Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain

Not a great photo for today, but it did rain very heavy all morning, and alot of the roads in the City are starting to fill up.  Could not get the camera out to get photo's due to the heavy rain.

World's Biggest Seller Of PIMM'S

Before arriving in Oxford 6+ years ago I must admit that I had never heard of PIMM'S. It is a Gin based liquor that dates back to 1823 in London.  It is very popular English Summer drink, PIMM'S #1 mixed with lemonade and fruit sitting in the park or along the river.  This window display in the High Street Oxford is full of PIMM'S with the message that they are the worlds biggest seller of PIMM'S, being the the heart of all the Colleges, it must be popular the the students of Oxford University!

Oxfam 60 Years in Broad Street

To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the very first Oxfam Shop in Broad Street Oxford, the international humanitarian charity had a fashion parade and street party in front of first store.  The organisation now has over 700 shops staffed by 20000 volunteers, to help raise funds to fight poverty and injustice, donate here.

Sorry, Could Not Get To The Dalai Lama Protest

Sorry guy's I could not get to the Dalai Lama visit to Oxford and the protest this morning, work was too busy.  I am not sure if these guys in Queen Street could see him but they are looking at something, I think it may be the clock at Carfax??  Always a popular tourist sight on the hour.

Jamies Italian Opening In Oxford

Was lucky enough to visit the new Jamie Oliver restaurant that will open next week in George Street tonight as a part of the warm up before the general public are let in.  The restaurant is called 'Jamies Italian' and it was very nice, the staff where all a little nervous but as the night went all started to enjoy themselves.  The meal that I had was great, pasta and I am sure that this place is going to be popular as the word spreads around town.  

Umbrella's In George Street

When is that bus going to show up!  As you can see we are having a lot of rain in Oxford at the moment.  This photo taken in George Street this afternoon shows a long line of people waiting for the bus to arrive in the rain, lucky most had an umbrella!

Smallest Narrow Boat

Was up on the Oxford Canal this afternoon and saw what would have to be the smallest Narrow Boat on the Oxford Canal, just have a look at it, NB HEBE.  I am not sure exactly what you would do on this little thing, it must just be used for day trips, well looked after what ever it is for.

Rainy Bank Holiday Monday In Oxford

Well it is a Bank Holiday Monday in the UK this weekend, so as you would expect the weather is not that good.  As you can see most people will today spend it trying to keep out of the rain like this guy running for shelter in Queen Street.

Waiting For the Train

A couple all dressed up waiting for the train to London, looks like they are going away for a nice holiday, he with his walking cane and she has her summer hat on.  I was a little disappointed with a diesel train arrived I was hoping for a steam train!  

Make Your Own Ramp

Council will not provide you with a place to show off your skills, no problem for Oxford kids, they will make there own out of what ever is around, good on them!

Street Art? Who is Ben Dawson?

I am not sure if this is part of Oxford Art Weeks which are on at the moment, but I have seen six of these little name plates around the city so far this week.  You may have able to just see it at the bottom of this photo.

They all say the same thing and that is The Moment A Thought Explains Itself 2008 Ben Dawson. Click here to see close up of name plate.

They are all on walls, this one was down a side street just out of city centre.  I am not sure what it is all about, I am hoping a reader will post a comment.

St Edward's Lodge

The Lodge at the Private School in North Oxford, St Edwards.  It looked very Oxford in the early morning sun this morning with the lawn freshly mowed and flag flying at full mast. Not sure what happens in here I think it is part of the Administration of the School.

Green College Radcliffe Observatory

This photo taken in the grounds of Green College. which will soon be merged with Templeton College, to and will be known as Green Templeton College, with the 200 year old Radcliffe Observatory in the back ground. Love those hanging purple flowers that are all around Oxford at the moment.

Summertown Festival in South Parade

Not the best day weather wise for the Summertown Festival, which is normally held along the Banbury Road however this year the organisers have closed off South Parade to hold the festival cause of all the construction in front of the shops on the Banbury Road.  I think it is better on the closed South Parade, more room to move about all the activities, and the kids and draw on the Road like this girl in front of the Band..

Wet Iris

The weather has started to turn on us in Oxford after a week of very nice weather.  The fine days that we have been having was great for all the flowers around the city, with all the rain we have had over the last day and the cooler weather may keep our flowers out for longer.  Like the rain drops on this Iris close up.

Michael Bhatia

From time to time you often seen the standards of the various colleges flying at half mast, mostly in honour of former high profile students or professors, this was not the case for St Anthony's seen here.  The college flag is being flown at half mast for a young doctoral candidate, Michael Bhatia who was killed in Afghanistan while travelling with US military along with two US soldiers.  St Anthony's will be holding a celebration of Michael's life on Friday evening.

Window Cleaning Oxford Style

These guys spotted today cleaning the windows of the Oxford Law Department's St Cross Buildings in the Parks.  It has been great weather in Oxford for any outdoor activity including hanging from the side of buildings while cleaning the windows.

Army Helicopter XX378

This Westland SA-341B Gazelle was on the playing fields of St Edward's School this morning, not sure why it was at the School?  The Gazelle is one of the fastest helicopters ever built with a top speed of 310km per hour, it has been used by all of the three branches of the British Armed Forces, first seeing combat action in the Falkland Islands conflict. 

Reflections of the tower at the Oxford Castle.  This is the tower that Matilda the daughter of Henry I, escaped capture in  winter of 1142 by wearing a white cape in the ice and snow covered Oxford.  I don't take many night shots, I am not that good at night photography, hope you can see the reflection of the Tower in the Stream.

EAT Opens in Queen Street Oxford

Just a follow up post really, since January I have been following what used to be the Thomas Cook store on Queen Street.  After as few months EAT posted a display saying that they would open a store on January, see this post. Today when I walked past I noticed that the store was open, must have opened this week, I like seeing all the stores on the commercial streets trading, well done EAT, I will have to pop in for a lunch soon.

Looking Down St Giles To The City

Again another well known area of Oxford, St Giles.  This photo was taken from the War Memorial looking towards Cornmarket.  This area has been very popular the last few days with all the good weather we have been having, plenty of people out at lunch time enjoying the sun resting in the area.

New Poster on the South Parade Billboard

400 Ton Crane in Walton Well Street

Boy, this one was a biggy.  It took up the whole street and I am not sure when it was going to be moved, but from the looks of things it was going to stay in the street for awhile.  It was working around the new development on the old Lucy's site, I have taken a photo from the canal side of this before.  It sure had the neighbour's out looking at this huge machine.

Genuine Free Range Eggs

This was on a box in an organic store in Oxford, was going to ask if they had any other kind of Free Range Eggs but was not sure what answer I was going to get.

St Thomas the Matyr's Church

This Church in Osney dating back to 1100's is close to the train station which allows you to use the church yard as a short cut if coming from the city centre.  Have not been down this way for awhile and on the way to the train station day noticed that the grave yard looks like it is well over grown at the moment.  The Church is St Thomas the Matyr's link in to read more about it.

Having a Rest in the Shade

Warm day today, while in St Ebbes Street today I tried to get a photo of this family resting under a blossom tree as the windy blew off all the white petals of the flowers creating what looked like snow falling.  Guess it was a little harder to get these falling petals in the photo while in the air, you can see them on the road.

iFest 2008

Did not know anything about iFest 2008 which was being held in Broad Street until I walked into it today. It was being put on by the Oxford Israeli Cultural Society and they are trying to let people know that there is more than just war in Israel.  Hoping that festivals like this one can build understanding and maybe one day peace.  They had lots of stalls and lots of homous and pita bread which was great.

Punting On A Bank Holiday

Punting is one of the "MUST" do activities for visitors to the city, if you have time and the weather is right, which it was this morning.  On a sunny bank holiday weekend punting is going to be very popular on the River, take your time, relax and enjoy a PIMMS on the River, Very Oxford!  Lets hope that the rest of the Bank Holiday Weekend in Oxford stays warm and clear.

Oxford Central Conservative Club

Just off the main shopping street in Oxford is the Oxford Central Conservative Club, and with the Conservatives winning a majority of the seats in the local elections nationally this club may become a little more popular.  The main sign over the entry is looking a little 'weathered' at the moment, however they have started to put out a newer cheese board advertising the clubs specials.  Unfortunately this is a 'Members Only' club, which means that the prices over the bar should be better than the main High Street pubs.

Oxford City Council Elections

Not a lot of activity at this Polling Station in North Oxford this morning, but it was early hours of the election.  Local elections are being held today all across the city with 101 candidates standing for 24 seats in the City Council. Results can been seen here.

Chawley Brick Works Site

There has been industrial work at this site since 1846 and more than likely before that. This area used to be the site of the Chawley Brick and Tile works, who made bricks and tiles for the Earl of Abingdon, supplying the areas around Oxfordshire. After this the current business Timbmet moved in and have been here for about 50 years.  This afternoon while driving past I noticed the site was empty of the normal traffic and stock, and a large sign on the fence advertising the new housing development that would soon be started.  All the timber sheds have started to be pulled down and the site is starting to get ready for the developers to move in.  Have a look a these websites for information on the former Brickworks and this one for an aerial view of the timber works. It will be interesting to see how this area develops as it is a large site, photo's I am sure will be posted.

Wet Oxford Train Station

Arrived back in Oxford this afternoon having been away for a few days, and it was wet, cold and windy at the station as you can see from this photo of a few passengers getting off the 16.15 train from London. Definitely coat and umbrella weather today in Oxford.

O'niell's Oxford

This is the other side of the corner of New Inn Hall and George Street, working in from yesterdays photo.  You can see the Cluttons sign on the George Street side of the building saying that the ownership of this building has just changed hands, business not effected.  Not exactly sure what the upper parts of the building is used for however O'Niell's is an Irish theme bar, very busy at weekends.  Next post in a few days, sorry I am away for a few days.

Coffee Republic

This is one of the corners of New Inn Hall and George Streets in the city centre.  I have never been in to this Coffee Shop, as you will know I am not a big coffee drinker, however it is always very busy and I notice in the window that they have free WiFi, maybe handy for visitors.

Happy Birthday Your Majesty

Again in Oxford all the Government Building and all the Colleges of the university the Union Flag was flying for the Queen's actual Birthday.  Last year I posted photo's of Christ Church Colleges Royal Standard which is flown on Royal Events. This year the Queens Royal Cypher on a Royal Mail van with one of the Colleges of Oxford in the reflection. Happy Birthday Ma'am. 

Along the Thames

The banks of the Thames across from Christ Church College are starting to become busier as we move closer to Summer with narrow boats mooring up over night close to the city centre.  This morning we had low cloud over Oxford which made the river look a little misty, or was it because I was up early for a ride along the river?

Gloucester Arms Last Day

According to newspaper reports, the Gloucester Arms in Friars Entry will close it's doors after over 200 years of service residents and visitors to the City Centre of Oxford. Boasting "The Best Juke Box For Miles" this small pub down a small lane in the city centre is one of the last independent pubs in the City.  Catering for a unique group of clientele who are angry at St John's College who own the premises for not renewing the lease.  Tonight will be the last orders for this rough diamond of Oxford.

New College Oxford City Wall

The original city wall from the medieval times I think around 900AD can be seen once in New College grounds.  The wall on the left of this photo and part of New College, which is one of Oxfords Oldest is on the right. The wall can be seen at a few other places in Oxford, however the wall within New College grounds is the largest original remaining.  Well worth a look if the college is open.

Foggy Morning No View Hot Air Balloon

What are you looking at?  Well this morning is was very foggy and you could not see a lot as you can see from this photo.  If you look very closely, maybe you will need to click on the photo to view it full size, you will see at the bottom of the photo a Hot Air Balloon!  Imagine taking a ride in a Hot Air Balloon to see beautiful Oxford from the air and not being able to see more than 50m below!!  I could not believe it myself when I saw it, but there it was a Hot Air Balloon in the early morning fog.  Lets hope it went high enough to clear the fog and see Oxford covered in white blanket.

Quiet Lane Outskirts of Oxford

You are never too far from the country side in Oxford.  This photo taken just under 5km from Carfax up in Boars Hill, could be so far from the bustle of the city centre.   Indian Commissioner Visited Oxford today. 

Eat Thomas Cook

Remember this photo?  Well I think the guys at EAT have had a few problems cause even after they changed the sign to say February today when I walked past they are still along way from opening.  Anyway lets hope that they get up and running soon, I am going to keep you all posted on this one!

More Oxford Folk Festival Bourne Borderers

Again the Oxford Folk Festival was everywhere in and around the city centre.  The photo today is of a couple of members of the Bourne Borderers from Lincolnshire dressed up in all the traditional gear getting ready to perform in Cornmaket.  They are looking good!

Oxford Folk Festival Morris Dancers

The 5th Oxford Folk Festival is well under way today, with Morris Dancers from all over England putting on great public displays in every corner of the City.  This dancer was seen in Cornmarket, but there was dancing in Broad Street and the Castle Complex all day.  Most pubs this weekend will be hosting a Folk Band over the three day event.

Keble College Oxford, Mowing The Lawn

Well, it is that time of the year again, when you have to mow the lawn a little more often than you did over winter, if you did at all over winter.  The University with all the Colleges, Parks, and Sporting Grounds must cover 100's of miles each Summer mowing all the lawns they have.  Anyway this guy was walking up and down today mowing Liddon Quad at Keble College, which like all the College lawns always look the greenest of green all year round.

Brasenose College Old Quadrangle

Most photos of the Old Quadrangle at Brasenose College you see are taken from the other end of the Quadrangle so that you can see the Radcliffe Camera in the photo, however when I visited the college today the sun was not right to get that photo.I took this photo so you can see the large sun dial on the wall, and as you can also see today you could use the dial as it was very sunny this morning.   Brasenose College can trace it's foundations as a college back to 1509, however it could be older than that, it is in a great location right in the middle of the city. Well worth a visit, open most afternoons to the public.  

 

Spring Tulip

Spring in Oxford, the gardens are starting to look great with all the flowers coming out, and the lawns are looking good as well.  Love the bright Red and Yellow of this Tulip taken this morning.

Elms Parade Shops Botley

Iceland and the Co Op would be the anchor stores in the small Elms Parade Shopping area.  Photo taken today with all the snow from yesterday well and truly gone, this afternoon it is a nice sunny spring day.

Snow in Spring

Snow on the 6th of April in Oxfordshire is not that common these days.  However in the early hours of this morning we did get about 10cm of snow, as seen in this photo taken just of Opens Road in the City Centre.  This gentleman was out walking his dog to get his Sunday papers and told me that in the park the snow was very deep, he was said that he thought it was Spring not Winter, but the dog was enjoying it.

274 Banbury Road

Looking out of 274 Banbury Road in Summertown into the sun.

Traffic Delays At Oxford Mound

Work has started on repairing the Oxford Mound after a land slip during heavy rain last year.  The council are saying that it will cost about £150000 to repair the Oxford Mound in New Road taking three months to complete so I will revisit this area to keep you guys up to date.  Part of New Road has been closed to allow access and equipment in and out.  Have a look at a photo of the Mound take in 2007 with the covers on.

Oxford Central Library Staircase

Was in the Library today and decided to take a photo of the staircase that leads you back down to the Westgate Centre, which is very 1970 looking, you know all that "Feature" brick.  Anyway another reason that I took this photo is that as apart if the Westgate redevelopment we will be getting a new Central Library in Oxford.  While the redevelopment takes place I have been told that the Library will move in to Macclesfield House in New Road, I think they have already started to get this new area ready for the library to move into.