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Tue 29th - Wed 30th November 2005 (8th Week)Issue No. 7660

Queries & Adverts: 01865 241133 (Mon-Fri 9-5) or via www.dailyinfo.co.uk

Snail mail: 5 Standingford House, Cave St, Oxford OX4 1BAEmail: dailyinfo@dailyinfo.co.uk

Line ads @ 40p/wd. (min. 10) + VAT Display boxes @ £10/cm. (min. 3cm) + VAT

www.dailyinfo.co.ukNext issue: Thu 1st December

Deadline: 10am, Wed 30th November

Oxford’sDAILY INFO

THEATRE Until Sat Dec 3rdOxford Playhouse (305305)

CINDERELLA Fri 2nd Dec - 15th JanuaryAges 4 and upwards. £8.50 - £19.50 Fri: 7pm (preview), Sat: 2pm, 7pm

Pegasus Theatre (722851)BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Fri 1st: 5pm, Sat 2nd: 12pm, 4pmA bold retelling £8, £5.50 concs, £3 under 18s,

Old Fire Station Theatre (297170)HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH Tue 29th - Sat 3rd: 7.30pm

Sat mat: 2.30pmPlay about rock and roll, transexualism and other glam things. £8.50 (£6.50).

Burton Taylor Theatre (305305)CONFUSIONS Tue 29th - Sat 2nd: 7.30pmThree interlinked one act plays by Alan Ayckbourn £5/4ALMOST NOTHING / AT THE TABLE BY MARCOS BARBOSA

Tue 29th - Sat 2nd: 9.30pmTroubled waters running deep within Luís and Márcio £5/4

New Theatre, Oxford (0870 6063500)LORD OF THE DANCE Wed 30th - Sun 4th

Wed-Fri: 8pm, Sat & Sun: 2.30pm & 8pm“The unthinkable has been achieved.” (!) £25-£32.50

Keble O’Reilly TheatreA SERVANT TO TWO MASTERS Tue 29th - Sat 3rd: 7.30pmHectic play by Carlo Goldoni, translated by Lee Hall £7.50 (£5)

BMW Group Plant (01865 245745)SNOW QUEEN Fri 25th - Sat 4th and beyond...Tue-Fri: 7.30pm, Sat 2.30 & 8pm, school shows 12pm, Fri 25th & Thu 1stCreation Theatre’s christmas show. £19.50 (£8.50)

West Oxford Primary School (?)BEAUTY & THE BEAST Thu 1st: 7.00pm

OTTC’s beautiful re-telling of this beastly tale

= review on dailyinfo.co.uk

MEETINGS AND LECTURESTue 29th

THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES OF MEXICO / With Roger Kemp / 8pm / Earth Sciences Dept.. Parks Road18TH CENTURY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE / Lunchtime Gallery Talk. Booking recommended. / 1.15pm £2 / Ashmolean Museum. Beaumont Street. Tel: 278000; Fax: 278018; Web: www.ashmol.ox.ac.ukTHE BEATITUDES / Brian Andrews - Blessed are those that mourn / St Giles Church, Oxford / 8.00 pm. Admission Free. / Email: secretary@st-giles-church.org / Web: www.st-giles-church.org / St Giles Church. St GilesPUGWASH LECTURE / The man who walked away from the atom bomb, Tuesday 29th Nov 7pm / Oxford Student Pugwash Society / University members only / Email: pugwash@herald.ox.ac.uk / Web: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~pugwash / The Denys Wilkinson Building, Keble RoadOAHS LECTURE / The VCH/OBR Buildings of Burford Project - Robert Peberdy / Ox Arch and Hist Soc / 5.30p.m. - free of charge / Email: tony@oahs.org.uk / Web: www.oahs.org.uk / Rewley House. 1,Wellington Square; Tel: 270380

Wed 30thHAZARDOUS WASTE BRIEFING / Hazardous Waste & Your Business - Understanding Managing & Minimising / Federation of Small Businesses / 6:30 pm FREE ( Please book) / ajud.mohammed@envirowise.gov.uk / www.envirowise.gov.uk/ Kassam Stadium. Grenoble Road, Oxford, OX4 4XP; Web: www.stadiumguide.com/kassam.htmTHE ANTI-JUDAISM OF THE JEW OF TARSUS / Revd Dr John Muddiman / Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies / 8pm / Yarnton Manor. Yarnton, Oxford OX5 1PY; Tel: 377946; Fax: 375079TIME TRAVEL / Join Jim Al-Khalili on mind-bending journey to investigate time travel / Science Oxford / 6pm-7.30pm, £3 per person / events@oxtrust.org.uk / www.oxtrust.org.uk/whatson / Science Oxford, 1-5 London Place, Oxford, OX4 1BD

COMPUTERSDATA PROJECTORS: hire and sales. 01865 722027RENT AN IMAC from £45.00 month, 01865 764091 / www.macfaction.co.uk

BANDS, DISCOS & LIGHTSEXPERIENCED DJ for hire. Christmas parties etc. Email pmadams1@ocvc.ac.uk 01865 247388 DISCO, P.A. & LIGHTING EQUIPMENT: hire and sales. 118 Cowley Rd. (01865) 722027. DISCOS, KARAOKES & EQUIPMENT HIRE: Dave

Seamer Entertainments, (01865) 240054

WHAT’S ON / COMING SOON

HOUSES & FLATS TO LET

GIGSTue 29th

HARLETTE + JOAN OV ARC + THE WHORES OF BABYLON / 8pm / Kiss Bar, Park End StreetCHIARINA / ACOUSTIC JAZZ, POP AND FOLK / CAFÉ ROUGE / 8-10.30pm - Free / Email: chiarina_darrah@hotmail.com / Web: www.chiarina.co.uk / Café RougeWEEKLY JAZZ EVENING / top UK jazz musicians / 8.30-11pm, free / Old Red Lion, Tetsworth, nr ThameJABERWOK / Up and coming local funksters play an instrumental-jam set. / Web: www.myspace.com/jaberwokband / Jericho Tavern. Walton Street; Tel: 311775REVENGE OF THE CORN DOLLY / Live Bands Holiday Stabbings, The Big Sleep, Deg with metal/rock DJ’s / Jimmy Evil / 8-2am £3 / Web: www.cellarmusic.co.uk / Cellar Bar. Frewin Court, off Cornmarket; Tel: 01865 244761; Web: www.cellarmusic.co.ukZANE LOWE @ PO NA NA / Po Na Na present: Zane Lowe (BBC1) ‘Home Taping Tour’ / Po Na Na Oxford / Tuesday 29th Oct, 9pm-2am £6 / Email: info@oxforpnn.com / Web: www.ponana.com/oxforpnn / Po Na Na. Magdalen Street; Tel: 249171; Fax: 790422; Web: www.ponana.com/venues/ponana/oxford/whatson.htmlOPEN MIC SESSION / 8.30pm, free / Exeter Hall Pub. 1 Oxford Rd (corner of Cowley & Marsh Rds.); Tel: 01865 776431; Web: www.thex.co.uk

Wed 30thRICHARD WALTERS + TOM SHARP (SMILEX) + MIKE GALE (EX BLACK NIELSON) + GIRL + TBC / 8pm / Kiss Bar, Park End StreetTHE GS / An evening of World Dance with the Gs / 9pm £3 / Web: www.the-gs.com / City Tavern, Market StreetRATTLEBAG FUNK / Deep funk Dj’s with Live percussion Jam / £3 / Web: www.cellarmusic.co.uk / Cellar Bar. Frewin Court, off Cornmarket; Tel: 01865 244761; Web: www.cellarmusic.co.ukFUNNY WOMEN ON TOUR 2005 / Email: info@funnywomen.com / Web: www.funnywomen.com / Bullingdon Arms. 162 Cowley Road, Oxford; Tel: 244516LUIS D’AGOSTINO TRIO / Argentinean Guitarist leads jazz trio with Denny Illet as guest. / 8.30 PM.FREE / Email: luisdagos@aol.com / Chester Arms. Chester St, off Iffley RoadARAWAK / Reggae with Addis Ababa Sound / 8-midnight, free / East Oxford Community Centre. Princes Street; Tel: 792168MINISTRY OF MIRTH / Oxford’s only regular student-run stand-up night / Ooblee-oo! productions / Doors open 7:30, tickets £3 / Email: ministryofmirth@hotmail.co.uk / Jericho Tavern. Walton Street; Tel: 311775FOLK SESSION / 8.30pm, free / Exeter Hall Pub. 1 Oxford Rd (corner of Cowley & Marsh Rds.); Tel: 01865 776431; Web: www.thex.co.ukDELICIOUS OPEN MIC NITE / All musicians welcome. All styles of music. / Hosted by Mars / Free every Wednesday from 9pm / Email: deliciousmusic@hotmail.com / Far From The Madding Crowd. Friars Entry

SERVICES OFFERED

College Removals2+ years’ service. All UK mainland covered. students • rubbish removal 01865 774843 / 07956 124765 / 07957 375836186 Hollow Way, Oxford OX4 2PP collegeremovals@easy.com

JC CLEANERS5+ years’ service to the Oxfordshire area. carpets • windows • rubbish removal01865 774843 / 07956 124765 / 07957 375836186 Hollow Way, Oxford OX4 2PP jc_cleaners@easy.com

commercial & domestic

commercial & domestic

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE LESSONS, central Oxford and Headington. Student rates. Tel. 01865 765511. s.c@btinternet.com www.hatso.com BIG OR SMALL WE SHIP IT ALL. 50% discount on packaging materials to all students who ship with us, free pick up in Oxford. Mail Boxes Etc., Summertown 01865 514655 - www.mbesummertown.co.uk, Headington 01865 741729 - www.mbeheadington.co.uk GOING HOME? GOT A LOT OF LUGGAGE? / personal effects / papers? Don’t pay airline prices. Don’t lug it through airports and stations. U.K services available as well as foreign destinations. We can ship your personal effects back home at a fraction of the cost of airline excess baggage prices, and with none of the hassle. Free collection in the Oxfordshire area. R.M BAGGAGE SERVICES. RING FREEPHONE 0800 0184268 EXCELLENT GARDENER, available just until xmas. Reliable, honest, literate, hard-working. Pruning, weeding, digging, general clearance. Saturdays and some weekdays. All jobs courteously considered. £8 per hour. Call Ian on 07799 184522 CHEAP REMOVALS, Friendly and Reliable, Tel.: 07939 204460

IFFLEY ROAD - newly refurbished 4 bed house - avail immed. £rent neg. oxford2005@hotmail.co.uk/07711 719048 QUIET, SECLUDED 2-BED VICTORIAN HOUSE. Old Headington conservation area near JR. Pretty garden. Immaculate throughout. £900 pcm. Tel. 01865-742088 FIRST FLOOR ONE-BEDROOM FLAT, modern, secure block off Walton Street. Designated underground parking space, available 3rd February. £750pcm, tel (01865)513681

www.dailyinfo.co.uk

HOTELS & GUEST HOUSESVisit www.all-rooms.com/oxfordshire/oxford/hotels.htm for a guide to Oxford hotels, guest houses & other accommodation.

The

STANDARD TANDOORI INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY (FULLY LICENSED)

-- Opposite the Phoenix Cinema --For bookings, tel. 553557

117 Walton St, Oxford, OX2 6AJ. Open 7 days – 12 – 2.30pm, 6 – 11.30pm

Lebanese RestaurantAL-SALAM

Good Food, Good Atmosphere, Open EVERY day

Come & experience our Lebanese bubbly bar!

Now taking bookings for Christmas.Book your Christmas Party now!

We cater for office parties & large groups. Special deals for early bookings.

6 Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1HHCall us for info: 01865 245710

OXFORD RESTAURANTS

Meal AuctionBid for a delicious meal

for two worth £65!

www.dailyinfo.co.uk

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ON SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER, the annual Blackwell’s Christmas Family Day takes place at Blackwell Bookshop, 50 Broad Street. Plenty of events and activities for children and adults including owls, Santa, music (choir and band) and storytelling. A Truly Festive Occasion with Something for Everyone!ST MARY THE VIRGIN, International Advent Carol Service, 6pm, Sun 4th December.

CINEMA Until Thu Nov 1st

Ultimate Picture Palace (245288)APUR SANSAR (THE WORLD OF APU) [PG] daily: 7.00pm The last film of Satyajit Ray’s Apu trilogy.

PERSONA [PG] daily: 5.00, 9.30pmMute actress absorbs her confessional nurse’s personality.

Vue Cinema (0870 444 3030)WALLACE AND GROMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT [U]

daily: 2.15, 4.30pm, Tottington is terrorised by a giant rabbit on the eve of the Large Vegetable Show.

NANNY MCPHEE [U] daily: 2.00, 4.15, 6.30pm “Mary Poppins without the syrup”.

THE CONSTANT GARDENER [15] daily: 8.45pm Ralph Fiennes in Kenya-set thriller from John Le Carré. FLIGHTPLAN [12A] daily: 1.00, 3.30, 5.45, 8.15pm Neo-Hitchcock with Jodie Foster.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE [12A] daily: 12.30, 1.30, 2.30, 4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 7.30, 8.30, 9.30pm A new and hotter Potter.

IN HER SHOES [12A] daily: 6.45, 9.40pmSisters Cameron Diaz and Toni Colette come to terms with each other in 130 minutes.

MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS [12A] daily: 1.45, 4.45, 7.00, 9.15pm Judi Dench sets up strip show in wartime London.

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED [12A] daily: 1.15, 3.45, 6.15, 9.00pmArtistic and touching story of a young Jewish-American in search of his Ukrainian roots.

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE [15] daily: 2.45, 5.15, 8.00pm Almost-horror.

Odeon George Street (0871 2244 007)FLIGHTPLAN [12A] daily: 1.30, 4.00, 6.30, 9.00pm Jodie Foster’s daughter disappears mid-flight with moderate violence and suspense. SENIOR SCREEN: BEWITCHED [PG] Wed: 10.45amNicole Kidman as a real witch who auditions for a part in a remake of the 60s series.

THE CONSTANT GARDENER [15] daily: 2.00, 5.00, 8.15pmA quiet diplomat seeks the killers of his flirtatious wife.

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE [15] daily: 12.15, 3.00, 5.45, 8.30pmA priest goes on trial after the death of a possessed parishioner.

MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS [12A] daily: 1.15, 3.45, 6.15, 8.45pmJudi Dench as a widow determined to have a little fun in wartime London.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE [12A] daily: 12.00, 1.00, 3.30, 4.30, 7.00, 8.00pm

The one with the tri-wizard tournament.

Phoenix Picture House (512526)MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS [12A] daily: 1.30, 4.00, 6.30, 9.00pmPreceded by 3 minute short of recently discovered footage of Edwardian life.

THE BIG SCREAM: MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS [12A] Wed: 11.30am Exclusive screening for parents with children under one.

THE CONSTANT GARDENER [15] daily: 1.00, 3.30, 6.10, 8.45pm,

Ralph Fiennes seeks his wife’s murderers across several continents.

Odeon Magdalen Street (0871 2244 007)IN HER SHOES [PG] daily: 2.15, 5.15, 8.15pmParty girl Cameron Diaz causes conflict with her straight sister Toni Colette.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE [12A] daily: 1.00, 4.30, 8.00pmThird installment of the Harry Potter heptalogy.

= review on dailyinfo.co.uk

JOBS OFFERED

The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year

MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL OXFORD

HMC

EnglishRequired from September 2006, a newly qualified or experienced teacher to teach from Year 7 to A level and Oxbridge at this thriving, academic day school. Salary includes MCS 10% allowance and relocation expenses of £2,000 to those on point 2 or below. A willingness to contribute to extra-curricular activities will be advantageous. Letter of application, full CV and details of two referees should be sent to the Master (from whom full details may be obtained) by the closing date of Friday 2nd December 2005.

MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL, OXFORD, OX4 1DZ

Tel: 01865 242191 Email: master@mcsoxford.org

AU-PAIR/STUDENT WANTED to pick up 2 kids from school 3 days/week (3 to 7pm). Driving licence and excellent references essential; good knowledge of French a plus. (01865) 318988 or 07917 475 697 JUNIOR WEB DEVELOPER-----------------Skills: Strong HTML/CSS required, JSP/PHP/ColdFusion + CS/science degree desirable. Join Torchbox to work on worthwhile projects in a high calibre team. Send CV to allison@torchbox.comRECEPTIONIST BATH PLACE HOTEL Self motivated, articulate person for small busy reception. Multi tasking abilities and computer skills essential. English native speaker crucial for this position. Minimum 3 days per week, £6.75 per hour after training. Email CV to info@bathplace.co.uk JUNIOR WEB DESIGNER -------------------Skills: Photoshop/Fireworks/HTML/CSS. Will have an eye for detail and good information design. Will take direction well and show initiative. A good web portfolio is essential. Join Torchbox to work on worthwhile projects in a high calibre team. Send CV to allison@torchbox.com

ROOMS TO LETKIDLINGTON MODERN SHARED HOME. Professional female n/s £70 pw inclusive 01865 375107. SOUTHMOOR ROAD, Oxford. Two rooms available from late December and early January respectively. Second room has own shower cubicle. Rent £350.00 pcm and £395.00 (includes council tax and water rates). Available for six months plus. Please call Sarah and Rachel at Lucy Properties on 559973. ROOM IN SHARED FLAT, now until 14 August. Morrell Avenue, very near Brookes. 01622 744808. TWO SINGLE ROOMS in S.H. off Abingdon Road for Prof/postgrad all mod cons rent all inc £385 & £450pcm Tel 07910924710 GOOD SIZED CENTRAL ROOM IN QUIET HOUSE, professional nonsmoker only. Available mid Dec. £350 inclusive. pam.zb@virgin.net ROOM AVAILABLE, EASY-GOING FRIENDLY HOUSE, Marston for n/s prof female, £250 excl, 01865 242993, bcunnick@yahoo.co.uk

HEADINGTON, HUGE NEWLY DECORATED ROOM with private entrance, Shower, toilet, Wash Basin, SkyTV, French Doors to patio, Own fridge in shared kitchen, available immediately, £110pw inclusive

- 07855 474625. LOVELY SINGLE ROOM IN BEAUTIFUL HOUSE. Cowley. Dec/Jan-July. All modern conveniences. £350 pcm excl. bills. Student wanted to share with 2 friendly, relaxed female students. Call 07910 317758 or lovelycowleyroom@hotmail.comCOTSWOLD VILLAGE, quiet and luxurious room and facilities to let to Post Grad or visiting academic. Broadband and all mod cons. Mainline station Oxford 20 mins. £400 per month incl alysonesmith@hotmail.comWEST OXFORD QUIET AREA, December. Large part furnished single £395pcm incl. All mod cons. 723732 / letchworthsteve@hotmail.com

The QI Clubis looking for experienced, full-time

Waiting Staffring Francis Walker on 07976 588541

email a CV to fw@qi.com

or post/drop in to: The QI Club, 16 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DH — www.qi.com

The QI Clubis looking for

experienced Chefs of all levels.

Salary according to experience.

Ring Chris on 01865 200404, email a CV to club@qi.com

or post/drop in to: The QI Club, 16 Turl Street, Oxford OX1 3DH

www.qi.com

ELT TeacherExperienced and enthusiastic ELT teacher required

from January 2006. For full details please see: www.doverbroecks.com/posts

Applications, including full CV and details of two referees to:Pat Harris, The Swan Building, 111 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JX.

Tel 01865 888922. Closing date 7.12.05.

Maths, Science & GeographyWe have vacancies for experienced and

enthusiastic teachers in the above subjects.

TERM TIME AND VACATION COURSESApplications, including full CV and details of two referees to:

Mrs Pat Harris, The Swan Building, 111 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JX. Tel: 01865 888922 Closing date 7.12.05.

BIG COLLECTION OF as-new contemporary, 20th-century, and 19th-century novels for sale. Over 500 books by over 150 authors, from Amis to Zola, Atwood to Updike, Dickens to Dyer, Trollope to Tartt, etc etc etc. Whole collection at £1.25 each. Will consider splitting. E-mail polbap62@yahoo.co.uk for listings, or call 0781 0082423

BOOKS FOR SALE1 North Parade Oxford OX2 6LX01865 517040 www.davidpopham.com

Full time reception manager

As the organiser of the salon day, the successful applicant must be able to multi-task while remaining focused and calm, and as the front-of-house, must have the ability to make our clients feel welcome and well looked after.

A clear confi dent English speaking voice, a good sense of personal style, and good presentation are essential.

The hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5.30pm. A above average salary and productivity bonus is on offer for the right person. Apply with CV via email to david@davidpopham.com

TUITION BASS GUITAR TUITION: Great rates. 07915071348 jackceadel@hotmail.comBIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY A-LEVEL & GCSE tuition offered. Phone: 0777 558 2800 ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUITION. CAMBRIDGE / IELTS exams. Writing skills. Thesis checking. 01865 728698. CONVERSATION EXCHANGE - native speakers. French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, for English conversation practice (no charge!). Rebecca @ Aspect College 01865 515808 TUTOR IN G.C.S.E. GERMAN required over the Christmas holiday. Tel Ox. 763065. jenkins@cornmarket.co.uk

A Level PsychologyGroup Revision

December 2005 & January 2006• AS Psychology Modules 1, 2 & 3• A2 Psychology Module 4 • A2 Psychology Module 5

All in Oxford from 9.30am-6pm. £65 per person per day.

One-to-one tutorials also available. Limited spaces - Book now.

Hebbian Learning: Tel. Gill on 07970 126670 Email: hebbian.learning@btinternet.com

General Administrator for small growing company

Broad range of responsibilities from dealing with legal documents to filing and office admin. Applicant must be comfortable with office admin and preferably Sage Instant Accounts. Scope for career development for bright and cooperative person.

Salary 20K + possible bonusesContact: Sophia@atstrading.co.uk

MARY POTTER’S OXFORD

Richard Lovelace was a Cavalier, who joined the Royalist forces in Oxford in 1645-6. It was he, who gave us the lines: “Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage.” They gain credibility when one discovers they were written while in prison.

Technically, Christopher Wren was a fellow-commoner at Wadham- that is a student of superior birth who paid extra for High Table privileges. He went on to be a Fellow of All Souls. He designed the Sheldonian Theatre in the 1660s, and the upper half of Tom Tower, Christ Church, in 1681-2.

In Samuel Johnson’s time at Pembroke, servants were sent regularly to knock on students’ doors, to check that they were inside, working. If there was no answer, their absence was reported to the Master. This so infuriated Johnson that he refused to admit to his presence even when he was in, and he frequently got into trouble over this. He was not an assiduous student, and used to cross the road to Christ Church to borrow a friend’s lecture notes. He had to discontinue this habit when his shoes became so worn that the Christ Church men laughed at him. Unable to afford to replace them, he nevertheless threw away in a fury a pair of new shoes left outside his door by an anonymous donor. Johnson left Oxford after about a year, but like may people who have not stayed long enough to obtain a degree, he took a great delight in the place in later life, and loved showing people around.Sir Richard Burton (nothing to do with the actor) came up to Trinity College in 1840, but stayed only five terms, during which time he resisted all efforts to persuade him to trim his moustache. He “withdrew” from Oxford, and reported to his family that he had been awarded “an extra vacation for taking a double first with the highest honours”. In truth he had been rusticated (sent down) for deliberately getting into trouble in order to avoid being made to enter the Church. Instead, he became an explorer, often travelling disguised as a native in order to live among the people. From India he went on to Africa, where he discovered Lake Tanganyika, and searched for the Upper Nile (where, we are told, his face was transfixed by a spear from cheek to cheek).

Oscar Wilde, who came up in 1874, having taken his first degree at Dublin, was a brilliant, if erratic student. He loved Oxford, and was disappointed not to be offered a Fellowship at Magdalen. One of his tributes to Oxford appears in Lady Bracknell’s line in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’: “Untruthful! My nephew Algernon! Impossible! He is an Oxonian!”

Rumour has it that the Shelley Memorial was intended for his tomb, but the English Cemetery in Rome refused to accept it. Over the years the Memorial has been subjected to a number of indignities, including being painted orange, supplied with underpants, adorned with signposts, mummified in roller towels, surrounded by bottles with a notice reading “The Morning After”; or flooded, with goldfish to add verisimilitude. These are but a few shining examples of the inventiveness of Univ men (and women), and while some of them may be apocryphal, it is tactful to give them credence when in the presence of a member of the college.

GIG REVIEW

Ska Cubano The Zodiac, 24th November 2005

This is going to be a hard review to write, as I can barely sit still after so much dancing last night! Ska Cubano is the brain child of Top Cats front man Natty Bo, London’s Ska supremo. He has assembled a ska/Cuban dream team featuring vocalist Beny Billy recruited busking in the streets of Santiago, Natty and his sax-playing ex-wife Megumi Mesaku, surrounded by top international musicians. The band are not in the first flush of youth, but don’t let their aged exteriors fool you – experience counts for a lot in music! These cats have lived it, done it, and now they’re playing it for you…with an energy and excitement that has to be seen to be believed!

Ska Cubano played the venue a few months previously and clearly made an impression, as it was a sell-out with very little advertising. These were dance-hungry pilgrims awaiting benediction, and they weren’t to be disappointed! The drums and percussion began, establishing a mambo rhythm that had hips swaying and feet moving. Then, the guitar took up the ska off-beat with the horns backing him up and the room was alight. People were jumping, heads were almost nodding off their shoulders and Natty Bo welcomed us to the gig. Song after song of irresistible musical madness followed, with Natty and Beny swapping vocal duties throughout. Beny brought a more melodious, lyrical tone to the table whereas Natty is pure ska showman, building the crowd up and up with his call-and-response chants and finishing us off with his perfectly delivered choruses! We bowed to their greatness and showed our appreciation with our feet – I’d be surprised if anyone who was there will ever get that bounce out of their step.

They went off after about 50 minutes, but we weren’t going to let them rest. The call for more was deafening; feet were stamped until the floor shook, hands clapped as if lives depended on it and voices were raised to the benevolent gods of good times! And benevolent the gods were, because the band re-emerged for an extended 40 minute encore including Revolutionary Ska, their stand-out track.

As well as being purveyors of party beats, Ska Cubano are also, to a (wo)man, exceptional musicians. Megumi learnt her instrument with the jazz great Big Jay McNeely, the rest were schooled, variously, in the musical hot-houses of Cuba, London and Jamaica. They all had a turn to shine, exhibiting some breath-taking virtuosity but keeping it nicely limited. There were no excessive solos; each player had their turn, blew our minds and stepped back into the groove. This was an exemplary use of great individuals, the whole becoming, unbelievably, better than the sum of its parts. I will be going to see them again, anywhere I can, and there can be no better recommendation. Also, just to let you know, I had a call from the Zodiac this morning saying my arse had been handed in – apparently I danced it off!

Peter Sherrott

LONG LETSHEADINGTON – well presented and refurbished 3-4 bedroom, 1-2 reception home. Ideal for professional sharers or family. Close to the hospitals.

Furnished/unfurnished. Available now. £1200pcmBOTLEY – A lovely 2 double bedroom home within a quiet residential area. Furnished. Under offer. £825pcm DUNS TEW – A fully refurbished 2 double bedroom bungalow in this sought after village. Suitable for a professional couple/family. Unfurnished. Available now. £625pcmHORTON-CUM-STUDLEY – A very well presented one bedroom barn conversion. Fully equipped and ideal for the professional person.

Part or fully furnished. Available now. £630pcmBURFORD – A wonderful 2 bedroom detached cottage that has been beautifully restored, having a very large reception and separate dining area, both with fireplaces and exposed beams, a good size kitchen and a pretty garden with OSP.

Available now. £820pcmNORTH ASTON – a beautifully positioned 3 bedroom character cottage, forming part of an old vicarage, and with extensive rural views, comprising of a large sitting room, large family kitchen, separate dining room, garden and use of the tennis courtsFurnished, Available January. £1,300 pcm inclusive of utilities

Also available November as a short let

SHORT/HOLIDAY LETSBUCKNELL NR BICESTER – A pristine complex of three 1 bedroom fully serviced cottages ideal for the commuter on a long term weekly basis or a holiday let. Close to Bicester and easy access to the M40 & A34.

Available now. From £550pcm

URGENTLY REQUIRED: 4-5 bed home for professional family, central Oxford. Up to £4000pcm.

www.townorvillage.co.uk01865 374172 / 07770 391931

HousesNEWTON ROAD, GRANDPONT - A furnished 5-bedroom house, comprising 5 bedrooms, living room, kitchen-diner, two bathrooms and cloakroom. Benefits from gas central heating and garden. Suit professional sharers/students.

Available Now…£1437.50pcm

RIPPINGTON DRIVE, MARSTON - An unfurnished 3/4-bedroom semi detached house, comprising 2 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms, lounge-diner, kitchen, bathroom and cloakroom. Benefits from gas central heating and garden. Suit professional sharers/students.

Available Now…£980.00pcm

House Share/bedsitsBAMPTON CLOSE, LITTLEMORE - A furnished single room in shared house with resident landlady, shared kitchen and bathroom. Benefits from gas central heating. Suit single professional/student. Available now…£290.00pcm incl.

PARK STREET, THAME - A furnished room in shared house, resident landlady. Suit single professional male/female.

Available now…£300.00pcm incl.

LETTING AGENTS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS

accom@rentaflat.co.ukwww.rentaflat.co.uk

Tel: 01865 726966, Fax: 726460

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NORTH OXFORDP R O P E R T Y S E R V I C E S

Bellerbys College requires full and part time tutors of Maths and Physics

to start January. Please contact Jane Collis (Principal) on 01865 320250 or at jcollis@studygroup.com

for further details.