Oxford Daily Photo

Mr Postman

2012-01-19T22:21:00.003Z

Dear Mr Postie, If any items wont fit through the door please del. to Brora 102 High Street thanks! Mr Darn & Stitch.

Have you ever left a note for your Postie?

Speedo's In Bonn Square

2012-01-18T23:18:00.003Z

In Bonn Square this week you will see a large Speedo's trailer promoting the company's swimwear products. I popped into day they have a small selection of the company's range on display and for sale, there is also an interaction swimming game that you can play up on a large screen TV. Bit of a strange time of year to be promoting swimwear?

Walton Street Redevelopment 3rd Photo

2012-01-17T20:17:00.003Z

It ha been about six weeks now since I have been down Walton Street to have a look at this redevelopment by Oxford University to this building, so I think it was time to post another photo, not exactly sure what has changed from this photo? While in the area I could see that the back of the building and roof is all but gone. Other photo's from this spot taken in October and November are here please have a look and compare.

British Gas New Development In Cowley

2012-01-16T22:54:00.003Z

Was up at the Oxford Business Park in Cowley this afternoon and was a little surprised to see a large crane alongside a lot of building activity. This is not an area of Oxford that I visit that often, but when I poked my nose about I spotted this large sign saying that British Gas was going to be moving in to this site once complete. There are lots of businesses in the area, and Oxfam have there international headquarters in this same business park. Nice clear day today as you can see from this photo.

Look What I Saw Today?

2012-01-15T20:35:00.002Z

I am not sure if this is early or not? We have had a mild winter in Oxford so far this year, so I might be thinking that this is a little early, if so I will have to get down the High Street as there is a great blossom tree down near the church. The forecast for the rest of January is chilly, so I hope that these have not come out too early. It was March the 17th last year that I took the photo of the Cherry Blossom, have a look here.

Waterstone's Apostrophe To Go

2012-01-14T23:36:00.005Z

You have have read in the news today that the book retailer Waterstone's has decided that in the digital age an apostrophe is not needed and will rebrand all its stores in the coming months and become Waterstones. The Oxford store this afternoon still had the old branding up, and will do for a little time I have been told.

Online there has been a lot of chat about the removal of the apostrophe a lot of people feel it should stay, however Waterstones is saying it is moving with the digital age.

The Grapes

2012-01-13T18:00:00.002Z

Great little pub in the middle of busy George Street. There is speculation that this pub is going to change hand's shortly, the regulars are hoping that the new owners do not change this place to much when and if a new brewery takes over this place. Have you ever been in The Grapes? I am not that it has had a number of names over the years.

Barratts Oxford Closes

2012-01-12T21:15:00.002Z

A customer is standing outside the now closed Barratts Shoe store in Queen Street Oxford. The company went into administration just after Christmas I only noticed that the store was closed this afternoon when I was in the city centre. I had a look in and while the lights were on the only activity I could see was staff boxing stock up, there was a hand written sign saying "This Store is now Closed" Again this is a very sad situation for not only the staff of the stores but for our High Street as well.

Staff Wanted At Scribbler

2012-01-11T22:44:00.002Z

I often see these signs in the window's of retail stores in Oxford advertising vacancy's within. I had an idea that I could post a current list on a separate website, but then I would just end up becoming an employment agency, might look in to it. Anyway, if you are looking for work and would like to work in a funky card store, this could be the position for you.

If You Can Keep Your Head..

2012-01-10T20:08:00.003Z

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation. I have started to see a lot of these little stickers popping up all over the place, any idea what's it all about? Quite like the little monster, don't you.

Posting Box Refurbished

2012-01-09T23:38:00.002Z

The main Post Office in St Aldate's has a very unique looking post box, which has the sign above, "Posting Box" It had fallen in to a bit of disrepair and was recently removed and taken away to be refurbished. I noticed it was back in place this afternoon looking very good indeed. I have never seen a post box like this anywhere before in my travels, can anyone else remember seeing a box like this?

Crane Operation In Magdalen Street

2012-01-08T22:22:00.002Z

Advance warning for those who will be using Magdalen Street in the early hours, tomorrow night there is going to be a crane operating in the area, now I am not sure if the street will closed, but there is going to be access restrictions in the early hours of the morning. I think it is part of the Sainsbury's redevelopment that is happening at the moment. Sainsbury's is making it's store in Magdalen Street smaller, so it can open longer hours on Sunday and compete with TESCO next door.

Oxford University Engineering Department

2012-01-07T22:40:00.002Z

Photo from the 2C bus on the Banbury Road this afternoon, just as the sun come out on the Engineering Department. Weather has been nice in Oxford the last few days, lets hope it stays that way.

Alpha Bar Face Lift

2012-01-06T17:31:00.003Z

One of Oxfords very popular lunch spots, the Alpha Bar in the covered market is having a little face lift over this new year period, and when I walked past this afternoon noticed a sign saying they intend to reopen on Wednesday the 11th of January. This place is always very busy over the lunch period, so if you want some good food for lunch you may have to wait.

Greek Taverna Closes

2012-01-05T21:03:00.003Z

Another restaurant on Banbury Road in Summertown closes, last month I posted a photo of the closed La Dolce Vita restaurant and today on the other side of the road I noticed the Greek Taverna had closed. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I had a good friend visiting from Canada and we had a nice meal in this restaurant, it was only our party and another couple in the restaurant the whole evening. Where are all our independent businesses going? It is the cost of the business rates that are pushing businesses to the wall?

Mediterranean Fish Bar

2012-01-04T15:28:00.003Z

The Mediterranean Fish Bar or is it a Cafe? I am not sure, I am thinking that before the Fish Bar, this corner shop on the Abingdon Road and Lincoln Road used to be a cafe? Anyone have any history of the businesses in this area? The Cafe sign just looks a little out of place.

The Wheatsheaf

2012-01-03T22:16:00.002Z

About half way down this alley way, which is called Wheatsheaf Yard, is a nice little boozer strangely enough called The Wheatsheaf. Was in there this afternoon for a nice pint of ale, called Oxford's Best Bitter which is brewed just for this Public House, which was a nice drop. Would be interested to find out more about this alley leading from High Street to Blue Boar Street, not a lot on the internet at present. Anyway, if you are in Oxford and needing an out of the way type of place, try The Wheatsheaf, off the High close to Carfax.

Day Out With Dad

2012-01-02T18:27:00.003Z

Nice to see these two girls getting off the bus this afternoon in central Oxford excited to be going out with there Dad. Just was bank holidays should be all about, spending quality time with the ones you love. Hope you all had an enjoyable New Years Bank Holiday today. Back to work tomorrow...

Atomic Pizza Cowley Road

2011-12-30T18:00:00.000Z

I have been to the legendary burger bar on the Cowley Road, The Atomic Burger Bar, which has been part of the Cowley Road infamous eateries for a number of years now. I have only just come across today another part of the Atomic brand, Atomic Pizza further along the Cowley Road. Unfortunately the both establishments are closed for the Christmas period, so in the new year I will have to make point of having my first Atomic Pizza. Anyone eaten here?

Clear Night In Oxford

2011-12-29T21:02:00.002Z

The sky this evening is Oxford is so clear, with the moon looking bright and large to the eye, unfortunately it has not appeared as I would have hoped in this photo. It was taken at about 5:30 this evening, just as the sun was disappearing. Might have a frost in the morning if we don't get a few clouds during the night.

Riding Home Across Port Meadow

2011-12-28T23:30:00.003Z

Been along time since I have spent anytime on Port Meadow, but today I was able to spend a little time walking around this great space right on Oxford City Centre's door step. Even with the low rain fall we have had this year, there was still water in the middle of the meadow. Took a quick snap of this lady cycling, what I can only assume home to Wolvercote

Let The Sales Begin

2011-12-26T07:07:00.002Z

Now that Christmas has passed the sales can begin, with many stores opening early on Boxing Day. This store in Cornmarket will be opening at 6.00am! What time will the staff be starting if the store opens at that time?

I think I will try and avoid any shopping area of Oxford for the next few days as I think they will be very busy. I don't know where everyone gets there money from?

Last Minute Christmas Shopping In Oxford

2011-12-24T19:08:00.002Z

The street's of Oxford where busy this afternoon with last minute Christmas shoppers, Cornmarket pictured here full of people all day. Luckily I did not have a lot to do, just one present to get this afternoon on the way home from work, easy.

Would like to wish all the readers of Oxford Daily Photo a very Merry Christmas, I enjoy posting photo's of Oxford and hope that you do to. Sorry for the days this year that I have missed, work catches up on me at times, I don't like missing a day, believe me. Have a great day tomorrow where ever you are and thanks for stopping by.

Yesterday Was The Shortest Day Of The Year

2011-12-23T00:01:00.002Z

Oh, I really wanted to get this photo taken just at the sun was officially set, but I just missed it, and I also wanted to post it yesterday, but have only just got home. Well, I will post it now a couple of minutes into Friday.

Thursday was the shortest day of the year, and in Oxford the sunset at 1557, as you can see from the time in this photo, I just missed this time, according to the clock on Carfax Tower. From now on our days in Oxford will start to get a little longer each day. At the moment the sun is rising at about 0811. giving us about 7hrs 47mins of day light each day. Summer here we come!!

Busy Butchers In Covered Market

2011-12-21T23:52:00.001Z

Oh Christmas at the covered market is always very interesting especially around the traditional butchers who trade from this market. Every year I visit around this time of the year, the week of Christmas to see all the meat on display, but what amazes me are all the birds hanging up above the shop. There all numbered and pre-ordered, waiting to be collected. Love the Covered Market at this time of year for the independent retailers as well, where you can get unique gifts that you don't see in all the larger chain stores.

Strange Addition To Said Business School

2011-12-20T00:06:00.004Z

When walking to the train station today I could not help but notice that at this angle the crane working at the back of the Said Business School, looks like it is coming out of the tower. Just has to take a snap of that for the blog. There is a lot of working happening behind the existing school, it appears to be nearly complete, so I am not sure how long this crane is going to be on the Oxford skyline.

Mother Goose Panto

2011-12-17T20:58:00.005Z

Well it just wouldn't be Christmas without seeing a Pantomine, which is just what I did this evening at the Oxford Playhouse. This year they have Mother Goose, and it was very good. Would recommended it to everyone, and the kids loved it, and so did I. The Oxford Playhouse is a great venue, it has a real nice caring feel about it, should see more theatre there.

I am taking photo's with my iPhone at the moment as I can not use my normal camera, sorry about the quality of the photo this week.

Martins Summertown Closed

2011-12-15T05:44:00.002Z

Walking past the always busy Summertown shopping strip on the Banbury Road today and noticed that the Martins Store had closed. The signage had been removed and the doors closed, not sure how long this store had closed, but I remember when we had two Martins Stores on this strip, this one and there was one in what is now Costa Coffee.

Rummer has it that Sainsbury's is looking to opening in this space, which I am not sure we need, as there are already M&S, Co Op, and Tesco in Summertown.

Building Works At The Old Radcliffe Infirmary

2011-12-13T23:55:00.000Z

This area is going to be known within Oxford and the University as the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, because it is on the site of the original hospital for the city of Oxford, The Radcliffe Infirmary. This hospital closed in 2007, and since that time the new owners, Oxford University, have been clearing most of the buildings before starting to develop the site to suit there needs. As you can see they have been busy, with this large below ground opening. Click Here to see a photo of the area taken in January 2010.

Those dark clouds in the back ground produced a lot of rain this afternoon just after I took this photo, going to be a wet couple of days I think.

New Theatre Santa's

2011-12-12T23:36:00.004Z

The Santa's On The Run event in Oxford yesterday was a great success, with over 1200 Santa's running around Oxford raising money for Helen and Douglas House. We, that's Hannah and I are still collecting for this charity, so if you feel like you can help out in anyway, please donate online via this LINK, and thanks again, for those who have already supported.

I am going to do this again next year for sure, but I think I might train and I would like to get to around the 7 min a mile mark, I will keep you posted. More photo's to follow, on the additional page, but just wanted to say thanks and post a photo of the team.

Santa's Reindeer In Oxford

2011-12-10T15:40:00.003Z

This photo was taken just outside my defined area, but could not resist in posting this photo of a couple of Reindeer out entertaining the kids of Oxfordshire before the big day at the end of the month. I am not sure what Reindeer do the rest of the year, but today they sure did have the kids, especially the smaller ones, captivated.

Speaking of Kids, I am now also running on this years Helen And Douglas House Santa's On The Run event, but will be linking in with Hannah for the donations, side of things as I only just got my place this afternoon. If you are interested in donating please do so via Hannah's link, and thanks if you have donated. Have a look at Fridays post for more information about this charity, Hannah is hoping to raise £100 for Helen and Douglas House, but I am hoping she will be able to raise more with a little help from Oxford Daily Photo.

Champagne On The Train

2011-12-08T23:40:00.004Z

This afternoon as I boarded my train back to Oxford, this is what was at my seat, and no I did not drink any of it. Two empty bottles of Champagne with two glasses, but no passengers, the whole carriage was empty. Not sure where the couple who must have been celebrating got on or off, all as I know is that they must have had a nice train journey. That's the Thames in the background I took the photo just as we where arriving into the Oxford Station.

Don't forget if you are able to donate to the Helen And Douglas House Santa's On The Run event, please do so via Hannah's link, and thanks if you have donated. Have a look at Fridayspost for more information about this charity, Hannah is hoping to raise £100 for Helen and Douglas House, but I am hoping she will be able to raise more with a little help from Oxford Daily Photo.

Oxford Christmas Market Tonight

2011-12-06T23:36:00.002Z

Like I said a couple of days ago when I posted a photo of the guy with the sign in Bonn Square advertising the opening hours of the Christmas Market, I think everyone loves a Christmas Market at this time of year. Oxford's Christmas Market is not the biggest by any stretch of the imagination, however it is in a great location, around the old Oxford Castle and Prison complex.

Don't forget if you are able to donate to the Helen And Douglas House Santa's On The Run event, please do so via Hannah's link, and thanks if you have donated. Have a look at Fridays post for more information about this charity, Hannah is hoping to raise £100 for Helen and Douglas House, but I am hoping she will be able to raise more with a little help from Oxford Daily Photo.

Sun Setting Over Oxford

2011-12-05T21:12:00.005Z

Today was one of those lovely days if you could get in the sun, but as soon as you left the sun it was bitterly cold. I kinda like these days, the skies are always interesting when it is very cold and sunny during the day. This photo was taken at about 3:30 this afternoon just as the sun was about to take what little warmth was left of the day. Colours are just so interesting.

Don't forget if you are able to donate to the Helen And Douglas House Santa's On The Run event, please do so via Hannah's link, and thanks if you have have. Have a look at Fridays post for more information about this charity, Hannah is hoping to raise £100 for Helen and Douglas House, but I am hoping she will be able to raise more with a little help from Oxford Daily Photo.

Oxford Christmas Market Open

2011-12-04T19:39:00.003Z

Oxford has been very busy this weekend with our Christmas Light event on Friday, which I did only manage to see a little part of. However I did see this afternoon this guy in Bonn Square advertising the Christmas Market at the Oxford Castle, which is right in the city centre. I have not been down that way to have a look but I am sure you will be able to get a nice Christmas Mulled Wine to warm you is, which is what this guy would like, he is looking a little cold. I do like a nice Christmas Market, and I am sure the one at the Castle will be good, going to have a look tomorrow evening I think.

Helen and Douglas Christmas Shop Open

2011-12-01T13:50:00.004Z

A very local charity in Oxford, Helen and Douglas House, which runs the worlds first purpose built hospice for children and young adults in Oxford, has opened a special Christmas Shop in Summertown. The store is right next to the charities permanent store in Banbury Road.

Apart from these stores, the charity has a number of fundraising events in and around Oxford during the year, and one of the most popular one will happen on Sunday the 11th of December, and it will be the Santa's Fun Run. Oxford will see over 1000 runners in Santa Suits on this Sunday Morning, completing the short 2 miles route in the city centre.

If anyone would like to support this run, I would like to advertise and promote a good friend of mine, Hannah, who is going take part in Santa's On The Run on Sunday. I have not asked for donations in the past on this site, I would like to have taken part in this event myself, but when I tried to register this morning they had reached the numbers limited to the event. So please if you can spare a couple of pounds for a very good cause, please use this link to Hannah's fund-raising page, she is part of the New Theatre Team, and she is hoping to raise £100 for the Charity. I will try and get a nice photo of Hannah in the Santa run for the 11th photo.

Happy Feet Two Backwards

2011-11-30T09:15:00.002Z

Spotted this a couple of days ago as I was driving past, but was not sure if the poster was put in the wrong way or if I was seeing things, so this morning I walked past to get a closer look. It is in the wrong way, easily done I can imagine if you are replacing 100's of posters a day, maybe this for the last of the day. What do they say about never buying a new car that has the production date of a Friday?

Walton Street Development First Photo

2011-11-29T19:56:00.006Z

I am not sure if I have posted this photo before, I had a look at the website but could not see it. It was not taken today, the one below was. This area on the corner of Walton and Little Clarendon Street is going to be redeveloped into new student accommodation. I have decided to document the progress the changing face of this busy corner. I took this photo back in August, and the one below was taken this afternoon, so as you can see things have progressed a little.

Barefoot Books Is Ready For Christmas

2011-11-25T23:12:00.003Z

This is the first place that I have seen this year with all there Christmas Lights up, the city centre in Oxford have to wait till the 2nd of December before the Christmas Lights are turned on. However in Summertown this evening I spotted this new business, BareFoot Books with all there Christmas lights on. Looking very seasonal.

Still A Little Bit Of Red Left

2011-11-24T23:55:00.000Z

It will not be long before all the Red of Autumn has gone from the three around Oxford, but we still have a little left on these trees outside the Oxford Said Business School. Like seeing these trees, and all trees for that matter change from season to season.

Traditional Roasted Chestnuts In Queen Street

2011-11-23T14:06:00.004Z

Just arrived this week, our very own Roasted Chestnut stall to make Oxford that little more festive. Gus, who must be the best roaster in the UK, as he has worked with a lot of movie company's and movie stars over the years just take a look at his website, has set up his stall in front of the Westgate Shopping Centre. Gus a really friendly guy, and it is great that the council are allowing street traders to come into the city to give Oxford that edge over other area's. I had a bag before taking his photo, was my first time having a roasted Chestnut, I must say they are very sweet.

Welsh National Opera Arrives In Oxford

2011-11-22T23:33:00.003Z

It's a good thing that they are not filming Lewis this week, as the car park on Oxpens which is normally the home of the Lewis film crew has been taken over by the Welsh National Opera. They are performing all week at the New Theatre and when I was walking behind the Ice Rink this afternoon I counted 10 truck trailers parked up, boy they must have some gear.

La Dolce Vita Restaurant Closes

2011-11-20T20:43:00.007Z

I was walking in Summertown this morning when I spotted in the window of La Dolce Vita's Italian restaurant a note to say thank you to the customers of this family run restaurant which closed 10days ago. I have posted the note here. It is a thank you to the past customers and those who have been to the restaurant over the 23years that it has been operating. It is a shame when local business close, as our slowly our high street will become the same as every other in the UK with all the nationals moving in.

Not Sure What You Would Call This?

2011-11-18T23:37:00.003Z

Any suggestions on what you would call this? It is a piano on a converted bike, thingy that you peddle while playing the piano? Only in Oxford. The guy was really drawing a crowd as he peddled down Cornmarket.

Is Religion To Blame For Homophobia

2011-11-17T22:35:00.002Z

WOW, this debate would have been very interesting, but there is so much going on in Oxford at the moment I can not get to everything. This is one of the nice things about living in this city, there is always two or three events on each day to keep you busy.

Sunny Afternoon In Summertown

2011-11-07T14:33:00.002Z

Like the shorter days especially when you get a little sun but there's still a nip in the air. It means that Christmas is not too far away, and everyone starts to get there coats and gloves out. Like that heavy looking green coat on the right of the photo. I think I might try and get a cape this winter, not sure where you would get one?

Stuck On The A34 This Afternoon

2011-11-04T22:01:00.002Z

This was my view for about an hour today. Did anyone else get stuck on the A34 this afternoon from around 3pm? Not exactly sure what the accident was but I know that this part of the road was closed for a while, so it must have been serious. I was wanting to jump over that central barrier and drive along the free road, but I had to just sit it out. Traffic on a Friday.

Starbucks Red Christmas Cups

2011-11-03T12:10:00.000Z

Well, is it a bit early for Christmas Cups? I am not sure, but Starbucks have starting using there traditional Red Christmas cups from today in all there UK stores. I have been told that other countries had started using them earlier this week. Do like this time of year when every thing starts to get a little Christmasy, you can see the Christmas lights in this photo, but they are not on yet.

Lewis Filming In Tidmarsh Lane

2011-11-02T20:35:00.004Z

Not the actual set where the filming of Lewis was being filmed this afternoon, that was happening just around the corner in Tidmarsh Lane. There are always loads of support trucks and vans whenever filming is being taking place, and this was a few of them in Paradise Street, that also had loads in Tidmarsh Lane. I am not sure low long it will take to get the episode on air from when they shot this scenes. Guess I will have to start watching Lewis.

Pray For Jay Mini

2011-11-01T20:53:00.002Z

Saw this very smart looking Mini parked outside the main shopping centre in Oxford this afternoon, with a lot of badges and stickers on it. When I first had a look I thought that it was part of a car rally, but on closer inspection I read that it was touring the South of England supporting Jay. Jay was a performer at Lego Land in Windsor who had an accident while performing and is now in need of 24hour medical support. A couple of barbers who know Jay have started this tour and where giving haircuts for a donation to help Jay with the costs of his care. Real tragic storey of a young man who left of work the morning the accident happened not knowing that his life would be so different by the afternoon. Read Jay's story here.

Oxford Has Gone Halloween Crazy

2011-10-31T23:18:00.003Z

Is it just me or has this whole Halloween thing gone global on a massive scale. I have never seen so much Halloween themed items in stores, business, and houses as I have this year. Everywhere I look it is Halloween. Is it getting bigger with each passing year?

Carfax Tower Closed

2011-10-30T17:43:00.004Z

One of Oxford's most central tourist attractions has closed for renovations. Carfax Tower at the corner of Queen Street, Cornmarket, St Aldates and High Street, has a noticed on he door saying that the City Council have closed the 13th century tower to the public for renovations.

14th Oxford Beer Festival

2011-10-29T16:52:00.004+01:00

This weekend at the Oxford Town Hall there will be 160 ales and ciders ready for you to taste, as the Oxford Beer Festival is on all weekend. As a part of the festival in Cornmaket this afternoon Hook Norton Brewery had there original horse and carriage which was delivering barrels of there ales to the festival.

Pension Rights For Gurkhas

2011-10-26T20:08:00.002+01:00

Today in central Oxford there was a group of Gurkhas out in Queen Street asking the public to support them by signing a petition to send to the Prime Minister. Set up at both ends of Queen Street the group of about 10 Gurkhas had a lot of support from the busy shoppers in Oxford, in the time that I was in the street there was always someone signing.

Oxford Bus Users Forum Meets This Evening

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

This evening in the Oxford Town Hall members of the public are invited to have your questions answered by the people who run the buses. It will be an open forum to answer any and all concerns you have about the service you are receiving or not receiving starting at 6pm. Free transport to the forum would have been a nice way of getting the numbers up, just a suggestion.

Thorncliffe Road Closed For 4 Weeks

2011-10-24T21:20:00.002+01:00

This morning Thorncliffe Road in Summertown was closed and will remain closed for four weeks while the road is resurfaced. There has been a sign warning this in place for about a month, so you had been warned, it must be a big job to close the whole road for a month. Parking is going to be a little harder in Summertown for the next month.

The Shadow Of Me

2011-10-23T19:42:00.003+01:00

We had great light today in Oxford, so I decided while out for a nice walk in the sun to take a photo of myself. In the five years that I have been taking photo's for this blog, I don't think I have taken one with me in it, and posted it, so here it is. Percy with the Sun behind him.

Change At The Duke Of Monmouth

2011-10-20T23:13:00.003+01:00

The Duke of Monmouth on the Abingdon Road is having some major work done on it at the moment. There is a large wire fence all the way around the building and a sign saying, Meet and Eat are looking to recruit staff with a contact number. Not sure how big this change is going to be? Will there be a name change to this old pub?

New Turl Street Kitchen

2011-10-19T21:30:00.000+01:00

Noticed this trendy little cafe had just opened up this week at the Broad Street end of Turl Street, it is called the Turl Street Kitchen. It has already got a strong following and it has only been open a couple of weeks if that. Not been in yet, but could not resist snapping this photo with the sun streaming into one of the rooms and all the reflections. Will have to pop in and see what all the talk is about.

Classic Oxford Scene

2011-10-18T20:59:00.002+01:00

Not sure why I took this today, I was just sitting in the sun enjoying a couple of minutes rest and started to play with the camera. Took a couple of close up shots of these rocks to experiment with the camera, when I liked a couple of them with the Bridge of Sighs in the back ground.

Carrot Cake At The Marker

2011-10-17T23:50:00.000+01:00

Great little cafe in the Oxford Covered Markets with all the best cakes, would have fancied a nice bit of carrot cake, but could only stay long enough to get a photo from the window. I will be back!

Early Morning Rugby Breakfast

2011-10-16T21:10:00.003+01:00

With the Rugby World Cup being played in New Zealand this year, most of the games have been played early in the UK. Across Oxford a few pubs and clubs have been opening early to get this trade. This morning I was at the Oxford University Club on Mansfield Road to watch the Australia V New Zealand game. Good crowd in attendance, with a nice breakfast being served.

Oxford Canal On Sunny October Day

2011-10-15T21:27:00.003+01:00

Walking along the Oxford Canal on the way to the train station I just had to stop and try and get a photo of how wonderful the canal looked. It was go peaceful down by the canal on the walk, you could think you where miles from anywhere, not yards from busy George Street.

Cath Kidston Bike Seat Covers

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000+01:00

What a great promotional tool for a place like Oxford with all those bikes in the city centre. Today I noticed that most of the bikes in the city had a very colourful seat cover on them, in the typical Cath Kidston style, with a message about a promotion that was happening in the store. Having a seat cover in the Autumn and Winter is a great idea to keep your seat dry, so I think this may have worked well.

Reflection From The 2C To Kidlington

2011-10-13T21:58:00.004+01:00

Reflections on both sides of this photo, taken when the sun popped out this afternoon just as I was about to get on a bus towards Kidlington. The bus and the bus shelter provided a great reflection with the busy Cornmarket packed with afternoon shoppers in the centre. The guy on the left in the bus window has a few bags of shopping, hope that he was close to finishing his spending spree.

Katie Price Leaving The Oxford Union

2011-10-12T21:10:00.004+01:00

Not the best photo I know, but this was taken just as Katie Price left the Oxford Union after speaking to Union Members. Katie Price's appearance at the Oxford Union generated a lot of interested from the press with about a dozen photographers standing in the road and around the St Michael Street entrance to the Oxford Union. I arrived just as it was all about but over, only seeing Katie get into the car and speed off. I am sure this will be in all of the Oxford newspapers tomorrow.

Sunset At St Giles

2011-10-11T22:41:00.002+01:00

Walking in St. Giles this afternoon as the sun was setting near the Oxford War Memorial, the light was just right to get a photo of the light from the buildings and capture the movement of the traffic. Love this time of day, when the business of the working day has just slowed down a little and most movement is for pleasure or leisure.

Nationwide Moving To A New Store

2011-10-10T23:40:00.002+01:00

There has been a lot of work behind this hoarding for a few months now however it has only been in the last week that it has had the Nationwide logo's added. Before this it was just plain white and there had been a lot of talk about Queen Street Traders that perhaps H&M would be moving in, but no it is Nationwide moving from one side of Queen Street to the other.

Posters On Market Wall

2011-10-08T16:56:00.003+01:00

Down on the wall connecting The Golden Cross and the Cover Markets there is a "Poster Wall" where you can post posters displaying your up coming events. You see everything here, trying to get your attention , I have taken a photo of this wall before, I picked no poster to focus on with this photo, just the word Oxford. When I got home and looked at the photo, I see that the poster was advertising the Oxford Leider Festival which is on next week, I have not been to any of these festivals in the past, but I think I might try and get along this year to see what it is all about.

Police Promote Bike Identification

2011-10-05T02:08:00.002+01:00

Last year the police recorded 2023 stolen bikes in Oxford and only managed to to reunited 79 bikes stolen with there owners. With that figure in mind and the number of new students in Oxford this week, the police have been promoting placing a UV marking on your bike. This will assist in helping get your bike back should it become a victim of this popular crime in Oxford. This photo was taken outside the Oxford train station, there is a website in Oxford to report stolen bike on, called My Bike Been Nicked Oxford, which was set up by a resident who was feed up of his bike been stolen, which I think is a good idea.

Might Be The Last Sun We See For Awhile

2011-10-03T21:44:00.004+01:00

The setting sun lights up Broad Street this evening after a week of great sunny warm weather in Oxford. However we have been told that this is the end of the good weather and from this evening things are going to quickly drop to more average Autumn temperatures, dropping from our maximum of 27c today to about 18c tomorrow. I think most enjoyed the great weekend weather that we did not expect to have so late in the year, back to normal tomorrow everyone.

Making A Protest Banner

2011-10-02T23:54:00.001+01:00

Out early in St Giles Oxford on a Sunday morning a group of NHS workers waiting for a bus to take them on the four hour drive to Manchester to take part the TUC demonstration. This protester was making last minute adjustments to her placard while waiting for the bus to arrive.

World Wide Photo Walk Oxford

2011-10-01T23:25:00.003+01:00

Was lucky enough to be able to participate briefly in the Oxford's World Wide Photo Walk which was organised by Glyn Dewis who is on the left. Glyn organised a great walk around centre of Oxford and it was great to meet fellow photographers while walking around Oxford. I could only stay for a little while but had a really nice experience. Thanks Glyn and all those who I spoke to for a great afternoon, and if you are interested in photography have a look at Glyn's Blog, wow.

Taking A Photo Of A Not So Black Cab

2011-09-29T07:49:00.004+01:00

Spotted this photographer yesterday riding his bike and taking photo's in the High Street. I could not get my camera out quick enough to get him doing this, but managed to snap a shot just after he stopped, he still got his photo.

Students Are Coming Back To Oxford

2011-09-26T20:55:00.003+01:00

The retailers of Oxford have started their Freshers Week and returning students marketing with a lot of the larger chains offering discounts of same sort. Even Oxford's own department store Boswell and Co is giving students 10% off everything for new and returning students. I am not sure that I have noticed this before?

Oxford Half Marathon 2011

2011-09-25T20:49:00.003+01:00

This morning traffic in certain parts of Oxford was delayed for a short time to allow the running of the Oxford Half Marathon. I was in Headington this morning and watched the first couple of hundred runners pass the lights on Old Road. There was a nice group of supporters out providing encouragement to all the runners.

I will post a few of the photo's of the individual runners on the additional photo page shortly.

Zoe Peterssen

2011-09-24T15:36:00.003+01:00

Over the recent weeks I have noticed that I have been getting a lot hits on Oxford Daily Photo for the search "Zoe Peterssen" as a result of a photo I took and posted of her in October last year. The photo was of Zoe sitting in one of her usual spots in Christ Church Meadows with all of her paper and pencils, sketching same of the large trees.

Thanks to a post by Howie, on that page we now know that Zoe passed away in the last days of August, and she will no longer be that familiar sight to those visiting any of Oxford's parks where she was often seen.

I have reposted Howie's comment on this entry, as he has set up a special email address asking for stories or memories of anyone who had contact with Zoe during there visit to Oxford.

I am writing with sad news of Zoe Peterssen. On the evening of Monday 29th August Zoe passed away peacefully.

On 15th August, low on energy, she fell over in the street and spent a week in bed at home, after which she spent a week in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where she was diagnosed with advanced cancer. It was a swift and decisive illness which she endured with great dignity. She received last rites from her priest friends from Pusey House, where she had been Artist in Residence in recent years.

I am sorry to write to you with this news. I feel greatly blessed to have known Zoe for the past ten years, and to have witnessed her special work. Personally, I count myself as merely one of Zoe’s many friends – it was by chance that I had an appointment with Zoe on the day when she took ill, and consequently I saw her often in the last fortnight of her life.

Zoe had very many good friends both near and far – there must be very many more who we have not been able to contact, so please pass on the news. Also, we do not yet have contact details for Zoe’s relatives and any information you might be able to share about this would be most helpful in sorting out her affairs.

We have set up a special email address for correspondence about Zoe:

zoepeterssenmemorial@gmail.com

The funeral is to be organised by her friends at Pusey House and is planned for Friday 30th September at 12 noon. Further details of the funeral will be sent out automatically in reply to emails, and will be posted on the Pusey House website:

http://www.puseyhouse.org.uk/

Zoe was such a wonderful individual and I am hoping that the funeral will reflect the wide affection in which she was held. I recognise that many friends will be unable to attend, but I would like to invite you to contribute any stories or pictures (via email) which we could perhaps put together in memory of Zoe.

New O'Neill's Has Opened Less The Live Music

2011-09-23T23:14:00.002+01:00

I posted back in August that the very popular George Street pub O'Neill's had closed for refurbishment and was due to open on the 22nd of September. Well I am please to report that the refurbishment has be completed and it did reopen as advertised yesterday on the 22nd. During the refurbishment they have unfortunately in my opinion, removed a bit of the soul of this old place, it is now more of a restaurant than a pub, and from what I can see is no place for the live music. O'Neill's always had a great line up of cover bands playing on Thursdays, Friday and Saturday but I guess this will be no more.

Thursday Market Day In Oxford

2011-09-22T12:00:00.000+01:00

We have two markets in Gloucester Green, a fruit and vegetable market on Wednesdays, and on Thursday we have the Antiques and Craft Market. On Thursday's you can see a diverse range of goods being sold from coins and bank notes to beads and vintage clothing. Not a big market, however it is worth a look if you are in Oxford on a Thursday, it's just behind the main bus terminus .

Work Inside The Natural History Museum

2011-09-21T18:25:00.003+01:00

Not the normal things you would expect to see in the Natural History Museum, loads of wooden boards, scaffolding and day glow vests on the main floor, but that is what I saw when visiting. I think that they are replacing or repairing the flooring, but I could be wrong about that. Most of the museum is unaffected and you miss out on only a small part while this work is happening, so if visiting Oxford don't let this put you off a visit.

Strange Street Art In Cornmarket

2011-09-20T21:20:00.002+01:00

Not exactly sure what this was all about. Did anyone see these two girls sitting on a rug in busy Cornmarket, completely still watching a blank screen on a MacBook? They just sat there, I watched them for about 15mins and they did not move at all. There was no sign to explain what the reason was behind it, but it did have a few people very interested.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

2011-09-19T22:36:00.004+01:00

As I am sure most of you will know, today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day and I was hoping to get a nice photo of a pirate for the blog today. I had the camera ready and did not see anything that I could use to work in with the day. The only thing that I saw that come close was a poster in HMV about a new Pirates Of The Caribbean DVD that was being promoted. I had just about given up and was thinking I would have to go back to HMV to take a photo of a poster. Just as I started walking up New Inn Hall Street at about 5pm, I come across 8 Pirates. I could not believe my eye's, I had to get a photo of these guys, who where really getting in to this very important international day. Well done.

Sorry David, you are right I saw 8 Pirates....

New Duke Of Cambridge

2011-09-18T21:42:00.007+01:00

On this blog in April I mentioned about the cocktail bar in Little Clarendon Street being named the Duke Of Cambridge and wondered if they would connect with the new title given to HRH Prince William after the marriage. Well if you look closely at the pub sign above awning you will notice a new sign, and yes it is of the new Duke Of Cambridge. Have a look at my April post here and another photo here. Great cocktails at Duke Of Cambridge if you are looking for a place to start a night out would recommend.

Worcester College Pond

2011-09-16T23:30:00.002+01:00

Today in Oxford there was another kind of "Open Doors", but this time it was just for the colleges of the University, and they where opening there doors for prospective students for next year. Although I am not intending on going to Oxford University I find that most if the colleges are more than happy to let you wonder around on these days, so today I went to Worcester College. It is a little bit away from most of the other colleges which are around the High Street. I did not know that tucked away behind there quad in the most lovely grounds, is this very large pond, I heard a reference about it as a pond, but it is more like a lake. See the autumn colours on the trees?

End Of Punting Season

2011-09-15T21:45:00.004+01:00

Not sure exactly when the end of the Oxford Punting Season is, but it is my guess that it would be soon. Today the weather while nice and bright, it was starting to cool. However these guys were having the classic Oxford experience and punting under Magdalen Bridge on the River Cherwell. See that Landrover in the back ground that is in the Botanic Gardens which is another site that is worth a visit if you have a hour to spare, on a nice day.

Re-Tune On 14th September

2011-09-14T21:04:00.002+01:00

Remember back in July when the digital TV caravan was in Bonn Square, have a look here, well they were promoting the new digital TV switch over that was going to happen in Oxford. Well it has started, if you are having trouble with your TV tonight, perhaps you need to re-tune it as apart of this change. I think you also have to re-tune it again in about a fortnight, I don't have a TV, so this has not effected me. Todays photo was taken at the Oxford train station tonight as I was returning to Oxford.

Moroccan Market Arrives In Oxford

2011-09-13T06:35:00.000+01:00

I have seen the French Market in Broad Street a couple of times, but I have was very surprised to see this very exotic looking Moroccan Market this morning when I was in the city centre. In Oxford till Wednesday evening, with about 40 stall holders, including what looked and smelt like a very nice Moroccan eatery, this Market is very different to the normal travelling we get in Oxford. There little poster at the start of the Market states that they will be travelling to 15 cities in September, so they are going to be busy this month before heading back to Morocco.

Windy Oxford

2011-09-12T23:22:00.003+01:00

Last Night and today have been very windy in Oxford, so much so that overnight at St Peter's College in the centre of Oxford a large branch of a tree has snapped off. Not the greatest photo in the world, but you can see how powerful the wind was last night, and I am sure that there have been other damage in the city caused by the wind.

Magdalen College Oxford Open Doors

2011-09-11T22:15:00.002+01:00

This weekend the Oxford Preservation Trust held there annual Oxford Open Doors event across the city. I love this event where most of the colleges, and other historic buildings open there doors to the public to wander in and have a look around. I like to visit places that I don't always have access to, and it is great for getting photo's for the blog. If you are visiting Oxford on this weekend you get a real bonus because you are able to access places that you would normally not be able to get to or have to pay to visit. This photo is of people enjoying Oxford Open Doors at Magdalen College this afternoon, it is a very popular event with locals and visitors.

Jack FM Oxford Summer Fayre

2011-09-10T20:16:00.002+01:00

Noticed this sign on the fence of South Parks this afternoon, telling everyone that the Free Music Fayre that was planned for this weekend had been cancelled. Not a lot of information about why, and it must have been a very last minute, cause I was given a flyer in Cornmarket on Wednesday. Logged on to the website and there was nothing to say why?

Darren Hanlon Plays The Ultimate Picture Palace

2011-09-09T23:52:00.001+01:00

Tonight I was lucky to be able to have a unique Australian evening at the Ultimate Picture Palace in Cowley. It is the first time in a number of years that I have been to this independent cinema just off the Cowley Road, and tonight Darren Hanlon played about four of his songs, including one of his most requested numbers, The Squash Song, I am not sure this is entirely correct. He was then joined by Stephanie Hughes for three more numbers this set were covers, two Paul Kelly songs and one that surprised me, from the West Australian band, The Trifids. After this Darren gave the mostly Australian audience a lesson on how to suck eggs, by explaining the storey of the Man From Snowy River, which was then shown. Never been to a cinema that had a live act before the movie, nice evening.

Baby Steps

2011-09-08T11:51:00.003+01:00

Schools is back this week so I can imagine that lots of parents have been busy organising the new years school uniform. While walking around Summertown this week I noticed a new children's shoe store on the Banbury Road. Pasitos, which is Spanish for baby steps according to there website, has also a mail order section. Good to see newer small businesses having shop fronts as well as web presence.

Night Photo Of St Giles Fair

2011-09-06T23:35:00.002+01:00

The weather has stayed fine for this years St Giles Fair. It was the last day of the fair this evening and I wondered down to try and get a few nice night photo's, unfortunatley I did not have my tripod with me, but I did managed to get a couple of nice photo's showing the movement of the rides. Lots of people enjoying the rides and foods stands at this year fair.

St Giles Fair

2011-09-05T21:09:00.003+01:00

Even with the weather starting to turn a little rainy this evening, there was a very large attendance at first evening of this years St Giles Fair. The fair is always held on the Monday and Tuesday after St Giles Day, this year is was one of the early dates for the fair which is good as school has not started in a lot of schools.

Timing Is Everything

2011-09-04T20:50:00.004+01:00

On one of the warmest days that Oxford has had in over a month, the American clothing store GAP is promoting it's 25% off sweaters. What is a sweater? I think this may have been a head office instruction and not a local initiative.

International Beard Day

2011-09-03T21:37:00.004+01:00

Today is International Beard Day, a day set aside to celebrate and appreciate all the greatness of the beard. When you walk around Oxford, you see a few beards but I feel there is a decline of the more traditional beard. I spotted Harry looking at the exhibition at the Oxford Castle and asked him if he knew about Beard Day, and he didn't but he was happy to have his photo snapped for the blog. What a great start to what I hope will be a great beard Harry has. There is an official song for this years International Beard Day, I have a like to it here. How many readers to this blog have beards?

End Of The 60 Watt Light Bulb

2011-09-02T01:20:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was the last day that you could manufacture or distribute the simple 60Watt light bulb, like this one on my desk at home. From today if I need to replace this bulb that has been part of most peoples lives since they could turn on the light, I will have to replace this with a new environmentally friendly bulb. I am not sure that these bulbs are as clear as the old ones, but I will have to get used to this. Apparently people have been stocking up on the old bulbs before they are sold out completely

Poundland Moves Into Westgate Centre

2011-09-01T05:47:00.003+01:00

Today between 10 and 1 at the new Poundland Store in the Westgate Centre you can meet Charlotte Bellamy who plays Laurel Thomas on ITV's Emmerdale. Today is the opening of the store, which is in the unit that the Next Clearance store vacated last month.

Suspended Parking In Park Town

2011-08-30T06:59:00.000+01:00

You have been warned. There will be a film crew in Park Town tomorrow from 0700 to 1700 filming, what I am not sure, but the notice states that all the parking around Park Town will be effected for the film crew to operate safely. Anyone know what is being filmed?

Oxford University Parks Tennis Association

2011-08-29T21:04:00.003+01:00

So this is what happens when the cricket season comes to an end at the University Parks, the Parks Tennis Association takes over the ground. I have seen Lawn Tennis being played in the Park, but not out the front of the Cricket Pavilion before. Members Only!