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Headington Headlines #4

TonyOX3

Here is my weekly round-up of news for the week 14 – 20 March.

Members of the Barton, Risinghurst and Sandhills neighbourhood policing team received an award for their efforts in tackling anti-social behaviour, drug-dealing and speeding vehicles.

A new cancer research centre opened in the Old Road Campus building. It is a partnership between the University of Oxford, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust and Cancer Research UK.

The Oxford Biomedical Research Centre held an Open Day in the West Wing and Children’s Hospital on Thursday to show research at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals in partnership with the University of Oxford.

A blue plaque to John Henry Brookes (he of the University) was unveiled at 195 The Slade. In the same week Oxford Brookes were knocked out of University Challenge by the University of York.

But congratulations to Headington School scullers – Victor Ludorum at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head held at Dorney on 18 March.

Regulars at the Red Lion in Old Marston raised £20,000 as a loan so that landlady Diane Berry can take a 3 year tenancy.

It was announced that the Oxford Centre For Islamic Studies on the Marston Road will finally open next year. It is part of Oxford University.

Active topics this week on Headington & Marston e-democracy forum:

  • Marston Road Mosque
  • Area Committee (Planning only) meeting last Thursday

I try to cover news from the OX3 postcode in Headington and out as far as Barton, Sandhills and Risinghurst (see map). To feed into next week’s summary you can comment on this article, or tweet either with the hashtag #ox3 or @mentioning @TonyOX3.

Headington Headlines #3

TonyOX3

Here is my weekly round-up of news for the week 7 – 13 March.

The death was reported of Duncan Nicholls, Head of Science at Cheney School, who lived in Ash Grove, Headington.

The closure of Barton sub-post office had more coverage in the press and BBC.

New Polish shop “Euro Food” opened in the former internet café on London Road.

A man from Headington appeared at Winchester Crown Court charged in connection with the drugs raids on 1 March.

@OxfordCity announced a project to provide new homes and state-of-the-art community facilities in Northway. Part of the development group will be Hab Oakus, the development company of Kevin McCloud, presenter of the TV series Grand Designs.

@OxfordCity – Free Swimming Lessons for over-50s start at Barton Leisure Centre on 17 March.

Consultation on the Play Barton scheme began. Read Oxford Mail article on this and three other proposed play areas. Have your say on the Barton scheme on Monday 14 March, between 3pm and 7pm at the Play Shop on Underhill Circus.

Active topics this week on Headington & Marston e-democracy forum:

  • London to Paris Cycle Ride for the Big Issue Foundation
  • Bus Users’ Forum 10th March
  • Headington Library under threat of closure
  • Changes to planning consultation process

I try to cover news from the OX3 postcode in Headington and out as far as Barton, Sandhills and Risinghurst (see map). To feed into next week’s summary you can comment on this article, or tweet either with the hashtag #ox3 or @mentioning @TonyOX3.

Headington Headlines #1

TonyOX3

Here is my first weekly round-up of Headington news. I hope to make this a regular item. To feed into next week’s summary you can comment on this article or tweet, either with the hashtag #ox3 or @mentioning @TonyOX3.

The closure of Londis was tweeted several times as people caught up with the news, but it was a surprise to hear that Clovers in Windmill Road is to close after 30 years’ trading. The owner blames changing shopping patterns rather than rising costs. ThisIsOxfordshire website reported on the temporary closure of the Post Office at Underhill Circus, Barton, which shut on Friday, February 18. It is hoped to operate a temporary community shuttle service to Risinghurst to help pensioners collect their pensions.

The Oxford Mail reported that the City Council wants construction work to start on the controversial Barton West development by December 2013. I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear on this!

The Farmers’ Market was on Friday. @CompassBrewery seemed to be the only traders there who are active on twitter. @OxfordCityGuide, @FoodOfTheOx and @headingtonnews all advertised it.

@headingtonnews reported the results of the painting and drawing competition organised by Friends of Bury Knowle Park. In other park news a large tree outside the library was cut down (picture c/o @headingtonnews). @OxfordCity confirmed it was dying and dangerous.

Waxwings in Headington Hill Park and the Churchill Hospital, and a peregrine falcon in Bury Knowle Park and the Churchill, were reported by @oxonbirdnews.

Osler Road was blocked for a while when a No 10 bus couldn’t get past an illegally parked car  (picture).

Active topics on Headington & Marston e-democracy forum (21 – 27 Feb):

  • Should the Dorset House planning application get planning permission?
  • Clover’s to close
  • Abolition of Area Committees
  • Cycling in Marston
  • Oxcar in Headington
  • The Friar
  • Headington parking charges to rise
  • Oxfordshire “Big Society” fund
  • Londis corner shop in receivership

And last (and probably least) @TheOxfordMail report “Headington grandma, 69, ditches painkillers for pilates” was widely retweeted.