the eight companies have no one on chat duty on Sundays.

Oxford’s 4,128 mortgage timebombs?

Bill Cooper, co-author of The Oxford Property Blog and managing director of Martin and Co, Oxford

According to my research, of the 58,716 properties in Oxford, 19,110 of those properties have mortgages on them. 72.4% of those mortgaged properties are made up of owner-occupiers and the rest are buy to let landlords (with a mortgage). But this is the concerning part - 4,128 of those Oxford mortgages are interest only. Each year between 2017 and 2022, 50 of those households with interest only mortgages will mature, and of those, 12 households a year will either have a shortfall or no way of paying the mortgage off.

Theoretically, this is an enormous problem for anyone in this situation as their home is at risk of repossession if they don’t have some means to repay these mortgages at the end of the term.

Banks and Building Societies are under no obligation to lengthen the term of the mortgage and,

when deciding whether they are prepared to do so or not, will look at it in the same way as someone coming to them for a new mortgage.

Back in the 1980’s, endowment mortgages were all the rage, having an endowment meant you were taking out an interest only mortgage and then paying into an endowment policy which would pay the mortgage off (plus hopefully leave some profit) at the end of the 25/35-year term.

Only the interest, rather than any capital, was paid to the mortgage company - but the full debt had to be cleared at the end of the 25/35-year term.

Historically plenty of Oxford homeowners bought an endowment policy to run alongside their interest only mortgage. However, because the endowment policy was a stock market linked invest-

Home and location are full of natural beauty

OIEO £ 350,000 An area of outstanding natural beauty, Letcombe Regis & Bassett nestles at the foot of the Berkshire Downs on Letcombe Brook approximately one mile from the market town of Wantage.

The attractive and desirable village has a play group, church, village hall, coffee shop and a popular pub, The Greyhound.

This beautiful three bedroom detached cottage is situated in this highly desirable Oxfordshire village.

Located in a private lane with just three other properties, this character home has a ground floor cloakroom, spacious lounge/ dining room with a wood burner and a good size kitchen to the ground floor.

To the fi rst floor are three bedrooms and the family bathroom. Off road parking for one with a pretty cottage garden to the front.

The entrance hall has a tiled floor, a window to the front, useful cloaks cupboard.

ment plan and the stock market poorly performed between 1999 and 2003 (when the FTSE dropped 49.72%), the endowments of many of these homeowners didn’t cover the shortfall. Whilst, many were left with a debt, their endowment at least covered a proportion of the mortgage repayment.

Nonetheless, in the mid 2000’s, the banks still sold ‘interest only’ mortgages, but this time with no savings plan, endowment or investment product to pay the mortgage off at the end of the term. It was a case of ‘we’ll sort that nearer the time’ as property prices were on the rampage in an upwards direction!

Thankfully, the proportion of interest only mortgages sold started to decline after the Credit Crunch, as you can see looking at the graph below, from a peak of 43.81% of all mortgages to the current 8.71%.

Increasing the length of the mortgage to obtain more time to raise the money has gradually become more difficult since the introduction of stricter lending criteria in 2014, with many mature borrowers considered too old for a mortgage extension at the point their interest-only loan matures.

Oxford people who took out interest only mortgages years ago and don’t have a strategy to pay

The living/ dining room has a window to the side, a window to the front and a box bay window to the front. The wood burner, with a brick surrounding, provides a lovely focal point.

With ample room for a dining table and chairs, the dining area is open to the extended kitchen.

A rare opportunity to buy into this location with an EPC Rating G. For more information call the sales information line on 01235 772670 or visit www.davistate.com

back the mortgage face a ticking time bomb. Recently a client of mine faced this exact scenario, and was obliged to hastily sell the property struggling to achieve full market value due to his debt repayment deadline.

I want to stress to all existing and future homeowners who use mortgages to go in to them with your eyes open. You must understand, whilst the banks and building societies could do more to help, you too have personal responsibility.

For more thoughts on the Oxford Property Market – visit the Oxford Property Blog at www.OxfordPropertyBlog.co.uk

theoxfordpaper.co.uk

Thursday, August 3, 2017 47

48 Thursday, August 3, 2017

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Recruitment

To place a recruitment advert contact Tara on 01235 516917 or tara@taylornewspapers.co.uk

Successful retention programmes and lack of new talent, create pressure on skills gap within cyber security market The results of BeecherMadden’s 2017 salary survey, have shown that the skills gap in the cyber security recruitment market is getting worse.

Much has been made of the skills gap in recent years and candidates have moved roles regularly, often gaining large pay increases when

they do. In the past 12 months, companies have started to invest more in retaining the skilled employees they have.

As a result, 45% of BeecherMadden candidates expect to receive an internal promotion as their next job, up from just 12% a year ago.

Also contributing to the squeezed market place, fewer candidates are actively looking for a new role. Just 18% of candidates said they were actively looking for a new role, down from around 70%, 12 months ago.

There are now fewer candidates available with between one and three

years experience.

Recent graduates, with qualifications but limited experience fi nd that they secure roles within weeks of graduating, such is the demand for talent. The lack of candidates at this junior level, has contributed to pay increases at this end of the market.

A candidate in cyber security with just three years experience, can expect to earn £40,000; perhaps more if they have specialised in an area such as penetration testing.

This end of the market has seen the biggest pay increase in the past 12 months, up 20% on a year ago.

TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL Bicester Village Talent Day On Pingle Field, located next to (access via the bridgefrom from 4Bicester Village) At the John Paul II Centre in Bicester BicesterVillage on Wednesday 26 April, pm until 6.30on pm.

Wednesday 9 August, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Areyou youaatalented talented person a passion for retail? luxuryBring retail? your enthusiasm to a Are person withwith a passion for luxury yourBring enthusiasm to a role at Bicester role atCome Bicester Village.

Village. to the Talent Day to discover the perfect role, with more than 40 brands offering managerial and non managerial For more information and topositions. register, visit Careers.BicesterVillage.com

For more information and to register, visit Careers.BicesterVillage.com

NG I Z A M A r u o n Joi rd! o f x O n i m a e t Are you passionate and committed to delivering amazing customer service?

Then come and join the revolution.

We are currently looking for: Customer Service Representatives and Cashiers Apply online: metrobankonline.co.uk/careers metrobankonline.co.uk/careers

Metro Bank PLC. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 6419578. Registered office: One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA. 'Metrobank' is the registered trade mark of Metro Bank PLC.

To place a recruitment advert contact Tara on 01235 516917 or email tara@taylornewspapers.co.uk

© Bicester Village 2017 06/17 3937

SALES EXECUTIVES We are a dynamic publishing company with a portfolio of 10 weekly newspaper titles and have vacancies for an ADDITIONAL 6 SALES STAFF One position available with a company car the others will be office bound or even work from home may be considered.

With previous experience in newspaper sales, potential to earn £20k - £40k.

Please contact Howard Taylor on 01235 516901 or email your interest to howard@taylornewspapers.co.uk

CASUAL CHAUFFEURS Pryors are looking to add to our busy team of casual chauffeurs, who focus on conveying corporate clients on international business between Oxfordshire and major airports. This position tends to suit ladies or gentlemen who have a proven safe driving record, are of smart appearance (company uniform will be provided) and live close to the Didcot area.

This is a part time role with flexible hours to suit both parties’ requirements.

Please contact Terry White on 01235 812345 Or email recruitment@pryors.co.uk for an information pack

Thursday, August 3, 2017 49

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SAT nav for sale brand new £30 was a present tel: 01256 462172 Spare wheel caravan vgc £15 tel: 01491 834610 CLAUD Butler racing bike 14 gears good all round condition offers tel: 01235 533363 RALEIGH E3 vintage bicycle original features and colour £70 tel: 714519 CAR seat suitable from birth 0 to 13 kg deep seat £10 tel: 01956 739714

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Motors

Small family car ticks all the boxes DS3 Prestige BlueHDi 120 S&S 6-speed manual

The DS3 rides well and comes with a host of safety features

By Tony Yates A few months back I tested the petrol version of the DS3 and I found it to be a bit on the weak side, so this month I am testing the all singing and dancing prestige version but in diesel form this time.

This of course brings me onto another debate about which is better – diesel or petrol. Well, we could spend hours debating about this, but I prefer to stick to the job in hand. Plus, sometimes it’s not just about which engine is better, sometimes it’s just down to what you as the owner prefer to be under the bonnet.

Power and efficiency

keep you fi rmly welded to the road ahead, while the suspension underneath you does a great job of keeping it that way no matter how demanding the road ahead gets.

The chassis has also been tuned to give you a smooth and stable ride – even when pushed on some of the more challenging corners, although, I would of liked a bit more feedback from the steering and a little bit more feel as to what the road surface beneath me The DS3 rides well and all the chas- was doing, but the chassis more than sis components have been setup to makes up for these minor niggles.

The DS3 I had on test was powered by a 1560cc Euro 6 diesel engine with 88kW of power (120HP) and 285Nm of torque, which is a good starting point.

Fuel consumption comes in around 70mpg combined (subject to how you drive) and CO2 emissions of around 94g/km. And a respectable 0-62 time of around 9.3 seconds.

On the road

screen along with cruise control, RDS radio with 6 speakers and AUX socket, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth® handsThe sports seating does a great job free and media streaming with USB of keeping you well supported, while socket, LED daytime running lights rear passenger leg room is adequate and LED front fog lights to help you for most adults. Boot space is also good light the road ahead. at 285litres (seats up).

Then there is a host of safety feaThere are also 2X isofi x child seat tures such as; ABS with electronic anchorage points on the rear seats – brakeforce distribution, emergency making the fitting of a supported child braking assistance, electronic stability seat very easy indeed. control (ESC), hill start assist function, The New DS3 also benefits from a active city brake, driver and passenger centrally-mounted seven-inch touch- front lateral and curtain airbags and

Interior and technology

remote central locking with deadlocks.

To sum up The DS3 is a great car for the person looking for a small family car that ticks all the boxes. There is a petrol version of course – but if I was you I would opt for the diesel every time, but not because the petrol is bad, more that the diesel’s resale value will be a tad stronger when you come to upgrade.

Price: (from) £19,495 OTR – not including fitted options.

Make sure your journey doesn’t end in tears With summer holidays beckoning and recent sweltering temperatures tempting motorists to take weekend road trips and UK-based ‘staycations’, motorists are being urged to make sure their vehicles are summer ready The staycation boom is set to continue this year, with figures suggesting a rise of almost a quarter (23.8 per cent) of holidaymakers booking breaks in the UK. Inevitably, the majority of staycationers will be heading off in their cars to reach their destination.

Volvo’s local Oxford dealership, Johnsons of Oxford, is calling on drivers embarking on long journeys to undertake a series of checks before hitting the road.

Jason Brown at Johnsons of Oxford, said: “We’re holidaying at home much more than we did in the past, and most of us will arrive at our destinations behind the wheel of our cars.

“Preparing for a long journey can make the difference between a smooth and seamless trip and one fraught with mishaps. From breakdowns to forgetting travel essentials, thinking ahead means we’re more likely to arrive relaxed rather than frazzled.”

Here are Johnsons of Oxford’s top tips to prepare for a long journey: Be prepared – travel prepared for delays by having an emergency kit including a map, warning triangle, fluorescent jackets, first-aid kit, relevant medication and lots of water. If you’re travelling abroad, check the AA’s website for driving in Europe for a list of additional equipment you’ll need before travelling.

Take a break – this is essential on any long-distance journeys, whatever the weather, offering both driver and passengers a break from the road.

Health check – a quick

check that your car is in the best condition for the road prior to a long journey is advisable. At Johnsons of Oxford, Volvo drivers can book a 25-point vehicle health check, covering everything from air-conditioning to washer fluid levels and tyre pressures.

Accessories – a range of vehicle accessories can make a journey easier and less stressful, and some, such as child seats, are essential for both safety reasons and to comply with the law. Local Oxford Volvo drivers have a huge choice of accessories, including: • Media server – keep younger passengers entertained on longer journeys and connect up to six tablets** or smartphones wirelessly to the Volvo media server. This allows them to watch films, digital TV or listen to music. You can even connect an optional camera to the server to keep an eye on the kids in the back

Keep the kids amused with digital TV screens on the back seats

seat, the dog in the luggage compartment or a horse in the horse box.

• Dog harness – keep your pooch and other vehicle occupants safe by using Volvo’s simple yet comfortable dog harness, which attaches to a rear seatbelt.

• Dog gate and dog cage – fitting easily and securely, Volvo’s protective grille,

load compartment divider and dog cage creates a safe place for your pet to travel in the luggage compartment.

• Sun shade – keep your car and rear-seat passengers cool in sizzling temperatures with easily attachable sun shades that protect against heat and bright sunlight.

• Roof box – if additional

luggage space is needed, opt for a Volvo roof box.

These provide up to 430 litres of capacity, while their aerodynamic styling minimises wind resistance.

• Bike holder – taking your bike with you on holiday?

Then Volvo’s range of roofand towbar-mounted bike holders will keep up to four bikes secure while motoring.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 51

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SPORT

Oil leak sees early end for di Resta on return Adam Flinn: Reporter

F1 Williams PAUL di Resta’s return to Formula One with Williams after four years away ended in disappointment after he was forced to retire from Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix with an oil leak.

The Scottish driver had been deputising for Felipe Massa, who fell ill ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session and opted to pull out of the remainder of the weekend.

Reserve driver di Resta had never driven the 2017 car before, but did a solid job to put his car 19th on the grid, within a second of team-mate Lance Stroll.

And while di Resta spent much of Sunday’s race towards the back, the Grove-based team was satisfied with his performance.

Di Resta said: “Jumping straight in the car with no experience of the different tyre compounds or running on high fuel, I wasn’t sure what to expect so I went in with an open mind.

“We went a different way on strategy, but the biggest thing for me was just gaining the confidence as the runs went on and I was feeling more comfortable with the car.

Paul di Resta stood in for a poorly Felipe Massa in Hungary.

Picture: Williams Martini Racing

“It would have been nice to fi nish without the oil leak, but overall I’m not too dissatisfied with where I was given how little running I’d had.”

Stroll meanwhile described his race as “boring”, as he had a quiet afternoon before bringing his Williams home outside the points in 14th.

The slow nature of the Hungaroring circuit isn’t suited to the Williams, and while Stroll was comfortably ahead of the Saubers he was unable to make an impression on the teams ahead.

He said: “It was quite a boring race.

I was driving along the whole time, so not much happened and we didn’t

have the pace this weekend to stay with the others.

“I tried everything I could in the fi rst stint to hold the other guys and I was doing ok, then in the second stint I tried the undercut but I just didn’t have the pace and overheated the rears too much.

“All in all, it was a tough weekend, but we now need to look forward to the other kinds of tracks – Spa and Monza – that should be better for our car.”

After two days of testing in Hungary fi nished yesterday, Formula One is now on its summer break, with the next race in Belgium on August 27.

Oxfordshire drivers come to blows F1 THERE was no love lost between Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen following a heated battle for 11th place during Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The two drivers – who race for Oxfordshire teams Renault and Haas respectively – came to blows with nine laps of the race left after Hulkenberg suffered a slow pitstop.

Hulkenberg attempted to pass Magnussen round the outside of turn two, but the Haas driver held fi rm and pushed Hulkenberg onto the grass.

The Renault driver subsequently retired from the race with brake and gearbox issues, while Magnussen was given a five second penalty.

But things boiled over in the media pen following the race when Hulkenberg confronted Magnussen about the

Kevin Magnussen (pictured) was penalised for his late-race antics with Nico Hulkenberg. Picture: Haas F1

incident, with the pair trading insults.

Hulkenberg said later: “The pitstop was frustrating as we lost a lot of time at a vital moment in the race, which led to me being stuck behind Magnussen.

“I’m all for hard racing but he was just ruthless by pushing me off track,

for which he was then penalised.”

Magnussen said: “I didn’t even touch him. He could have chosen to back out, as I had the corner and if anything, I was a little bit in front.

“We braked late, so it’s natural you go wide and push on the entry. He put himself in danger on the outside.”

Race two collision ruins Plato’s afternoon Touring Cars A PROMISING start to the day in Snetterton turned into frustration for Jason Plato as he could only score points in one of the three races on Sunday.

The Oxford-based British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) driver secured a solid fi fth place result in race one – his second best result so far in what has been a tough season.

From ninth on the grid, Plato made

Not-so Elusive win for ‘star’ horse

steady progress up the order to score a much-needed haul of points, while his team-mate Ash Sutton won his fi rst of two races on the day.

However it all went wrong on the opening lap of race two, as Plato made contact with the BMW of Andrew Jordan and was sent tumbling out of contention.

He eventually fi nished well down the order in 24th place.

And starting way down the grid in race three, Plato was able to take advantage of a high rate of non-fi n-

ishers to move up the field, but he ultimately ended the race just outside the points in 16th.

Plato is currently a lowly 15th in the BTCC standings with 60 points, with the five drivers from 12th to 16th separated by just 12 points.

He will be hoping for better luck at the next round of the championship at Knockhill on August 13.

Jason Plato managed a fifth place at Snetterton, but not much else Picture: btcc.net

Jo Bates on Elusive. Picture: Julian Portch Photography

Equestrian BANBURY-BASED showjumper Jo Bates won a prestigious championship at Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show on Saturday.

She claimed the Bereton Supreme Hack Championship with Suzanna Welby’s seven-year-old Elusive.

“I’ve had many placings and reserves but this is my fi rst Supreme here,” Bates said.

“This horse is really special, he (Elusive) just loves the big occasion.

“He was Hack Champion at Windsor this year and here last year.

“We usually take him for a hack and then loose school him the day before a show and let him have a good buck and a kick.”

Bates added: “He’s so smooth and comfortable – he’s sublime to ride.

“This is my second season riding him and he’s only been beaten once last season. He has such charisma and star quality that he really wants to win. He really enjoys it and loves his job.”

Elusive’s owner, Suzanna Welby was equally impressed with his performances.

“He’s the world’s most fabulous horse to ever walk the earth,” she said.

“I bought him as a three-year-old – my daughter found him and I fell in love with him straight away.

“He was unbeaten in hand and is the horse of a lifetime.”

Bates and Elusive went on to contest the British Horse Society Supreme Ridden Horse Championship on Sunday, putting on an excellent show for the judges to fi nish a credible third overall.

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Thrilling way for Saints to end with two-point victory Matthew Brown: Reporter

American Football OXFORD Saints ended their season on a high with a thrilling 24-22 topsyturvy home victory against the Ouse Valley Eagles at Tilsley Park.

The opening stages featured both defences breaking down the offences but it was the Saints who seized the initiative and running back Tony Glover charged up the middle for the opening score.

Sam Fielden kicked the extra point to give Oxford a 7-0 lead but the Eagles hit back in the second quarter with a 28-yard field goal from Mike Turner to make it 7-3.

Oxford countered immediately and good, strong running from Glover and Sam Armstrong got the Saints close to their endzone. Armstrong entered from seven yards out for the touchdown to double their lead.

Once again, Fielden made no mistake with his kick.

Ouse Valley were making good progress in the air but were unable to get into the scoring distance before the end of the half.

The Saints made them pay for this by adding a quick score on just the second play of the next drive when the energetic Glover raced up the sideline and out-sprinted the defenders for a 54-yard touchdown run.

Another good kick from Fielden gave Oxford a comfortable 21-3 advantage.

In response, the Eagles shuffled the pack in their offense with Kase Chibwe and Byron Chowles getting the bulk of the work and they progressed up the

Picture: Chris Janes field to the endzone for Chibwe to run in for the score.

It was now 21-9 to Oxford after the Eagles failed to convert.

Chibwe and Chowles continued to be a thorn in the side of the Oxford defense with their strong running and Chibwe once again broke through for a 27-yard touchdown run to narrow the

gap to make the score 21-15.

Turner had attempted to add the extra point however the ball was not set in place.

Oxford were now struggling to break down the Ouse Valley defense and the visitors took the lead for the first time, the score 22-21 after Akintunde Adewale scored a 24-yard touchdown.

The Saints continued to battle and responded superbly through Fielden who kicked the ball straight through from 34-yards out for a field goal to give Oxford the lead again at 24-22.

It was now or nothing for the Eagles who fought gallantly but the Saints held out for the win in what was a pulsating encounter.

Eddie down and out after walking off in the rain Golf EDDIE Pepperell was disqualified from the storm-struck Porsche European Open in Hamburg last week.

The Abingdon man was heading for an early exit at the Green Eagle Golf Course when adverse weather halted play.

The Frilford Heath member faltered early on in the second round after a disappointing conclusion to his first-

round 74.

And after an almost four-hour rain delay, Pepperell was disqualified as he decided not to return to the course – so he wouldn’t miss his flight home.

The 26-year-old was one of five players to be disqualified in similar fashion at the European Tour event.

Starting on the 10th tee, Pepperell birdied his first three holes to make a flying start to competition last Thursday.

But bogeys on 17, seven, nine and a

Young golfers tee up great start to their careers Junior Golf OXFORD Golf Club attracted a diverse field of golfers from across the world and a score of young players for the British Junior Golf Tour event last Wednesday.

Thailand’s Waraporn Wimonwan was successful in the 9-10 age group as she compiled a nine-hole winning gross score of 47 to nudge one ahead of Billy Wood (Wexham Park, Slough) and Jakob Venables (Broome Manor,

Swindon).

Three strokes was the margin of victory in the 7-8 age group as Bicester’s Jakob Payne carded 45 to finish in front of William Brennan (Wexham) and Michael Haywood (Gravesend, Kent).

All eight players in the under-six age group, including one youngster from Singapore, were rewarded for taking part by receiving family passes to watch the British Seniors Masters at Woburn in early September.

Dylan Barney (South Herts) beat Henry Saddleton (Sprowston Manor,

Norwich) by one score after shooting 41.

The main 18-hole competition witnessed an outstanding round from Overstone Park’s (Northampton) Mark Stockdale as the 20-handicapper fired a net 60.

Manato Nakatani (Hendon, London) took the gross plaudits by two shots from Buckingham’s Huw Pearson and Belton Park’s (Grantham) Alex Doig, who both carded 79.

For more details about Oxford Golf Club, based at Hill Top Road, southeast Oxford, visit oxfordgolfclub.net

double bogey on the sixth meant he finished the opening round on two-over.

The world 334 made it to hole 14 on the second day before stormy weather struck – but his hope of surviving the cut had already evaporated following a lousy opening.

Encouraging birdies on one, three and nine were cancelled out with four dropped shots on holes eight, 10 and 11, leaving Pepperell adrift on threeover and with no hope of surviving to the third day.

Waraporn Wimonwan

Gray swaps gold and black for blue and yellow Ice Hockey OXFORD City Stars have added more strength and depth to their roster with the addition of D-man Martyn Gray, who joins the Stars from Bracknell Hornets.

The 24-year-old defensive player, originally from Wales, has spent his ice hockey career playing for three different teams and has been reunited with Oxford boss Kenny Redmond, who he worked with at Bracknell.

As a junior, Gray played out of Swindon for various teams including the Cougars, Leopards and ENL Wildcats.

In 2011, Gray featured in the NIHL North, playing for the Sheffield Senators until the 2015/16 season.

Keen to represent the Stars Gray said: “I’m excited to be joining Oxford and looking forward to working hard and hopefully having a great season.

“I’m happy to be playing for Kenny again, he’s a great coach and expects a lot from his players. The fans have been great whenever I’ve played against Oxford, they really get behind the team.”

Head coach Redmond added: “I’m delighted to have signed Martyn. He’s a good ‘stay at home’ defenceman who battles hard in every game. He has a great attitude and wants to improve every time he’s on the ice.”

The new campaign ices off next month.

Stags victory in close game Rugby League OXFORD Rugby League went down 32-26 away at Hemel Stags over the weekend, despite leading for a large portion of the game.

Hemel started the game on the front foot and opened the scoring on three minutes.

Oxford prop Lee Land was then sinbinned and Hemel made their numerical advantage count on 23 minutes with Daniel Hawksworth going over for a try after a neat pass and the conversion followed.

The Blues then sprung into life with three tries in six minutes. First, Adam Dent squeezed in on the left-wing and Harvey Burnett successfully converted.

Jordan Gill was the next to go over on the right but Burnett missed this kick and the third from Scott Fleming and subsequent kick from Burnett, gave Oxford a 16-12 lead at half-time.

Oxford continued to dominate after the break and benefitted from a penalty that resulted in Kitson crossing for an unconverted try.

They opened up a 14-point lead when Stuart Biscomb crashed over and Burnett converted.

Hemel hit back though and Vincent kicked through the Oxford line and ran onto the ball to go over, adding the extras himself. With 15 minutes to go, two further tries meant the hosts opened up a four-point lead.

Oxford gave away a penalty and tried everything to get back in the game but Hemel held out for the win.

54 Thursday, August 3, 2017

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Kick-off: Sky Bet League One fixtures 2017/18 Sat Aug 5 Oldham Athletic A W/C Aug 7 Cheltenham Town H Carabao Cup One Sat Aug 12 Portsmouth H Sat Aug 19 Scunthorpe United A Sat Aug 26 Shrewsbury Town H

Hoops aiming high with extra play-off place for this season George Welch: Reporter

Oxford City OXFORD City boss Mark Jones believes his side can make the National League South play-offs in his debut full season in charge.

Despite pre-season inconsistencies, winning three and losing four warm-up matches, Jones is keen to take advantage of an extra two playoff spots to be introduced to the division this year.

Jones, who welcomes St Albans to Oxford for the season opener on Saturday, has now had a winter trans-

fer window (as temporary manager) and a summer window (as permanent manager) to mould a team he feels is capable of challenging at the top.

He said: “We’re ambitious and we want to aim high. There are two more play-off spots available in the league so seventh place will get you in the play-offs and we’ve got to be aiming for that.

“There will be several teams in our league looking at that saying ‘we’ve got a chance at the play-offs this year’ but we’ve got to concentrate on what we’re trying to do.”

The Hoops fi nished a mixed preseason with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brackley Town at Court Place Farm on Saturday.

Ezra Forde kicks up some astroturf. Pictures: Michael Allen

Matt Paterson provided some of City’s most threatening play

Although the Hoops had the ball in the back of the net late on, Jimmy Armson’s second half strike was enough to secure victory for the visitors in a stop-start game.

Not many chances were created before the interval as Matt Paterson and Godfrey Poku provided City’s most threatening play.

The second half consisted of more action and City stopper Craig Hill was beaten just before the hour mark when Armson bypassed a sleeping Hoops defence and produced a composed fi nish to put The Saints ahead.

Oxford had a goal disallowed before Joe Oastler struck the post with a bizarre sliding tackle and Brackley ran out 1-0 winners, not that Jones was too bothered.

He said: “We’ve had different challenges and I’ve been generally happy with the performances.

“The real stuff starts next Saturday and I’m pleased with the group of players we’ve been able to put together.”

■ This is the fi rst season where there will be six teams in the play-offs in the National League South/North and National League.

The league winners will earn automatic promotion while second and third placed teams will go straight into the semi fi nal with home advantage.

Teams that fi nish fourth to seventh will compete in an additional play-off qualifying round.

Full marks for Banbury in pre-season run Banbury United THREE different scorers helped Banbury United continue their impressive pre-season form in a 3-0 win at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.

Tom Winters, Luke Carnell and Conor McDonagh netted for the Puritans as Mike Ford’s side made it five pre-season wins from five – a record extended to six with victory against

Kidlington on Tuesday.

After an uneventful opening, United made the breakthrough at the Webb’s Wood Stadium on 26 minutes when Winters struck a free kick from the edge of the area into the bottom far corner.

The visitors were the better side after the midfielder’s opener and Ravi Shamsi had a goal disallowed for offside shortly before the break.

Banbury secured the win during a

dominant opening 10 minutes of the second half, scoring two goals.

A Matt Peake-Pijnen free kick was headed home by Carnell three minutes after the restart and, six minutes later, McDonagh controlled a Leam Howards cross, side-stepped a defender and fi red coolly in United’s third.

Things nearly got even better for the Puritans just after the hour but Howards was denied from six yards

by an excellent save from the Swindon custodian.

From then on United, barely threatened by Supermarine, easily saw out the comfortable win.

The Puritans end their pre-season at home to Mangotsfield United on Saturday before the long-awaited Southern Premier League season opener against Dorchester Town at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium on August 12.

Sat Sep 2 Dons A Sat Sep 9 Tue Sep 12 Sat Sep 16 Sat Sep 23 Tue Sep 26 Sat Sep 30 United A

Milton Keynes

Sat Oct 7 Sat Oct 14 Tue Oct 17 H Sat Oct 21 H Sat Oct 28 A

AFC Wimbledon H Bristol Rovers A Charlton Athletic

Sat Nov 4 Sat Nov 11 Town H Sat Nov 18 Tue Nov 21 H Sat Nov 25 A

Emirates FA Cup 1 Northampton

Sat Dec 2 Sat Dec 9 H Sat Dec 16 Sat Dec 23 Tue Dec 26 Sat Dec 30

Gillingham H Bradford City H Blackpool A Walsall H Bury A Peterborough

Rotherham United Fleetwood Town

Plymouth Argyle A Blackburn Rovers Southend United Emirates FA Cup 2 Doncaster Rovers Rochdale A Wigan Athletic H Gillingham A Bradford City A

Mon Jan 1 Milton Keynes Dons H Sat Jan 6 Blackpool H Emirates FA Cup 3 Sat Jan 13 Walsall A Sat Jan 20 Bury H Sat Jan 27 Wigan Athletic A Emirates FA Cup 4 Sat Feb 3 Charlton Athletic A Sat Feb 10 Bristol Rovers H Tue Feb 13 Rotherham United A Sat Feb 17 Plymouth Argyle H Emirates FA Cup 5 Sat Feb 24 Northampton Town A Sat Mar 3 Fleetwood Town H Sat Mar 10 A.F.C. Wimbledon A Sat Mar 17 Peterborough United H Emirates FA Cup 6 Sat Mar 24 Portsmouth A Sat Mar 31 Scunthorpe United H Mon Apr 2 A Sat Apr 7 Sat Apr 14 Sat Apr 21 A Sat Apr 28

Shrewsbury Town Oldham Athletic H Southend United H Doncaster Rovers

Sat May 5

Blackburn Rovers A

Rochdale H

Thursday, August 3, 2017 55

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football’s back – U’s ready for 2017/18 season

New captain Nelson ‘great honour to be given the armband’

George Welch: Reporter PROUD new Oxford United captain Curtis Nelson has paid tribute to his predecessor as he prepares for his new role for next season.

As reported by The Oxford Paper last week, the former Plymouth defender has taken over the armband from John Lundstram, who departed for Sheffield United last Tuesday.

The 24-year-old, who was officially confi rmed as captain last Thursday, seemed an obvious replacement for Lundstram having led Argyle before making the switch to the Kassam Stadium last summer.

Nelson, who cost United more than £200,000 following a tribunal in November, said: “It’s a great honour [to be appointed captain]. Lunny [John Lundstram] did a fantastic job and we all wish him well at his new club, but I am really proud to have been asked to take over as captain.

“Lunny was brilliant. He deserved everything he’s got with his move and full credit to him for it.

“It won’t change the way I play too much but I have always enjoyed the extra responsibility of being captain.

“To be honest we have some strong characters here and a lot of natural leaders so it makes being captain that much easier.”

Nelson became Plymouth’s youngest captain in nearly 46 years when he skippered the Pilgrims for the fi rst time in April 2013, little over a month before his 20th birthday.

He admitted it was nice to take a step back last year but is raring to

Raheem Hanley and Sam Shaban are two of the triallists the boss must decide on

Pep’s hoping for more new names

Curtis Neklson has taken the captain’s armband for the new season Pictures: Steve Daniels go in a role he is all too familiar with.

He said: “It was quite nice to not have to be as responsible as before – it was a nice little break but now it’s service resumed.

“It’s nice to be captain and be trusted with the armband.”

Manager Pep Clotet had no hesitation in appointing his new captain.

He said: “He has all the qualities

required. He is a strong character, he has the respect of everyone in the dressing room and I think will be an outstanding captain for this football club.”

Nelson, who made more than 200 appearances for Plymouth, played 43 times in all competitions in his debut season with the U’s, scoring three times.

‘I want to play as much as I can’ OXFORD United’s latest signing Jack Payne is desperate to make his mark at his new club.

The attacking midfielder made his fi rst United appearance as a 62nd minute substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Leeds United on Saturday.

He made his debut after signing the previous day on a season-long loan from Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town.

The U’s were beaten in their last pre-season match by a fi ne fi rst half strike from – inevitably – former Oxford star Kemar Roofe and an even better second half goal from Stuart Dallas.

But for new man Payne, it was his fi rst opportunity to impress his new teammates and fans.

The 22-year-old said: “I’ve trained

every day and featured in the games, but not played loads [at Huddersfield].

“Leeds was a hard game but it was good to get on and get some more minutes. I want to play as much as I can, and to contribute to the team, so hopefully I can be involved and get as many games as possible.”

Payne netted his fi rst senior goal against the U’s in a 1-1 draw in 2014 as a Southend United player.

He spent three years at Roots Hall before joining Huddersfield Town last summer, scoring two goals in 23 league appearances as the Terriers won promotion to the Premier League for the fi rst time in their history.

Plenty of clubs were interested in signing the No.10 but new boss Pep Clotet was a decisive factor.

He said: “I had a good chat with the manager before I signed and he told me about his philosophy and where he sees the club going and the ambition here.

“That was the main thing but I also spoke to other people and everyone I asked only had positive things to say about the club.”

Clotet added: “We’ve been monitoring Jack’s situation for a while. I know him well and followed his progress in the Championship last season and the club also had good reports on him from his time at Southend, so we’re delighted to see him joining the squad.

“He fits the profi le of what we want here: exciting, talented young players who are hungry to do well, mixed with experienced professionals to help them and the side, develop.”

OXFORD United are closing in on their 10th summer signing, but Pep Clotet is unsure whether the club can secure the deal before the season kicks off on Saturday.

Nine new faces have arrived at the Kassam so far this summer (including the permanent addition of loan player Charlie Raglan) and Clotet, the United boss, is keen to make it double figures as he pushes to strengthen his squad.

He said: “I don’t know if it will be before the weekend.

“We are considering a couple of additions I think would be good for the squad because we know we are lacking a position.

“We are working very hard and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make things happen, but it’s not always easy. It’s not always up to us.”

The left back slot is the most obvious missing link in the United team and a new signing in this position would allow winger Marvin Johnson, who has filled the full back role throughout pre-season, more attacking freedom.

Seven players have departed the club since the end of last season, including influential players Chey Dunkley, Chris Maguire and skipper John Lundstram, and

Clotet has called for patience as his new-look outfit beds in.

He said: “You always have to be very patient. We have a good formation from last season and we have new additions that have to click.

“Giving time for the new players to come in and to adapt and for the players that we already had to understand and settle in more with the new additions is always wise.”

Clotet will make a decision on his posse of triallists over the next few days.

Furdjel Narsingh, Josh Smile, Sam Shaban and left backs Raheem Hanley and Leandro Cobas-Ladrero have spent time at the club hoping to impress Clotet and secure a permanent contract.

The Spaniard is also contemplating loan deals for players on the fringes of his first team, but any temporary departures aren’t likely until closer to the end of the transfer window at the end of the month.

He said: “We will see if there can be loans. We will take a good look at the squad once everyone is in place to see if someone should go on loan but it’s not something I consider at this stage.”

New signing Jack Payne has joined on loan from Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town

56 Thursday, August 3, 2017

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New boss eager to get stuck in as United kick off campaign at Oldham

Clotet’s Pep talk for U’s: I want us to be united George Welch: Reporter PEP Clotet is ready and raring to lead his Oxford United side out for the fi rst time after a whirlwind fi rst month in charge.

The U’s kick off their League One campaign with a trip to Oldham Athletic in search of their fi rst opening day three points in the third tier since 1999-2000.

Around 1,000 United fans are expected to make the 350-mile round trip on Saturday – and Clotet, eager to get the season up and running, has laid out the type of team United fans can expect to entertain them this season.

He said: “I would like to create a team, a very united team, that works

together and wins, draws and especially loses together.

“I want us to be a team that understands that we will get where we want to go and the tougher the situation gets in between, the more united and supportive we have to be to the lads.

“I see a group of players giving their best for this club and we all have to push in the same direction.”

Due to the timing of former boss Michael Appleton’s departure to Leicester City, Clotet has had less time to prepare for the coming season compared to rival managers.

Clotet was only appointed on July 1 but the Spaniard has knuckled down and is confident his Oxford side are ready for the season opener this weekend.

Of his fi rst month in charge, the 40-year-old said: “It’s been a lot of work learning as much as I can about the players, how the team plays and how the other teams play.

“It’s been really busy but enjoyable.

I have a feeling that everyone here wants to crack on and do well. It’s been very positive and satisfying.”

Analysing last season’s success, in which the club fi nished eighth in League One and reached the fi nal of the Checkatrade Trophy under Appleton’s guidance, Clotet is demanding

a more ruthless streak from his men this time around.

His focus is to rack up more points by converting defeats into draws. “If we do this we will have an extra edge,” he said.

Having worked closely with former Swansea City bosses Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk as a coach, there are no prizes for guessing what style of football Clotet is expecting from his players.

A slick, possession-based and high pressing system is the objective – but

the challenge on the now not-so-distant horizon is as mentally demanding as it is physically and tactically.

Clotet is in the process of moulding a team that can play pretty football but can also learn along the way and do anything it takes to salvage points when the going gets tough.

He said: “I want a team that is able to focus 100 per cent on the game that is in hand and whatever happens in that game – whatever result comes – we are soon learning from all the lessons within the game.”

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